Our discreet body armour solutions are designed to blend seamlessly under everyday clothing with no bulk or unwanted attention - just reliable protection for when it matters most. Whether you're facing knife attacks or ballistic threats, we stock covert and overt options with certified protection levels ranging from NIJ Level II and IIIA soft armour to hard armour ceramic plates. For full-body coverage we also offer cut-resistant clothing for base layer defence. All our body armour is backed by rigorous testing and we're happy to provide full test reports on request.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is body armour and who needs it?
Body armour is personal protective equipment designed to absorb and deflect the impact of knives, spikes, or ballistic threats. It is commonly worn by security personnel, door supervisors, cash-in-transit workers, community support officers, journalists in conflict zones, and private individuals who face elevated personal risk. Our range covers both professional and civilian use cases.
What is the difference between NIJ Level II and NIJ Level IIIA?
NIJ Level II provides protection against 9mm and .357 Magnum rounds and is the thinner, lighter option - ideal for covert wear under a suit or regular clothing. NIJ Level IIIA offers higher protection against .44 Magnum and 9mm sub-machine gun rounds and is slightly thicker. Both levels also offer significant protection against knife and spike threats when combined with appropriate stab-resistant panels.
What is the difference between covert and overt body armour?
Covert body armour is designed to be worn discreetly under clothing - it is slim, lightweight, and invisible to onlookers. Overt body armour is worn on top of clothing, typically in a tactical carrier or vest, and is visible. Overt options are common in law enforcement and security roles where visibility is an advantage. We offer both styles across our range.
What does Home Office HO1 KR1 SP1 certification mean?
This is a UK Home Office CAST (Centre for Applied Science and Technology) standard. HO1 refers to the ballistic protection level. KR1 means the armour has been tested and rated against knife attacks. SP1 means it provides spike/needle protection. Products certified to HO1 KR1 SP1 are the standard issued to many UK police community support officers and security teams.
Can I wear body armour as a civilian in the UK?
Yes. There is no law in the UK preventing civilians from purchasing or wearing body armour. Our products are legally available to the general public. We do however reserve the right to refuse sale to anyone we believe intends to use protective equipment for unlawful purposes.
How do I choose the right size?
Sizing is based on chest measurement in inches. Each product page includes a full size guide. As a general guide: Small fits up to 38 inches, Medium fits 39-42 inches, and Large fits 43-46 inches. If you are between sizes or require a custom fit, please contact us and we will advise on the best option.
Can body armour be worn all day?
Our covert vests are specifically designed for extended daily wear. They use breathable materials and lightweight ballistic panels to keep the wearer as comfortable as possible during long shifts. Some customers wear their vest for 8-12 hour periods. For maximum comfort, pair with a moisture-wicking base layer.
Do ceramic armour plates offer better protection than soft armour?
Yes. Hard armour ceramic plates offer a higher level of ballistic protection than soft armour alone and are designed to stop rifle-calibre rounds. They are inserted into a plate carrier vest and used by military, tactical teams, and those facing high-threat environments. Our standalone NIJ Level III and Level IV ceramic plates are available separately and compatible with our plate carrier vests.
