Toronto, Canada

My IH vest arrived today - but I inadvertently ordered an XL instead of a XXL (which is my usual IH Work Shirt size). I took a photo of the XL vest superimposed on an XXL IH Chambray shirt, and they both measure close to 23" P2P. I tired some fit pictures over that same IH XXL Chambray Work Shirt - and though it seems ok, it will be too snug if it shrinks a little - which makes me wonder if I should consider sizing up to an XXL (which would measure 24" P2P and probably shrink a little to say 23 1/2" - which would be perfect). What do you think?
I put on my lightweight N1 Deck Jacket (an XL) over it making an Iron Heart Tuxedo!

Many thanks for your replies @Anesthetist & @ARNC.
This will be my first vest so I have nothing to compare to.
I think that your reasoning @ARNC is very sound about the P2P measurement being a little higher on the body than other vests due to a smaller arm opening. I will therefore go with my work shirt size XXL instead of sizing down to XL. And this will leave room for a Chambray shirt and t-shirt underneath.
In my experience all IH products shrink a little after washing even in cold water, so best not to go too small.

Thx - I'm in Canada - it is not a good time to be buying from the US...

I spent this past cold Toronto winter wearing the wool/alpaca lined version of the Iron Heart N1 Deck Jacket - and it is a fantastic cold weather garment down to even -15C.

After seeing the excellent video by Urban Lad

I looked for the unlined version and was happy to find one remaining end-of-season item in Calgary at Brooklyn Clothing. It is perfect weight for late winter early spring weather such as the 8C day we had yesterday, and will be good for fall.

I sized down from XXL to XL (the only size left and too far away to try on), and it fits well over a denim shirt with a T underneath or with room for a light sweater or vest. The lined version is much more substantial, warmer, and thicker and has a smaller internal volume for its size due to the much thicker lining. For the unlined version I would suggest sizing down as it is much thinner and so the internal volume is greater relative to its size compared to the lined version.

If you live in a colder climate where the lined version of the IH N1 Deck Jacket serves you well, adding the unlined version to your wardrobe will become a favourite for less cold weather in the spring and fall. They are both essential interpretations of the N1 Deck Jacket.

And if you live in a climate that is too warm for the lined deck jacket, this could be perfect for you.

@ARNC Thank you - and for you too!

Many thanks @goosehd - much appreciated!

Even though I wash IH products in cold water and hang to dry, they do shrink a small amount the first time even though they have been one-washed.

@ARNC Looks wonderful - even without the purple tie! Good fit. Enjoy!

Many thanks for the explanations - I managed to snag a pair of 1955s earlier today in my usual size, all my other IH jeans being 888s in 14, 18 and 21oz.

Many thanks @jordanscollected - much appreciated. This is my first ever vest, so it is good to hear from experienced forum members.

@neph93 Many thanks for your advice. Comparing the pictures of the two vests I see what you mean about the arm hole openings going lower on the Brown Duck vest compared to the Olive Hunting vest.

Comparing the measurements of the two vest in XL, the opening (waist) of the Brown Duck is a touch slimmer (21.4 vs 22.6") and shorter in front (25.6 vs 26.4") than the Olive Hunting Vest.

I guess there is only one way to find out...

This vest appears to be cut much slimmer than the Olive 12oz Duck Canvas Hunting Vest. For example an XL is 21.4" vs. 23" P2P for the Olive vest.

I own only one vest (the Olive Duck Canvas Hunting Vest) and I am confused about how to pick vest sizes vs shirt sizes as the vests generally tend to be cut much slimmer than their respective shirt sizes. Without having the luxury of trying on the vest, how do you choose the correct size? What is the key measurement that you go by?

I spent this past cold Toronto winter wearing the wool/alpaca lined version of the Iron Heart N1 Deck Jacket - and it is a fantastic cold weather garment down to even -15C.

After seeing the excellent video by Urban Lad

I looked for the unlined version and was happy to find one remaining end-of-season item in Calgary at Brooklyn Clothing. It is perfect weight for late winter early spring weather such as the 8C day we had yesterday, and will be good for fall.

I sized down from XXL to XL (the only size left and too far away to try on), and it fits well over a denim shirt with a T underneath or with room for a light sweater or vest. The lined version is much more substantial, warmer, and thicker and has a smaller internal volume for its size due to the much thicker lining. For the unlined version I would suggest sizing down as it is much thinner and so the internal volume is greater relative to its size compared to the lined version.

If you live in a colder climate where the lined version of the IH N1 Deck Jacket serves you well, adding the unlined version to your wardrobe will become a favourite for less cold weather in the spring and fall. They are both essential interpretations of the N1 Deck Jacket.

And if you live in a climate that is too warm for the lined deck jacket, this could be perfect for you.

@ARNC Looks wonderful - even without the purple tie! Good fit. Enjoy!

@neph93 Looks good on you - great fit - enjoy!

I never wear new clothing without washing it first - working in front-line healthcare through a pandemic will cure you of not washing your clothes...

I washed the Olive Duck Canvas vest in cold water and hung it to try. Before and after measurements of a size XL showed slight shrinkage with washing of 1/4" P2P, 1/4" waist, and 1/4" in length. That's a shrinkage of only 1.1% P2P. It still fits, but does feel a touch snugger. I imagine it will relax with time and use.

Toronto, Canada

Thank you @neph93 and @will6er - much appreciated! I will give this whole vest thing a try...

Many thanks @jordanscollected - much appreciated. This is my first ever vest, so it is good to hear from experienced forum members.

Many thanks @goosehd - much appreciated!

Even though I wash IH products in cold water and hang to dry, they do shrink a small amount the first time even though they have been one-washed.