Everything you need to know about bulletproof vests

Originally designed for law enforcement, the military, and certain security agencies, the use of bulletproof protection is now expanding (and increasingly so) to civilians. Since VEST PARIS embarked on this venture with its V007 ballistic model , the teams at the eponymous brand have been confronted with the same questions every day.

As the bulletproof sector is highly regulated and sometimes a little complex, we have decided to help you see more clearly on this subject.

The protection of individuals is unfortunately a topical issue in France. Our country is plagued by endemic violence, particularly due to the increasing number of knife and gun attacks.

But let's start at the beginning.

 

Definition and function of a bulletproof vest

A bulletproof vest, as its name suggests, is designed to protect the wearer from bullets. Made from materials such as aramid or polyethylene, a bulletproof vest absorbs and disperses the kinetic energy of a bullet, thus reducing potential injuries.

Like the V007 jacket which passed all the tests, a civilian bulletproof vest must meet very strict standards to be certified.

This reference standard is the NIJ standard (National Institute of Justice - remember this acronym, we will develop it a little later -) which guarantees several gradations and categories of bulletproof protection.

 

Protected by kinetic energy

A bulletproof vest relies on its ability to absorb and dissipate the kinetic energy of a projectile.

In summary, when a bullet strikes a bulletproof vest, the projectile's kinetic energy is transferred to the material's fibers. These fibers, with their exceptional tensile strength, stretch and deform, distributing the impact energy over a wider area.

This is precisely what happens when a bullet hits a V007 jacket. It is composed of 26 juxtaposed layers that will absorb this energy and save your life.

This energy dissipation process takes place in 4 stages:

1- Initial absorption: The first layers of Kevlar absorb the initial impact, slowing down the ball.

2- Deformation and stretching: Kevlar fibers stretch and deform, converting kinetic energy into deformation energy.

3- Energy dissipation: The energy is distributed over a large area of the material, reducing the concentrated impact force.

4- Projectile stopping: The energy is finally dissipated, stopping the ball's progress.

What is a bulletproof vest made of?

While the reference material is Kevlar - which celebrates its 60th anniversary this year and on which we wrote an article on April 4th - bulletproof vests, whether discreet or not, can also be made of polyethylene, ballistic nylon or even ceramic.

The manufacturers of Level IIIA ballistic protection often uses overlapping layers to maximize effectiveness against bullets and sometimes even knife attacks. These layers typically range from 20 to 50. The V007 bulletproof jacket, for example, is composed of 26 layers of Kevlar blended with polyethylene from Honeywell and Dyneema. This hybrid bulletproof solution makes the jacket unique in the world.

 

Categories of bulletproof vests

Bulletproof vests come in several categories, ranging from discreet wear to more robust models equipped with very heavy ceramic plates to withstand weapons of war.

Level IIIA, III and IV vests, for example, are a These bulletproof vests offer protection against firearms and edged weapons and are designed to withstand impacts from large-caliber bullets. They are often used by security forces in high-risk situations. The VEST PARIS V007 bulletproof vest, for example, is classified IIIA, placing it in an extremely high-performance category.

Here are the categories of bulletproof vests. Please note that classes III and IV are not sold to civilians. To simplify this section, we prefer to present a table that summarizes these categories very simply:

 

The V007 model has a unique feature because in addition to level IIIA, it offers an intermediate level which we will call "level IIIA+" also stopping 7.62 Tokarev and 12MM Brenneke bullets.

What is a "discreetly worn" bulletproof vest?

Discreet wear is an essential characteristic for civilians or agents on secret missions.

A bulletproof vest designed for discreet wear can be worn under clothing, offering protection without drawing attention. These vests are often lighter and less bulky, although they offer a more limited level of protection compared to more robust models.

At VEST, we've further simplified this "concealed wear" by integrating bulletproof protection into a jacket that's easier to wear than a traditional bulletproof vest. Most importantly, we've managed to maintain a high level of ballistic protection in the V007 model.

 

What type of bulletproof vest do elite units wear?

Elite units, such as military special forces, police intervention teams, and high-level security agents, often wear level III and IV body armor. In this case, we are far from discreet and comfortable wear, as these plates can weigh up to 25 kg, compared to 1.8 kg for the V007 model .

These level III or IV vests often incorporate rigid armor plates made of ceramic, polyethylene, or another composite material to provide additional protection against high-caliber firearms such as military-grade weapons or assault rifles. They are reserved for military and intervention units.

 

Can a civilian wear a bulletproof vest?

Civilians are allowed to wear body armor in most countries, but this depends on local regulations and firearms laws. In France and Europe, for example, a civilian can wear a bulletproof vest up to level IIIA. They can fly and walk around wearing it without any problem. Above this level, that is, III and IV, it is reserved for professionals.

However, some regions of the world may have specific requirements or rules regarding the purchase and possession of this equipment. It's simply essential to check before you travel.

 

Knowing how to adjust a bulletproof vest

A bulletproof vest must fit properly to ensure maximum protection. A vest that is too loose can leave vital areas exposed, while a vest that is too tight can be uncomfortable and restrict movement.

Ensure the vest fully covers the torso area without restricting breathing or arm movement. Level III vests, equipped with ballistic plates, are generally more rigid but must also be properly fitted.

Is a bulletproof vest waterproof?

Current bulletproof vests are generally designed to be water-resistant to some extent, but prolonged and repeated exposure to water can potentially compromise their effectiveness.

The materials used in bulletproof vests, such as Kevlar or Dyneema, can be altered by excessive moisture, which could weaken their ability to stop projectiles.

Occasional exposure to light rain should not cause major problems, but it is recommended to thoroughly dry the bulletproof vest after any exposure to water to prevent any deterioration.

Maintaining a bulletproof vest

A bulletproof vest has an expiration date. The ballistic performance of the V007 vest, for example, is guaranteed for 7 years.

The maintenance of the V007 bulletproof vest and jacket, on the other hand, is perfectly standard. For the vest, you remove and wash the cover; for the jacket, you remove the plates and machine wash it.

 

FAQ

How does a bulletproof vest work?

A bulletproof vest stops a bullet by absorbing and dissipating its kinetic energy. Aramid fibers like Kevlar stretch upon impact, distributing the force and stopping the projectile before it penetrates the body.

What is the difference between a civilian and a military bulletproof vest?

Civilians can wear a vest up to level IIIA , effective against handguns.
Level III and IV vests, with rigid ceramic plates, are reserved for armed forces and intervention units.

What is the lifespan of a bulletproof vest?

The average lifespan is 5 to 7 years , depending on the materials used and the conditions of use.
The V007 jacket from VEST PARIS, for example, benefits from a 7-year ballistic warranty.

Is a bulletproof vest also knife-proof?

Not necessarily. A bulletproof vest protects against projectiles, but not always against knife attacks.
The V007 jacket combines both: bulletproof (level IIIA) and certified knife-resistant , thanks to its hybrid Kevlar + polyethylene structure.

Is it safe to wear a bulletproof vest on a daily basis?

Yes, provided it's designed for discreet, civilian use. Models like the V007 integrate ballistic protection into a stylish, lightweight jacket that can be worn every day without drawing attention.

How do you maintain a bulletproof vest?

Remove the cover for separate washing. Ballistic inserts should be stored dry at room temperature.
For the V007 jacket, simply remove the protective elements before washing.