How the Bullet Proof Vest is Made

The bullet proof vest is a form of body armor that has the capability to stop bullets and other projectiles from causing harms and injuries to the wearer’s internal organs. For many years, this has been used by our police enforcers, soldiers and army to keep themselves safe from the negative effects of combat and other threats.

Over the centuries, people have been making various body armors that are effective in resisting projectile threats and other weapons. But none were good enough to defy the modern weapons such as firearms. It was only in the 1960’s, upon the discovery of the Kevlar fabric, that effective soft body armor against projectiles was invented. This was not only comfortable to wear but also very lightweight that is necessary for mobility.

How is the bullet proof vest made? The bullet proof vest has two crucial elements, the ballistic panels and the carrier garment. The ballistic panel is a vest shaped sheet made of many layers of ballistic materials such as the Kevlar. For the Kevlar, the layers are woven together. However, for the Spectra which are non-woven, the layers are coated and bonded by resins and then sealed by sheets of polyethylene film.

The process of making the bullet proof vest starts with making the panel cloth. Kevlar yarn is produced though the process of polymerization and then hardened and weaved to make the ballistic cloth. Rolls of ballistic material cloth is then sent to the bullet proof vest manufacturer for the cutting and actual making of the bullet proof vest. The cut sheets are placed in precise stacks to form the layers of the ballistic panels. The layers are then sewn together and accessories are added such as the straps to make the finished vest. Finishing touches are then made to the bullet proof vest so it can pass quality control and ballistic testing. 

Things to Inspect When Purchasing the Bullet Proof Vest

When you have decided on the type of the bullet proof vest that you will buy, the actual purchase follows. Before buying the bullet proof vest, make sure that you have inspected the following things.

1. The rating of the bullet proof vest – The level of protection that the bullet proof vest will give you will depend on the rating. Bullet proof vest may look and appear the same but they vary in the level of protection. Be sure that you will get the bullet proof vest that will give you sufficient protection from the threats that you will face.

2. The size of the bullet proof vest – The bullet proof vest must fit you well for better protection coverage. It must not be too large or too small for you to accommodate weight changes. A large bullet proof vest will not give you better protection. It will make you more vulnerable to bullet shots.

3. Check the NIJ certification of the bullet proof vest – The National Institute of Justice reviews, evaluates and conducts ballistic testing to attest the reliability and safety of the bullet proof vest. Make sure that the model of the bullet proof vest that you will buy has passed the compliance testing of the NIJ.

4. Check the armor content of the bullet proof vest – The Armor content must be able to provide you the following information: the materials used on the bullet proof vest, the number of layers, the type of fibers, and the weave type. Check also if the fabric is waterproofed. A waterproofed fabric will prevent perspiration to enter and degrade the ballistic materials.

5. The warranty information of the bullet proof vest – The warranty information is important because it describes the liability of the seller. The seller or manufacturer is generally liable for material defects of the bullet proof vest. Replacement or repair will be upon the discretion of the manufacturer. 

Facts about the Bullet Proof Vest

The following are some facts about the bullet proof vest that will clear all the misconceptions and myths regarding the bullet proof vest. It is important that you are properly informed on the use of the bullet proof vest because your safety and protection are at stake.

1. Many lives have been saved because they have used body armors especially the bullet proof vest. A lot of people particularly our law enforcers have avoided death and severe injuries coming from assaults and accidents just because they have used body armors.

2. A fragment resistant bullet proof vest is not bullet resistant. To have greater protection from bullets and other projectiles, carefully choose the bullet proof vest that you will purchase.

3. For the fabrics used on the bullet proof vest, the weave style is very important. Too much damage is made to the yarn if the weave style is too dense. Also if the weave style is too loose, there is no sufficient ballistic protection.

4. The fabric which has great tenacity will also have greater ballistic performance. The filament count also increases the ballistic performance of the bullet proof vest. Aramid is stretchable and has the best stopping property. On the other hand, the polyethylene is very hard but has great absorption capabilities.

5. The National Institute of Justice requires the following labels to be placed on the bullet proof vest: the rating or the protection level which must be tested by an authorized ballistic testing laboratory, the fabric contents of the bullet proof vest (the ballistic material, garment used on the carrier and the material used on the panel cover) and the washing and care instructions of the bullet proof vest. Be sure to find the above requirements of the National Institute of Justice on the bullet proof vest that you will buy. 

Who Can Use the Bullet Proof Vest?

For most countries, the bullet proof vest is allowed to be used by anybody. If you need protection and you wanted to be safe from various threats that you will likely encounter, you can wear any type of bullet proof vest and you can buy as many bullet proof vest as you want. The bullet proof vest is an important tool for protection, and generally, it should be made available to everybody. But there are some countries that provide restrictions on the use of the bullet proof vest.

In America, those who have a criminal record or who have been convicted of a crime are not allowed to purchase a bullet proof vest. Also, some states in America are considering banning the use of the bullet proof vest to civilians. Connecticut is the first state who has enacted laws on banning the sale of the bullet proof vest to civilians. America has passed a federal law restricting a convicted felon to wear, possess and purchase any type of body armor which was effective on 2010.

