The EDI-USA Concealable Inner Vest is a soft body armor system rated to NIJ Level IIIA (ambient) and HG2 (ambient), or Level II (ambient), depending on the configuration selected. Designed to be worn beneath everyday clothing, the vest encloses lightweight ballistic panels in a soft cotton carrier built for all-day comfort. Sizes run from Small through 4XL, and the vest is available in black or white, with custom colors available on request. A GSA contract vehicle (47QSWA21D0010) and TAA-compliant configurations are available for qualifying agency procurement.

Who this is for

• Law enforcement officers and detectives who need discreet ballistic protection under a uniform or plain-clothes attire without telegraphing their armor to the public.
• Executive protection agents and security professionals who must maintain a business or formal appearance while carrying handgun-rated ballistic coverage throughout a shift.
• Government and agency buyers who require GSA-contract-eligible or TAA-compliant soft armor for department procurement programs.

Threat coverage

The EDI-USA Concealable Inner Vest is tested to Level IIIA (ambient) and HG2 (ambient), covering the full spectrum of handgun threats addressed by NIJ 0101.06 and NIJ 0101.07 threat parameters. The Level IIIA / HG2 rating addresses high-velocity handgun rounds including .357 SIG and .44 Magnum. A Level II (ambient) configuration is also available for buyers who prioritize a thinner, lower-weight profile while maintaining protection against common handgun calibers such as 9mm and .357 Magnum.

This vest is rated for handgun threats only. It does not stop rifle-caliber rounds. Buyers requiring rifle-rated protection should pair a soft armor panel with a hard armor plate rated to Level III or Level IV.

Concealability and comfort

The ballistic panels are enclosed in a soft cotton carrier that sits directly against the body. Cotton construction allows the carrier to breathe and conform to the torso without the stiffness typical of synthetic shell materials. Front and back fabric tails extend below the panel to tuck into the waistband, keeping the vest anchored and body-molded during movement — reducing ride-up and preventing the telltale bulk that can print through a dress shirt or blazer.

Available in black or white to match standard undershirt preferences. Custom colors are available for agencies or organizations that require logo embroidery, department-specific coloring, or non-standard configurations. TAA-compliant versions are available through EDI-USA's GSA contract (47QSWA21D0010) for government procurement.

Care and maintenance

The cotton carrier is the launderable outer shell of this system. Remove the ballistic panels before washing the carrier. Ballistic panels should never be machine washed or submerged — surface-wipe only with a damp cloth. Store panels flat or hanging in a cool, dry environment away from direct sunlight and extreme heat, which can degrade ballistic fibers over time. Inspect panels periodically for visible damage such as creasing, delamination, or impact marks; retire any panel that has sustained a ballistic impact or shows structural compromise.

Specifications

Fit and carrier compatibility

This vest is a standalone concealable system — no external plate carrier is required. The cotton carrier is purpose-built to hold the included ballistic panels and is not designed to accept third-party hard armor plates. The front and back tuck tails accommodate a range of torso lengths and trouser rises; sizing from S through 4XL covers most adult body types. If you are between sizes or have a non-standard torso proportion, contact us and we can help identify the right configuration or connect you with the custom-order process.

Frequently asked questions

Can this vest be shipped to my state?

This vest cannot be shipped to New York or Connecticut due to state body armor restrictions. It is subject to US export regulations. Under 18 U.S.C. § 931, anyone with a federal felony conviction for a crime of violence is prohibited from purchasing or possessing body armor.

What is the difference between Level IIIA / HG2 and Level II, and which should I choose?

Level IIIA / HG2 covers a broader range of handgun threats, including high-velocity rounds like .357 SIG FMJ and .44 Magnum SJHP. Level II covers 9mm FMJ and .357 Magnum JSP at standard velocities, in a thinner and typically lower-weight panel. Choose Level IIIA / HG2 for maximum handgun coverage; choose Level II if minimal thickness and weight are the primary priorities and your threat environment is limited to common pistol calibers.

Will this vest stop rifle rounds?

No. This is a soft armor system rated for handgun threats only. Rifle-caliber rounds — including 5.56x45 M193, 7.62x39, and similar — will defeat soft armor panels at any NIJ level. Stopping rifle threats requires a hard armor plate rated to Level III or Level IV.

Can I wear this under a regular dress shirt or suit jacket?

Yes. The vest is specifically designed for under-clothing wear. The soft cotton carrier and tuck tails minimize printing and ride-up. Whether it remains fully invisible depends on shirt weight, fit, and body type — a looser-cut dress shirt or sport coat typically conceals it effectively.

Can I wash this vest?

The cotton carrier shell can be laundered after removing the ballistic panels. The ballistic panels themselves must not be machine washed or submerged. Wipe panels clean with a damp cloth and allow them to air dry completely before reinserting into the carrier.

Is a TAA-compliant or GSA version available?

Yes. This vest is available on GSA Advantage under contract number 47QSWA21D0010. TAA-compliant configurations are available — contact us for a quote tailored to your agency or department's procurement requirements.