Revolutionising Comfort: The Best Underwear and Bras for Female Equestrians
In the world of equestrianism, innovation isn’t just about saddles, boots, and breeches - it extends to what’s worn underneath. Female riders know the importance of support, comfort, and protection in the saddle. Whether tackling a dressage test (sitting trot especially!), flying over a showjumping course, or enduring the undulations of cross-country, the right underwear and bras can make all the difference.
Several brands have stepped up to design performance-driven undergarments tailored specifically for equestrians and we are HERE FOR IT!!!
These brands don’t just create underwear and bras; they engineer solutions for riders who demand both functionality and comfort.
1. Derrière Equestrian (UK) – The Ultimate in Saddle Comfort
Derrière Equestrian has made a name for itself by addressing one of the most common rider complaints - saddle sores and discomfort. Their seamless, padded underwear is a game-changer, designed to reduce friction and provide extra cushioning where it’s needed most. The brand’s technology helps female riders maintain their focus and comfort during long hours in the saddle, making Derrière a go-to choice for many professionals.
The Women Behind Derrière - Laura Thyer & Claire Galer
Derrière Equestrian is the brainchild of Claire Galer, whose deep-rooted experience in the equestrian world inspired her to develop innovative, performance-driven underwear for riders. With over 20 years in the industry, Claire created a brand that revolutionised rider comfort. In 2022, Laura Thyer, a former British dressage competitor and longtime ambassador for Derrière, took the reins. After years of riding in the products and recognising their impact, Laura purchased the brand and now leads its evolution, ensuring the next generation of riders experiences unparalleled comfort in the saddle.
You can see some of the Derrière collection here >>>https://www.derriereequestrian.com/collections/female
2. Maaree (UK) – Overband Technology™ for Maximum Control
Maaree is redefining sports bras with its innovative Overband Technology™, offering superior bounce control without sacrificing comfort. Unlike traditional designs, Maaree’s bras incorporate a structured overband that limits upward movement, ensuring female athletes—including equestrians—experience secure, unrestricted performance in the saddle. With a focus on both science and style, Maaree’s bras provide reliable support that adapts to movement, making them a standout choice for riders who demand the best.
The Woman Behind Maaree – Mari Thomas
Maaree was founded by Mari Thomas, a sports scientist and product designer who set out to solve a problem that so many female athletes face - insufficient support. With a background in testing and developing sportswear, Mari combined scientific research with real-world experience to create a new standard in sports bras. Her innovative designs have gained traction across multiple high-impact sports, and Maaree is quickly becoming a go-to brand for female equestrians who refuse to compromise on fit, comfort, or performance.
Explore Maaree’s collection here: https://www.maaree.com
3. Enell (USA) – High-Impact Support for Larger Busts
Enell is a game-changer for equestrians with larger busts who struggle to find adequate support. Designed specifically for high-impact sports, Enell’s bras provide unmatched stability, allowing riders to move confidently without discomfort. Its front-closure design and structured fit eliminate bounce, making it a favorite among riders who need maximum security in the saddle.
The Woman Behind Enell – Renelle Braaten
Enell was founded by Renelle Braaten, an athlete who personally experienced the struggle of finding a sports bra that actually worked. Frustrated by the lack of options for women with larger busts, she took matters into her own hands—working with her mother, a skilled seamstress, to create a bra that prioritized function over fashion. Today, Enell is trusted by female athletes across various disciplines, proving that support is power.
Check out Enell’s collection here: https://enell.com
Why These Brands Matter for Female Equestrians - Some Stats
Equestrian sports demand strength, precision, and resilience, yet female riders still struggle with inadequate support due to a lack of research and innovation in performance wear.
Shockingly, over 70% of women wear the wrong sports bra size, leading to discomfort, distraction, and reduced performance -
(Brooks Sports Research, 2021).
Additionally, 44% of female athletes experience breast pain while exercising—a statistic that has a direct impact on riders, whose sport requires balance, control, and core engagement -
(Scurr et al., 2016, University of Portsmouth).
This is especially concerning for equestrians with larger busts, who often adjust their posture unnaturally to compensate for inadequate support, increasing the risk of muscle strain and long-term injuries (Scurr et al., 2016).
However, studies have shown that the right sports bra can reduce breast movement by up to 74%, preventing pain and allowing female athletes to perform at their best without distraction (University of Portsmouth, 2018).
Bridging the Gap: The Need for More Research and Innovation
Despite the clear need for science-backed performance wear, less than 3% of sports science research focuses on female athletes, leaving women with limited options for truly effective sportswear (Journal of Sports Sciences, 2022).
For too long, women’s needs—like breast support, compression technology, and chafing prevention—have been an afterthought in sportswear development.
Thankfully, brands like Maaree and Enell are actively bridging this gap by using scientific research and real-world testing to create products that truly support female athletes. Meanwhile, Derrière Equestrian takes a rider-focused approach, developing innovative designs shaped by direct equestrian experience to ensure optimal comfort and performance in the saddle. So let’s celebrate and support the brands that prioritise female equestrians’ needs, and continue pushing for progress, representation, and innovation in our sport.
The future of equestrian performance wear starts with visibility, research, and a commitment to putting female athletes first.
