Law enforcement officers and security professionals have been strapping on low-profile soft armor under their uniforms and blazers for years. It’s effective but bulky.
As more and more people are looking at the world around them and taking a sudden interest in body armor, there’s a need for protection that doesn’t make us look like we’re wearing a wire.
Owner Kami Kay Kirschbaum created Civilian bulletproof clothing to offer high-end, NIJ-rated ballistic apparel to people who want subtle, fashionable protection that’s made in the U.S.
Civilian Bulletproof Clothing Specs & Features
Specs
- Apparel: Hoodie, women’s long-sleeve shirt, women’s short-sleeve shirt, men’s short-sleeve shirt
- NIJ Rating: Level IIIA
- Sizing: S, M, L, XL
- Colors: Black, beige
- MSRP: $1,099 – $1,199
Features
- Capable of stopping pistol rounds up to .44 Mag
- Subtle, understated style with no visible branding
- Breathable material
So far, the Civilian bulletproof lineup includes a hoodie, men’s and women’s T-shirts, and a women’s long-sleeve shirt.
They’re all made from multiple layers of ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) that’s relatively lightweight and breathable (maybe not compared to the T-shirt you’re wearing right now, but certainly better than conventional body armor).
Civilian lists an NIJ rating of IIIA for this clothing, which means it’s rated for pistol rounds up to .44 Mag – well beyond the 9mm most people are shooting these days.
The men’s apparel looks good but, according to Civilian, it’s the the brand’s line of women’s clothing that sets them apart.
“Many bulletproof clothing options are designed with a one-size-fits-all approach, resulting in boxy, uncomfortable fits,” a post on the company’s blog reads. “At Civilian, we are changing that. We (women) are definitely not shaped like Legos! We design bulletproof clothing that takes women’s unique body shapes into account, offering form-fitting protection that blends seamlessly into everyday fashion.”
It’s a valid point. You can own the best ballistic clothing in the world, but if it looks out of place or fits poorly, you’re unlikely to wear it. And it won’t do you any good protecting coathangers in your closet.
Civilian lists an MSRP of $1,099 for tops and $1,199 for the hoodie. And you get free shipping.
If I were a public figure associated with any degree of controversy, one or two Civilian bulletproof shirts would be a worthwhile investment.
We’re curious – what price would you be willing to pay for comfortable, stylish bulletproof clothing? Drop a comment to let us know. For more ballistic protection, check out our guide to the Best Body Armor we’ve tested!
4 Leave a Reply
I feel like more and more people have lost the concept of April 1st as April Fools Day.
This is actually not an April Fools joke. This is a real company with a real product. It was posted yesterday before April Fools.
Rather stupid question....what is the impact effect of a round on a tshirt? Yeah it won't "penetrate" but how bad is the impact damage to the body underneath?
A sledge hammer as a rule won't penetrate your shirt...but it can still kill you with the impact.
Not a stupid question at all, especially if the shirt is a baggy fit. The bottom line is that getting shot is always bad.