Design and Product Development

Fit Problems and Design Modifications of the Ballistic Vest for Female Police Officers

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Abstract

Despite the development of the modern ballistic vest which offers effective ballistic protection, it does not provide adequate fit and comfort to the female wearer that makes it less likely to be worn. To protect the vital organs of the torso from gunshot and projectiles, ballistic vests are constructed with multiple layers of high-performance materials which makes the ballistic vest inflexible, and heavy. Therefore, ballistic vests barely conform to the female body shape and result in a poor fit, riding up, shifting out of place, etc. which affects the working efficiency and might compromise the protection of the female police officers. The objective of this study was to determine which body locations are affected caused by the poor fit of ballistic vests that impedes mobility and suggests design modifications to improve the fit of the ballistic vest that will increase the working efficiency and comfort of female police officers.

Keywords: Police officers, Female, Design, Ballistic vest, Fit

How to Cite:

Mica, M. T. & Peksoz, S. -., (2020) “Fit Problems and Design Modifications of the Ballistic Vest for Female Police Officers”, International Textile and Apparel Association Annual Conference Proceedings 77(1). doi: https://doi.org/10.31274/itaa.11821