What is Soft Body Armor? Here's 8 Facts You Need to Know!

The world can be a perilous place with dangers to life and liberty around every corner. To improve survival, humanity has long relied on soft materials for protection. This ranges from natural options like animal hides and plant vines to synthetic materials like silk and ballistic nylon. However, it wasn't until the early 1970s, when two wonder materials were discovered, that soft body armor truly became widespread. So, what is soft body armor?

From us at Bulletproof Zone, we're taking a closer look at modern soft body armor—what it's made of, how effective it is, who uses it, and much more.

But, let’s back up a minute first…

What is Soft Body Armor?

It’s one of the two kinds of body armor (the other, no prizes for guessing, is hard armor).

As such, soft armor gear is specially engineered to defend against physical attacks. Namely, it protects from one or more of the following threats:

• Bullets
• Exploding munitions
• Knives/spikes
• Tasers/stun guns
• Punches/kicks
• Improvised weapons like a rock, chair leg, metal pipe, or broken glass bottle

Not to mention, soft body armor has even been proven to protect the occupants of a vehicle in the event of a road crash.

Soft body armor primarily includes protective clothing and headgear. However, it also comes in non-wearable forms.

Rather than rigid from using hard substances (like steel or ceramic), soft armor is cushiony and supple. That’s because it’s crafted from high-tech man-made threads.

What is Soft Body Armor Made of?

The fabrics that make up soft armor are composed of fibers that are woven, laminated, or a combo of the two.

All these materials feature an exceptionally high strength-to-weight ratio while remaining flexible. Each type and grade of fiber offers its own distinct properties.

The first family of soft armor materials is aromatic polyamides or aramids for short. The most well-known of these fibers is Kevlar, first produced by DuPont in 1965. It remains the standout material for soft armor today.

The next most common para-aramid used in soft armor is Twaron by Teijin.

Another key material used in soft armor is Ultra-High Molecular Weight Polyethylene (also known as High-Modulus Polyethylene or HMPE).

It was cooked up purely by chance at a DSM laboratory in 1963. Their Dyneema brand along with Honeywell’s Spectra and Gold Flex are now the go-to UHMWPE materials used in soft armor.

In the past, soft armor was made from a single type of fiber, known as 'monolithic.' Today, it's typically a composite that combines multiple layers of aramid fibers with layers of UHMWPE fibers that work together.

The final product consists of anywhere from a few to several dozen layers stacked on top of each other.

How Does Soft Body Armor Work?

In practice, the fibers in the 'strike face' of a soft armor panel or plate act like an ultra-strong web. When a bullet makes contact, it's physically caught in this fibrous net. Additionally, the bullet’s tip flattens, or 'mushrooms' reduces its potential for harm.

Within a split second, the fabric forces the bullet to change direction multiple times and drains most of its impact energy. As a result, significantly less force is transferred to the body or head. The remaining energy is distributed across the entire surface of the soft armor. This prevents it from being concentrated in a single, small area.

How Effective is Soft Body Armor?

Nearly all soft body armor is designed to protect against bullets. Unlike military spec soft armor, the performance of that for law enforcement and civilians differs.

The most internationally recognized standard for ballistic resistance is the United States NIJ-STD 0101.06. Soft body armor is assigned one of three ratings depending on how bullet-resistant it is.

Among the three, NIJ Level IIA and NIJ Level II bring the least protection and are the least sought-after.

NIJ Level IIIA Body Armor

Although slightly more expensive, stiffer, and bulkier than Level IIA and Level II armor, Level IIIA soft armor is now the most widely recommended. In pristine condition, Level IIIA armor is lab-tested to stop multiple hits from most small arms. This includes all those covered by Level IIA and Level II ratings. It also covers .357 SIG Full Metal Jacket Flat Nose (FMJ FN) and .44 Magnum Semi-Jacketed Hollow-Point (SJHP) pistol calibers.

While not an official rating, some soft body armor is marketed as Level IIIA+. This indicates that it can stop Level IIIA threats and additional "special threats" specified by the manufacturer, such as Liberty Civil Defense 9mm and FN 5.7x28mm rounds.

Despite its effectiveness against small arms, even the highest-rated Level IIIA body armor offers no defense against higher velocity rounds like rifle cartridges. These rounds can easily penetrate soft armor. To protect against rifle fire, hard armor inserts, known as NIJ Level III or Level IV rifle plates, are necessary.

Additionally, soft body armor generally provides limited protection against bladed or sharp-tipped weapons. Since soft armor is typically made of fabric, knives, and spikes can cut or pierce through it. However, some soft armor panels or plates are reinforced with hard materials and rated for stab resistance according to NIJ-STD 0115.00 Levels 1, 2, or 3.

Lastly, most soft body armor cannot withstand an electroshock weapon discharge. The few that can have a specialized fabric layer that directs the electric current through the lining.

Does Soft Body Armor Expire?

Just like textiles in day-to-day garments, Kevlar and UHMWPE naturally break down over time. Manufacturers typically bring a 5-year warranty on soft armor, starting from the date it leaves the production line.

After that period, soft armor doesn’t immediately stop functioning. However, there’s no guarantee that it’ll continue offering the same degree of protection.

It's less about the age of the armor and more about how it's used. If soft armor isn’t properly maintained, stored correctly, or frequently worn, its lifespan will be shortened.

