The Best Sports Bras for Horse Riding: Comfort Over Aesthetics

When it comes to horse riding, your sports bra isn’t just about style—it’s about support, comfort, and long-term health

Forget the “monoboob” debate; what matters is reducing bounce and strain to protect delicate breast tissue. Why? Because repeated stress can lead to Cooper’s ligament damage, causing sagging, pain, and even chronic conditions like mastitis or cyst formation over time.

I'll be transparent here, I'm in my 40s, have gone through menopause and am a 14DD/E cup-all oh naturale!

Why Support Matters

Horse riding involves constant movement—posting trot, canter transitions, and even sitting trot all create impact. Without proper support, breast tissue stretches, which can’t be reversed. Over time, this can lead to:

• Pain and discomfort

• Stretching of ligaments

• Skin irritation

• Potential complications like cysts or inflammation

Some people don't realise that horse riding is, in fact, high impact on breasts so you should be looking to ensure you choose high-impact support styles no matter what size chest you are! Your typical everyday bra does not provide sufficient support!

Don't use your everyday bra for horse riding! You need high-impact support!

Top Sports Bras for Riders

I have personally tried the brands and styles mentioned below. I have also not been paid to promote any of these products. Here’s how popular brands stack up for equestrian needs, in no particular order or preference:

1. Lululemon

• Pros: High-quality fabrics, great moisture control, stylish designs.

• Cons: Some models prioritise aesthetics over maximum support. The hook/eye closures at the back fail fairly quickly, which is a shame, given the cost of these bras.

• Try: Enlite Weave-Back or Energy High Impact

• Overall rating:

2. Shefit

• Pros: Fully adjustable straps (converts to racerback style which I love) and band for a custom fit; excellent for high-impact sports and unbeatable for bounce control. Colour choices are wide and options for wearing under lighter riding tops that you might use for competition which is ace (recommend tan/skintone or blush colours for this)!

• Cons: Bulkier design, and higher cost as they come from overseas. (Would be awesome to get an Australian supplier/retailer here!)

• Try: Ultimate Sports Bra

• Overall rating:

3. Rockwear

• Pros: Affordable, durable, and good compression.

• Cons: Limited adjustability compared to Shefit. Can be hard to get on.

• Try: Allure High Impact or Euphoria High Impact or Energise High Impact

• Overall rating:

4. Triumph

• Pros: Known for comfort and shaping; good for medium impact. For people who don't want the "monoboob" look.

• Cons: May not provide enough support for larger busts during intense riding. Puppies made to feel like they were pointy (like back in the 50s). I found these to not be as comfortable as the other brands in this review.

• Try: Triaction Cardio Flow

• Overall rating:

5. Berlei

• Pros: Designed for sports; strong reputation for reducing bounce. For people who don't want the "monoboob" look.

• Cons: Some riders find the fit less flexible for layering under riding tops. I found these to not be as comfortable as the other brands in this review.

• Try: Electrify Underwire

• Overall rating:

6. Oiselle

• Pros: Lightweight and breathable; great for layering.

• Cons: Best for smaller busts or lower-impact riding. Not as supportive as the other brands in this review.

• Try: Boom Bra or Queen Bra

• Overall rating:

My Top Pick for my Puppies

I am a more "mature-aged" rider (as in I am in my 40s, gone through menopause and all the joys of getting older) and my go-to is the Shefit Ultimate Sports Bra. I have a larger cup (AU14DD/E) so need and prefer the "lock and load" feel. Yes, it's a tad more expensive but it is worth the price for the quality, fit, comfort and ease of putting on (with the front zipper and closures; no more reaching around the back flailing helplessly trying to get the bra done up with the hook/eye clasps). The adjustability for when your body changes day-in-day-out is amazing and I love knowing I don't stress about whether it will fit me today versus tomorrow!

My second pick are the Rockwear branded styles menitoned above. It can be easier to afford and their sales are good in this space!

Why I Don’t Care About the Monoboob Look

Compression-style bras often create a “monoboob” silhouette—and that’s okay. Comfort and support trump aesthetics every time. When you’re riding, your focus should be on your horse, not your neckline. And you don't want to have people being distratced by your "knockouts" every stride when you are riding. Rather the focus should be on your position, riding skills and how your horse is going. Best not to distract with unwanted bounce.

Say NO TO THE BOUNCE!

Quick Tips for Riders

• Choose high-impact bras for all riding activities.

• Look for adjustable straps and wide bands for stability.

• Avoid bras with rigid seams that can rub under your riding top.

• Most sports bras you will need to size up compared to your regular everyday bras, not sure why brands do this, but sports bras generally run at least 1 band size smaller. Always double check your size where possible against their size charts or try on in-store where you can.

• For competition, go for tan/skintone, light pink/blush coloured sports bras so they don't show up under white or light coloured tops

Bottom line: A good sports bra is an investment in your riding comfort and your health. Don’t skimp—your body will thank you later.