Rodeo Protective Vest Guide: Sizing and Safety

A protective vest is the piece of gear you hope you never notice. For bull riders, bronc riders, and bullfighters, the right vest absorbs impact and lets you keep moving. Here is how to size one and what to look for.

Leather or cordura

Leather vests are rugged and hold their shape season after season. Cordura vests are lighter and more breathable, which a lot of riders prefer in the Texas heat. Both protect when they fit right, so the choice comes down to feel and weather. There are faux leather builds too if you want the leather look at a lower price.

Size by chest, not by shirt

Vest sizing follows your chest measurement, not your everyday shirt size. Measure around the fullest part of your chest with a snug tape and check it against the size range before you order. A vest should close firmly and sit flat against your body with the foam covering your ribs and vitals. It should not gap at the sides or ride up when you raise your arms.

The neck roll question

Some rough stock vests come with a built in neck roll for extra protection when you get slung. If you ride bulls or broncs, it is worth considering. Bullfighters usually want a vest cut for freedom of movement over the barrel and in the fray.

Fitting young riders

Do not put a mutton buster or a junior rider in an adult vest. A vest that is too big slides around and stops protecting. We carry youth, junior, and mutton bustin sizes so young competitors are padded up and safe from their first go.

Quick checklist

• Leather for durability, cordura for breathability
• Size by chest measurement, not shirt size
• Snug close, foam flat over the ribs, no gapping
• Consider a neck roll for rough stock
• Youth and junior sizes for young riders, never an oversized adult vest

Shop adult and youth protective vests in our Western and Rodeo collection. Round out your rig with a good bull rope, and keep a stocked first aid kit in the trailer. Everything ships fast from a US warehouse.