Can women wear standard-sized body armor?

Kami Kay Kirschbaum
Apr 8
2 min read

A woman in a tan coat and hat stands by a river under a bridge. She holds her hands to her lips; the mood is serene and stylish. — Women Deserve Proper Protection

For decades, women were expected to adapt to body armor made for someone else’s body. Big, boxy, uncomfortable. Most people don't understand how dangerous this actually is.

At Civilian, we’re changing that.

The Problem: Standard Armor Doesn’t Fit Women

Let’s be honest: most body armor is designed with one shape in mind. I've said it before and I'll say it again- we're not legos.

Male-designed vests tend to:

Sit too wide on the shoulders
Squeeze across the chest
Ride too long on the torso
Restrict movement and make breathing harder
If you're a woman who's worn body armor before- does this resonate?

And it’s not just about comfort—it’s about safety. When armor doesn’t fit, it leaves gaps. Underarms. Neck. Sides. The places that matter most.

The Solution: Armor That’s Actually Made for You

Our women’s collection is built from the body out. That means:

Curved panels to fit and protect your chest—without compression or discomfort
Shorter torso lengths that don’t cut into hips or ride up when you move
Flexible, lightweight protection that disappears under clothing, making you blend in as well as making you feel secure.

Woman in sunglasses sits on a dimly lit hallway floor, leaning against a wall. She's wearing a black top and tan jacket, exuding a relaxed mood. — Body Armor is not one size fits all.

What Makes Civilian Different?

We don’t believe you should have to settle for “unisex” armor. I have a hard time that even exists. We believe bulletproof should come in your size. That’s why Civilian offers tailored bulletproof fashion for women without sacrificing form, function, or style.