Top 11 Women’s Life Vests in 2023
We gave our Gear Lovers one job:
Find the best and most popular women’s life vests and review them.
Our review team always considers durability, price, quality, and value in their reviews.
A women’s life vest is a life jacket that considers the comfort, support and necessities of the female body. Most life jackets are unisex, which means they won’t always be comfortable for a woman, therefore women’s life vests focus primarily on this aspect of a life jacket.
How well a life vest fits determines how safe and comfortable you will be when enjoying your favorite water sport activities. Made with womens bodies in mind, the torso and support provided by various women’s life jackets varies greatly and finding the right one can ensure your safety as well as your overall experience doing a water sport.
Finding the right life jacket can be difficult as there are hundreds of models available on the market. That’s why we’ve done the work for you and picked the best women’s life vest.
The Top 7 Women’s Life Vests in 2023
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1
For Under 5'11: O’Brien Impulse Neo Life -
2
Great Value: AirHead Trend -
3
For Wakeboarding: O’Brien V-Back -
4
For Paddling: Stohlquist Flo -
5
For Waterskiing: O’Neill Superlite -
6
Great Mobility: Onyx MoveVent Dynamic -
7
Summer Comfortable: Astral V Eight
All the Women's Life Vests We've tested
This womens life vest works well for under 5’11’’ bodies. There’s ample space for arms, giving good freedom of movement to paddle. It’s also pretty good for water skiing and wakeboarding. It’s pretty true to size too.
The neoprene is a snug fit which along with a strong zipper and two adjustable quick-release belts fits tightly and stays in place.
Coast guard approved as well as one of the most stylish life jackets for women on the market, there is no need to compromise on safety or style with the O’Brien Impulse Neo. The O’Brien Impulse Neo womens life vest design has large arm holes which keep you cool whilst wearing it.
They also provide good maneuverability and prevent any underarm chafing. The life jacket also has many hinge points and D-rings on both the front and back.
Made from high quality materials and comfortable, this women’s life vest is affordable with an excellent price to quality ratio. This womens life vest from O’brien is also popular for pregnant women thanks to the stretch of the neoprene, just ensure you take a few sizes up for a snug fit.
Specs & Features
- Front centre zipper
- Adjustable waist straps
- Coast guard approved
Our Overall Review
We have thoroughly tested - and read reviews from other experts and users. In summary, this is what we think:
Things we like:
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Form-fitting -
Light weight
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D-ring to connect lanyard/kill switch for jet skis
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Stretchy material great for manoeuvrability
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Adjustable belly straps good for pregnant women
Things we don't like:
No pockets
No pockets
Where to buy:
The AirHead Trend is an affordable womens life vest and is an excellent all-round life jacket for taller women. This life jacket is most suitable for boating and other watersports activities.
The US Coast Guard approved this all-round women’s life vest that is comfortable and supportive. The 4 straps around the torso and waist make this a very secure fit and limit life jacket movement when wearing it. It has large arm holes as well as a deep V front which makes it easy to move in.
It is lined with neoprene which adds to the comfort of the life jacket. This neoprene layer also makes it quick at drying and lightweight, keeping you cool whilst enjoying water sports activities. It’s quick drying also makes it ideal for snorkelling and weaker swimmers.
Although it is not specifically designed for women body shapes this life jacket has amazing reviews and is an excellent, budget-friendly choice for women.
Specs & Features
- Front centre zipper
- Adjustable waist straps
- US Coast Guard Approved
Our Overall Review
We have thoroughly tested - and read reviews from other experts and users. In summary, this is what we think:
Things we like:
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Affordable
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Secure fit
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Great for general watersports
Things we don't like:
- Not the best for paddle sports
- Limited maneuverability
Where to buy:
Another women’s life vest from O’Brien, the O’Brien Women’s V-back also has large arm holes, excellent for maneuverability.
The BioLite construction used for this life jacket makes it especially lightweight and comfortable. The BioLite increases the breathability of this women’s life vest making it fast-drying and keeps you cool. With good stretch this life jacket is comfortable. The added two adjustable quick-release belts fit tightly and keep the life jacket in place.
