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.)

Above: I’ve only received 20 responses to this little survey as of August 2025! It’d be great if you’d add yours.

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.

Frequently Asked Questions About Riding Bras

What kind of bra is best for horseback riding?

Look for high-support, moisture-wicking sports bras with separated cups and smooth seams. Avoid bulky seams in the inner breast or underarm area to reduce friction and bounce.

Are underwire bras OK for riding?

Yes. Many riders prefer supportive underwire sports bras, especially models where the wire frame is encased smoothly so it doesn’t rub. The fit is critical: the band should be snug and the cups should fully encase tissue without spillage.

How can I prevent chafing and saddle sores from bras?

Choose moisture-wicking fabrics and seamless or flat-seamed designs, ensure a snug band and correct cup size, and consider anti-chafing balms for long rides. Always change out of sweaty layers promptly after riding.

Is a padded riding bra necessary?

Padded bras aren’t required for most riders. More important are support and separation. Lightly lined cups can reduce nipple rub, while heavy padding is usually unnecessary unless you prefer it for comfort.

Can I wear regular athletic bras for horseback riding?

Yes, if they provide enough support and don’t create “uniboob.” Many running-grade bras work well for riding as long as the cups separate and the band is stable.

Do larger busts need different features?

Full-busted riders usually benefit from encapsulation (separate cups), wider straps with firm adjusters, and a supportive band. Brands that specialize in larger sizes often give better fit and less bounce.

Is doubling up on bras a good idea?

Layering two lighter bras can work in a pinch, but a well-fitted, high-support encapsulation bra typically performs better with less bulk and fewer seams.

Are vests a substitute for a riding bra?

A protective or exercise vest can reduce movement and improve comfort, but it isn’t a substitute for proper bra support. Use a supportive bra under the vest for best results.

Should I size up or down for riding bras?

Neither. Get professionally fitted or measure at home. The band should be snug on the loosest hook, the cups should fully contain tissue, and straps shouldn’t carry the band’s job.

How should I wash riding bras to make them last?

Use cool water, a lingerie bag, and gentle detergent; close hooks before washing. Air-dry to preserve elastic and support. Hand-wash if the label recommends it.

Best bras for riding horses shopping list

As recommended on various Facebook discussions:

Shop Shefit sports bras — probably the most common recommendation. People love them.
Victoria’s Secret sports bras include several options, like the Knockout bra.
Kerrits Sports Bra targets equestrians — available at State Line Tack.
Fabletics front-zip sports bras got an entire comment thread going on the AERC page.
Enell high-support sports bras are also popular.
You can also buy Enell at Bare Necessities online.
I used to get all my sports bras at Title Nine, and they’re frequently recommended. Title Nine bras can be washed repeatedly without losing form.
Bravissimo sports bras for larger busts were also recommended.
For those of you who like the traditional sports bra style, Moving Comfort bras on Amazon are highly recommended.
HerRoom — bras and underwear offers a wide selection.
As mentioned on Chronicle of the Horse forum: Anita sports bras.
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.