Equestrian airbag vest too loose or too tight: how to find the right size

Should an equestrian airbag vest fit as tightly as a second skin? Or should you leave plenty of room so it can inflate? Faced with these two ideas, riders often choose their size as they would for a conventional jacket. Yet an airbag vest must stay correctly positioned while retaining the space designed for deployment.

The right size is therefore neither the most fitted nor simply the one that feels most comfortable while standing still. It is the size that matches your measurements, torso height, weight and the guidelines for the specific model.

Why an airbag vest that is too tight can be a problem

An excessively close-fitting vest can compress the torso, restrict movement and place strain on the zip or seams. When it inflates, it must be able to expand around the areas it is designed to protect.

Tightening it further because you think it will “stay in place better” is therefore the wrong approach. Stability should come from the correct cut and size, not from constant compression.

The signs of an airbag vest that is too small are often visible before you even get on your horse:

• the zip pulls or ripples;
• the collar presses against the back of your neck;
• the armholes restrict your shoulders;
• the mechanism is pressed against your ribs;
• you cannot take a deep breath without feeling tension;
• the bottom of the vest rides up sharply when you lean forward.

Why an airbag vest that is too large is not ideal either

A very loose model can move around the torso, sit too low against the saddle, ride up towards the helmet or position the inflatable areas somewhere other than intended by the cut.

It can also alter the position of the mechanism and tether. Feeling comfortable while standing is not enough: the vest needs to be assessed while you are seated, with your saddle and usual riding outfit.

Signs that a size is too large can include:

• a significant amount of excess fabric around the chest or hips;
• drooping shoulders;
• a collar that sits a long way from the back of the neck;
• the bottom of the vest touching or catching on the saddle;
• the vest shifting noticeably when you turn your torso.

Which measurements should you take?

Always refer to the size chart for the relevant model. Depending on the brand, the measurements may include chest, waist, height or back length.

Take your measurements over light clothing, without holding in your stomach or pulling the tape measure tight. Keep the tape horizontal. If you regularly wear a technical layer beneath the airbag vest, take it into account during the final fitting.

The AXION Equestrian range extends from 3XS to XL. It is intended only for riders who are at least 1.35 m tall and weigh at least 35 kg. These thresholds are not sales recommendations: they form part of the system’s conditions of use.

How to carry out a useful fitting

Do not simply stand upright in front of a mirror. Fasten the airbag vest completely, then reproduce the movements you make while riding:

1. open and lower your shoulders;
2. raise your arms as if adjusting your riding helmet;
3. lean forward;
4. adopt a two-point position;
5. turn your torso to the right and left;
6. sit in a saddle if the fitting conditions allow.

The vest should follow your body without restricting movement, shifting excessively or coming into uncomfortable contact with the saddle.

What if you are between two sizes?

Do not automatically choose the smaller size to achieve a more fitted silhouette. Nor should you choose the larger one solely “to leave room for inflation”.

Compare the back length, collar position, room around the chest and contact with the saddle. Ask for advice using your exact measurements and, if possible, try both sizes with your usual riding outfit.

AXION offers one complimentary size exchange in mainland France and Corsica so that the fit can be corrected after delivery, subject to the applicable conditions.

Does the size change depending on what you wear underneath?

Your airbag vest should not need a different size for every season. However, a bulky layer can alter its fit.

Choose thin, technical and flexible layers. Avoid wearing a very bulky sweatshirt beneath the vest or keeping hard objects in your pockets. If your equipment becomes noticeably tighter in winter, repeat the complete fitting before you ride.

Does wearing a competition jacket over it affect the choice?

A jacket must not be used to hold an oversized airbag vest in place or compress one that is too small. Both garments must be compatible separately and when worn together.

When an AXION airbag vest is worn beneath a suitable jacket, the jacket must contain at least 15% elastane and provide the space required for deployment. This material threshold does not replace checking the cut and compatibility.

Read our complete guide to wearing an airbag vest under or over a competition jacket.

What about a growing child?

Do not deliberately buy equipment several sizes too large so that a child can “grow into it”. An airbag vest must fit the rider on the day it is worn.

Check height, weight and body measurements regularly. A growth spurt can quickly alter back length and the way the vest sits in relation to the saddle.

The right size feels effortless without becoming invisible

A correctly chosen airbag vest does not need to compress the body to remain in place. It follows your position, allows you to breathe freely and keeps the protective areas where they were designed to sit.

Use the AXION size guide and, if you have the slightest doubt, ask us to check your fit before you ride.