Designed for a tight fit, this life jacket has good support maintaining comfort through the extra stretch in the materials used to construct the life jacket. The segmented parts of the life jacket provide excellent movement and maneuverability. Snug and comfortable, this life jacket is perfect for watersports enthusiasts who want to stay safe on the water without having a big bulky life jacket.
Specs & Features
- Front centre zipper
- Adjustable body straps
- BioLite construction
Our Overall Review
We have thoroughly tested - and read reviews from other experts and users. In summary, this is what we think:
Things we like:
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Shape is great for maneuverability
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Really breathable materials
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D-ring for jet ski lanyard/kill switch
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Lightweight
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Form-fitting
Things we don't like:
- Runs small
Where to buy:
This advanced paddling women’s life vest is durable, lightweight and comfortable. It’s good for larger chested paddlers. The mesh back and sides provide good airflow keeping you cool on the water.
Stohlquist are leaders in the PFD (Personal Flotation Device) market with over 40 years experience, making life jackets for all water sports. Their Women’s Flo life jacket has been manufactured to ensure comfort and breathability and is ideal for recreational paddling activities.
The Flo women’s life vest also has comfortable built-in cups which ensure good support. The adjustable cross cinch strap also helps ensure a good fit and prevents the life jacket from riding up.
With a large zip pocket you can carry small personal items easily and the materials used to construct this women’s life vest ensures comfort and breathability. The life jacket also has a neoprene waist band which keeps the life jacket in place. Made with comfort in mind you will hardly notice you are wearing this life jacket!
Specs & Features
- Front centre zipper
- Adjustable shoulder straps
- Supportive inner cups
- Cross-chest cinch straps
- 2 Pockets on the front
Our Overall Review
We have thoroughly tested - and read reviews from other experts and users. In summary, this is what we think:
Things we like:
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Large zipper pockets
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Adjustment straps work well for different body types
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Great for kayaking with high back flotation panel
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Accommodates larger chests
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Lightweight and breathable material
Things we don't like:
- Zipping isn’t always easy
Where to buy:
For jet skiing and wakeboarding, this life vest for women offers a minimalist form functionality. It’s a good vest for women with smaller bust sizes and thinner frames.
This women’s life vest, while it’s described as being suitable for a variety of body types, is a good option for women with sportier frames. It’s in fact a life jacket that is more performance oriented, with minimalist properties and maximum mobility.
It’s the large armholes that allow for a wide range of motion needed for, especially, doing tricks behind a boat on a wakeboard. As far as Coast Guard approved life jackets go for water sports, this one is pretty good as long as you order a size larger than normal.
Specs & Features
- Front centre zipper
- 4 adjustable straps
- US Coast Guard Approved
Our Overall Review
We have thoroughly tested - and read reviews from other experts and users. In summary, this is what we think:
Things we like:
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Affordable
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Secure fit
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D-ring for kill switch connector
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Great for boating watersports
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Quick release buckles easy to get off but stay put
Things we don't like:
- Sizes run small
Where to buy:
The ONYX movement is ideally suited for any outdoor activities you get up to. The life vest comes with mesh at the back in case you have high back seats, which can cause discomfort. As an added safety measure, the jacket uses SOLAS grade reflective material. This makes you stand out while you are in the water. The coat has expandable zipper pockets to store your stuff.
With this life jacket, your safety is guaranteed. All precaution has been taken to provide you with the best vest. The whistle can be used to alert people of any emergency that may occur. You can adjust the life jacket to fit you perfectly.
Moreover, the jacket also comes with neoprene comfort pads. The material used in making this jacket is heavy-duty. However, it is still lightweight, allowing your body to move quickly.
Specs & Features
- Heavy-duty nylon fabric.
- Expandable zippered pocket.
- Shoulder adjustments.
- Has reflective material.
