Bulletproof and Design, a possible marriage?

The concept of a designer bulletproof vest is not a natural marriage but it is nevertheless a possible challenge to take up. In principle, bulletproof vests, discretion and design are not compatible. In particular, we took up this challenge with FURTIV, our designer bulletproof jacket, but if it is a discreet bulletproof jacket, there is also the discreet bulletproof vest; what we call the discreet port vest.

The limits of the classic bulletproof vest

Here are the reasons why users who are not used to wearing a bulletproof vest no longer want or can't wear one:

• The vest is visible, it is not discreet and therefore there is no longer any surprise effect
• The vest is unsightly
• The vest is heavy, uncomfortable, bulky
• Wearing it for a long time is tiring and not breathable
• Removing it by the head when there is no longer a risk is a tedious and unnatural gesture.

So what are the solutions to keep your style while wearing a bulletproof jacket?

The keys to making a bulletproof vest Design

To design a bulletproof vest, several aspects can be taken into consideration, combining aesthetics and functionality. Here are a few ideas:

Use top quality materials that give a luxurious feel while maintaining the necessary ballistic resistance. This may include the use of quality leather, high-end fabrics, or even stylish metallic accessories.

Opt for a sleek fit and a tailored silhouette that flatters the shape while maintaining a discreet profile. A bulletproof vest can be designed to conform to the lines of the body, thus avoiding a bulky appearance.

Choose timeless, subtle, and stylish colors that can help integrate the vest into a variety of outfits without compromising style.

Opt for minimalist details rather than flashy elements.

Turn a vest into a jacket.

Design the vest so that it can be easily integrated into various outfits, whether over a shirt or under a jacket, while maintaining a stylish appearance.

Explore technical innovations that can make the vest lighter, more flexible, and more comfortable, while maintaining high standards in terms of ballistic protection.

Choosing the right technology

The first instinct is to choose lightweight and flexible technology. Aramid is currently the best solution. A highly durable and lightweight synthetic polymer used in the manufacture of bulletproof vests. The best known aramid is Kevlar developed by DuPont.

Consisting of long, aligned molecular chains, Kevlar offers exceptional protection and tensile strength, five times that of steel at the same weight. Its flexible and lightweight structure makes it possible to create bulletproof vests that offer protection against bullets, blades and other projectiles.

This fiber is famous for its ability to absorb the kinetic energy of bullets by deforming its molecular structure, thus slowing the progress of projectiles and reducing the impact on the wearer.

Kevlar is widely used in the manufacture of bulletproof vests of various levels of protection for law enforcement, military, and other professionals subject to ballistic risks, offering an unparalleled combination of strength, flexibility, and lightness to ensure vital protection.

The discreet port bulletproof vest

Despite their high protection, these vests are designed to allow maximum freedom of movement. They are often adjustable and customizable to adapt to different morphologies and operational situations.

Many elite vests have MOLLE (Modular Lightweight Load-carrying Equipment) systems that allow various equipment and accessories to be attached, such as ammo pouches, medical kits, and tactical tools. These vests are often made from advanced materials like Kevlar, Dyneema, or other aramid fibers to provide ballistic protection while remaining lightweight.

Discreet or Exposed Wear: Depending on the mission, elite units can choose between discrete wear vests, designed to be worn under clothing, and exposed wear vests, which are more bulky but offer additional protection and customization options.

Who uses a discreet vest?

The discreet port bulletproof vest has become an essential piece of equipment for various professions requiring ballistic protection while maintaining a discreet appearance.

Civilian law enforcement, security agents and close protection personnel are among the main users of this type of bulletproof vest. These professionals require effective protection against potential threats while maintaining a discreet appearance in varied environments.

Discreet wear bulletproof vests, often designed with Kevlar, meet these needs by providing reliable bullet protection while being easy to hide under regular clothing. This allows users to perform their duties safely without compromising their professional appearance.

The bulletproof vest, a new option

Wearing a bulletproof vest is nevertheless uncomfortable and restrictive. So much so that turning it into a jacket makes it possible to offer both pleasure and a sense of security. If we take the example of FURTIV, to achieve this result, the work of model makers and designers is very important: a real Swiss watchmaker's work.

