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The figures are clear: in ten years, knife attacks in Europe have exploded, rising from tens of thousands of annual cases to record levels in France, Germany, and the United Kingdom in particular. This phenomenon, fueled by political, social, and demographic factors, is the sad daily reality of entrenched, growing, and lasting insecurity across all of these countries.
In this context, fashion is evolving. It can no longer be just aesthetic: it is becoming functional and protective. The V007 jacket from VEST PARIS , both bulletproof and stab-proof, elegant and high-end, embodies this new era where your everyday clothing becomes a real armor.
Europe faces an unprecedented climate of violence
For the past ten years, Europe has been undergoing a profound transformation in its relationship with security. In the streets of Paris, London, Berlin, and Stockholm, incidents of knife attacks and urban violence have multiplied, fueling a growing sense of anxiety. This feeling is not solely emotional: official figures confirm a steady increase in intentional attacks on physical integrity in many countries.
According to Eurostat , the European Union recorded nearly 3,930 intentional homicides in 2023, compared to around 3,600 ten years earlier. At the same time, sexual violence jumped by 79% between 2013 and 2023, and rape more than doubled.
This security climate partly explains the rise of a hitherto marginal market: that of urban protective clothing . Elegant bulletproof jackets, high-end stab-proof parkas, reinforced bags... Once reserved for law enforcement, this equipment is now of interest to a wider civilian clientele: business executives, international travelers, public figures, but also city dwellers keen to protect themselves with discreet security solutions .
Ten years of rising violence in Europe
All the figures detailed here are official data from the relevant states. They are not biased by any ideology, but simply reflect real facts and undeniable statistics.
The situation in France
The report indicates that intentional assault and battery outside the family increased from 227,000 in 2016 to more than 384,000 in 2023 , an increase of almost 70% in seven years.
Regarding knife attacks , a parliamentary question in the Senate revealed that 44,000 victims were recorded between 2015 and 2017, representing nearly 120 attacks per day. More recently, the National Police recorded 10,397 knife attacks in 2024 in the national police zone alone, representing approximately 28 incidents per day.
Germany and the surge in knife attacks
In Germany, the trend is similar. The Federal Ministry of the Interior published figures in 2024 showing 8,951 serious knife attacks in 2023 , compared to 8,160 in 2022. In ten years, the number of serious stab wounds has almost doubled. Large cities like Berlin and Hamburg are particularly affected, especially in train stations and public spaces.
The United Kingdom, at the heart of the “knife crime” crisis
Across the Channel, the data is even more alarming. According to Reuters reports that knife crime in England and Wales has risen 87% in a decade . The Office for National Statistics reported 244 knife homicides for the year ending March 2023 , the highest level since records began.
Evolution of violence in Europe (2013–2024)
Here is a summary table of the main statistics available over the past decade. These data, from Eurostat, the French Ministry of the Interior, the Senate, Le Monde , the Guardian , and AP News, illustrate the general increase in violence:
Table – Evolution of violence in Europe (2013–2024)
|
Year |
France - Intentional assault and battery (outside the family) |
France - Knife attacks (national police zone) |
Germany - Knife attacks |
UK - Knife/bladed weapon offenses |
UK - Knife homicides |
EU - Intentional homicides |
|
2013 |
|
|
4500.0 |
25000.0 |
130.0 |
|
|
2016 |
227000.0 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
2020 |
300000.0 |
|
7000.0 |
40000.0 |
220.0 |
3600.0 |
|
2023 |
384100.0 |
|
8951.0 |
47000.0 |
244.0 |
3930.0 |
|
2024 |
|
10397.0 |
|
|
|
|
This table highlights several strong trends: the increase of almost 70% in assaults and battery in France, the explosion of knife-related offenses in the United Kingdom (+87% in ten years), and the doubling of knife attacks in Germany since 2014.
Chart – Increase in knife attacks and physical violence in Europe
The curve clearly shows the parallel progression of physical violence in France and knife attacks in Germany and the United Kingdom. This European dynamic is therefore not simply a result of a feeling of insecurity, but of a measurable evolution over time.
The causes of a multifaceted phenomenon
The increase in violence can be explained by a combination of factors. Laxity and ideological blindness of certain policies that have been aggravating the situation for 50 years, parental education, permanently communitarian neighborhoods, an explosion of delinquency linked to trafficking of all kinds, a Justice system sometimes out of step with reality, values and a way of life that are disappearing, etc. Not to mention the official data published in Germany, France, England and Sweden also showing an overrepresentation of young men from recent immigration among the perpetrators of knife attacks. So a cultural importation affecting increasingly younger people.