Our Overall Review
We have thoroughly tested - and read reviews from other experts and users. In summary, this is what we think:
Things we like:
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The SOLAS material makes your jacket quite visible.
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The life jacket has a mesh drainage system for quicker drying.
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As an extra precaution, a whistle is attached to the life jacket that you can use in emergencies.
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The vest doesn’t breathe very well in hotter conditions.
Things we don't like:
- The jacket gets warm when left in the sun
Where to buy:
The women’s version of the classic Astral V Eight, this life jacket is comfortable, warm and safe. With pre-shaped foam this womens life vest is comfortable and provides good support.
This life jacket is excellent at keeping you warm and cool, just at the right balance whilst paddling and kayaking. With a high mesh back and made using a light construction this women’s life vest is an excellent combination of ergonomic design paired with airflow technology.
Along with the high mesh back the Astral V Eight also has mesh sides and a comfortable polyester mesh lining which keeps you cool and allows sweat to travel away from your body.
The pre-shaped foam makes the bust area particularly comfortable and the front entry makes it easy to put on and take off. Continuously ranking high for comfort this women’s life vest is a great choice, ensuring comfort and keeping you cool.
Specs & Features
- Front center zipper
- Breathable mesh lining on back
- Adjustable shoulder straps
- Adjustable side straps
- Adjustable waist strap
Our Overall Review
We have thoroughly tested - and read reviews from other experts and users. In summary, this is what we think:
Things we like:
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Good price
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Breathable materials keeping you cool
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Pockets for personal belongings
Things we don't like:
- Can be stubborn when zipping up
Where to buy:
The NRS Zoya women’s life vest is specifically designed for touring and sea kayaking. Good value and comfortable.
This life jacket is tight fitting and easy to move in. The high back flotation as well as the pliable foam on the chest make this life jacket comfortable to wear and form fitting, ideal for women.
The six adjustable points on this life jacket allow you to alter the life vest and ensure it fits well at all points of your body. These adjustable points also ensure the life jacket is tight fitting and does not ride up as you are wearing it. Front zipper is easy to get in and out of the life jacket.
The NRS Zoya also has two small zippered pockets at the front of the life jacket, great for storing small personal belongings. This life jacket is form-fitting and affordable and great for recreational use.
Specs & Features
- Front centre zipper
- Adjustable shoulder straps
- Adjustable side straps
- Adjustable waist strap
Our Overall Review
We have thoroughly tested - and read reviews from other experts and users. In summary, this is what we think:
Things we like:
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Fully adjustable for all body types
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Good price
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Lightweight with mesh back
Things we don't like:
- Pockets are quite small
Where to buy:
Specifically designed for stand-up paddle boarders and kayakers the Stohlquist Cruiser is an excellent women’s life vest. The Cruiser has a specific shorter torso and supportive inner cups which make it comfortable and form-fitting.
Half flotation foam on the bottom and half cool mesh above the seat of the back of the life vest and on the side panels help you to stay cool. The shoulders are also lined with neoprene for added comfort and to prevent any chafing. It also has adjustable shoulder and side straps to ensure the best fit with all body types. The wide arm holes also make it comfortable to move in and add to the manoeuvrability.
Form-fitting and comfortable, the Stohlquist Cruiser Women’s life jacket is great for stand up paddling and kayaking, and great for day-long adventures.
Specs & Features
- Front centre zipper
- Adjustable shoulder straps
- Cross-chest cinch straps
- Adjustable waist strap
- Supportive inner cups
Our Overall Review
We have thoroughly tested - and read reviews from other experts and users. In summary, this is what we think:
Things we like:
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Good for moving in it
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Short torso particularly good for shorter paddlers
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Form-fitting
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Good pockets/storage space
Things we don't like:
- Expensive
Where to buy:
The Men’s Phantom from Body Glove is one of the leading wakeboarding and watersports life jackets. Coast Guard approved, comfortable and lightweight, the women’s version of this popular life jacket, the Women’s Phantom, has all the same amazing characteristics.
