The Level 4 Armor Level IIIA concealable undershirt is soft body armor built around UHMW-PE ballistic panels and an elastic polyester shell. It carries a Level IIIA handgun rating and weighs about 3.5 lbs, so it gives torso coverage that hides under a normal shirt or jacket. The manufacturer rates the panel against handgun threats spanning .22 through .44 Magnum jacketed hollow point, and describes it as NIJ tested to Level IIIA. It fits wearers who need discreet protection where a visible vest will not work. Available in Medium through 3XL and in Black or White, with fit set by the manufacturer's sizing chart.

Who this is for

• Plainclothes and off-duty carriers: people who want handgun-rated coverage that disappears under a uniform shirt or street clothes.
• Executive protection and private security: staff who need discreet Level IIIA protection without signaling that they are wearing armor.
• Everyday concealed-carry civilians: wearers who prioritize a low-visibility undershirt over a bulky external vest.

What does this Level IIIA undershirt stop?

Level IIIA is the highest handgun-protection level under NIJ Standard 0101.06. The manufacturer rates this UHMW-PE panel against common handgun threats from .22 Magnum up to .44 Magnum jacketed hollow point, and publishes the threat array shown below. Level 4 Armor describes the panel as NIJ tested to Level IIIA. BPZ has not confirmed an entry on the NIJ Compliant Products List, so this is not an NIJ Certified product.

Soft armor at this level handles handgun rounds only. It does not stop rifle rounds such as 5.56x45 or 7.62x39, which need hard armor plates rated Level III or higher. If you need rifle protection, run a plate carrier with rated hard plates instead. The manufacturer also states the UHMW-PE panel material is up to 40 percent stronger than aramid (Kevlar).

NIJ Standard 0101.06 Level IIIA threat reference (per the manufacturer)

The manufacturer also lists 12 gauge 00 buckshot among the threats this level addresses, without a stated velocity.

Concealability and comfort

The panels sit inside a t-shirt-style garment cut from elastic polyester, so the shirt stretches with the torso and layers under normal clothing. The full garment weighs about 3.5 lbs. Two colors are offered, Black and White, which lets you match the undershirt to a dark or light outer layer. Because the armor and the shirt are one piece, there is nothing to assemble before wear.

Specifications

Fit and carrier compatibility

This is a self-contained system. The UHMW-PE panels are built into the shirt, so no separate plate carrier or vest is needed. Choose a size using the manufacturer's chart, which pairs a fit profile with a height, weight, and chest range. Match your measurements to the closest row below, then select the corresponding shirt size at checkout.

Frequently asked questions

What is NIJ Level IIIA and what does it stop?

Level IIIA is the highest handgun-protection level in NIJ Standard 0101.06. It is built to defeat a range of handgun rounds, and the manufacturer rates this panel from .22 Magnum through .44 Magnum jacketed hollow point. The threat table on this page lists the specific rounds and velocities the level covers. Level IIIA does not address rifle threats.

Will this undershirt stop rifle rounds?

No. Level IIIA soft armor is rated for handgun threats only, not rifle fire. Rounds like 5.56x45 and 7.62x39 cut through soft armor and require hard armor plates rated Level III, III+, or IV. Treat this undershirt as concealed handgun protection, and add a plate carrier with rated plates if you expect rifle threats.

Can I wear this concealed under regular clothing?

Yes. The armor is integrated into a t-shirt-style garment made from elastic polyester, so it wears like an undershirt beneath a normal shirt or jacket. The full garment weighs about 3.5 lbs. Black and White options let you match it to your outer layer, which helps keep the protection out of sight.

How do I choose the right size?

It depends on your build. The garment comes in Medium, Large, X-Large, 2XL, and 3XL, and the manufacturer pairs each fit profile with a height, weight, and chest range. Match your measurements to the closest row in the fit table above, then select that size at checkout for the most accurate fit.

Can this be shipped to my state?

It ships to most states, but not all. This product cannot be shipped to New York or Connecticut due to state body armor restrictions, and 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. Confirm your local rules before ordering.