One big pet peeve for many folks out there is not finding a fitting life jacket. Heading down to the water and not finding a life jacket that fits right can be a nuisance. For one, some of the ‘one size fits all’ varieties seem like they’re built for kids. On the other hand, some adult sized life jackets can seem like you have to be under 120 lbs to fit in them. In this post, we outline some of the best big and tall life jackets on the market today. Whether you are heading out sailing, fishing, kayaking or paddle boarding, you want to make sure that your life jacket fits. Furthermore, making sure you’re comfortable for the day can turn a good day into a great day. Finally, let’s get to the big and tall life jackets!
1. O’Neill Wetsuits Wake Waterski Mens Superlite USCG Nylon Life Vest
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The O’Neill Superlite is Coast Guard approved life jacket is perfect for the big and tall gentleman. First of all, this life vest comes in 6 different sizes ranging from small to 3XL. A one-sized fits all approach to life jackets doesn’t address everyone’s needs. Fortunately, O’Neill addressed this issue and offers its life jacket up to a 56″ chest size in the Nylon format. When you are on your search for big and tall life jackets, consider the O’Neill brand. Also, they are a reputable brand with plenty of excellent products and are well priced.
Size Matters – Sizes Up to 3XL
This particular O’Neill big and tall life jackets gives you up to a 3XL size. Additionally, it comes equppied with buckles that are quick release. The 3XL size is for chest sizes between 53″ – 56″. Moreover, it is soft and comortable and has a polyester shell. Not to mention, this life vest is also U.S. Coast Guard approved. Finally, this scores big points in the pros and cons department here at WaterDudes.
- Quick Release Buckles
- Up To 3XL (56″ Chest Size For Nylon Model)
- Made With Lightweight Foam
- Good fit but overall length may feel short
2. Body Glove Method USCG Approved Nylon Life Vest
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Next up on our list of big and tall life jackets is this one from Body Glove. The Body Glove Method Life Vest is another one in the line of vests ranging from small to very large sizes. Body Glove advertises this vest as having an XXXXL size (4XL) and a XXXXXXL size (6XL). Provided that, you select the USCGA neoprene personal flotation device. Additionally, heading out on the boat or swimming in the water without the right sized PFD can be a nuisance. Equally, this can make your whole day a lot less enjoyable. Nevertheless, Body Glove brings you a vest that can fit chest sizes between 57″ – 61″ in its 4XL size format.
If you go for the Nylon format, you are in luck when searching for big and tall life jackets. The 6XL version of this vest can accommodate chest sizes of 61″-66″. With this in mind, take a good measurement to ensure you fit in your most comfortable life jacket.
Features & Specs
So, what makes this life vest stand out from the crowd? Well, Body Glove designed this one with the big and tall life jackets searcher in mind. There are oversized arm holes in this life vest to keep you comfortable while moving and putting the vest on. Additionally, the belts on this one are heavy duty 1 inch and durable. Also, the quick release function let’s you take the jacket off in a jiffy. We all want the most comfortable life jacket. However, don’t be fooled by the marketing of the best life vests. Check the chest sizes and check if the brand offers a suitable size for you measurement. Finally, we can’t neglect to mention that this PFD is Coast Guard Approved.
- Up to 6XL size for chests 61″-66″
- Heavy Duty Belts w/quick release
- Drain holes for water flow
- Similar Issue as O’Neill, may feel like jacket is a bit short (mid stomach area, depending on your size)
3. Full Throttle Adult Dual-Sized Nylon Water Sports Vest
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In the more cost-effective side of the spectrum, comes the Absolute Outdoor Full Throttle Life Vest. First off, this is a U.S. Coast Guard approved life jacket type III. Coming in at a whopping 4XL – 7XL size format, the Full Throttle shouldn’t disappoint. Searching for big and tall life jackets can end here for some. First of all, the sizing chart on this life jacket gives us a range of 60″ – 70″ chest sizes for the largest format. With this in mind, the Full Throttle supports the largest chest measurement so far. After all, with a name like Full Throttle, you don’t expect anything but the best.
Great Features & Multi-Use Big And Tall Life Jackets
Absolute Outdoor advertises this life vest for a number of activities. Skiing, boating, fishing and relaxing on the water, to name a few. Additionally, one of the features that stands out is the U.S. Coast Guard Approval. When relying on a PFD to save our lives, you want to make sure that the Coast Guard has approved it. Moreover, this vest is approved as a Type III. Moreso, it is light in weight. The interior of the vest contains flotation foam that is durable. Finally, the exterior is made up of 200 denier nylon and a poly twill combindation. If you are on the hunt for the best big and tall life jackets, look no further as the Full Throttle makes our top list.
- Up to a 4XL – 7XL size supporting chest sizes 60″ – 70″
- U.S Coast Guard Approved Type III
- Belts are adjustable
- Variety of uses
- Could ride up depending on activity
4. Stearns Adult Classic Series Vest – Oversized
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The Stearns Adult Classic Series Vest comes in two size options. First, it comes in a universal size. Secondly, it also comes in an oversize version. The oversize version is a great choice for the big and tall life jacket shopper. Additionally, Stearns gives us the most affordable option of the bunch. Interestingly, Stearns designed this vest with a nylon exterior for durabilty. This life jacket comes equipped with 3 buckles for adjustment.
Why Stearns?
Stearns is a reputable brand in the life jacket department. First of all, this is a U.S. Coast Guard approved life jacket. This will give you peace of mind. The PFD comes with 2 adjustable straps. The sides of the life vest are open so you have more freedom for adjustments. Finally, to save the best for last — it’s made right here in the USA!
- Affordable life jacket options
- Coast guard approved
- Made in the USA
- 52″ – 62″ oversized version
- Basic design, not as stylish as competition
Big And Tall Life Jackets Buyer’s Guide
To start, it is important to make some considerations before buying your life jacket. Specifically, searching for big and tall life jackets has its own set of points. Take a couple minutes and read through our quick buyer’s guide for more information.
Measure Your Chest
First of all, you will want to measure your chest. To start, you will require a measuring tape. Next, the best way to do this is have someone measure for you. Take a measurement around the largest part of your chest. Additionally, you will want to keep the measuring tape high under your armpits. Once you have taken your chest measurement, note it down. If you are on the hunt for big and tall life jackets, match the measurement. Finally, if your measurement is within the ranges advertised, then you are good!
Look For Adjustable Straps
Adjustable straps are important on big and tall life jackets. First of all, check to see if your PFD has good adjustments. Furthermore, if there are good straps and buckles, you can ensure that there will be adjustments. Moreover, this gives you additional control for how your life vest fits on you.
Buoyancy And Other Features
Finally, there are a couple other items to check. First, check if you can find the buoyancy of the life jacket. The manufacturer should publish this information on their website. If they do not, you can try to contact the life jacket maker to see what the buoyancy is. Furthermore, look for large arm openings. This way, your arms won’t be hindered by the jacket. Additionally, you will be able to make more minor adjustments with the straps around the openings.
Conclusion About Big And Tall Life Jackets
In the end, your search for big and tall life jackets should leave you more informed. Furthermore, we hope this article helps you make a more informed decision. It’s important to check the sizes, measure your chest and look for adjustment options on your vest. This way, you should be able to find a comfortable life jacket regardless if you’re searching for 2XL, 3XL, 4XL or even 6XL and 7XL. Finally, this brings us to the conclusion about big and tall life jackets.
