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How do I size disposable clothing/suits?
WHAT COVERALL SIZE AND TYPE IS RIGHT FOR ME?
Sizing disposable coveralls and Suits
The chart below offers up an easy way to choose the right size for your coverall product. Remember, going a size or two larger is generally not a problem. However, going down a size, can present problems.
Suit design & seam methods
Coveralls also come with several different seam types, and this is important (critical in fact) depending on the material you are trying to protect yourself from. Seam types in hazmat suits are important because as described below, each seam type is designed to protect against specific types of materials. The more robust the seam style, the more expensive the suit tends to be. Of important consideration are whether you are dealing with dry goods, or liquids. Liquids will require a bound seam or better, and depending on the quantity of the liquid present, may require a sealed or heat sealed seam type. If you will be immersing the suit into liquids, a heat sealed seam is critical. If you are preventing contact with potentially fatal or health threatening materials, you will want to consult the MSDS sheet, the manufacturer, or your safety officer for more precise criteria.
Seam Types
Serged Seam
A serged seam joins two pieces of material with a thread stitch that interlocks. This is an economical stitching method for general applications. Chemical protective clothing generally does not employ this stitching method. It is more commonly found on limited use clothing where dry particulates are of a concern.
Sewn and Bound Seam
This seam joins two pieces of material with an overlay of similar material and is chain stitched through all of the layers for a clean, finished edge. This provides increased holdout of liquids and dry particulates.
Heat Sealed Seam
A heat-sealed seam is sewn and then sealed with heat-activated tape. This method provides liquid-proof seams and is especially useful for Level A and B chemical protective clothing.
