New Product Highlight: Civilian Bulletproof Fashion
This premium ballistic clothing proves that we don’t have to look like an undercover narcotics officer to protect ourselves.
PPT Editor. Marine vet, hunter, and long-range shooter. Articles in 10+ major publications
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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!