Does Body Armor Expire? And What Happens If You Still Wear It?

"Better than nothing” doesn’t really cut it when it comes to stopping bullets.

As I like to say, hope isn't really a good strategy when it comes to saving your life.

Here’s something most people don’t think about: body armor doesn’t last forever. It’s not like your granddad’s revolver you can oil and pass down. The materials that keep you alive—whether Kevlar, UHMWPE, or other ballistic fibers—break down over time.

Sunlight. Heat. Moisture. Wear and tear. All of it chips away at how well your vest, hoodie, or shirt can handle business when things go bad.

So… How Long Does It Last?

Industry standard says five years. Civilian has a 7 year warranty. That’s manufacturers looking at lab tests, ballistic results, and the fact that fibers get weaker as they age. We test our body armor at Oregon Ballistic Laboratories.

And no—your armor doesn’t suddenly turn to tissue paper at five years and one day. But every year after that, it’s less reliable. The same .44 Magnum round that used to get caught in the fibers might push through once the material starts to degrade.

Here’s Where People Screw Up

Plenty of folks keep wearing old armor because they think it’s “better than nothing.”

Let’s be clear: you’re gambling. If the stitching’s worn, if the material’s creased, if it’s been sitting in a hot car for summers on end—your armor might fail right when you need it. No different than trusting your life to a carry gun you never clean.

Check Your Labels.

Look at the tag inside your armor. It’ll have a manufacture date and usually an expiration date. Civilian’s panels have clear labels for a reason. If you’ve passed that date—or your vest looks like it’s been through a lawnmower—replace it. You’re not buying body armor to feel safe. You’re buying it to be safe.

And What About Washing?

One last thing: keep your gear clean.

The carriers—hoodies, tees—you can wash those. Just pull the panels out first.

Don’t let sweat, dirt, or salt grime up your carrier. A clean carrier keeps your armor sitting right and helps you spot any damage sooner. Your life’s worth fresh armor.

Stay safe out there.

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