Choosing the size of your vest is never an easy thing.
And yet …

We will explain in 3 points how to choose the size of your plate carrier.

There is a large number of ballistic plates, materials and cuts (SAPI/ESAPI, SWIMMER cut, Shooter cut or Full cut.
In general, and unless otherwise specified by the manufacturer, the plate carriers are designed around the SAPI/ESAPI cut.
Indeed, this cut is mostly preferred by the military.
A large number of NATO member countries use this type of ballistic protection.

 

 

Let’s get back to the subject, and more specifically to the choice of the size of your plate carrier.

1) Choosing the plate:

The size of your ballistic plate is not without importance.
It is essential that it is adjusted to combine comfort and protection.
To know the ideal size, your plate must be placed at least 2.5cm from the super sternal notch (it is the bony V in the center of your clavicle).
The sides of the plate should stop at the center of your nipples.

2) The vest:

The size of a vest is designed around the size of a plate.
For example, a Medium size vest corresponds to a Medium size ballistic plate.
It is important not to underestimate this size or you will not be able to insert the protection.
Also, if you overestimate the size, it will not be properly held and will not offer optimal protection.
If you don’t know your plate size, refer to the diagram below.

3) Chest size:

The chest size is a dimension by itself.
Manufacturers often refer to standards, and rely on so-called “global” morphologies to size the cummerbunds in relation to the size of the vest.
These cummerbunds are very regularly adjustable to adapt to all eventualities.

If you are under or over the cummerbund size but with the right plate size, you will have to opt for a new cummerbund.