One of the most common questions we get here is What size plate carrier do I need? The short answer to this question involves the shape of your body and whether you want to wear your plate carrier alone or with additional armor, but it’s not that simple. To find the right plate carrier size, you’ll also need to consider your height, weight, how much protection you want, and what other gear you’ll be carrying on your body when you wear your plate carrier.

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What size plate carrier do I need? Everything You Need To Know
Like most gear, plate carriers come in various sizes and styles. A good rule of thumb is to order a plate carrier one size larger than your chest measurement. To make sure that you get just the right fit, here are some tips about What Size Plate Carrier Do I Need?

So, the answer is that there isn’t an exact science to plate carrier sizing. If you want to be as comfortable as possible while wearing body armor, it’s best to measure yourself before ordering a plate carrier and use those measurements when choosing your size.
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Choosing Plate Carrier Based on Wear:
If you intend to use your plate carrier as a replacement for body armor, there are a few things to consider to ensure that you get it right. Plate carriers come in different sizes and styles, so one carrier will only fit some wearers. This is especially true when using a plate carrier as an alternative to standard-issue body armor.
The most essential factors in plate carrier sizing are shoulder and chest size because they determine where on your body to mount your plates.

For example, if you have narrow shoulders but a broad chest, you should look at plate carriers with smaller armholes or adjustable straps. Choose a plate carrier with an adjustable cummerbund (the belt around your waist) or even no cummerbund.
Alternatively, more oversized armholes might be desirable if you have broad shoulders but narrow hips and chests. However, some plate carriers do not allow for the customization of these features.
In addition, to plate carrier sizing based on shoulder and chest measurements, you should also consider how much weight you intend to carry. If you’re looking for a plate carrier as an alternative to body armor, then your best bet is probably going to be something lightweight like:
Choosing Plate Carrier Based on Fit:
When shopping for a plate carrier, don’t just consider what size will fit over your plates; you need to ensure it’s snug. It should be tight enough to get it on and off without pain but loose enough that it doesn’t feel like a straight jacket.
The plate carrier shouldn’t pull up when you lift your arms or shift around while wearing it. If adjustments are available, tighten them as much as possible without discomfort. If there aren’t any adjustments available, try on different sizes until you find one that fits well.

One crucial factor to remember is that plate carrier has a limited adjustment range. If you’re trying to decide between two sizes, go with the larger size. It’s much easier to take in a carrier than to make one bigger. Remember, your body armor isn’t just for show. It protects you from bullets, and getting hit by even one can be deadly or lead to serious injury. So if you want to be as safe as possible, get a plate carrier that fits appropriately.
Finally, don’t forget about accessories when ordering your plate carrier. You might need an admin pouch to carry around all of your gear, or you may need mag pouches on either side of your plate carrier to carry extra magazines. Please ensure these are included when ordering, so they arrive simultaneously as your plate carrier.
How to Find The Right Size Plate Carrier?
If you’re looking for a plate carrier, chances are you want something reliable, durable, and long-lasting. Your plate carrier should protect you against different threats but also be comfortable enough to avoid getting in your way while you’re wearing it. In terms of sizing, knowing how to measure your body correctly will ensure that you get a plate carrier that fits your frame accurately.
Here are some helpful tips when finding the right size plate carrier:
Determine what size plate carrier you need: Plate carriers come in three sizes, small, medium, and large. It is essential to determine which size plate carrier you need before ordering one online or purchasing one from a local retailer.
Measure yourself: The best way to determine what size plate carrier you need is by measuring yourself first. This can be done by wrapping a flexible tape measure around your chest at its widest point. This measurement should match up with your plate carrier size.
Try on different plate carriers: Once you have determined what size plate carrier you need, try on different types until you find one that feels comfortable and matches up with your measurements.
Adjustable Plate Carriers: Adjustable Plate Carriers allow users to adjust their fit based on their measurements and feelings about their comfort level. These plate carriers usually feature a Velcro system that allows users to change quickly and easily.
Plate Carrier Accessories: Several accessories are available for plate carriers, including magazine pouches, grenade pouches, hydration systems, and more. These accessories help make your plate carrier more functional while adding extra protection.
FAQs:
Conclusion:
The Plate Carrier sizing can be tricky because it will depend on your body type. If you’re big or tall, you should select a vest with more room to provide an easy fit. For shorter people, purchase a more oversized vest than your chest size. Any additional space can be filled with inserts and pads. It would be best to consider whether you’ll wear body armor underneath your carrier to allow enough room for comfort and mobility.
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Lastly, it would help if you made sure that there were no gaps between your shoulders and vest when properly fitted. This ensures maximum protection from impact by eliminating weak spots in your armor. Following these simple tips, you’ll find a great plate carrier that fits perfectly.