Let’s get down to business. You’re here because you want a bulletproof vest—and you want to make the right call.
Whether you’re a civilian who wants peace of mind, a security guard gearing up for a sketchy night shift, or a prepper stacking gear for the end of days, the same question applies: what kind of vest do you actually need?
What Types of Vests Are Out There?
Here’s the no-BS breakdown:
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Concealable vests: These are soft, flexible, and worn under your clothes. Perfect for civilian use, security work, or just keeping a low profile.
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Tactical/outer carrier vests: These go over your clothes. They’re bulkier but have pockets for gear and sometimes look more intimidating—great for uniformed security.
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Plate carriers: Designed to hold heavy ceramic or steel plates. Great if you’re expecting rifle fire. Overkill for 99% of civilian scenarios.
What Are You Trying to Stop?
Let’s be real. Unless you’re working in maritime security or find yourself in Yemen or Ukraine, you’re probably not going up against an armed militia. The vast majority of threats on American soil come from handguns.
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Level IIA – Good for 9mm and .40 S&W. Thinner and lighter, but largely phased out in favor of stronger options.
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Level II – Can handle 9mm and .357 Magnum. Still available, but overshadowed by IIIA in most cases.
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Level IIIA – Stops .357 SIG and .44 Magnum. This is the highest level of soft armor protection available, and it’s what we recommend for most use cases.
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Level III – Stops 7.62x51mm NATO full metal jacket rounds (a.k.a. .308). This is where rifle protection starts. Requires plates.
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Level IV – Stops armor-piercing .30-06 rounds. The highest level of protection available. Heavier, but serious.
If someone’s shooting rifle rounds at you, you have bigger problems than what vest you’re wearing. But if you still want to armor up, BulletSafe’s Level IV plates should be up to the task.
Use Case Breakdown: What Kind of Buyer Are You?
Civilians – You want protection without looking like someone who just watched one too many action movies and bought gear they don’t understand. A discreet vest like our VP4 Concealable Vest keeps you protected without drawing attention. Wear it under a jacket and go about your day.
Security Professionals – Whether you’re patrolling a dark parking lot or bouncing at a nightclub, you want comfort, mobility, and presence. Concealable vests work for plainclothes work. Outer carriers work for visual deterrence.
Preppers – You’re planning for the worst. Good. Start with soft armor. It’s wearable for long durations, and you can always upgrade later with hard plates if things get spicy. The VP4 gives you protection without bulk.
Fit, Comfort, and Sizing
A vest doesn’t do you any good if it fits like a garbage bag. Ours are adjustable and come with a full sizing chart. Measure yourself—don’t guess. A properly fitted vest should cover your vital organs without restricting movement.
Pro tip: don’t buy your vest like you’re buying a hoodie. Fit matters. Consult the sizing chart below:
To shop BulletSafe's bulletproof vests, click here.