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A bulletproof vest is body armor designed to fit around your torso to protect you from projectiles like bullets or fragmentation from explosives. When you're looking at bulletproof vests, you're typically looking at either soft body armor or a plate carrier. While they're both types of body armor, they're designed for different purposes.
Soft body armor is designed using lightweight fabrics layered to reduce the impact of a bullet. It's designed so you can wear it under a shirt or in an outer carrier. A plate carrier is typically worn over clothes and as the name implies, it holds a ballistics plate. In addition to carrying the life-saving feature, most plate carriers double as load-bearing vests.
Is it illegal to wear body armor in public?
The legality of body armor is largely a state issue. In most states, it's legal for civilians who do not have a felony conviction to buy and own body armor. However, in some states, it's illegal to wear it in public (except for law enforcement). It's best practice to check your local and state laws before wearing body armor in public.
What size body armor is correct for me?
It depends. Soft body armor is usually tailored for the individual, but some manufacturers make general sizes like small, medium, and large. If you plan to buy a general size, just double check that the dimensions match your measurements.
For plate carriers, it's different. While they usually come in general sizes as well, the armor plate size is more important because it's the part that will protect your body. The right size plate carrier is the one that can hold the dimensions of your armor plate. For more on that, check out our Plate Carrier Sizing Guide.
What do the levels of body armor mean and which level is right for me?
The National Institute of Justice, or NIJ, developed a rating system to convey standards, so buyers, mainly law enforcement, have an easier time understanding the level of protection a bulletproof vest will provide. NIJ ratings range from common handgun calibers to medium-bore rifle cartridges.
| Type 2A (IIA) | |
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| Type 2 (II) | |
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| Type 3A (IIIA) | |
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| Type 3 (III) | |
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| Type 4 (IV) | |
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