Most people choose not to wear a life jacket because they are either too hot, too bulky, or they simply forget. However, there is now a new generation of life jackets that are slim, comfortable and even stylish. So why not give one of these new slim life jackets a try? Slim life jackets are designed to be more comfortable and less bulky than traditional life jackets. They often have fewer straps and panels, making them lighter and cooler to wear. And because they are less obtrusive, you may even forget you’re wearing one! But don’t let their slender silhouette fool you – these jackets can still save your life. They are just as buoyant as regular life jackets and will keep you afloat in the water until help arrives. So if you’re looking for a life jacket that is comfortable enough to wear all day long, yet still offers the same level of protection as a regular jacket, then a slim life jacket is right for you.
Slim Life Jackets # 1) A Vebodi | POP UP Vest | SURF Impact Vest | Life Jacket |
Product Summary: The Vebodi | POP UP Vest | SURF Impact Vest | Life Jacket is a great product for those who enjoy spending time in the water. This vest provides protection from the impact of waves and other objects in the water. It is also great for use as a life jacket in case of an emergency. The vest is made from durable materials and is built to last. It is also comfortable to wear and is available in a variety of sizes to fit most people.
Slim Life Jackets # 2) O’Neill Men’s Slasher Comp Life Vest
Product Summary: The O’Neill Competition Vest lineup defies convention and sets a new industry standard for performance driven technology. The lightest vests in the water just got lighter, stronger and dry faster than ever.
A 5-Star Review: I’m 225 pounds little bit of a fat boy I am. I love sugar and have a sugar belly. Well that sugar belly doesn’t fit into this ski vest. But it was a very nice vest it felt great except my belly would not fit in there. I would love to wear a soft vest like this if I can get my little belly in there.
A Critical Review: Men’s L doesn’t fit a 5’8″ athletic female in a wetsuit.
Slim Life Jackets # 3) O’Neill Men’s Assault USCG Life Vest
Product Summary: The O’Neill Men’s Assault USCG Life Vest is a great choice for those who love to spend time on the water. It is designed to provide a comfortable and secure fit, as well as plenty of storage for all of your gear. The vest is made from a durable material that will stand up to the elements, and it features a bright orange color that will help you stay visible in the water. The O’Neill Men’s Assault USCG Life Vest is a great choice for those who want to stay safe while they enjoy the water.
A 5-Star Review: I’ve worn dozens, possibly hundreds of vests over 30+ years and this is an excellent overall vest for wakeboarding, skiing, kayaking and pretty much any active pursuits on the waterfront. Doesn’t seem to soak up as much water as other vests, easy to get on/off, solid YKK zipper on the front, build quality is excellent. The design is very well thought out.
For the record, the sizing chart is accurate: for example, the chart for Men’s neoprene vest Large says 39-41″ which is exactly what arrived, and I measure 40″ around the chest with slim athletic build and a Large fits great. Keep in mind: 1) this is based on chest size, and many people have a midsection (e.g. beer belly) that exceeds the chest size; and 2) the sizing is meant to be snug, as a Type III USCG approved PDF. Overall I would describe it as a slim cut.
A Critical Review: I ordered this in a Large size based on the sizing guide which says 39″ to 41″. Well, I have a 40″ chest and typically for any kind of clothing I would choose a Medium, but went with the Large based on the sizing chart. It turns out that even though I have a 40″ chest, I have a 42″ overall waist. Since the vest must accommodate the widest point from shoulders to waist, it didn’t even come close to being able to zip this up. Extremely tight fit. The sizing chart should account for waist size as well as many men have a little extra girth there. The overall quality seems good, but the hassle of having to return it because of a inaccurate/incomplete fit size knocks this down to 3 stars.
Slim Life Jackets # 4) O’Neill Women’s Slasher Comp Vest
Product Summary: The O’Neill Competition Vest lineup defies convention and sets a new industry standard for performance driven technology. The lightest vests in the water just got lighter, stronger and dry faster than ever.
A 5-Star Review: I ordered a size 12 based on the chest measurements 38-40 and vest fits good around the bust but is a bit loose up high in both the front and back. For this reason I may order the 10 to see if these extra gaps go away. I bought to wing foil and maybe also when I kite surf and am assuming that it will loosen a bit when wet so I don’t want a lot of extra space or the vest to ride up. I do wear a wet suit so that might make a difference also. But my initial assessment is that the size chart is pretty accurate so not sure why other reviewers were surprised by the fit. I’ll post another review if I end up ordering the 10 for comparison. For reference I am 5’5”, 150# and 34DD with athletic build. My chest measurement is 38” so on the low end of the size 12 and high end of the size 10. Also for kiteboarders you can fold up the bottom which should make enough space to wear a seat harness.
A Critical Review: Love the look of it but it runs very small. I typically wear a sz 4 but ordered a 6 and it was tight.
Slim Life Jackets # 5) O’Neill Men’s Reactor USCG Life Vest
Product Summary: The O’Neill Men’s Reactor USCG Life Vest is a great choice for a day on the water. This life vest is designed with comfort and safety in mind. The lightweight design and comfortable fit make it easy to move around in, and the USCG approval means you can be confident in its performance. The multi-panel construction and adjustable straps provide a custom fit, and the integrated lumbar support and high back design offer added support and comfort. The front zip closure and two side release buckles make it easy to put on and take off, and the reflective accents help you stay visible in low light.
