Life Jacket Sizing Guide

June 24, 2021 6:49 pm Published by 326 Comments

No matter what type of activities you’re undertaking on the water (and no matter what type of vessel you are on) there must be life jackets available for everyone on a boat at all times. That’s not just good advice—it’s a requirement by the U.S. Coast Guard. But no matter if you are looking into boat rental in Lewiston, CA, or if you own a boat anywhere else in the world, it’s important to know what size life jacket needs to be on board for you and everyone else on the boat.

Finding your size

The best way to tell what size life jacket is needed for an adult is not by weight but by chest size. This is similar to how sizing works for men’s suit jackets. To find your chest size, you need to measure the circumference of your chest at its broadest point. This will determine what size life jacket you need.

Men’s life jacket sizes

While life jacket sizing may vary somewhat between manufacturers, here are some common measurements for different sizes of men’s life jackets:

  • Small: 32 to 36 inches (81 to 91 centimeters)
  • Medium: 36 to 40 inches (91 to 102 centimeters)
  • Large: 40 to 44 inches (102 to 112 centimeters)
  • X-Large: 44 to 48 inches (112 to 122 centimeters)
  • 2X-Large: 48 to 52 inches (122 to 132 centimeters)
  • 3X-Large: 52 to 56 inches (132 to 142 centimeters)
  • 4X-Large: 56 to 60 inches (142 to 152 centimeters)
  • 5X-Large: 60 to 64 inches (152 to 162 centimeters)

Women’s life jacket sizes

While life jacket sizing may vary somewhat between manufacturers, here are some common measurements for different sizes of women’s life jackets:

  • X-Small: 28 to 32 inches (71 to 81 centimeters)
  • Small: 32 to 36 inches (81 to 91 centimeters)
  • Medium: 36 to 40 inches (91 to 102 centimeters)
  • Large: 40 to 44 inches (102 to 112 centimeters)
  • X-Large: 44 to 48 inches (112 to 122 centimeters)

Children’s life jacket sizes

For children, the best way to tell what size life jacket is needed is by weight. While life jacket sizing may vary somewhat between manufacturers, here are some common measurements for different sizes of children’s life jackets:

  • Youth: 50 to 90 pounds (23 to 41 kilograms)
  • Child: 30 to 50 pounds (13 to 23 kilograms)
  • Infant: Up to 30 pounds (14 kilograms)

Universal life jacket sizes

While life jacket sizing may vary somewhat between manufacturers, here are some common measurements for different sizes of universal life jackets for adults:

  • Small/Medium: 32 to 40 inches (81 to 102 centimeters)
  • Large/XL: 40 to 52 inches (102 to 132 centimeters)
  • SXL: 50 to 60 inches (127 to 152 centimeters)

Whether you’re looking for boat rental services complete with onboard life jackets or you need a place to dock your own boat, for the best full-service marina in Lewiston, CA, pay a visit to Trinity Alps Marina today. We look forward to showing you how we can help you enjoy your time on the water to its fullest!

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