Coverall and Suit Sizing

What it is

Coveralls and protective suits, from cotton work coveralls to disposable chemical suits classified under ANSI/ISEA 103, are sized mainly by chest and height. Most makers publish a chart that maps both to a letter size. Fit is a safety issue as well as comfort: a suit that is too small splits at the crotch or shoulders, and one that is too large snags and gets caught.

How to measure

1. Measure over the clothes that will be worn underneath on the job.
2. Chest: around the fullest part, under the arms, tape level.
3. Height: standing in work boots, from the floor to the top of the head.
4. Inseam (if the chart lists it): crotch to the floor.
5. Find the size where both chest and height fit. If they fall in different sizes, choose the larger.
6. Try the suit on and do the movement checks below.

Measurement guide

Movement checks

• Reach both arms overhead. Wrists should stay covered.
• Squat fully. The seat and crotch should not pull tight.
• Bend and touch the toes. The back should not split or bare the waist.

Key points

• For chemical suits, gloves, boots and respirator must interface with the suit. Taping or attached socks and gloves change the size needed.
• Disposable suits have little stretch. Size up rather than down.
• ANSI/ISEA 103 classifies chemical protective clothing by performance. Size does not change class, but splits and gaps defeat it.
• FR coveralls should fit loosely enough to leave an air gap, as the maker advises.

Common mistakes

• Sizing by waist like work pants.
• Measuring a worker in a T-shirt for a winter job.
• Rolling up long sleeves or legs, which traps contaminants.
• Ordering one size for the whole crew.

Governing standards: ANSI/ISEA 103; 29 CFR 1910.132.

Reference only. Verify against the current governing code or standard, the manufacturer's data and the project documents before use. Apps for Distributors disclaims liability arising from reliance on this reference.