Heels Down - Show Ready Must-Have For The Season

Eques Pante Performance Underwear

In 2018, the hosts of the Heels Down Happy Hour Podcast set out to find the answer to the longstanding question rocking equestrian sport: which style of underwear is best to ride in? The analysis was inconclusive. The answer, it seems, is complicated.

Of course, every rider has a different preference. But when you’re riding and competing, we can all agree that the last thing you want to be thinking about is your underwear. Riders need a pair of under garments that are first and foremost, comfortable. And secondly, do their job without worry. So I was thrilled to try out a new brand of underwear made by an equestrian specifically for equestrians: Eques Pantes. 

The Eques Pantes knickers resemble the “bike short” look and feel with sleek, soft and stretchy material that covers the waist, buttocks and thighs generously. The first time I slipped into a pair I couldn’t stop touching the material, it’s just so soft. I put the pantes to the test on a brutally hot and humid spring day in Florida – the test was really to make sure they could hold up in really sweaty conditions and that I didn’t feel “trapped” in them (ladies, you know what I mean). Two-plus hours at the barn later, after a hard ride and bath time in the wash rack, I was quite impressed with my underwear. Next up I wore them a horse trial, where they kept me chafe and rub free all day, both in and out of the saddle.

The Eques Pantes wicks sweat and dries fast. There are no panty lines or bunching to gawk at under tight breeches. There’s a seamless crotch made for added comfort (really, they thought of everything) and the underwear comes in cool color combos that never show under a pair of white breeches. What I like best about the the Eques Pantes is they are supportive and stylish enough to wear as just straight workout shorts. Even better, the Eques Pantes are made of sustainably-sourced materials. 

Overall rating: 4.5/5 | Quality: 4.5/5 | Price point: 4/5