Choosing
How to Wear Body Armor Under Clothing So It Doesn't Show
· 5 min read · Andrey Sokolov
Concealable body armor is designed to be worn under clothing, but what actually makes it invisible is the fit and what you wear on top. The outline is given away by the thickness of the pack, a size too big, shoulder straps and thin, clingy fabric. What hides it is heavy fabric, a pattern, a loose cut and a second layer: an unbuttoned shirt, a sweater, a blazer.
Which clothes make body armor most noticeable
| Clothing | What gives the vest away | How to smooth it out |
|---|---|---|
| Thin, tight-fitting T-shirt | edge of the pack on the chest and stomach, straps on the shoulders | a second layer on top or a loose-cut T-shirt |
| Light-colored plain shirt | shadow from the pack edge, side hook-and-loop fasteners showing through | heavy fabric, a dark color or plaid |
| Shirt tucked into trousers | the fabric pulls tight and the lower edge of the vest shows | wear it untucked |
| T-shirt with a deep neckline | top edge of the pack at the throat | crew neck or a collared shirt |
| Thick sweater, hoodie | with the right vest size, almost nothing | choose one a size looser than usual |
| Blazer, jacket | shoulders and chest are covered, the outline usually doesn't show | go a size looser, fasten one button |
There is no such thing as an invisible vest: "concealable" means worn under clothing, not over it. A trained eye will spot it. The goal is more modest: passers-by, coworkers and the person across the table won't notice anything.
What gives a concealable vest away
Pack thickness. A higher protection class means more layers in the pack. A Br2 vest is thicker and heavier than a Br1 vest and shows through a thin shirt more. We compare the two in the article "Br1 or Br2: what each class protects against".
Pack coverage. COYOTE has two packs, on the chest and on the back, with only straps along the sides. DARK ARMOR M-3 has packs all the way around, sides included. Under clothing, COYOTE adds less bulk at the sides, while M-3 covers the sides with protection. It is a trade-off between how noticeable the vest is and how much area it protects.
Size. A vest that is too big bulges at the back and sides; one that is too small rides up and exposes the stomach. Both mistakes show through any clothing. Measurements and how to check the fit are covered in our sizing article.
Straps and fasteners. Through thin fabric they show before the pack does: lines on the shoulders, a lump from the folded strap at the sides.
Armor plates. Plates can be added to the pockets of the M-3; they are sold separately. A rigid plate doesn't bend to the body, so a single shirt won't hide it. Plates are for when protection matters more than concealment.
How to dress so body armor doesn't show
- One size looser. The vest adds bulk to the chest and back. A shirt or sweater that fit snugly before will pull tight over it.
- Heavy fabric. Flannel, oxford cloth, denim and heavy knits don't cling to the edge of the pack. Thin cotton and viscose follow the outline.
- Dark colors and patterns. Plaid, stripes and small prints break up the shadows from the pack edge and straps. Plain white fabric emphasizes them.
- A second layer. An unbuttoned shirt over a T-shirt, a cardigan, a light jacket, a suit vest. The simplest way to hide the outline.
- Untucked. A tucked-in shirt is stretched from shoulder to waist and traces the lower edge of the vest.
- A higher neckline. A crew neck or a shirt collar covers the top edge of the pack. A deep V-neck exposes it.
What to wear under body armor
Don't wear the vest against bare skin. Sweat soaks into the cover, and the edges and fasteners chafe the skin. Underneath, wear a thin, close-fitting T-shirt made of moisture-wicking fabric. The shoulder seams should be flat, otherwise the straps will press them into your skin.
Choose a T-shirt without a thick print on the chest: the print creates an extra bump. For a long day, bring a spare.
COYOTE and DARK ARMOR M-3 have a 3D AIR MESH lining inside that lets air through. The mesh does not replace a T-shirt under the vest.
How to put on and adjust the vest
- T-shirt first, then the vest. Fasten the shoulder straps so the packs sit evenly on the chest and shoulder blades, without skewing.
- Tighten the sides equally on the left and right. You should be able to take a deep breath freely, and the vest shouldn't shift around.
- Tuck in the strap ends. A loose tail of hook-and-loop strap shows through a shirt as a bump.
- Put on the clothes you'll be going out in and stand sideways to a mirror. Sit down and raise your arms: the vest gives itself away more often when you move.
Concealable body armor in summer
Under a single thin T-shirt, a concealable vest shows. In summer, a short-sleeved shirt in heavy patterned cotton helps: worn untucked over a thin T-shirt.
The vest won't make the heat go away. A lighter model, the mesh lining and a spare T-shirt help. COYOTE weighs 1.4 kg, while DARK ARMOR M-3 is listed at 2.6 kg in the catalog: in hot weather the difference is noticeable.
A non-standard build makes a vest just as hard to hide as it makes clothes hard to fit. We will make any model to your measurements, men's or women's, at no extra charge. Not sure which model will work with your clothes? Call our toll-free number 8 800 101-76-37. Tell us where, for how many hours and under what clothes you'll wear the vest, and we'll suggest a model and size.
FAQ
Can you see body armor under a shirt? Under a thin, plain, fitted shirt the outline is noticeable. Heavy fabric, plaid, a loose cut and wearing the shirt untucked hide the vest from a casual glance.
What do you wear under body armor? A thin, close-fitting T-shirt made of moisture-wicking fabric. Without it the vest chafes and sweat soaks into the cover.
Can you see body armor under a blazer? A blazer covers the shoulders and chest, so it is the easiest garment to hide a concealable vest under. Choose a blazer one size looser, since the vest adds bulk.
How many hours a day can you wear concealable body armor? There is no general limit for civilians; concealable vests are worn for a full working day. If your back gets tired or the vest chafes by evening, the cause is most often the size or fit.
Can you wear body armor on bare skin? It's not a good idea. The edges and fasteners chafe the skin, and sweat soaks into the cover.
