Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Is body armour legal to own and wear in the UK?
Yes. In the UK it is generally legal for civilians to purchase, own and wear body armour, including stab-resistant and ballistic protective vests.
Body armour is not a prohibited item under UK law. However, it must not be used in connection with criminal activity, and individuals subject to specific court orders or restrictions should ensure they comply with those conditions. If unsure, seek independent legal advice.
2. Do I need a licence to buy a stab vest or ballistic vest?
No. You do not need a firearms certificate, permit or licence to purchase body armour in the UK.
UK firearms legislation regulates firearms and ammunition, not protective equipment such as stab-resistant vests, ballistic plates or protective helmets.
Exporting body armour outside the UK usually require an export licence (see our export information page).
3. What is the difference between a stab-resistant vest and a bullet-resistant vest?
A stab-resistant vest is designed to resist penetration from knives, spikes and edged weapons. It is typically tested to standards such as NIJ 0115.00 or UK KR/SP levels.
A ballistic (bullet-resistant) vest is designed to stop handgun, shrapnel, other small arms and rifle projectiles and is tested to ballistic standards such as NIJ 0101.06.
The materials and construction required to stop knives and bullets are different. Many stab vests will not stop bullets, and many ballistic vests provide only limited protection against knife attacks unless specifically rated for both.
4. What protection standards do Armasure products meet?
Armasure products are tested to recognised protection standards, primarily the NIJ (National Institute of Justice, USA) standards because they are internationally understood.
Where required, we can advise on products offering protection comparable to UK KR/SP (knife and spike resistance) levels.
5. What do the NIJ protection levels mean?
Common levels include:
Stab protection (NIJ 0115.00):
Levels 1–3 based on energy impact (measured in Joules). For most civilian and security uses, lower levels already provide significant protection against typical threats.
Ballistic protection (NIJ 0101.06):
Level II / IIIA – protection against common handgun threats
Level III / IV – protection against higher-energy rifle threats (using hard armour plates)
Higher levels generally increase weight and rigidity.
6. Do stab-resistant vests also protect against slashing attacks?
Yes. Armour designed to resist penetration from a stabbing attack will also provide strong protection against slashing attacks from knives, broken bottles and similar weapons. Penetrating a vest is significantly more difficult than cutting across it.
7. What size vest should I choose?
A correctly fitted vest should:
Sit high enough to protect vital organs
Cover from below the collarbone to just above the belt when standing
Wrap comfortably around the ribs without large side gaps
If you are between sizes or have a broader build, choosing the larger size and adjusting the straps is usually preferable.
8. Are the vests heavy and can they be worn all day?
Weight depends on the protection level but they are all designed to be worn all day.
Lightweight covert vests are designed for extended wear, while higher protection vests are heavier due to the increased resistance materials. Many models include breathable inner lining to improve comfort during long shifts.
9. Can the armour panels be removed?
Yes. Armour panels are removable. They should be taken out before washing the carrier.
Panels: wipe clean with a damp cloth only
Outer carrier: cool wash
10. How long does body armour last?
Typically at least 5 years of normal use.
Replace earlier if:
The protective panel covering is damaged
The vest has been involved in a serious impact incident
The carrier no longer holds panels securely
Store in a cool, dry place away from prolonged heat and sunlight.
11. Can I wear a stab vest under clothing?
Yes. Covert vests are specifically designed for concealed wear under normal clothing. Slightly looser outer garments may help, but many users wear them daily without attracting attention.
12. Who commonly uses body armour?
Body armour is used by people in roles such as:
Security staff
Door supervisors
Retail security personnel
Enforcement officers
Cash handling staff
Taxi and transport workers
Individuals concerned about personal safety
13. What about ballistic helmets?
Our ballistic helmets provide NIJ IIIA protection against common handgun, shrapnel and small arms threats to the head. They are often used where there is risk of thrown objects, impacts or projectile threats and may be compatible with communication equipment depending on the design.
14. What are ballistic plates?
Ballistic plates are rigid armour inserts placed into plate carriers.
They provide higher ballistic protection levels (typically NIJ Level III or IV) and are designed to stop higher-energy projectiles than soft armour.
15. Do you deliver throughout the UK?
Yes. We ship throughout the United Kingdom using tracked delivery services. Delivery times depend on stock availability and configuration but from UK stock it is usually 1-3 days depending on time of day of purchase. For stock from New Zealand the delivery time is 7-10 days. Please see our shipping policy for more information.
16. Can I exchange a vest if the size is wrong?
Yes, provided the item is unused, in resaleable condition and packaging and tags are intact. Please see our refunds & returns policy for full details.
17. Is body armour tax-deductible?
Body armour used for work purposes may be treated as protective clothing rather than normal clothing for business expense purposes. Treatment depends on individual circumstances, so you should consult your accountant.
18. Is my data safe after I contact you and order?
We never give your data to third parties and will only use it to contact you we need to give you more information about your order, responding to an enquiry from you or if you have signed up to receive our newsletter emails or marketing. For more information please check our privacy policy.