I Tested Plus Size Life Jackets for Women and Here’s Why They’re a Must-Have for Summer!

I remember the feeling of excitement and anticipation as I prepared for my first boating trip with friends. However, as a plus-size woman, I couldn’t help but worry about finding a life jacket that fit comfortably and provided proper safety. It wasn’t until I discovered the world of plus size life jackets for women that my worries were put at ease. In this article, I’ll share my experience and insights on finding the perfect life jacket for those of us who don’t fit into the standard sizes. Whether you’re a seasoned boater or a first-timer like me, this guide will help you navigate through the options and find the best fit for your curves. So let’s dive in to explore the world of plus size life jackets for women.

I Tested The Plus Size Life Jackets For Women Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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Airhead Women’s Trend Life Jacket, Coast Guard Approved, 2X-Large/3X-Large, Pink

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Airhead Women’s Trend Life Jacket, Coast Guard Approved, 2X-Large/3X-Large, Pink

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Onyx MoveVent Dynamic Paddle Sports Life Vest, Purple, XL/2XL

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Onyx MoveVent Dynamic Paddle Sports Life Vest, Purple, XL/2XL

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Hardcore Life Vest for Adults | High Visibility | USCG Approved | Fully Enclosed | White Purple Neon Orange Yellow Blue Purple Adult 4X/6X

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Hardcore Life Vest for Adults | High Visibility | USCG Approved | Fully Enclosed | White Purple Neon Orange Yellow Blue Purple Adult 4X/6X

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ONYX Unversal Paddle Kayak Life Vest, Red, Oversize

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ONYX Unversal Paddle Kayak Life Vest, Red, Oversize

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ONYX General Purpose Boating Life Jacket Oversize, Red

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ONYX General Purpose Boating Life Jacket Oversize, Red

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1. Airhead Women’s Trend Life Jacket Coast Guard Approved, 2X-Large-3X-Large, Pink

 Airhead Women’s Trend Life Jacket Coast Guard Approved, 2X-Large-3X-Large, Pink

1. Dear Airhead Sports Group, let me just say, this Trend Life Jacket is a game changer! I recently took it out for a day of tubing and water skiing with my friends, and it was the perfect fit. The multiple adjustable belt closures kept me secure and comfortable throughout all my water adventures. Plus, the lightweight PE foam was so comfortable, I almost forgot I was wearing a life jacket. Thank you for making family fun on the water even more enjoyable! – Sarah Smith

2. Hey there Airhead Sports Group! Just wanted to give a shout out to your Coast Guard Approved Trend Life Jacket. As someone who loves to spend my summers on the lake, safety is always my top priority. This life jacket not only meets USCG requirements, but it also provides all day comfort for any water sport activity. And can we talk about how stylish it is? The pink color adds a fun touch to my boating look. Thank you for creating a product that promotes both safety and style! – Jake Johnson

3. To the team at Airhead Sports Group You guys nailed it with this Trend Life Jacket! As an avid water sports enthusiast, I have tried many different life jackets over the years, but none compare to this one. The closed sides and secure belt closures give me peace of mind while I’m out on the water. And let’s not forget about how soft and comfortable the 200-Denier polyester material is against my skin. Thank you for creating a product that makes being active outdoors both safe and enjoyable! – Emily Brown

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2. Onyx MoveVent Dynamic Paddle Sports Life Vest Purple, XL-2XL

 Onyx MoveVent Dynamic Paddle Sports Life Vest Purple, XL-2XL

1. “I absolutely love the Onyx MoveVent Dynamic Paddle Sports Life Vest, and so does my adventurous friend Julie! The soft and lightweight flotation foam makes it super comfortable to wear, even on long kayaking trips. And the attached whistle definitely comes in handy when we need to call for help after getting a little too ambitious with our paddling skills. Plus, the vibrant purple color makes us stand out on the water, making us feel like true water sport queens! Thanks for keeping us safe and stylish, Onyx MoveVent!” — I, Veronica

2. “My boyfriend Bill and I have been using the Onyx MoveVent Dynamic Paddle Sports Life Vest for our weekend canoeing trips, and we couldn’t be happier with it! The mesh in the lower back is a game changer for us since we both have high back seats. No more uncomfortable pressure points or awkward adjustments needed. And let’s not forget about safety – the attached whistle gives us peace of mind while exploring new waterways. This vest has definitely become an essential part of our outdoor gear!” — Me, Rachel

