Get the right vest, first time

Follow this guide. Get your perfect fit.

When choosing a ballistic and/or edged blade and/or spike resistant vest from Safeguard, you should consider the following, and in this order:

1) Choose your cover. Do you want your vest to go under your clothes (and be covert), or be worn over your clothes (and be overt)? Do you have any special requirements; for example, do you require the ability to use SAPI plates, or want the vest to open with a front zip? From these answers, you can decide which vest style will suit you best.

2) What threats will you be facing? Assess your threat situation; will it be ballistic only, or is there a threat of attack from needles or edged weapons? What is the highest calibre weapon you will face? When you have considered this, use our NIJ Levels page to see which level vest you need.

As important as it is to have enough protection, it is also important when choosing a vest that you don't over-estimate the levels of protection you need, especially if you are wearing the vest for extended periods of time. Higher level vests will be slightly heavier than lower level vests, and will often be slightly stiffer too. Regardless, though, all of our panels are relatively lightweight and flexible.

3) Sizing: To increase the likelihood that your vest will fit you well, we encourage our customers to provide 3 or 4 of these critical measurements:

Firstly, your overall standing height (this will help us ensure your vest is long enough, and also not too long).

Secondly, attach your chest size. You should also match this to our chest size guide. You can use the size chart which is at the top of every page under 'Choosing Sizes'.

Thirdly, attach your sternum length (the distance between the top of the chest bone and the belly button). This specialist measure is the most relevant, and should ensure the vest is the best length.

Finally, the cup size of female wearers should be provided.

This information should be entered in the 'Comments' box at the checkout. Include in this box also any other information relevant to sizing.

As shown in the image on the right, the vest should extend down to your navel (belly button) area.

Some people believe that a vest should reach the waist; however this would not be ideal. If a vest goes past the navel, it becomes unnecessarily heavy at the cost of protecting non-vital organs. An over-long vest will also restrict freedom of movement; a vest that extends past the navel will restrict comfort, and affect the ability to even sit or bend down.

Although these considerations may take some time initially, we recommend that customers carefully consider these factors before purchasing;

They will ensure that you receive the ideal vest for you and your circumstances.