Airbag compatible clothing for horse riding

Riding with an airbag vest doesn't mean you have to sacrifice style or comfort. Today, the airbag-compatible jacket has become a wardrobe essential for riders who want top-level protection and good looks, whether at practice or in competition. Designed to be worn over an airbag vest, these jackets use technical fabrics, tailored cuts and elastane blends tuned to the demands of an airbag.

Which garments are compatible with an airbag vest?

Styles for the discerning rider

Airbag-compatible garments include show jackets, bomber-style jackets and outerwear specifically made to be worn over an airbag vest. They're especially popular with riders who compete or who need extra warmth and protection during winter schooling.

Compatible garments are made from fabrics that can stretch or open when the airbag deploys. At Vestride you'll find pieces such as GEM's Jinger or Mesh show jackets and the Horse Pilot compatible bomber.

A curated selection of premium brands that blend style and protection

Explore our collection of airbag-compatible riding jackets, created for riders who won’t compromise on safety or elegance. Each piece has been carefully chosen for its quality, comfort and full compatibility with your airbag vest.

Horse Pilot: technology for performance

Known for innovation, Horse Pilot offers jackets that push the boundaries of technical design.

• AEROMESH jacket: Ultra-light and highly breathable, this jacket is ideal for shows and training in warm weather. Its technical fabric allows complete freedom of movement while ensuring the airbag deploys correctly.

• The Teddy and the Bomber: Perfect for training, these stylish modern jackets suit all seasons. Their design ensures your Horse Pilot airbag vest can inflate safely and without restriction.

• AEROTECH 2.0 jacket: Built on a brand best-seller, this show jacket for younger riders is supple and light, marrying comfort and competition-ready elegance.

Harcour x Hit-Air: where style meets safety

The result of a collaboration between a leading equestrian brand and an airbag specialist, these jackets are must-haves.

• Kanji show jacket: Made from stretch fabric for absolute comfort in the saddle. Its compatibility with airbag systems makes it a top choice for competition.

• Hotaka Bi-Fabric jacket: Lightweight and versatile, it can be worn alone or over your airbag vest. The bi-stretch fabric delivers excellent freedom of movement.

• Jacket + airbag packs: For a complete kit, choose our exclusive bundles that include both jacket and airbag vest — a simple, cost-effective route to maximum safety.

Jump'in and GEM: French elegance

These French brands offer show jackets and outerwear that combine style, comfort and protection.

• EMILE show jacket - Jump'in: Designed specifically for equestrian sport, this men's show jacket is exceptionally comfortable and follows the rider’s every move in competition.

• Jinger and Mesh show jackets - GEM: Available in several colours, these jackets deliver impeccable show-ring style. Their airbag-compatible design lets you wear them confidently over your airbag vest.

How to choose an airbag-compatible jacket

Choosing the right compatible jacket is more than picking a style. Here are the essential criteria to balance comfort, performance and safety.

1. Technical fabric: the key to effective protection

All compatible garments are made from stretch, flexible fabrics. This is crucial: the jacket must be able to open or expand in a fraction of a second without impeding the airbag. A standard jacket not designed for this purpose could tear or, worse, compress the rider during inflation. Always check fabric composition and stretch. Look for mesh styles for summer and elastane blends for maximum elasticity.

2. Intended use: pick the style that suits your riding

Your jacket should match your equestrian discipline.

• For competition: Choose tailored, show-approved jackets. Brands such as Horse Pilot, Harcour and GEM offer models specifically designed for competition.

• For training: A more relaxed jacket like a teddy, bomber or light quilted jacket will be more comfortable and versatile. These pieces let you ride safely at the yard or out on hacks.

• For all seasons: Consider breathability for summer and insulation for winter. Windproof or water-repellent jackets are ideal for uncertain weather during training.

3. Verified compatibility: certification you can trust

For your safety, make sure the jacket is officially approved by the manufacturer of your airbag vest. Every airbag-compatible jacket has been tested to ensure it does not interfere with rapid deployment in a fall. This is a crucial guarantee of protection. On our product pages we clearly state which airbag each jacket is compatible with (for example, "compatible with the Horse Pilot airbag vest" or "compatible with Hit-Air systems"). We also recommend checking compatibility with your horse riding airbag’s tether or lanyard and the cartridge/canister type when relevant.

Benefits of an airbag jacket for riders

Wearing an airbag-compatible jacket over your airbag vest is the best way to combine protection and comfort. This pairing offers maximum safety without sacrificing style. These jackets are engineered not to exert pressure on the protective volume during inflation, allowing air to distribute effectively around vital areas such as the back, chest and neck — reducing injury risk in a fall.

Comfort is central to their design. There are models for every discipline. For ladies, a show jacket with airbag compatibility blends elegance and protection in the ring. Likewise, a competition jacket delivers both style and defence. For training, a lightweight or breathable fabric jacket is ideal. Each jacket includes a dedicated sleeve or pass-through for the saddle girth, so you can attach to the saddle without fuss. They also complement other safety kit such as safety stirrups and a certified body protector.

Thanks to innovative design, these jackets protect the spine and other vital areas while keeping you free to move. Ride with confidence knowing your kit is high-performance and tailored to your activity.

Where to buy an airbag-compatible jacket?

A curated selection available online

At Vestride, specialist supplier of rider safety equipment, you'll find a carefully selected range of airbag-compatible jackets. We offer models from Harcour, Horse Pilot, GEM and Jump’In. Our customer service team is on hand to help you choose the right jacket for your size, your airbag vest and your discipline.