How to Choose the Right Body Armor Size

The first step in getting a hard armor and plate carrier setup is to decide what size armor plates will fit you best. The size of the armor plate you choose will dictate which plate carrier you can get as most plate carriers are designed around fitting specific size or depth of armor plates as well as the chest circumference of the user.

Stealth Co has done testing and only offers kits with armor plates and carriers that are compatible with each other, but we have created this general guide as a way for the user to ensure they are getting the right size armor as well as beneficial information they can use to piece out their kit individually if they wish.

Sizing Standards

There are two sizing standards used in the armor industry. SAPI sizing standard (developed by the U.S. Military) consists of sizes ranging from 7.25″ x 11.5″ (XS) to 11″ x 14″ (XL). Commercial sizing standard (developed by private companies) consists of sizes ranging from 8″ x 10″ to 11″ x “14. Commercial sizes were developed at a later time than SAPI and have some improved design characteristics in the sizing and cut that fit the average adult male better than SAPI sizes. Commercial armor plates usually come in a Shooter Cut which can vary depending on the company but in nearly all cases it offers deeper shoulder cuts for easier shouldering of rifles and better mobility in general. SAPI armor plates are narrower but taller which could be beneficial to individuals with longer torsos and narrower chests but the Commercial Shooter Cut plate has seen the widest adoption as it hits the right balance of coverage and mobility for the vast majority (80% +) of adult males.

Measuring Yourself

In order to get the right balance of protection and mobility from an armor plate, you should get plates that have a width that covers the distance from nipple to nipple and a height that covers the distance from your sternum notch to anywhere 1-4″ above your navel. For the vast majority of adult males the 10″ x 12″ size will be the closest to this ideal coverage, however if you find that your measurements are more than an inch off from the width of the plate you should consider looking at other sizes.

Plate Carrier Compatability

After you determine the ideal armor plate size for yourself, you will need to verify the plate carrier you are interested in is able to accommodate that specific armor plate. The main variables that effect compatability here are the plate size and depth as well as your chest circumference. You should beware that many plate carriers will not be able to fit thicker plates measuring more than 1″. Stealth Co has done all compatability checks between the armor plates and plate carriers we offer so you don’t have to worry about improper fitments.