Here, every article is written by those who believe that bulletproof and stab-proof vests can be reinvented: welcome to VEST PARIS , where elegance and innovation discreetly meet.
The concept of a designer bulletproof vest isn't a natural marriage, but it's nonetheless a possible challenge to overcome. In principle, bulletproof vests, discretion, and design are not compatible. At VEST PARIS, we have met this challenge with the V007 jacket , our city jacket with integrated ballistic protection. But if it's a discreet bulletproof jacket, there's also the discreet bulletproof vest; what we call the discreet wear vest.
The Limits of the Classic Bulletproof Vest
Here are the reasons why users who are not accustomed to wearing a bulletproof vest no longer want or can wear one:
The vest is visible, it is not discreet and therefore there is no longer any element of surprise.
The vest is unsightly
The vest is heavy, uncomfortable, bulky
Wearing it for a long time is tiring and not breathable
Removing it by the head when there is no longer any risk is a tedious and unnatural gesture.
So what are the solutions for maintaining your style while wearing body armor?
The keys to designing a bulletproof vest
When designing a bulletproof vest, several aspects can be considered, combining aesthetics and functionality. Here are some ideas:
Use high-quality materials that create a luxurious feel while maintaining the necessary ballistic resistance. This can include using quality leather, premium fabrics, or even elegant metal accessories.
Opt for a sleek cut and a fitted silhouette that flatters your figure while maintaining a low profile. A bulletproof vest can be designed to contour to the body, avoiding a bulky appearance.
Choose timeless, subtle, and elegant colors that can help integrate the vest into various outfits without compromising style.
Opt for minimalist details rather than overly flashy elements.
Turn a vest into a jacket.
Design the vest so that it can be easily integrated into different outfits, whether over a shirt or under a jacket, while maintaining a stylish appearance.
Explore technical innovations that can make the vest lighter, more flexible and more comfortable, while maintaining high standards in terms of ballistic protection.
Choosing the right technology
The first instinct is to choose a lightweight and flexible technology. Aramid is the best solution to date. A very strong and lightweight synthetic polymer, used in the manufacture of bulletproof vests. The best-known aramid is Kevlar, developed by DuPont.
Made up of long, aligned molecular chains, Kevlar offers exceptional protection and tensile strength, five times greater than steel of equal weight. Its flexible, lightweight structure makes it possible to create body armor that provides protection against bullets, blades, and other projectiles.
This fiber is famous for its ability to absorb the kinetic energy of bullets by deforming its molecular structure, thus slowing the progress of projectiles and reducing the impact on the wearer.
Kevlar is widely used in the manufacture of bulletproof vests of various protection levels for law enforcement, military personnel and other professionals subject to ballistic risks, offering an unmatched combination of strength, flexibility and lightness to ensure vital protection.
The bulletproof vest worn discreetly
Despite their high protection, these vests are designed to allow maximum freedom of movement. They are often adjustable and customizable to adapt to different body shapes and operational situations.
Many elite vests feature MOLLE (Modular Lightweight Load-carrying Equipment) systems for attaching various equipment and accessories, such as ammunition pouches, medical kits, and tactical tools. These vests are often made from advanced materials like Kevlar, Dyneema, or other aramid fibers to provide ballistic protection while remaining lightweight.
Covert or Overt Wear: Depending on the mission, elite units can choose between covert-wear vests, designed to be worn under clothing, and overt-wear vests, which are more cumbersome but offer additional protection and customization options.
Who uses a discreet vest?
The concealed wear bulletproof vest has become essential equipment for various professions requiring ballistic protection while maintaining a discreet appearance.
Plainclothes law enforcement, security officers, and close protection personnel are among the primary users of this type of bulletproof vest. These professionals require effective protection against potential threats while maintaining a discreet appearance in a variety of environments.
Concealed-wear bulletproof vests, often made with Kevlar, meet these needs by providing reliable protection against bullets while being easy to conceal under ordinary clothing. This allows users to perform their duties safely without compromising their professional appearance.
