Abstract: Equestrian pants having shaped side panels are disclosed. A leg portion of the equestrian pants has at least one side panel connected to an inner panel at multiple side seams. The side panel and the side seams are located on an outward-facing side of the pants so that the saddle-facing side is seamless. The side panel is shaped to include preformed bends at a knee region and at an upper-thigh region. For instance, in an embodiment where the pants are made of a stretchable fabric, the side panel shapes the leg portion into a riding position. Thus, the fabric of the pants may be stretched evenly across the legs and lower torso of the rider while riding. The side seams may also form contoured paths that extend around and out of direct contact with natural bone protrusions of the rider. A method of designing the equestrian pants is also disclosed.