How to Choose the Best Weighted Vest for Women

Choosing the right weighted vest for women is slightly more complicated than choosing a weighted vest for a man. 

In addition to the basic factors, such as weight range and proper weight distribution, you also need to consider that women typically have smaller body frames, a larger bust area, and are often interested in a different category of weighted vest exercises than men. 

So, how do you choose the best weighted vest for women?

It all comes down to four main factors: proper weight, fit and comfort, chest comfort, and activity type. 

1. Start with the Recommended Size/ Weight

The right way to choose the best weighted vest as a woman is to use your bodyweight as a benchmark. 

• According to expert advice, the ideal weighted vest size to start with is between 5-10% of your body weight, and that works for a weighted vest for men as well as a weighted vest for women. 
• According to the CDC, the average adult woman in the U.S weighs 170.8 pounds (lb), which means the best weighted vest size for the average woman is between 8.5 lbs and 17 lbs. 

However, with 36.5% of adults in the U.S being overweight, the best weighted vest size for women depends on how close they are to   170.8 pounds (lb)

Weighted Vest for Women: Size Chart

For more details, refer to this Height Weight Chart

2. Choose a Fixed or Adjustable Weighted Vest for Women

Fixed weighted vests for women offer simplicity and stability, and are best for repetitive workouts where you don't need to change the load

They are made for women who are into exercises that do not require more resistance in the long run. 

Adjustable weighted vests for women let you increase or decrease the resistance, which makes them best for exercises that either progress in intensity over time or combine a mixture of different exercises. 

They are best for women who are into fitness routines that may require lower resistance at the beginning, but more later.

Fixed vs Adjustable Weighted Vests for Women

Best Adjustable Weighted Vests for Women

The classic U-Shaped Adjustable vests from Zelus are made with skin-friendly fabric, breathable mesh, and a padded lining, which keeps you cool and comfortable. 

The adjustable buckle straps keep the vest secure during dynamic movements like jumps and squats, which makes them ideal for Calisthenics, strength training, and other routines involving dynamic exercises.

Best Fixed Weighted Vests for Women

The Zelus Classic Series Fixed Weight Vest offers multiple weights from 6 to 30 lbs, filled with evenly distributed iron sand to add extra resistance to your daily routine. The unique X-shaped design ensures a stable, secure fit with greater mobility. Adjustable buckle straps provide a snug fit for different body types with chest sizes from 35" to 45".

3. Ensure a Comfortable Design that Prevents Chest Pressure

The best weighted vests for women are specifically designed for smaller frames or with adjustable straps to ensure they fit snugly without restricting movement or breathing. 

For the comfort of women, they are also designed to avoid pressure on the bust area, usually via a contoured or open-chest design.

• Classic U-Shape Design: An exclusive U-shaped design that frees chest space for women, completely removing any pressure on the chest area.
• X-Shape Design: X-shaped weighted vests for women feature wide adjustable buckles that fit different chest sizes for women (35" - 45").

4. Check For Durability

Weighted vests for women must be tough and durable in order to endure constant movement, sweat, and impact from workouts. Weak stitching or fragile materials can tear or shift the weights, and that will compromise safety and comfort.

An adjustable weighted vest for women should be even more durable: strong materials and reinforced seams are essential for long-term reliability. 

For Maximum durability, look for women's weighted vests with the following features:

• Reinforced stitching: Each vest is double or triple-stitched to prevent tearing, even under load
• Strong materials: All vests are made of neoprene materials, which are famous for their ability to resist wear and tear
• Closures are secure: The zippers, buckles are all secure 
• Top Quality weights: The metal bars and sandbags are properly sealed against leaks or rust.

Finally, Choose Color and Style

Weighted vests for women are more stylish and flamboyant, coming in a wider variety of colors than weighted vests for men. While weighted vests for men are mostly black, common colors for weighted vests for women include pink, blue, and even green and grey.

• The classic U-Shaped weighted vests for women come in blue, pink, and black
• The X-shaped vests come in even more colors: black, blue, pink, grey, green, and even silver.

With many more colors available, women can choose weighted vests on the basis of their personality, color their workout attire, and personal preferences.