Abstract: A body jacket closure for a two-part rigid or semi-rigid body jacket which includes an anterior section and a posterior section cooperatively structured to support the spine and abdominal region of the torso. The closure includes flexible fabric side panels connectable between corresponding spaced lateral edges of the anterior and posterior sections. A strap arrangement is also provided which applies additional adjustable tensioning between the body jacket sections against the torso, causing the anterior section to lift and compress the abdominal region to relieve spinal loading, and to draw the posterior section forwardly against the spine.