comfortable lifejackets for women

[phanakapan]

I'm about to buy a new lifejacket and wondered if women sailors out there have any recomendations- comfortwise_ I'm quite big busted and the lifejackets on my (shared) boat tend to stick out a lot when worn staight down, and the belt rises up uncomfortably round my ribs- I can stick it "outside" but then my arm movements are restricted. Have a laugh at this post by all means, but I intend to set a good example to my kids and wear a lifejacket almost constantly, and I want something effective but comfortable.

 

[kimhollamby]

My wife will tell you this is not a laughing matter...at least for her. In fact we've only just bought her a Marlin buoyancy aid this weekend for when we go dinghy sailing as it "didn't truss her up like a turkey."

In terms of lifejackets a lot of them are no good for women because the so-called waistband is more like a chest band. Look for jackets with longer bodies, so that the waistband falls safely below chest level.

My wife wears one of the original Crewsaver lifejackets, the design without the integral harness. That works okay for her.

Best bet is to spend some time in a well-stocked chandlery, or at one of the boat shows if your purchase is not imminent, and try a selection. You'll probably be worried by how many don't seem to be very female-friendly.

kim_hollamby@ipcmedia.com

 

[chippie]

I remember seeing an advertisement with a well endowed lass wearing an inflatable jacket which just sat flat like normal clothing. i dont know how well it would sit once inflated though,but in those circumstances there are lots of other things to worry about.

 

[BrendanS]

The US market seems to be ahead here.
eg
http://www.stohlquist.com/womenspfd.html though they don't do a particularly good job of marketing it on their own site! Could be a bit bulky for sailing though.

 

[Twister_Ken]

What\'s a princess seam? nm

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[BrendanS]

Re: What\'s a princess seam? nm

Strewth - never thought I'd see shufflebutts lapsing into dressmaking questions ! /forums/images/icons/smile.gif. Apparently it's one with a seam line that goes over the bust. This seam is usually curved to make the garment fit smoothly over a woman's figure.

 

[Twister_Ken]

Stunned by your level of knowledge. Thx. nm

§

 

[BrendanS]

Re: Stunned by your level of knowledge. Thx. nm

No no no! I'll get a strange reputation! Just know how to use Google.

 

[BarryH]

Re: What\'s a princess seam? nm

I'm now getting very, very worried. You seem'd a normal sort of chap last weekend, or is this something you only do undercover of the internet/forums/images/icons/smile.gif

Yeah! I know its running rough, but your lucky its running at all!!

 

[BrendanS]

Re: What\'s a princess seam? nm

Well, I only scored 30 on Byron's toilet test..my excuse is that I only had the sex change recently! /forums/images/icons/cool.gif