Bladed weapons are a particular danger because they are legal, cheap, and ubiquitous, unlike more strictly controlled firearms.
Regarding the justice system mentioned above, the slowness of legal proceedings and the relatively weak penalties for carrying knives are often criticized. Several experts from all sides point out that this situation reduces the deterrent effect of criminal law and perpetuates the feeling of insecurity.
When fashion becomes protection
The global market for ballistic and stab protection is booming. According to Global Market Insights , it is valued at $15 billion in 2024 and could exceed $26 billion in 2033. The civilian bulletproof jackets and stab-resistant clothing segment is one of the fastest growing, particularly in Europe where the demand for stylish urban safety clothing is growing rapidly.
Technological innovations have profoundly transformed these products. High-strength fibers like Kevlar , aramid, and Dyneema guarantee protection against bullets and blades. But the real breakthrough lies in the ability to integrate these materials into jackets that retain a high-end urban aesthetic.
This movement is part of the Quiet Luxury trend , which values discreet elegance and noble materials rather than ostentation. The discreet bulletproof jacket thus becomes a high-end security fashion piece, both practical and refined.
The V007 jacket from VEST PARIS, elegance as armor
In this context, VEST PARIS stands out as a pioneer. The Parisian fashion house understands that urban bulletproof and stab-resistant clothing cannot resemble military armor. The protection must remain invisible to be "wearable" on a daily basis, socially acceptable, and in keeping with the codes of contemporary ready-to-wear.
The iconic V007 bulletproof and blade-resistant model from VEST PARIS , certified NIJ IIIA, exemplifies this vision. It offers discreet protection against handguns and knife attacks, while boasting an elegant cut and premium finishes in Loro Piana fabric. Today, it is the leading bulletproof vest in Europe in its segment.
Aware that the price of such equipment places it at the very high end of the market, VEST PARIS now offers payment solutions in installments and even daily bulletproof vest rentals. This unique offer in Europe allows travelers, executives, and individuals to benefit from exceptional protection, even on an ad hoc basis.
FAQ – Bulletproof Jackets and Blade-Proof Clothing in Europe
Does stab-resistant clothing stop all blades?
Stab-resistant clothing is designed to resist knife stabs and vertical punctures. However, depending on the standard chosen, it may be more or less effective against certain types of blades (pointed, serrated, or improvised sharp objects). The V007 jacket from VEST PARIS combines several technical layers tested to provide optimal protection against the majority of knife attacks encountered in urban environments.
What is the difference between a stab-resistant vest and a stab-resistant jacket?
A stab-resistant vest is often visible, worn over clothing, and reserved for law enforcement or security officers. Conversely, a stylish stab-resistant jacket like the V007 from VEST PARIS is discreet and can be worn like classic urban clothing. It allows you to stay protected while maintaining a simple, high-end appearance, in keeping with the Quiet Luxury trend.
Is it legal to buy a bulletproof jacket in France?
Yes. In France, NIJ Level IIIA bulletproof and stab-resistant clothing (designed to protect against handguns and blades) is legal for private purchase and possession. However, military-grade protection (capable of stopping assault rifles, Level IV) is reserved for the armed forces and law enforcement.
How much does a stylish, low-profile bulletproof jacket cost?
A high-end NIJ IIIA-certified bulletproof vest typically costs several thousand euros, depending on the materials used (Kevlar, Dyneema, premium fabrics like Loro Piana) and the level of protection. The V007 jacket from VEST PARIS , the European leader in the segment, is available for purchase with payment facilities in several installments.
Can you rent a bulletproof vest for a one-off occasion?
Yes. VEST PARIS offers daily bulletproof vest rentals . This solution allows business travelers, executives, or individuals to access exceptional protection for a specific trip or event, without having to invest in a purchase right away.
Does a bulletproof vest also protect against knives?
It all depends on the model. Conventional ballistic vests are designed to resist bullets, but not necessarily blades. The V007 jacket from VEST PARIS combines knife- and bullet-proof protection , making it particularly suitable for the risks encountered in major European cities.
Why do we talk about “high-end security mode”?
Because new generations of protective clothing are no longer just about being effective: they must also be elegant, discreet and comfortable . Inspired by the Quiet Luxury trend, the VEST PARIS V007 illustrates this evolution by transforming personal safety into a lifestyle experience.