The search for the overall balance of the garment is a priority objective because rigid ballistic plates are intruders in a jacket. She did not have to lean forward, backward or to the side.

The challenge of front opening

The first objective is to transform a bulletproof vest into a practical object to be worn every day, like a classic piece of clothing. This is why integrating a bulletproof into a jacket simplifies the life of users. With FURTIV for example, we wanted to make the jacket aesthetic, easy to use and offer a real feeling of freedom: you wear it and take it off whenever you want.

Even if the bet was successful in the end, the challenge of integrating ballistics into a jacket is a headache. This requires a lot of attention to detail, starting with the principle of facial openness. This challenge was fundamental because it was necessary to maintain the same level of ballistic safety and certification on the abdomen and chest as a vest that goes through the head.

This first challenge was complex to solve but we succeeded by working on the principle of overriding the 2 front plates.

FURTIV, an easy to wear designer jacket

If the first advantage of FURTIV is to protect you, this jacket is also a garment that can be worn every day.

First of all, thanks to its design. Its elegance, discretion and lines make it an (almost) normal garment. The Inventive Citi teams and now those of VEST PARIS have created a collection with simple and effective lines to be worn in all circumstances. Going to work, going out, traveling, FURTIV is designed to adapt to all these situations.

FURTIV is also a “practical” jacket because it is worn like a classic jacket. It eliminates all the constraints of wearing a bulletproof vest. It is easier to wear, it is more discreet, it is lighter, it is not bulky, it is not bulky and FURTIV is above all very comfortable for a bulletproof.

Another advantage is that it passes through airport gates.

VEST PARIS signs the FURTIV design

The reason why this FURTIV project was a success is because at the beginning the idea came from a fashion brand, INVENTIVE CITI (now VEST PARIS) and not the other way around.

It was primarily the promise of elegance, comfort and practicality that took the lead and then, bulletproof was added. If we had not been able to integrate bulletproof protection into a jacket without affecting its aesthetics and comfort, we would have stopped the development of this project and we would have given free space to the classic bulletproof vest.

The ultimate goal was to push the customer experience to an unprecedented level. ‍

Wearing FURTIV, a pleasure

Wearing a bulletproof vest is so uncomfortable and restrictive that our mission was to make it a garment that offers both pleasure and a sense of safety.

To achieve this result, the work of the model makers and our designers was long and meticulous. A real Swiss watchmaker's work carried out in high fashion workshops in France and Italy for nearly 2 years.

The search for the overall balance of the garment was a priority objective because rigid ballistic plates are intruders in a jacket. She did not have to lean forward, backward or to the side.

This long development process was rewarded by the success of our jackets among our users and praised at the Milipol, Shot Show in Las Vegas and Platinium in Monaco fairs.

We have succeeded in turning the unpleasant experience of wearing bulletproof into an unforgettable experience that can be repeated over and over again.

PROTECOP, ideal partner

The French Industrial Group was created in 1982 in Eure.

Now considered an international reference in the field of internal security, Protecop designs, manufactures and markets personal protective equipment for both law enforcement and ballistic protection intended for first responders in the Armed Forces or private security companies.

In fact, VEST PARIS and PROTECOP, with its 40 years of experience, were destined to work together on such an innovative project.

PROTECOP, a unique ballistic expertise

In constant evolution, Protecop designs and manufactures all the bulletproof vests it sells: covers, flexible bulletproof or blade proof packs and rigid plates.

Protecop is constantly evolving its solutions. Holder of numerous ballistic patents, this flagship company in French industry uses the most innovative materials on the market as well as the most advanced technologies to offer the most efficient solutions in terms of protection and weight.

All Protecop ballistic solutions are validated in independent and approved laboratories to guarantee an adapted response to each of its customers around the world.

The perfect traceability of materials and solutions meets the most advanced criteria in terms of security.

These are the technologies that have been integrated into FURTIV jackets for almost 10 years and that allow our users to have a unique experience.