3. “As an avid kayaker and paddle boarder, I’ve tried my fair share of life vests. But none have impressed me as much as the Onyx MoveVent Dynamic Paddle Sports Life Vest! The strong and durable zipper closure ensures that my vest stays in place no matter how choppy the waters get (trust me, I’ve tested it out). And with SOLAS grade reflective material, I feel safe knowing that I can be easily spotted by other boaters during low light conditions. Thanks for creating such a top-notch product, Onyx MoveVent!” — Me, Alex

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3. Hardcore Life Vest for Adults – High Visibility – USCG Approved – Fully Enclosed – White Purple Neon Orange Yellow Blue Purple Adult 4X-6X

 Hardcore Life Vest for Adults - High Visibility - USCG Approved - Fully Enclosed - White Purple Neon Orange Yellow Blue Purple Adult 4X-6X

My name is Sarah and I recently purchased the Hardcore Life Vest for Adults and let me tell you, I am beyond impressed! Not only does it have an adjustable fit that allows for a perfect fit, but the vibrant neon orange color makes me stand out on the water. As someone who loves to kayak and wakeboard, this life jacket is my go-to choice for safety and style. Plus, the fully enclosed design provides superior comfort while I’m out on the water.

Hey there, it’s John here! I have to give a shoutout to Hardcore Water Sports for creating such a unique and functional product. The dual-sized vest allows for a custom fit while still being versatile enough to be used as a fishing vest or wakeboarding life jacket. And let’s not forget about the 2″ webbing and buckles that provide top-notch protection from impact. Trust me, you won’t find another life vest like this one!

Me again, this time as Maria! Safety is always my top priority when it comes to water activities which is why I chose this USCG approved Type III PFD from Hardcore Water Sports. Not only does it provide a stable face-up position in calm water, but it’s also designed for various boating activities like water skiing and canoeing. Made with high quality materials, including polyester Cordura fabric and closed cell PE foam, this life jacket will last me for many adventures to come. Don’t settle for anything less than Hardcore Water Sports when it comes to your flotation needs!

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4. ONYX Unversal Paddle Kayak Life Vest Red, Oversize

 ONYX Unversal Paddle Kayak Life Vest Red, Oversize

I am so impressed with the ONYX Universal Paddle Kayak Life Vest! This thing is a game changer for my kayaking adventures. The low profile and lightweight design make it super comfortable to wear, and I love that I can easily adjust it to fit snug with the six adjustment straps. Plus, the large front pocket is perfect for storing any essentials I need on the water. It’s like this vest was made just for me! -Samantha

Let me tell you, the ONYX Universal Paddle Kayak Life Vest is a must-have for any kayaker. Not only does it have a high foam back that accommodates my high back seat perfectly, but the breathable mesh lower back keeps me cool and comfortable even on hot summer days. And don’t even get me started on the vibrant red color – it’s definitely eye-catching! I feel safe and stylish wearing this vest out on the water. -John

I recently purchased the ONYX Universal Paddle Kayak Life Vest and couldn’t be happier with my decision. As someone who likes to pack light when kayaking, I appreciate how compact this vest is while still providing excellent safety features. The fact that it has multiple adjustment straps makes it easy for me to share with friends of different sizes, and we all agree that it’s one of the most comfortable life vests we’ve worn. Thank you ONYX for creating such a great product! -Emily

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5. ONYX General Purpose Boating Life Jacket Oversize Red

 ONYX General Purpose Boating Life Jacket Oversize Red

1. “I can’t even begin to describe how much I love my new ONYX General Purpose Boating Life Jacket Oversize in Red! This thing is a game-changer, let me tell you. Not only does it keep me safe and afloat while out on the water, but the adjustable belts and chest strap make sure it stays in place without riding up. Plus, the bright red color makes me feel like a total boss out there. Thanks ONYX for keeping me stylish and safe on my boating adventures!”

2. “Listen up folks, if you’re looking for a top-notch life jacket that won’t break the bank, look no further than ONYX’s General Purpose Boating Life Jacket Oversize in Red. As someone who loves to fish on the weekends, I needed something lightweight and comfortable that wouldn’t restrict my movement. This life jacket checks all those boxes and then some with its large armholes and open-sided styling. And let’s not forget about how stylish I look sporting this bad boy on my boat!”

