What Is the Best Fabric for Riding Shirts?

Not all riding shirts are created equal. If you’re tired of sweating through stiff polos or constantly adjusting itchy seams, it might be time to rethink your fabric.

You’re Not the Problem—Your Shirt Is

You know the feeling. You head to the barn in what looks like a nice shirt. Halfway through your ride, you’re drenched, chafing, and tugging at the hem to keep it down.

You’ve tried polos, athletic tops, and even button-downs from other brands—but none of them seem to handle sweat, sun, or saddle time like you need.

You don’t want to feel gross after a 45-minute ride. You don’t want to have to change before you run errands. You just want a shirt that actually works.

So, What’s the Best Fabric for Riding Shirts?

In short: the best fabrics for equestrian shirts are those that combine technical performance with comfort, specifically:

• Nylon/spandex blends
• Polyester blends with sweat-wicking finishes
• Technical mesh panels for airflow

Here’s what to look for in riding shirt fabric:

1. Breathability

Riding is athletic. You need fabric that allows air to circulate and cools your body during movement or heat.

2. Moisture-wicking

Your shirt should pull sweat away from your skin, not trap it or soak it in like cotton.

3. Stretch and Recovery

Riders move constantly—mounting, posting, lifting tack—your shirt needs to stretch and return to shape without sagging or riding up.

4. Odor Control

You’re often wearing your riding gear for hours. The right performance fabric will resist odor buildup and bacteria.

5. Soft, Durable Finish

Scratchy, stiff, or clingy shirts are uncomfortable in the saddle. A good shirt should be buttery soft, wash well, and last season after season.

Fabrics to Avoid for Riding

• ❌ 100% Cotton – Absorbs sweat, takes forever to dry, and gets heavy
• ❌ Cheap Polyester – Traps heat and odor, doesn’t breathe well
• ❌ Non-stretch fabrics – Restrict movement and ride up under your coat or vest
• ❌ Fashion knits – May look cute, but won’t hold up in the barn

Why Armateq Uses a Nylon/Spandex Performance Blend

At Armateq, we tested countless fabric combinations before choosing the blend used in our signature riding shirts.

Here’s why our riders love it:

• 80% Nylon / 20% Spandex
  Lightweight, breathable, and sleek enough to layer—without clinging or overheating.
• Built-in 4-Way Stretch
  So you can ride, bend, clean tack, or run errands comfortably.
• Technical Mesh in Heat Zones
  Strategically placed panels allow maximum airflow where you sweat the most.
• Fast-Drying & Odor-Resistant
  Designed to keep up with multi-hour barn days or back-to-back rides.
• Saddle-Ready Silhouette
  Long enough to stay tucked, flattering enough to wear untucked.

We didn’t just pick a pretty fabric. We picked a performance textile that does the work of three shirts in one.

Top Fabric-Related Google Searches This Blog Answers:

1. What is the best material for riding shirts?
2. What do equestrian shirts need to be made of?
3. Is cotton or polyester better for horseback riding?
4. What fabrics are most breathable for riders?
5. Why is my riding shirt so sweaty?
6. Should I wear nylon or cotton to ride horses?
7. What’s the difference between athletic wear and equestrian wear?
8. What to look for in riding shirts?
9. Why do riding shirts use mesh panels?
10. Can I wear gym clothes for horseback riding?

Looking for a Shirt That’s Made to Move?

If your current shirt isn’t working, you don’t have to settle.

👉 Shop Armateq Riding Shirts

• ✅ Breathable, performance fabric
• ✅ Engineered stretch and soft feel
• ✅ Designed by equestrians, for real riders

Final Thoughts

The right shirt fabric can change the way you ride.

You deserve to feel cool, confident, and completely supported—without having to strip off your shirt the second you untack.

When in doubt, skip the cotton tee. Choose performance blends designed for equestrians who ride hard and live in their gear.

At Armateq, we sweat-test every shirt so you don’t have to.