 

Similarly, exposure to extreme temperatures, moisture, and ultraviolet rays can degrade the fibers. These can lower its protective capabilities and may necessitate replacement.

Additionally, if soft armor takes a hit, even once, it should be replaced. A second strike in the same or nearby area could likely penetrate the armor and put the wearer at risk.

What Soft Body Armor Products Are Available?

Due to its materials being lightweight and flexible, soft armor is unbelievably versatile.

Hence the bumper variety of protective wear and other merch featuring it. Here’s a run-down:

• Stabproof vests - like those from PPSS Group and SafeGuard Armor.
• Bulletproof vests - such as from BulletSafe and EnGarde.
• Bulletproof clothing - from tees, tank tops, shirts, and hoodies to pants, lab coats, denim jackets, and three-piece suits. The biggest labels are BulletBlocker and MC Armor.
• Plate carriers - top plate carrier makers include Crye Precision and Shellback Tactical.
• A few models of chest rig - for example, the Condor Modular Chest Rig.
• Bulletproof masks and visors - facial armor from Atomic Defense stands out.
• Combat helmets - most popularly from Legacy SS and Gentex Ops-Core.
• Bulletproof backpacks - highlight brands are Guard Dog Security and TuffyPacks.
• Ballistic shields and blankets - such as those from Police Ballistic Shield.

Who Uses Soft Body Armor?

Military

Military personnel frequently face a broad range of extreme threats head-on. Hence, their body armor is typically rigged with hard plates. To achieve the maximum level of protection, the hard armor inserts are used In Conjunction With [ICW] Level IIIA soft armor. On the other hand, ballistic helmets issued to protect armed forces operators are almost invariably constructed of soft armor materials.

Law Enforcement

Police tactical units such as SWAT and DEA, typically use hard armor plates paired with soft armor backers for added protection. In contrast, reserve and regular officers generally rely on soft armor vests to shield against handgun fire. Thanks to the lightweight nature of soft armor, these vests can be worn comfortably for long periods. They can also concealed under plain clothes or uniforms. This allows street cops to avoid alarming the public and undercover detectives to maintain a low profile.

Corrections officers and courthouse bailiffs also opt for concealed soft body armor. Since the primary threat in these settings comes from makeshift knives and spikes, their vests are typically stab-resistant rather than bulletproof.

 

In both the military and police forces, personnel on door-breaching missions sometimes use bulletproof shields and ballistic masks. Most of which are made from NIJ Level IIIA soft armor. Bomb disposal technicians frequently wear ballistic visors made from Kevlar or UHMWPE to protect against blast fragments.

Lastly, military and police K9 units are equipped with harnesses fitted with soft armor inserts to protect the dogs in the line of duty.

Civilians

Private citizens from all walks of life and of all ages equip themselves with soft body armor.

For their job:

• Other first responders (ambulance crews and firefighters)
• Security guards
• Armored truck drivers
• Transit workers
• Cash machine repairers
• Bank and store employees
• Bail bondsmen
• Overseas journalists

As part of their hobby:

• Shoot at the range, on a training course, or in competition
• Hunting

In case things go wrong or a disaster occurs.:

• Home Defense
• Disaster/emergency preparedness
• Living in a high-risk neighborhood or else off-grid
• At school

Is it Legal to Buy & Wear Soft Body Armor?

According to U.S. law, as long as you're 18 or older and haven't been convicted of a violent felony, it’s completely legal to purchase, own, and wear soft body armor in public.

The only exceptions are:

• The TSA ruling that private citizens aren’t permitted to wear body armor of any sort at an airport or onboard a commercial flight.
• A few states add their own twist on federal body armor laws.

New York Soft Body Armor Ban

As fallout from the latest spate of mass shootings, Senate Bill S9407B was pushed through. Now, the sale and shipment of ‘body vests’ (defined in state law as ‘bullet-resistant soft body armor’) throughout New York is barred outright.

Unless that is, you happen to work in the military, law enforcement, or ’other professions designated by the Department of State’.

For the time being at least, everyday local residents are okay to still own and wear soft body armor.

In many other countries just like in America, it's equally legal to purchase and wear soft body armor.

• Chile
• China
• Hong Kong
• India
• Japan
• Mexico
• Russia
• South Africa
• South Korea
• The European Union (though each member country may impose its own restrictions further to EU regs)
• The United Kingdom
• Turkey

Whereas a special license is needed to buy and/or wear body armor in these places:

• Argentina
• Brazil
• Thailand
• Several Canadian provinces
• Most Australian states/territories

In the last 5-ish decades, soft body armor has provided life-saving protection for untold military, law enforcement, and ordinary folk all over the planet.

Protect yourself by grabbing soft armor from Bulletproof Zone and benefit from our:

• Price match guarantee
• Safe payment system
• Military and Law Enforcement/First Responder discounts
• Financing options
• Complimentary shipping in the U.S. on all orders over 100 bucks
• Hassle-free returns

Bulletproof Zone offers top-tier tactical gear and body armor, including bulletproof vests, backpacks, and clothing. With over 5 years of expertise, we bring trusted protection solutions for civilians and professionals alike. Find the body armor you need now for ultimate safety and peace of mind!

Do you have a question on soft body armor or your experience thereof you'd like to share? Go for it in the comments section below!