Women's Safari Vests

Page Updated: Feb 2025

Women's safari vests are ideal garments to wear for African hunting, travel and sight-seeing trips. It is an easy layer to add to your safari outfit, fitting over your shirt or under a jacket. With the right number and configuration of pockets, you might even be able to leave your handbag behind when you go walking in the bush.

Being originally an item of men's clothing, some women may think a safari vest won't suit them or fit properly, especially if they have larger busts, tummies or hips.

For a large bust, choose a vest made of a thinner fabric that fits your bust perfectly but with an adjustable tie at the back so you can nip it in at the waist to give shape.
For large hips and tummies, select a vest that is looser fitting that does not look too boxy. Take care with the length of the vest - too short and your tummy and hips will be accentuated, too long and it may not fasten over your hips.

Choosing A Good Women's Safari Vest

A safari vest needs to be comfortable for possibly many hours of wear. Get the length of the vest right for you - if you have bulky gear in the lower pockets, sitting down can be awkward if the vest is too long - especially driving in a hunting truck when all the things start to bounce on your knees.
A vest with an adjustable waist belt will help control the movement of bulky gear in the pockets.
Made of lightweight natural or hi-tech fabric that will be sweat absorbent, breathable and quiet if wearing it while hunting.
Good strong seams that won't rip with heavy items in the pockets.
Cooling features possibly vents and mesh.
Optional zip-on long sleeves to convert to a jacket.
Pockets - better to be button closure rather than velcro which can be noisy. Too many pockets can be a disadvantage for hunting if you can't remember where you put something and have to rummage through all 21 pockets to find it.
Check the distribution and size of pockets in a safari vest - if you can only put heavier or larger things in the lower front pockets, this may uncomfortably pull the vest down tight on your neck and shoulders.
Lined, waterproof pockets may be preferable if you are going to carry a camera, lenses or sunglasses/reading glasses. This will protect them against rain or sweat.
Other optional features - cartridge loops, front shoulder padding for shooting and padding on top of shoulder for carrying your rifle comfortably.
Khaki, green, brown colours rather than white or any bright colour.