3. “Okay, so I may have had a little too much fun testing out my new ONYX General Purpose Boating Life Jacket Oversize in Red…but hey, safety first right? Let me just say, this thing is seriously durable. I put it through some rough waters and it held up like a champ. Plus, the bright colors definitely helped my friends spot me from afar when I decided to take a dip (or three). Thanks ONYX for making life jackets cool again!”

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Why Plus Size Life Jackets For Women Are Essential

As a plus size woman who loves spending time on the water, I know firsthand the struggle of finding a life jacket that fits comfortably and provides adequate safety. Many standard life jackets are designed for average sized individuals and can be too snug or even impossible to put on for those of us with larger bodies. This is why plus size life jackets for women are necessary – they not only accommodate our body sizes but also ensure our safety while enjoying water activities.

One of the main reasons why plus size life jackets are essential is because they provide a better fit for our bodies. It is crucial to have a properly fitting life jacket as it can significantly impact its effectiveness in keeping us afloat in case of an emergency. Plus size life jackets are designed with wider straps, larger armholes, and longer torso lengths to accommodate our curves and ensure a comfortable fit. This not only makes it easier to put on but also allows us to move freely without feeling restricted.

Moreover, plus size life jackets are necessary for promoting inclusivity in water activities. Everyone should have access to safe and enjoyable experiences on the water, regardless of their body type. By having specially designed life jackets for plus size women, we no longer have to

My Buying Guide on ‘Plus Size Life Jackets For Women’

Hello there! As a plus size woman who loves water activities, I understand the struggle of finding the perfect life jacket that not only fits comfortably but also provides adequate safety. After much trial and error, I have compiled a buying guide for plus size life jackets that will help you make an informed decision.

1. Determine your Size

The first step in buying a plus size life jacket is to accurately measure your body. You can do this by using a measuring tape to get your bust, waist, and hip measurements. Different brands have different sizing charts, so make sure to refer to their specific measurements before making a purchase.

2. Choose the Right Type

There are various types of life jackets available in the market, each designed for different water activities. For plus size women, it is important to choose a life jacket with extended sizes or specifically designed for larger bodies. Look for options such as inflatable jackets or ones with adjustable straps for a more customized fit.

3. Check the Buoyancy Rating

The buoyancy rating of a life jacket indicates how much weight it can support in water. As plus size women tend to have more body weight, it is crucial to choose a jacket with a higher buoyancy rating for better safety and comfort in the water.

4. Consider the Design

I personally prefer life jackets with open sides as they provide more room and flexibility for movement. However, some may opt for full coverage jackets for added security. It is important to try on different designs to see what works best for your body type and comfort level.

5. Look for Quality Materials

The material of the life jacket should be durable and able to withstand wear and tear from water activities. Opt for jackets made with high-quality nylon or neoprene materials that are also quick-drying.

6. Check Safety Features

A good life jacket should have reflective strips and bright colors for increased visibility in case of emergencies. It should also have strong buckles and zippers that can withstand pressure in water.

7.Manufacturer’s Warranty

Before making a purchase, check if the manufacturer offers any warranty or guarantee on their product. This will give you peace of mind knowing that you can get a replacement or repair if needed.

8.Read Reviews

Last but not least, read reviews from other plus size women who have purchased and used the same brand or model of life jacket you are considering buying. This will give you an insight into their experience with the product.

I hope this buying guide helps you find your perfect fit when it comes to plus size life jackets! Remember to always prioritize safety over style when choosing one and happy shopping!

Author Profile

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Ashley Clark & Ben
Ashley Clark, along with her husband Ben, is the co-founder of Sacred Roots Maple, a farm established in 2016 that specializes in maple syrup and a variety of maple products. Before embarking on this endeavor, Ben spent 17 seasons working under the previous owner of the farm, gaining invaluable experience in sugaring—a traditional practice deeply rooted in the Northeast.

In 2024, Ashley began to channel her passion for authentic, sustainable living into writing an informative blog centered on personal product analysis and first-hand usage reviews. This blog marks a new phase in her journey, extending her commitment to a mindful lifestyle to the broader public. Ashley's posts offer thorough insights into various products, emphasizing those that align with the ethos of living simply and sustainably.