Innocent Armor Apex Level IIIA Bulletproof Jacket

The Innocent Armor Apex is a NIJ Level IIIA bullet-resistant jacket built for everyday civilian wear. Three removable ShieldTec® ballistic panels — two front chest panels and one full back panel — deliver handgun-rated protection against 9mm, .357 Magnum, and .44 Magnum threats, all hidden inside a clean black soft-shell exterior. The shell is constructed from 4-way stretch nylon/elastane, is water-resistant and windproof, and provides light-to-medium insulation suited to multi-season use. Available in XS through XXL. Who this is for Daily commuters and urban professionals who want real ballistic protection without wearing anything that reads as tactical gear. Frequent travelers who need a versatile outer layer — soft armor is legal to fly with in both carry-on and checked luggage. Civilians in elevated-risk environments who require NIJ Level IIIA coverage during work, transit, or public events and cannot wear a dedicated carrier. Ballistic protection The Apex jacket integrates three ShieldTec® panels independently tested more than 35 times at U.S. NIJ-accredited ballistic laboratories. Coverage spans the front chest (two panels) and full back (one panel). At NIJ Level IIIA, the system stops the most common handgun threats encountered in civilian and law enforcement contexts: 9mm full metal jacket, .357 Magnum, and .44 Magnum, among others. The panels do not provide rifle-round protection; if rifle-caliber threats are a concern, a hard armor plate system is required. Each ShieldTec® panel is removable. Removing the panels allows the jacket to function as a standard soft-shell, and also isolates the panels for correct care (see Care instructions below). If the jacket ever stops a bullet, Innocent Armor will send a replacement at no charge. Shell design and construction The outer shell uses a 4-way stretch performance fabric (nylon/elastane blend) that moves with the body without pulling or stiffness. The FitTec® engineered carrier system positions the panels ergonomically so armor does not bunch, shift, or print noticeably when the jacket is worn true to size. Reinforced structural stitching supports long-term durability under daily carry conditions. The exterior is water-resistant and windproof, making the Apex functional across three seasons. The jacket is designed to layer cleanly over a tee or light sweater. Minimal panel printing is a function of both the FitTec® placement system and correct sizing: order your normal jacket size for the best balance of fit and concealment. Sizing down gives a trimmer silhouette; sizing up accommodates layering or a more relaxed feel. Sizing and fit The Apex runs true to size in XS, SM, MD, LG, XL, and XXL. The 4-way stretch shell provides a forgiving athletic fit and full range of motion with panels installed. Shoppers between sizes who prefer a fitted look should size down; those who prefer comfort or plan to layer should size up. Contact us for guidance on specific measurements before ordering. Care instructions Always remove the ShieldTec® ballistic panels before washing. The jacket shell is machine washable on cold; hang dry only. Do not bleach and do not tumble dry with panels inserted. The panels themselves should not be machine washed. Specifications Brand: Innocent Armor Model: Apex Bulletproof Jacket Ballistic rating: NIJ Level IIIA Panel system: ShieldTec® — 3 removable panels (2 front chest, 1 full back) Threat coverage: 9mm FMJ, .357 Magnum, .44 Magnum, and comparable handgun rounds Testing: Independently tested 35+ times at U.S. NIJ-accredited ballistic laboratories Shell material: 4-way stretch nylon/elastane Shell features: Water-resistant, windproof, light-to-medium insulation Carrier system: FitTec® engineered panel placement Panels: Removable (jacket usable without panels) Country of manufacture: USA Available sizes: XS, SM, MD, LG, XL, XXL Color: Black Frequently asked questions Is this jacket NIJ Level IIIA rated? Yes. The Apex includes three fully removable NIJ Level IIIA ShieldTec® ballistic panels covering the front chest and full back. The panels have been independently tested more than 35 times at U.S. NIJ-accredited laboratories against 9mm, .357 Magnum, .44 Magnum, and comparable handgun threats. Will this jacket stop rifle rounds? No. NIJ Level IIIA is a handgun-rated standard. The ShieldTec® panels stop pistol-caliber threats but do not provide protection against rifle-caliber rounds. A hard armor plate rated Level III, Level III+, or Level IV is required for rifle-threat coverage. Can I wear the jacket without the armor panels installed? Yes. The ShieldTec® panels are fully removable. Without panels, the Apex functions as a standard water-resistant, windproof soft-shell jacket — no visible difference in the exterior appearance. Is soft body armor legal to fly with? Yes. Soft armor is legal to fly with in both carry-on and checked luggage under current TSA rules. If you have questions about a specific flight or destination, check with your airline or relevant authorities before traveling. What size should I order? Order your normal jacket size. The 4-way stretch shell and FitTec® panel system maintain a natural fit with armor installed. Size down for a trimmer, more concealed look; size up if you prefer extra room or plan to layer. Contact us if you need help selecting between sizes. Can this be shipped to my state? Body armor cannot be shipped to New York or Connecticut under current state law. Under 18 U.S.C. § 931, anyone convicted of a federal felony crime of violence is prohibited from purchasing or possessing body armor. Outside those restrictions, the Apex Jacket ships to all other U.S. states. Contact us with any questions about your order.