Female Body Armor

Is Female Body Armor Actually Needed?

For years, the body armor world has neglected women when it comes to armor protection. But as the years and decades have passed, the need becomes greater and greater.

According to  census.gov there are over 98,000 female police officers, representing over 13% of sworn law enforcement.

In the four main branches of the military, there are nearly 230,000 women on active duty according to a diversity study done by the Department of Defense.

Plus, these government studies don’t touch on the needs of women who work in high risk professions or simply want a kit for home defense to protect themselves and their families. Suffice it to say, there is a great need for female armor in the United States among professional users and also civilians.

Suffice it to say, there is a GREAT need for female armor in the United States.

What Level of Female Body Armor Should you get?

One of the most important considerations to make when deciding on which level of female body armor to purchase are the specific threats expected to be faced. Body armor levels refer to the armor plates ability to defeat specific bullets from different types of firearms – handguns, shotguns and rifles included.

Other considerations to make when deciding on female body armor is weight as well as price.

What Size is the Body Armor for Women?

Through the research we’ve done at RMA over the last 2+ years, we’ve concluded that a nominal 9×11 plate is the right starting point when it comes to armor for women.

The 9×11 size will essentially be the equivalent of the “medium” SAPI size that we’ve been used to for the last couple decades.

As this female body armor division of our company grows we will look to manufacture other sizes as well.

What Does Level 4 Female Body Armor Stop?

The Level IV female body armor defeats what any other RMA Level IV body armor plate defeats. Notably, this level 4 female armor is multi-hit rated to defeat the following:

• 30.06 m2ap rounds
• m855a1
• .308
• 7.62×39 MSC
• and many other common rifle rounds

What Does Level III Female Body Armor Stop?

RMA’s Level 3 Women’s body armor is built to defeat many of the same rounds as men’s Level 3 body armor. Level 3 plates are rated to defeat multiple rounds of .308 M80 NATO as well as these other rounds.

• 5.56 FMJ
• m193
• 7.62×39 MSC
• .308 M80 NATO

What Does SRT Lightweight Women’s Body Armor Stop?

Just because RMA’s Lightweight Women’s body armor is as light as a feather, doesn’t mean it isn’t rugged. As a standalone female armor plate, its been tested to defeat the following rounds.

• 5.56 FMJ
• m193
• 7.62×39 MSC
• 44 magnum and all other common handgun rounds

What is Female Body Armor Made Out Of?

Level 4 body armor for women is the highest level of armor on the market, built to be the most rugged armor among all the body armor levels. As such, the main components of all level 4 body armor is a ceramic strike face and a composite backer.

RMA builds its level 4 female armor with an alumina oxide ceramic strike face and a polyethylene composite backer. The ceramic serves to break apart the armor piercing rounds, which allows the composite backer to act as a catcher’s mitt and catch the remaining bullet fragments and reduce the energy impact transferred to the body.

RMA’s SRT lightweight women’s body armor and Level 3 women’s body armor are made out ultra high molecular weight polyethylene and weigh just 1.9-pounds and 2.4-pounds, respectively.

Can Women Wear Men’s Body Armor?

For decade’s women have worn men’s body armor, but should they? Absolutely not. Simply put, single-curve and multi-curve body armor isn’t built for the shape or size of the female anatomy, which leads to a lack of comfort, mobility and protection.

So yes, while women can wear body armor built for men, it’s not advisable, which is why RMA is the very first company to manufacture rifle rated women’s body armor plates for Military, Law Enforcement AND civilians.

Can Civilians Own Female Body Armor?

Absolutely. We sell female body armor to all law-abiding U.S. citizens, law enforcement officers, first responders, members of the military, etc.

There are a couple exceptions. Because of state laws, Connecticut does not allow online sales of body armor. While it is legal to own armor in Connecticut as a civilian, purchasing it must be a face to face transaction.

Residents of New York state are also now restricted from the purchase of body armor unless their profession falls into one of the categories listed here (New York Body Armor Laws).

It’s possible that more states will implement laws restricting armor in the future, so it’s your job to know your state’s laws regarding it.

However, it is illegal for any felon convicted of a violent crime to own armor in the United States.