In Australia, it is also prohibited to import body armor without the permission of the Australian Customs and Border Protection Service. Queensland, South Australia, Victoria, New South Wales, Northern Territory and ACT passed control legislations on the bullet proof vest. No one is allowed to possess any body armor without authorization on these countries.

In Canada, all are allowed to wear and purchase the bullet proof vest except the British Columbia who has enacted the Body Armour Control Act that restricts the possession of body armor like the bullet proof vest without a license issued by the provincial government.

In Netherlands and Italy, the use of body armor such as the bullet proof vest is unregulated. In these countries, the citizens are encouraged to wear body armors especially those who work in the private sectors whose work involve high risk and dangers. 

Tips on Using the Bullet Proof Vest

The following are some tips and warning on using the bullet proof vest. Follow these tips so that you are confident and secure that your bullet proof vest will give you consistent and sustained protection throughout its service life.

1. Clean the vest immediately after wearing to avoid the buildup of germs and bacteria and foul smell.

2. Use cold water when washing and cleaning the bullet proof vest. Using cold water in a delicate wash will prolong the life of the armor carrier. Also, it would be better to hand wash and line dry the bullet proof vest because this will lengthen the life of the elastic straps. Don’t machine wash the bullet proof as this will cause the early wearing out.

3. Proper care and maintenance will surely prolong the life of the bullet proof vest. But it is highly advisable to replace it after five years of continued use.

4. Always make sure that the bullet proof vest is properly fitted on you. A tight or loosely fit bullet proof vest will diminish your protection and at the same time will shorten the life of your vest.

5. Dry cleaning should not be used on the bullet proof vest because of the presence of harsh chemicals that can affect the efficiency of the ballistic material.

6. You can stay cool on the bullet proof vest by wearing it not too light in order to allow the circulation of air. You can also wear a cooling shirt between the vest and your clothes to keep the bullet proof vest off the skin. The cooling shirt will absorb the moisture and perspiration and will help you feel drier and cooler.

7. If you want to be discreet, wear the bullet proof vest properly under your thick clothing. For more effective concealment, wear a loose top over the bullet proof vest and under your outer shirt. 

How Long Does the Bullet Proof Vest Last?

The life of the bullet proof vest will depend on a number of factors. But the National Institute of Justice suggests replacement of the bullet proof vest after using it for five years. Although some manufacturers claim that their bullet proof vest can last for than five years, it is highly advisable to buy a new bullet proof vest after its five year service life. The following are some factors that influence the life of the bullet proof vest.

1. Care and Maintenance of the bullet proof vest – Proper care and maintenance of the bullet proof vest is critical because it has a great impact on the life of the vest. A properly cared and maintained bullet proof vest has longer life and sustained effectiveness. It will give you consistent level of protection throughout its life. Also, with proper care and maintenance, you are confident that you are safe and protected for a long time.

2. The frequency of use of the bullet proof vest – The more you wear the bullet proof vest, the faster it wears out. The first thing that wears out is the carrier garment so make sure that you inspect it regularly. The standard life of an armor carrier is two years. Try to replace the armor carrier after two years or have an extra carrier with you so you can use them interchangeably. Also, don’t forget to check the ballistic panels for possible damages that can degrade the bullet proof vest.   

3. Proper Fitting – Another factor that influences the life of the bullet proof vest is proper fitting. Throughout the service life of the bullet proof vest, the wearer may gain or lose weight. The bullet proof vest must have adjustable straps that can be modified so that the vest will conform to the size of the wearer. Moreover, a tightly fit vest can cause wrinkles and creases on the vest whereas a loosely fit vest can cause excessive movements on the ballistic panels. 

Care and Maintenance Instructions on the Bullet Proof Vest

To prolong the performance and service life of the bullet proof vest, follow the care and maintenance instructions below.

1. If possible, separate the ballistic panels and the armor carrier. You can wash the armor carrier in the washing machine if it was provided for in the labels. If not, hand washing is more advisable. Use cold water and mild detergent in washing the armor carrier. As for the ballistic panels, do not attempt to wash it. Use damp cloth or sponge and gently wipe the ballistic panels.

2. Remove the trauma plates on the bullet proof vest when washing or cleaning. Handle the trauma plates with care especially when they are made of ceramics for they were fragile and very brittle. They might crack easily when not handled properly. Also, inspect the trauma plates for breaks or cracks.

3. Remove all the soap residues in the bullet proof vest. Thoroughly remove all the soap the bullet proof vest because according to the National Institute of Justice, soap residues can absorb water and decreases the effectiveness of the bullet proof vest.

4. Never bleach or dry clean the bullet proof vest. There might be harmful chemicals that can degrade the bullet proof vest.

5. When storing the bullet proof vest, remove the hard plates. Lay it flat in a well-ventilated area in order to avoid moisture retention. Never hand the bullet proof vest because this will cause premature stretching on the straps of the vest. Also, make sure that you don’t store the bullet proof vest damp from water or perspiration.  

