Oop, you’re totally right! I have a bad habit of forgetting to refer to my reference
I’ll see what I can do about correcting this. Right now, the front and back of the vest aren’t actually attached, which is why you might have noticed me keeping my upper arm pretty close in. This might have the effect of bulging out the front, making the center seem even higher.
As for practicality… the metrocop really is a rather impractical design, especially compared to the soldiers. But, like you said— that’s costumes!
That's what led me to compulsively checking my measurements quite literally every 10 seconds, try to find a balance between now and me lol.
The Metrocop really isn't that impractical if you compare it to most modern police/soldiers, a protective mask/respirator, a bulletproof/flak vest over most vital organs, an undercoat which could be stab proof looking at it, multiple utility belts for tools or weapons, etc. Sure it may not be the most comfortable or flexible thing ever, but it serves its one purpose; protecting the wearer from harm.
Anyways, restraining my militaria collecting side for a moment, looking at the way you've constructed the vest it shouldn't be hard to remove just the tiles in question, retrace and reupholster them. You've got a very good costume ahead of you!