Not shoulders back - think armpits and shoulderblades down. You (we alll) need to strengthen those muscles that hold our shoulderblades flat against the ribs and toward the spine, so that the arms hang down easily and naturally from the shoulders. Too much shoulders back rotates the arms slightly outward and brings the elbows behind the body.
There are PT exercises that help with this.
Does anyone have suggestions on bras?
30GG/H here. Freya sports bras are the way to go, I have both wired and unwired ones, and they work equally well. (I do get a little more underboob sweat in the unwired ones.)
Holds everything in its place, and I’m able to be a more effective rider.
They are pricy, but I have one that is 2+ years old and gets washed (and I mean in the machine and then thrown into the dryer…no handwashing in this household!) weekly, and it looks new.
You can frequently find them in the $30 range on Amazon/Figleaves.
Panache sports bra. Hands down. I wear sports bras all day every day for work, and this one is comfortable enough to do that. The 2 separate cups mean no uni-boob (and besides looks, that means less boob sweat).
It has a converter to go from straight straps to racerback, and I’ll hook that for shows or rough horses or lots of sitting trot work. But I find the regular straps fine for most riding. The racerback setting will encourage shoulders back a bit, but not as much as something made for that.
They hold up well. I have 3 that I’ve been rotating daily for almost 3 years and they all look great. I machine wash gentle and hang to dry.
As a 28G, I understand the struggle.
ETA: Good every day bras will help your daily posture too, which helps strengthen those muscles for the saddle. So don’t skimp on those either.
Thank you for the recommendations. I might try getting fitted again and then I’ll check those brands out.
I also think the back brace would help. I have terrible posture. I’m sure after I ride a few times it’ll get better (I actually wasn’t having issues at all a year ago) but I know sitting back has always been an issue for me. I guard my chest and can’t really help it.
I think working on ab muscles would be part of the equation too.
[QUOTE=Scribbler;8655244]
I think working on ab muscles would be part of the equation too.[/QUOTE]
Well even when I used to work out five days a week (because it was mando), I had problems. I’m pretty out of shape now, and I’m sure it isn’t helping me, but I think lack of breast support is my biggest issue. I don’t have good posture. I want to try the back brace and see if it help at all.
[QUOTE=RodeoFTW;8654704]
Also, anyone who is on the larger side of the bra aisle, what do you guys do for sport’s bras?[/QUOTE]
I’m another recent convert to the Panache. Before trying the Shoulders Back or anything else, try a new sports bra. It’s amazing how much easier it can be to keep your shoulders back, etc, when you have proper support from your bra. (Also, it might make you feel skinnier!!! I definitely noticed that previously-present “rolls” were greatly diminished when wearing a bra with appropriate support).
PM AliCat for more info!!!
[QUOTE=RodeoFTW;8655275]
Well even when I used to work out five days a week (because it was mando), I had problems. I’m pretty out of shape now, and I’m sure it isn’t helping me, but I think lack of breast support is my biggest issue. I don’t have good posture. I want to try the back brace and see if it help at all.[/QUOTE]
Also consider getting a good fitting for a regular bra, as well. Better/more correct support can equal better posture.
[QUOTE=pattnic;8655562]
Also consider getting a good fitting for a regular bra, as well. Better/more correct support can equal better posture.[/QUOTE]
I ought to do both. I just hate buying new clothes right before trying to lose weight. All the money goes goodbye… but whatever, I should. I only have less than a handful of bras that fit. Sometimes I really hate having a full figure.
[QUOTE=RodeoFTW;8655727]
I ought to do both. I just hate buying new clothes right before trying to lose weight. All the money goes goodbye… but whatever, I should.[/QUOTE]
I can relate to that - I was trying to wait until I had lost weight to buy new bras, but I finally just couldn’t take it any longer! The new bras have made such a difference in my day-to-day comfort (and my riding/running comfort) that I wish I’d purchased new ones sooner. I did buy just the bare minimum, as I know I’ll be replacing them relatively soon.
I think I’ll try the Panache one and maybe also get the Freya. Might use one for riding and the other for the gym. Is the Panache comfortable? I know it’s a compression bra, but what exactly does it do to your shape? Uni-boob? I hope not.
My trainer said two sports bras if you’re bigger than a D. One good one is usually enough, but I like to get a cheap one to wear under it if I’m going to ride a particularly difficult horse. It does take getting used to though.
I do that already but I don’t feel like it helps enough. I had two sports bras on. 
Still uncomfortable.
That’s why I’m thinking back brace with a fitted sport’s bra since I know my size isn’t exact.
[QUOTE=RodeoFTW;8657230]
I think I’ll try the Panache one and maybe also get the Freya. Might use one for riding and the other for the gym. Is the Panache comfortable? I know it’s a compression bra, but what exactly does it do to your shape? Uni-boob? I hope not.[/QUOTE]
No uni-boob with the Panache! I’ll see if I can find a picture in which I’m wearing mine.
This might work for some people, but really didn’t work for me.
[QUOTE=JenePony;8657231]
My trainer said two sports bras if you’re bigger than a D. One good one is usually enough, but I like to get a cheap one to wear under it if I’m going to ride a particularly difficult horse. It does take getting used to though.[/QUOTE]
There’s no need for two sports bras, or a regular bra under a sports bra, if you buy a properly-fitted, band/bust sized sports bra.
With the S-M-L sized sports bras, I can see how that’s necessary. But ones that are sized by band/cup are fine alone, even in high impact activities. (They are rated.)
I used to wear two bras: a normal bra to keep them up, then a sports bra to keep them in. Then I learned better. If one buys a proper sports bra (proper sports bras are not made out of stretchy material and encapsulate each breast individually) then you don’t need two. However, I’ve also found the proper sports bra that works for one person doesn’t necessarily work for another. My current favorite (this is post-reduction, so I’m now a 36DD as opposed to the 38G I was at my biggest) is the Glamorise Medium Control. I know, shocking that I only need medium control, but as I said, proper bra makes a huge difference. My other recommendation is don’t get an underwire. I got bruised ribs from falling on underwires once.
I’m going to seriously invest in the panache. I think that one would work, since it looks like some kind of body armor. 
There is a new sports bra out called Cheata. I tried it out at Equine Affaire. Keeps you contained without putting pressure on your shoulders. It doesn’t look like it would work but it does.
http://www.cheataequestrian.com/
I actually have that one, from Equine Affaire. But I tried wearing it around the house and it’s just way too uncomfortable. It was so much hassle to put on and off, too. Kind of regret buying it now.
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