A 5-Star Review: This is a great life jacket for me. A 6 foot tall man weighing in at an astounding 215 lbs. I indulge heavily in Keystone Lights on a nightly basis so the “flared” bottom works perfectly for me. All other XL life jackets couldn’t handle the Keystone Keg I proudly sport during the summer months while out knee boarding on the lake. Well done O’Neill!
A Critical Review: The jacket fit comfortably and was good for a season and a half. The hidden straps get tangled and untangling them sucks when they are concealed. The foam inside loves water and doesn’t want to let it go, it is exposed in some areas so water gushes in. Plus the fabric doesn’t resist water. I’m constantly squeezing like a sponge before hanging on my rack. The reason it’s done after this year is because the foam is starting to smell horrible. I have to wash the jacket after every use or I will pass out. None of my other neoprene jackets have this problem. Since the vest looks good, I think I will toss it under a seat after a wash in case I have extra people onboard and need something to cover that.
Slim Life Jackets # 6) Women’s Availon Comp Vest-Navy-S
Product Summary: This vest is perfect for women who want to stay warm while flying. It is made of soft and smooth flex-lite neoprene with velvety soft and supple PVC free Aero Jet flotation foam. The multi-grid segmented chest, back, and side panels promote maximum flexibility. The vest also has a durable PU coated double-sided PK #10 zippers. The reversible interior has a hang dry neck loop.
Slim Life Jackets # 7) Ronix Rise Women’s CE Approved Impact Vest, Black / Gold
Product Summary: A new lightweight impact fashion garment. CHEST SIZE (IN/CM): X-Small 26-28/66-72; Small 29-32/73-82; Medium 33-35/84-89; Large 36-38/91-97;
A 5-Star Review: You pay for what you get. It just runs very small
Slim Life Jackets # 8) Womens Neoprene Wakesurf Comp Vest – Designed Exclusively for Wake Surfing, but Great for All Other Watersports Activities! NCGA
Product Summary: This neoprene comp vest is the perfect addition to your water sports wardrobe. It is made of high quality neoprene material and is designed to provide a comfortable and secure fit. The comp vest is ideal for wakeboarding, wakesurfing, and other water activities. It features a front zip closure and a variety of different sizes to choose from.
A 5-Star Review: This is one of the most comfortable life jackets I have worn it gives you great movement as well
Slim Life Jackets # 9) CWB Connelly Teen Nylon Vest, (28″-32″) 90-120Lbs
Product Summary: The Connelly teen vest is a scaled down 3 buckle version of the adult conn teen nylon vest that features strong coated nylon and comfortable adjustable straps with quick release buckles for fine tuning the fit. An upper chest strap is included to keep the vest from riding up or shifting when in use.
A 5-Star Review: This worked for my teenage daughter sits usually tricky to find one that fits her as she’s very slim but this worked and was confortable.
A Critical Review: I bought this for my 9 year old who is tall for his age. This fit perfectly (so I’m guessing it might be a bit small of other older kids). My kid wore this all day at the beach splashing around in the waves all day. After a few hours I noticed that the life jacket was REALLY heavy. It turns out that sand had gotten through the holes where the straps weave inside. Within a few hours of playing on the sandy beach with ocean waves, this life jacket turned into a literal sand bag! There was no way to get the sand out and I am not exaggerating when I say that the life jacket was FILLED with sand. In the end, my only option was to cut a hole in the outer fabric and dig out the sand. I left a big pile of sand on the hotel balcony after removing all of it.
So if you intend to use this anywhere near a sandy beach with waves, I would avoid it. However, the overall quality is great, as long as you use it on the water only and keep away from sand.
Slim Life Jackets # 10) O’Neill Men’s Reactor USCG Life Vest
Product Summary: The O’Neill R&D process provides the best quality, fit and functionality in the industry. Our USCG Life Vests continue to set new standards of excellence in design for all wake and waterski athletes. 100% Polyester Lining. Closed Cell PVC Marine Foam.
A 5-Star Review: This is a great life jacket for me. A 6 foot tall man weighing in at an astounding 215 lbs. I indulge heavily in Keystone Lights on a nightly basis so the “flared” bottom works perfectly for me. All other XL life jackets couldn’t handle the Keystone Keg I proudly sport during the summer months while out knee boarding on the lake. Well done O’Neill!
A Critical Review: The jacket fit comfortably and was good for a season and a half. The hidden straps get tangled and untangling them sucks when they are concealed. The foam inside loves water and doesn’t want to let it go, it is exposed in some areas so water gushes in. Plus the fabric doesn’t resist water. I’m constantly squeezing like a sponge before hanging on my rack. The reason it’s done after this year is because the foam is starting to smell horrible. I have to wash the jacket after every use or I will pass out. None of my other neoprene jackets have this problem. Since the vest looks good, I think I will toss it under a seat after a wash in case I have extra people onboard and need something to cover that.
Slim Life Jackets # 11) O’Neill Men’s Outlaw Comp Vest, Black/Black, XL
Product Summary: The O’Neill Competition Vest lineup defies convention and sets a new industry standard for performance driven technology. The lightest vests in the water just got lighter, stronger and dry faster than ever.
A 5-Star Review: Love the lightweight feel of the vest.Seems to run a size smaller than my usual size
Conclusion:
While there are many different types and brands of life jackets on the market, slim life jackets are becoming increasingly popular due to their form-fitting design. Not only do slim life jackets provide a more comfortable fit, but they also offer more protection than traditional life jackets. If you’re in the market for a new life jacket, be sure to check out the selection of slim life jackets available. You may be surprised at how much difference a slim fit can make.
If you need help finding the best life jackets to enjoy your favorite water activities, we have a few suggestions of our own. You can read all about them here>>