6. When drying the bullet proof vest, never lay it under direct sunlight. UV light can cause degradation on the bullet proof vest. Dry the vest indoors, away from sunlight and flat on the floor.

7. Inspect the bullet proof vest for wears especially the armor carrier. Check also the ballistic panels if there were degradations and damages. Never wear a damaged bullet proof vest. 

Instructions on How to Wear and Use the Bullet Proof Vest

The following are the instructions on how to wear and use the bullet proof vest. Proper wear and use is crucial in the bullet proof vest because it increases coverage and protection. Aside from that, proper wear and use contributes in prolonging the life and effectiveness of the bullet proof vest.

1. When wearing the bullet proof vest, make sure that you are comfortable. The straps of the bullet proof vest will allow you to adjust how low or high, how loose or tight your vest will be. Make sure the bullet proof vest will fit you perfectly. Don’t set it too tight because this will make you uncomfortable. It will prevent proper breathing and at the same time will restrict your movements especially when you are under stressful situations. Also, don’t wear the bulletproof vest too loose. This will make you vulnerable because the bullet proof vest may slide and move exposing some parts of your body.

2. Put the ballistic inserts on their designated location on the bullet proof vest. If your bullet proof vest doesn’t have pockets for trauma pads, don’t attempt to put trauma pads. Trauma pads or plates give extra protection from blunt trauma. It doesn’t provide additional ballistic protection. Moreover, trauma plates are placed on the outside of the ballistic panels and they are used using the right vest for proper protection.

3. Heavy anti rifle plates must also be placed on their designated pockets. Using them as trauma plates will cause the early wearing out of the bullet proof vest aside from not providing you the necessary blunt trauma protection that you need.

4. Do not put additional equipment on the bullet proof vest unless there was a pocket specially designed for them. Hanging knives, additional guns or other items on the bullet proof vest will affect the comfort of the vest and will cause premature stretching on the bullet proof vest because it cannot support the additional weight. 

How Effective Is the Bullet Proof Vest That We Buy?

The bullet proof vest is a body armor that is designed to effectively protect the wearer from harms and injuries brought mainly by projectile threats. How effective is the bullet proof vest in giving protection? The effectiveness of the bullet proof vest would depend on a number of factors.

One factor that determines the effectiveness of the bullet proof vest is the ballistic fiber used on the vest. Currently, there are existing good quality fibers that have great ballistic properties which are capable of giving protection from bullets and projectiles. Examples of these fibers are the Kevlar, Dyneema, Twaron, Aramid, and the Spectra fiber. They don’t only have great ballistic properties; they can also give you protection from other threats and hazards often encountered during combats.

How do these fibers work so that it can give you protection? Once the fiber is hit by a bullet, layers of these fibers will try to trap the bullet and stop it from penetrating the human body. It absorbs the impact of the bullet and scatters it around a greater portion of the vest causing the bullet to deform. All the fibers as well as the other materials used in the bullet proof vest works in preventing the bullet from penetration. Aside from stopping the bullet, it also reduces the blunt trauma force that can cause non penetrating injuries to the internal organs.

Aside from the materials used on the bullet proof vest, another factor that makes the vest effective is right fitting. Right fit means that the bullet proof vest must fit the wearer just fine. Right fitting enhances protection and it also makes you more comfortable. Also, the effectiveness of the bullet proof vest would depend on the rating. Use the bullet proof vest that can match the weapons that will be used. The rule of thumb is the bullet proof vest that you must use should be able to match and defy the weapon you carry. 

The History of the Bullet Proof Vest

How did the bullet proof vest develop? When did people start using the bullet proof vest? Below is a short history of the bullet proof vest and the changes that is has undergone.

Throughout the early times, weapons such as knives, arrow, stone axes, spear and other sharpened objects were an important tool for humans. They are used for cutting, for catching animals in order to have food and mainly to protect themselves from enemies. Having weapons to use is not enough. There should also be protective garments that people may use to protect themselves from injuries caused by combats and dangerous situations. The early protective clothing used by humans was made from animal skins. Later on, wooden shields and armors made of metals emerged. Metal body armors were popular in the Middle Ages as there were being used by knights and royal guards.

During the 1500, the firearms and gunpowder were invented. The invention of these weapons rendered the early body armors invalid and ineffective. At that time the only reliable real protection were stone walls, large rocks and trees. People have invented various body armors that can be effective in defying firearms. The use of soft body armor started in Medieval Japanese with the use of silk as the main material for the body armor. But because of the high cost of silk, this kind of body armor was unacceptable.

The succeeding bullet proof invented was the bulletproof vest “flak jacket” used during World War II. This flak jacket was made of nylon and but only provided protection from fragments. It was worthless against most pistol and rifle threats. The greatest development made on the bullet proof vest was upon the discovery of Kevlar by DuPont Company. This Kevlar material started the use of soft body armor which was not only effective in defying projectile threats but was also lightweight and comfortable to use and wear.