SIZING
Body Armor Fit Guide
- Body Armor is made to fit snug around the body.
- Properly fitted vest will NOT be the same size as other clothing.
- A vest that is too large will be uncomfortable and bothersome.
- Properly fitted body armor is a balance between coverage and protection.
- Vital areas must be protected.
- Care must be taken not to impair movement or breathing.
- The collar of the front panel should be one inch below the notch at the top of the sternum.
- If the vest needs to be raised or lowered, loosen and adjust one shoulder strap at a time until the vest hangs at the proper location.
- While standing, ensure the front and rear panels are centered on the body.
- Make sure there is no gap in coverage on the sides.
Sizing Instructions
Prior to sizing ensure the officer is in full uniform and duty belt. It is important to not hold the measuring tape too tight or too loose while taking measurements. Remember to round up on girth measurements and round down on length measurements. You will need the following tools: soft measuring tape, armless chair, and appropriate sizing forms.
Male Sizing Instructions
Step A
CHEST MEASUREMENT
Measure circumference at the widest point of chest. Round up to the nearest inch.
Step B.1
TOTAL WAIST MEASUREMENT
Measure circumference at the widest point of the abdomen.
Tape should be level around the entire torso. Round up to the nearest inch.
Using the chart below, add desired overlap to measurement to achieve total waist measurement. If the difference between chest and waist is more than 4”, take the average of both measurements, then add overlap.
Butt Fit —– add 2” to waist measurement
1” Overlap — add 4” to waist measurement
2” Overlap — add 6” to waist measurement
Step B.2
Determine the front/back panel widths that most closely add up to the Total Waist. Front panel must be as wide or wider than the back panel; the front panel always overlaps the back.
WAIST + OVERLAP = TOTAL WAIST
WAIST _____ + OVERLAP_____ = _______ in. TOTAL WAIST
1. Front Panel Width 16 18 20 22 24 26 28 30 32 34
3. Back Panel Width 16 18 20 22 24 26 28 30 32 34
Step C
FRONT SEATED MEASUREMENT
Measure length from clavicle notch down to top of duty belt, while seated. Officer should be at a relaxed, 90° position. Tape should lay unassisted on the officer’s front. Do not follow the contour of the body. Subtract 1” from measurement. Round down to the nearest inch.
Step D
BACK STANDING MEASUREMENT
Measure length from nape (back neck bone) down to top of duty belt, while standing. Multiply measurement by 0.80. Round to the nearest inch.
Step E
SIZE SELECTION
Use the measurements from Steps B, C & D to complete your size selection. Please find the correlating measurement and provide it in the correct order:
- FRONT PANEL WIDTH (Measurement B2 Front)
- FRONT PANEL LENGTH (Measurement C)
- BACK PANEL WIDTH (Measurement B2 Back)
- BACK PANEL LENGTH (Measurement D)
Female Sizing Instructions
Step A
BAND MEASUREMENT
Measure circumference of upper chest, under the armpit. Tape should be level around the entire chest. Round up to the nearest inch.
Step B
BUST MEASUREMENT
Measure bust circumference at widest point. Tape should be level around the entire bust. Round up to the nearest inch.
Step C
UNDER BUST MEASURE
Measure torso circumference at widest point under bust. Tape should be level around the entire torso. Round up to the nearest inch.
Step D
WAIST MEASUREMENT
Measure circumference at the widest point of the abdomen. Tape should be level around the entire torso. Round up to the nearest inch.
Waist measurements are used to determine front and pack panel widths. Reference Overlap Calculation Char and select desire overlap.
Butt Fit
1” Overlap
2” Overlap
Step E
FRONT SEATED MEASUREMENT
Measure length from clavicle notch down to top of duty belt, while seated. Officers should be at a relaxed, 90 degree position. Tape should lie unassisted against the officer’s body. Do not follow the contour of the body. Subtract 1” from measurement. Round down to the nearest inch.
Step F
BACK STANDING MEASUREMENT
Measure length from nape (back neck bone) down to top of duty belt, while standing. Multiply measurement by 0.80. Round down to the nearest inch. Front/back measurement should be no more than 2” apart.
Step G
SIZING SELECTION
Please complete all fields of the sizing form including bust preference of Structured or Non-structured. If no preference is selected a Non-structured vest will be provided by default.
