TABLE OF CONTENTS
BULLETPROOF CLOTHING SALES INCREASED IN US
Sales of bulletproof clothing that offer ballistic resistance have been dramatically increasing throughout the US. Some bulletproof clothing originally developed in Columbia where gun violence is commonplace has now become an entire industry in the US.
According to Grandview Research, civilian sales of body armor equals 7.4% of total sales approaching $5 billion USD worldwide. The Gun Violence Archive states that there have been 43,214 incidents of gun violence in the US in 2018 resulting in 10,931 deaths, 2,628 of them children under 17 years of age.
With continually rising gun violence the US, bulletproof clothing has become a pertinent option for everyone.
HALLOWEEN HORROR
During the weekend of Halloween in 2016, at least 17 people, including four teenagers, were killed with 41 others wounded in shootings across Chicago; the city’s deadliest weekend of the year.
Each year during the Halloween festivities, hundreds are arrested for drunken behavior, shootings and assaults across the nation. With the holidays comes a spike in crime across the US.
PROTECTION LEVELS AND USE
The standards used for civilian bulletproof clothing is similar to that used for police and military protective clothing, but don’t expect the bullets to bounce off your new coat or suit.
Civilian bulletproof clothing is designed to keep bullets from penetrating the clothing and impacting the person's body alluding to the term ballistic protection rather than proofing.
The risk of injury is still there with the resulting shockwave but the primary goal is to protect the vitals underneath the clothing.
Personal ballistic armor covered by standards is classified into five types, (IIA, II, IIIA, III, IV), by the level of ballistic performance determined by its stopping power from various ammunition types and velocities.
In order for ballistic products to be officially labeled with a protection label, they must be submitted to rigorous testing
Some bulletproof clothing can also be rated for stab or spike protection. Although not as common and found more in concealed clothing, stab protection can be helpful as ballistic protection will not protect effectively against weapons meant to shank or impale.
Stab and spike protection are rated on protection levels similar to ballistic ratings but usually go to Level II at the most.
Soft armor has many various uses not only where you work and play but particularly if you are traveling. Many of those who work in potentially high-risk careers find a piece of protective clothing to be invaluable if they happen to be visiting high-risk areas or dealing with potential dangers.
Even the occasional traveler may find such clothing helpful as well as the world has become a very unpredictable place.
BULLETPROOF TOPCOAT
The Bulletblocker NIJ IIIA Bulletproof men's Wool Modern Fit Topcoat.
Have you ever traveled to New York, Chicago, London, Paris, Istanbul, or Moscow in the winter? A wool topcoat is a common accessory for most businessmen.
Why not have a coat that meets NIJ IIIA standards that will stop a 357 Magnum, 44 Magnum, 9mm, .45 hollow point or similar round?
This modern fit overcoat weighs approximately 8 lbs and has a removable Kevlar bulletproof interior liner for cleaning and maintenance. Wrap around coverage is also available for this overcoat.
BULLETPROOF DRESS VEST
For those businessmen that want to look their best when they remove their topcoat or in warmer weather this Bulletblocker Level IIIA Lightweight Bulletproof Dress Vest is customized with NIJ IIIA Bulletproof protection.
Since the use of a dress vest with ballistic protection can be worn with a variety of different suits, it makes an unlimited and versatile investment. Torso coverage with protective extensions on the sides and up to the collar bone area provides ballistic protection from most handgun ammunition.
BULLETPROOF VESTS FOR WOMEN
You can also find clothing products for women like this custom women’s fleece vest. The BulletBlocker NIJ IIIA Bulletproof Women's Fortress Fleece is a high-quality, high-performance vest made from ultra-soft polyester fleece.
Need to be totally prepared? The vest also includes two interior gun pockets (one on each side) with an internal strap to hold down the barrel or slide.
BULLETPROOF SHIRTS
Need protection at the gym? Probably not but this Ballistic Resistant Tank Top is ideal undergarment for protecting vital organs.
Thanks to its semi-lightweight (3.31 lbs) can be used for under-clothes. Tested and certified under the IIIA NIJ 0101.06 by the United States Department of Justice.
THE PRICE OF BULLETPROOF CLOTHING
Bulletproof or ballistic resistant clothing is an investment. Prices can range from $600 upwards to thousands of dollars. The ballistic material is sewn into the way that provides protection, maintains wearability, and meets the necessary standards for protection.
CONCLUSION - THE VALUE OF BULLETPROOF CLOTHING
The cost of not protecting yourself is always underestimated until you find yourself in a situation where it can make the difference between life and death. The average emergency room bill for gun-related injuries can run high and that doesn’t include potential long-term medical bills and care.
Whether it is to protect your life or your family when you consider the cost of medical bills and loss of life the cost of bulletproof clothing looks a lot more reasonable.
Here are some examples of what is available and what standards the pieces of clothing meet. Buy from a reputable source and as with all bulletproof and armor, make sure to do your research before purchase and be sure to properly care for your bulletproof clothing to increase its lifespan. Stay protected, no matter where you go.