Ed I bought one of the inflatables last year. Like you I would never wear one. Since I bought it I have it on all the time when I'm solo and don't mind it at all. They are not cheap but well worth it. It will inflate as soon as I hit the water. ( I hope) Wish I could tell you what kind I got but it's up by the lake in the boat.
I paid about $170.00 for it.
Glen