By Todd Herring
When measuring your crew for new bunker gear or outfitting the newest team member, each ensemble must be accurately sized to ensure a proper fit that provides the best mobility and protection for the person wearing it. The following advice can help you take correct measurements head-to-toe, so you can take the best care of your people.
Setup
With advance scheduling most fire departments can size their crews in just a day or two. Be sure to have the following items on hand to capture all the information you will need including:
- A good tape measure (or two)
- A Brannock Device® (for measuring footwear)
- A detailed checklist (for consistency for each ensemble)
Allow at least 30 minutes for each fitting session and instruct participants to come dressed as they normally would when reporting for duty (complete with any undergarments, toolbelts or other accessories normally worn on the body). If your department operates in a cold weather region, be sure to factor for any type of thick, insulating underlayers that might be worn during winter months that can cause gear to suddenly feel tight or uncomfortable.
Sizing
Before you size, be sure to note:
- All measurements should be taken with the person’s arms at their sides in an “at ease” stance
- Measure twice, but if you do err, it is preferrable to err on the side of “too long” (inseams and sleeves especially)
Always take extra time and care to record correct measurements as 10 minutes now can make a difference for your crew for a decade to come. The following guidelines are for outfitting men and women with bunker gear:
Chest
Measure loosely over clothing around the fullest part of the chest and below the arms with arms at rest. For broad shoulders or muscled arms and/or back, an over-the-T-shirt arm/chest measurement is helpful. As a common practice, add 4 inches to your measurement.
- If an individual’s midsection is considerably larger than their chest you should document these differences when ordering gear. A coat measuring 46 inches on the top and bottom, for instance, may not comfortably fit a person having a larger-size abdomen. Some manufacturers give customers the option to increase the hem and sleeve area of their coat up to a 10-inch differential of the chest size.
Bust (females only)
Measure over clothing, around the fullest part of the bust and below the arms with arms at rest.
Sleeve
Measure sleeve lengths from the middle of the back, from the vertebrae at the base of the neck, over the shoulder to the point on the hand that is required (generally to the thumb crotch). Longer is usually recommended for better protection. Do not bend the arms.
- For individuals with particularly large hands and/or forearms, a wider cuff can make it much easier to insert one’s arms through the sleeves.
Waist
Waist is measured at the point where pants will be worn. Add 4 inches to normal waist size. Bigger is usually better for fit and comfort. The inside of the pants at the waist will measure the dimension you place on the order (32 inches, 34 inches, etc.).
Hips (females only)
Measure at the widest point.
Inseam
Measure from the crotch seam (inside leg) to the top of the ankle. For baggy pants, be sure to pull the crotch up tight before taking your measurement. Inseam is measured from the crotch to the point on the foot that is required. For better fit and comfort, choose a shorter length than you usually wear. Standard inseam is 28 inches to 30 inches.
Suspenders
Suspenders are measured from the rear suspender post over the top of the shoulder to the front suspender post. Correct-rise pants and rear bib size need to be used.
Gloves
The NFPA quick reference chart is a helpful guide for sizing structural fire gloves. It breaks down how NFPA sizes compare to most standard glove sizes:
STANDARD SIZING XS SM MD LG XL 2XL
NFPA SIZING 70N 70W 76N 76W 82N 82W
Boots
Use a Brannock Device to take the most accurate measurement (do not automatically assume one’s boot size based on their response alone).
Find Your Fit
Fire gear that fits properly is better able to protect the wearer as intended. Taking careful steps to correctly size your crew is the place to start. And where opportunity allows, there are advantages to working with your gear supplier to arrange a wear trial that takes all considerations into account. Doing so can help you meet your department’s unique needs.
TODD HERRING is vice president of product innovation and strategy at Fire-Dex.