Low bulk this life jacket is made from top grade Yamamoto neoprene with an interior of PVC flotation blocks. The use of these high grade materials ensures excellent floatability without bulk. The flotation blocks are specifically fitted for women guaranteeing good comfort and fit.
Secured by two quick release belts and zipper, this women’s life vest is comfortable and allows for good maneuverability whilst remaining firmly in place. Large arm holes also improve maneuverability and prevent underarm discomfort. The life jacket also has drain panels allowing it to dry quickly.
Specs & Features
- Front centre zipper
- Adjustable body straps
- Yamamoto neoprene
Our Overall Review
We have thoroughly tested - and read reviews from other experts and users. In summary, this is what we think:
Things we like:
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Form fitting
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Comfortable and soft materials
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Streamlined
Things we don't like:
- No pockets
- Sizing is a bit off, especially with smaller sizes
Where to buy:
Related Reviews
BUYING GUIDE
Womens life vests are, unfortunately, not available as widely as unisex models that fit men’s bodies more.
It’s not uncommon for a supposedly unisex life jacket to be a little too snug around the upper torso of a woman. If that results in someone electing to leave the life vest on shore or under the boat seat, then it can lead to mishap.
According to the Red Cross, wearing a life jacket or a PFD (personal flotation device) can prevent 90% of boating-related drownings. The US National Parks Service has identified that drowning is the top cause of deaths in National Parks around the country.
It is evident that wearing a life jacket can be a life saver. However, with hundreds of types and models on the market choosing the correct one can be challenging.
There are a couple of crucial things to consider before investing in a life jacket. To come with a vest that fits your personal style and preference perfectly, you’ll have to be aware of essential factors such as size, design, weight capacity, color, and others that add supremely to the overall performance of the PFD.
SIZE
Everything comes down to the size of the life jacket. If the vest is too small, there will be a movement restriction. If it happens to be too large, you’ll have trouble staying afloat. The perfect size is determined when you have the jacket put on, and someone tugs the PFD up. If the jacket doesn’t go up to your neck and nose and stays in its place, congratulations, you’ve found your perfect size.
DESIGN
As a woman, you want to make sure that the life jacket you purchase is supportive. Many models include inner cups that can make the life jacket more comfortable, especially for bigger chested women.
It’s also crucial to have mesh drain panels added to the life jacket. They allow the PFD to dry quicker than average (hours faster), and provide proper ventilation. Thus you will be able to deliver excellent care to your back, avoiding sweating and perspiration.
Weight Capacity
It’s important to be aware of the floating capacity when you are choosing a life vest. Besides the size, the weight also takes a critical place in our guiding list. That’s because if you are overweight and buy a jacket that is meant for lighter people, you might find it quite useless.
Color
Brighter colors, especially orange and yellow, provide better visibility meaning that people will be able to see you if you are far away, making it more likely that you will be rescued in case of an emergency.
Materials
Nylon and neoprene are what you are looking for. They provide better durability than other materials. For example – a polyester life vest will last up to 5 years, while a neoprene one will do it for 6 and a half years.
Frequently asked questions
The best women’s life vests are women’s life vests that are supportive, comfortable and safe. They are made using durable material such as nylon or neoprene and help keep you buoyant in the water.
Check out our list of the top 10 best women’s life vests:
3. O’Brien Impulse Neo Life Women’s Life Jacket
6. Onyx MoveVent Dynamic Paddle Sports
7. NRS Zoya
Womens life vests are supposed to keep you afloat in the water, should you fall overboard while also providing a comfortable and safe experience. When choosing a womens life vest, go for the model that is designed for the water sport you are doing i.e. kayaking, boating.
Women’s life vests are not so different from men’s life vests, however they do offer more support in the chest area to accommodate women’s busts. In many cases, women’s life vests tend to be more comfortable than men’s life vests.
Depending on what country or U.S. state you live in, there are different requirements for wearing a life vest. If in the case that wearing a life vest is not required by the law in your area, we would still strongly recommend that you wear a life vest as it will ensure you are safe in most situations.
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