Innocent Armor Soft-Shell Level IIIA Soft Body Armor Vest
The Innocent Armor Soft-Shell Vest delivers NIJ Level IIIA ballistic protection inside a 4-way stretch soft-shell garment that looks like a performance vest and nothing else. Three ShieldTec® panels (two front, one full-back) stop 9mm, .40, .45 ACP, and .44 Magnum threats. The ShieldTec® system has been independently tested at U.S. NIJ-accredited ballistic laboratories 35 or more times. The nylon/elastane shell is weather-resistant, machine washable with panels removed, and sized XS through XXL. Every order includes a free $98 ballistic panel, and if the vest ever stops a bullet, Innocent Armor sends a replacement at no charge. Who this is for Daily commuters and travelers who want reliable handgun-threat protection without a tactical profile or visible armor. Civilians and professionals who need all-day wearability and the freedom to layer over or under other clothing in any season. Men and women looking for a unisex, true-to-size fit with 4-way stretch that accommodates active movement without bulk. Threat coverage NIJ Level IIIA is the highest ballistic rating available in concealable soft body armor. It covers the full spectrum of common handgun threats, including 9mm, .40 S&W, .45 ACP, .357 Magnum, and .44 Magnum rounds. Three ShieldTec® panels distribute that coverage across the front and full back of the torso. This vest does not stop rifle rounds. Level IIIA soft armor is rated exclusively for handgun-caliber threats, and no soft body armor currently achieves rifle-rated protection in a concealable form. The vest is also not rated as a stab-resistant vest under NIJ or UK standards. Independent in-house testing has shown the ShieldTec® panel can withstand heavy puncture, spike, and blade abuse well beyond normal fabric durability, but that performance is not certified under a formal stab-resistance standard. Concealability and comfort The shell is built from 4-way stretch nylon/elastane, which molds to the body and moves with it rather than against it. A low-profile construction sits flat as a base or mid-layer, and the design is engineered to minimize printing under light jackets or hoodies. The materials are designed for silent movement: no crinkling, no stiff panels shifting during use. FitTec® Comfort Technology integrates the panel carrier into the garment structure, improving balance and keeping the armor from riding up or shifting during active wear. The result is a vest that can be worn comfortably for a full day in any season, indoors or out. Care and maintenance Remove the ShieldTec® ballistic panels before washing. The vest shell is machine washable in cold water and should be hung to dry. Do not bleach, and do not tumble dry with panels inside. ShieldTec® panels carry a 5-year service life with proper care. When the panels reach end of service life, contact us about replacement options. Specifications Brand: Innocent Armor Model: Soft-Shell Bulletproof Vest Ballistic rating: NIJ Level IIIA Ballistic system: ShieldTec® (proprietary NIJ IIIA soft armor) Panel configuration: 2 front panels + 1 full back panel Tested: Independently tested at U.S. NIJ-accredited ballistic laboratories, 35+ tests Threats stopped: 9mm, .40 S&W, .45 ACP, .357 Magnum, .44 Magnum Shell material: 4-way stretch nylon/elastane Comfort system: FitTec® engineered panel carrier Panel service life: 5 years with proper care Sizing: XS, SM, MD, LG, XL, XXL Fit: Unisex, true to size; size up for relaxed fit or thick layering Included: Vest with ShieldTec® panels + free $98 ballistic panel Country of manufacture: USA Fit and carrier compatibility The Soft-Shell Vest is a self-contained garment: the ShieldTec® panels are integrated into the vest structure, not designed to transfer into a separate plate carrier. Sizing runs true to size with a forgiving 4-way stretch fit. Size down for a fitted look; size up for comfort, layering, or a more relaxed profile. The vest can be worn as a base layer under a jacket or as a stand-alone mid-layer. If you are between sizes or have specific fit questions, contact us before ordering. Frequently asked questions Will this vest stop rifle rounds? No. NIJ Level IIIA soft armor is rated for handgun threats only, up to .44 Magnum. It does not provide protection against rifle-caliber ammunition. No concealable soft body armor currently achieves rifle-rated protection. Is this vest stab-resistant? No formal stab-resistance rating applies to this vest under NIJ or UK standards. Independent in-house testing has demonstrated that the ShieldTec® panel can withstand heavy puncture, spike, and blade stress well beyond normal fabric, but that result is not certified under a published stab-resistance standard. Does the vest print under clothing? No. The low-profile, 4-way stretch design is engineered to minimize printing under light jackets or hoodies. The panels sit flat against the body, and the materials are designed for silent movement with no crinkling or shifting. Can I wash this vest? Yes. Remove the ShieldTec® ballistic panels first, then machine wash the shell in cold water and hang dry. Do not bleach and do not tumble dry with panels inside. The panels themselves should not be machine washed. How long do the ShieldTec® panels last? ShieldTec® panels carry a 5-year service life with proper care. After that period, the panels should be replaced to maintain rated ballistic performance. Can this vest be shipped to my state? This vest cannot be shipped to New York or Connecticut due to state body armor restrictions. It is subject to U.S. export regulations. Under 18 U.S.C. § 931, anyone with a federal felony conviction for a crime of violence is prohibited from purchasing or possessing body armor.