Except for specific areas return edge is not a requirement, nor is it canon. There are plenty of areas on the movie suits where there was no or very little return edge. It all comes down to preference and/or how the armor fits your body. If you have a thin body and still have good mobility without excessive chafing then leave the return edge on, if not remove it as needed. Other info, canon connecting brackets require a return edge to mount to, snaps do not. When in doubt ask