The jacket city jacket with integrated ballistic protection
Wearing a bulletproof vest is nevertheless uncomfortable and restrictive. So much so that transforming it into a jacket offers both pleasure and a sense of security. If we take the example of V007 , to achieve this result, the work of modelers and designers is very important: a true Swiss watchmaking job.
The search for overall balance in the garment is a priority objective because rigid ballistic plates are intruders in a jacket. It was not to be allowed to lean forward, backward, or to the side.
The challenge of front opening
The first goal is to transform a bulletproof vest into a practical item for everyday wear, like a regular garment. That's why integrating a bulletproof vest into a jacket makes life easier for users. With V007 , for example, we wanted to make the jacket aesthetically pleasing, easy to use, and offer a real sense of freedom: you can wear it and take it off whenever you want.
Even though the gamble was ultimately successful, the challenge of integrating ballistics into a vest is a headache. It requires a great deal of attention to detail, starting with the principle of facial opening. This challenge was fundamental because it was necessary to maintain the same level of ballistic safety and certification on the abdomen and chest as a vest worn over the head.
This first challenge was complex to resolve but we succeeded by working on the principle of overlapping the two front plates.
V007 , an easy-to-wear designer jacket
While the primary benefit of the V007 jacket is to protect you, this jacket is also a garment that can be worn every day.
First and foremost, thanks to its design. Its elegance, its discretion, and its lines make it an (almost) normal garment. The teams at Inventive Citi and now those at VEST PARIS have created a collection with simple, effective lines to be worn in all circumstances. Going to work, going out, traveling, V007 is designed to adapt to all these situations.
V007 is also a “practical” jacket because it is worn like a classic jacket. It eliminates all the constraints of wearing a bulletproof vest. It is easier to wear, it is more discreet, it is lighter, it is not bulky, it is not bulky and V007 is above all very comfortable for a bulletproof vest.
Another advantage is that it passes through airport security gates.
VEST PARIS signs the design of V007
The reason why this V007 project was a success is because the idea initially came from a fashion brand, INVENTIVE CITI (now VEST PARIS) and not the other way around.
The promise of elegance, comfort, and practicality took the lead, and then bulletproofing came along. If we hadn't been able to integrate bulletproof protection into a jacket without compromising its aesthetics and comfort, we would have stopped developing this project and left the space open to the classic bulletproof vest.
The ultimate goal was to take the customer experience to a new level.
Wearing V007, a pleasure
Wearing a bulletproof vest is so uncomfortable and restrictive that our mission was to make it a garment that offers both pleasure and a sense of security.
To achieve this result, the work of our model makers and designers was long and meticulous. A true Swiss watchmaking project carried out in haute couture workshops in France and Italy for nearly two years.
Finding the overall balance of the garment was a priority because rigid ballistic plates are intruders in a jacket. It had to be free from leaning forward, backward, or to the side.
This long development process has been rewarded by the success of our jackets with our users and acclaimed at the Milipol, Shot Show in Las Vegas and Platinium in Monaco trade shows.
We have managed to transform the unpleasant experience of wearing a bulletproof vest into an unforgettable experience that can be repeated over and over again.
Protecop, the ideal partner
The French industrial group was created in 1982 in Eure.
Today considered an international reference in internal security, Protecop designs, manufactures and markets personal protective equipment for both law enforcement and ballistic protection intended for first responders in the Armed Forces or private security companies.
In fact, VEST PARIS and PROTECOP, with their 40 years of experience, were destined to work together on such an innovative project.
Protecop, unique ballistic expertise
Constantly evolving, Protecop designs and manufactures all of the bulletproof vests it sells: covers, soft bulletproof or blade-proof packs and rigid plates.
Protecop is constantly evolving its solutions. Holding numerous ballistic patents, this flagship company in French industry uses the most innovative materials on the market as well as the most advanced technologies to offer the most efficient solutions in terms of protection and weight.
All Protecop ballistic solutions are validated in independent and approved laboratories to guarantee a suitable response for each of its customers worldwide.
The perfect traceability of materials and solutions meets the most advanced criteria in terms of security.
These are the technologies that have been integrated into the V007 jacket for almost 10 years and which allow our users to enjoy a unique experience.