Best bras for riding horses: What to look for and where to find them

Finding a good bra for riding is essential for both comfort and looks. I still remember listening to my mom chat with another female rider when I was too young for bras. They complained about the bounce they could see in a video of a lesson, even though they hadn’t thought their bras that bad.

In those days I was hoping to grow to 5’7″ and a B cup. Sadly, I got stuck at 5’2″ and a cup size that varies from C to D depending on the bra and my weight. (Well and then there was nursing: DD!).

In fact, DD is not that bad. Girls, I’ve seen DDD, E, and F cups hanging in lingerie departments. Online, I’ve seen up to K. I am not sure whether a DDD is the same as an F or what.**

**Things I wonder about and am glad I don’t have to worry about.

This blog post is mainly about problem-solving for larger-breasted women!

Choosing the best bras for riding horses is simply not that big of a problem for A and B cups. Not that a good bra isn’t just as important. It’s just that you have a lot more options. Still, most of the links provided below lead to cool sites where women of ALL cup sizes can find excellent bras.

See my related posts on underwear: Bunching, blisters, comfort, and incontinence and the Best way to carry a phone while riding (one suggestion: in your bra!)

Problems caused by poor-fitting bras:

• Back pain (I’ve never had this issue, but apparently it’s quite common with full figures)
• Uniboob.
• Bouncing boobs, which in turn contribute to:
  • Chafing
  • Breast pain
  • Embarrassment
• Poor fitting shirts
• Embarrassment

Back Pain

Back pain can be a serious problem for very large breasts. Breast reduction surgery is not uncommon for extreme cases. For borderline cases, choosing the best bras for riding horses can make all the difference. Support is the most important factor here. I tend to hate bras that feel like armor, so I am thankful I’ve never had this issue. If you do suffer back pain and are similarly reluctant to use body armor-type bras, try a vest (see below).

The dread Uniboob

First, I want you all to know that uniboob is not only caused by sports bras. It’s also a real medical condition called symmastia. No I did not know this until I wrote this–blogging is always a learning experience!

What most of us know and hate as uniboob is the phenomenon caused by sports bras mashing your breasts together into one massive boob. It’s uncomfortable (sweaty and more inclined to bounce). It’s unhealthy (sweaty and more inclined to yeast infections and other nasty skin problems). And it’s ugly.

The key to avoiding uniboob is a bra that separates the breasts. This is really the biggest difference between small breasts and large breasts. Small breasts (A & B cups) do fine in sports bras that mash them against the chest, without separation, because they aren’t big enough to rub against each other. Larger breasts do rub and the friction causes discomfort and skin problems.

For me, anything that looks like a tank top (or most “sports bras”) is unbearable. (Such as these, which many women recommend for riding and running.)

Horse and Hound article on the topic.

Some of my favorite bras for riding

I actually use different bras for riding, depending on what I am doing. If I am wearing a vest, I just wear any old bra that is on the way out. If I am primarily going to be riding at the walk, I really like this Lilyette Minimizer bra. Just enough support for some trotting and cantering if need be, but comfortable. And cheap.

When I am actually going to be working the horse (trotting, cantering, and especially jogging or sitting the trot), I use the same bras I use to run. I don’t actually need as much support to ride as I do to run. Running means at least 4 miles of nonstop up and down. When riding, I can minimize the movement quite a bit with the rest of my body. And unless I am doing an endurance ride (or serious training), I am probably not going to go 5-10 miles without a single stop.

But in general, the best bras for running are also the best bras for riding horses.

My current favorite serious, non-bounce bras for running and riding:

Best:
Wacoal underwire sports bra. This is a great bra. First, the underwire frame is on the OUTSIDE: the part next to your skin is all one soft fabric. Second, the straps fasten with a hook, which prevents them from loosening. Third, they come in lots of colors.

On the downside, they aren’t cheap, unless you catch a good sale. But good sports bras tend to be pricey. I used to love Title 9, until they discontinued my favorite bra… and they have always been on the expensive side.

Almost-as-good cheaper alternative:
Natori Women’s Performance Sport bra. This is a very comfortable bra with plenty of support for me. Bigger cup sizes might need something firmer, but I love this bra. It is cool, moisture-wicking, and comfy enough to wear all day. The only issue is that they recommend hand washing. I’ve always machine-washed, and that might be why my Natori bras turn off-white and lose some of their oomph. Still, this is after dozens of washings, so for the price, a very good bra.

I get mine on amazon (linked above). Natori.com doesn’t seem to carry that model (but they do offer a range of bras and underwear).

Other solutions

A good bra is a wonderful thing, but there are tricks that can substitute for one. Sometimes you can’t find your riding bras. Sometimes you don’t have enough money to replace an old one. Other times you cannot find the right one to buy. Not to worry, here are a few solutions:

Alternative 1: Use a vest

I started using safety vests when I was racing as an amateur in Spain, but I did not use them outside of a race until I lived in Panama. They were required to gallop horses in the morning. I had left my Tipperary Eventer vest in Spain, so I bought a new one.

(The rodeo equivalent of Tipperary vests: Phoenix Competitor)

I hated it… hot humid Panama, in a HOT vest. But! There was an advantage: the vest does the job of a bra. You can wear any bra (within reason) under a safety vest, and you will be free of jiggling and discomfort. Well, you might find the vest hot and constricting, but your boobs will be happy.

Later, when I moved back to Spain, I started using my exercise vest in the winter. They really do provide an insulating layer of heat. That’s when I realized that as long as I used my vest, which bra I wore was really irrelevant.

Amazon link for the Tipperary Eventer vests I use when I use a vest. Which is almost never nowadays, but many endurance riders use them all the time.

Riding Warehouse link.
Horseloverz link.

Alternative 2: Double up on bras.

It never occurred to me to do this until my sister-in-law mentioned it with reference to running. Or perhaps she referred me to a running site. In any case, it has also been mentioned on horse threads. It works, too: two not-so-great bras add up to a decent bra for either riding or running.

But you will still need a good bra! See below for some suggestions and accompanying links.

Best bras for riding horses shopping list:

As recommended on various Facebook discussions:
Shefit is probably the most common recommendation. People love it.
Victoria’s Secret has several, including the Knockout bra.
Kerrit’s Sports Bra targets equestrians. State Line link.
Fabletics got an entire comment thread going one the AERC page. These bras have a front zipper.
Enell Sports bras are also popular.
Enell at a great bra site, Bare Necessities
I used to get all my sports bras at Title 9, and it’s frequently recommended. Title 9 bras can be washed over and over again without losing form.
Bravissimo was also recommended; it’s specifically for big-busted women.
For those of you who like the sports bra style, Moving Comfort bras are highly recommended.
Herroom.com has bras and cool underwear: a great selection!
As mentioned on Chronicle of the Horse forum: Anita
To be continued…

If you have a favorite bra for riding horses, please suggest it in the comments and I will add to the list.