How Should My Concealed Armor Fit
Regardless of how light or flexible we make soft armor, if it doesn’t fit properly YOU ARE FAR LESS LIKELY TO WEAR IT. So, understanding how armor should fit is extremely important to your comfort and safety. We can make armor that protects you from head-to-toe. But could/would you wear it 8-12 hours a day? NO. Concealed soft body armor has tradeoffs. Coverage vs. Comfort. Wearable vs. Unwearable. Protection vs. No Protection. With these three things in mind, just how should concealed armor fit?
Proper Length Coverage
In a standing position the bottom of the ballistic panel should be positioned one to two inches above the duty belt on the average proportioned person. The top of the neck-scoop should be at (just above/just below) the second button on a Class “A” Uniform Shirt. For officers who are substantially overweight, have large pear-shaped waist or choose to wear their pants well below their “normal waist” the bottom of the vest may be as much as three to five inches above the duty belt.Proper Girth Coverage
This is really a matter of wearer preference and/or agency specification. The most comfortable fit allows for one to two inches of gap on the both sides between the front and rear panels. This allows for air flow and independent movement of the front and rear panels during daily activity. At the other end of the spectrum is a one to two inch over-lap of the front and back ballistic side-panels. This provides maximum side protection but increases heat build-up and restricts freedom of motion, thus comfort.Proper Strap Closure Adjustment
Most wearers over-strap their vest! By this, we mean they pull the girth and shoulder straps entirely too tight. This highly restricts air flow under the armor, increasing heat build-up, decreases freedom of motion, increases “chaffing points” and for female officers constricts the breast into unnatural positions. All of which makes for a “long shift”. Straps should be comfortably snug, not overly tight, restrictive, or pulled to maximum adjustment point. If worn/adjusted in this manner the vest will be more comfortable, cooler and carriers/straps will not have to be replaced as often.WEAR YOUR ARMOR!