U.S. Body Armor Market Boom: What’s Driving the Surge in Civilian Protective Gear Sales
TL;DR: The U.S. body armor market is growing fast, and civilians are a big part of why. Rising safety concerns, advances in technology, and easier online access are driving more everyday Americans to buy protective gear. The U.S. market was valued at $789 million in 2023 and is projected to hit $1.12 billion by 2030. It is no longer just a military or law enforcement purchase; regular people are buying body armor, too.
More Americans are buying body armor than ever before. What used to be equipment reserved for soldiers and police officers is now showing up in the shopping carts of everyday civilians.
So what is actually driving this shift?
Here is a straightforward look at the numbers, the reasons, and what it means for the personal safety industry.
The U.S. Market by the Numbers
The growth is real and backed by data.
According to Grand View Research, the U.S. body armor market generated $789.5 million in revenue in 2023 and is projected to reach $1.12 billion by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 5.1% [1].
At the global level, Fortune Business Insights estimates the body armor market at $6.72 billion in 2024, with projections to reach $14.42 billion by 2032 [2], for a compound annual growth rate of 9.6%.
North America leads this market. The U.S. alone accounted for over 1.2 million units sold in 2024, more than any other single country, according to Market Reports World [3]
Why Civilians Are Buying More Body Armor
Several factors are pushing this trend forward. None of them is surprising once you look at the full picture.
- Rising safety concerns
Public safety events, from mass shootings to civil unrest, have made personal protection a more common topic of conversation. According to NPR, sellers of body armor reported an increase in business tied in part to several high-profile mass shootings and civil unrest [4]. That awareness has not gone away.
- More accessible technology
Body armor used to be heavy, bulky, and expensive. That has changed. Advances in ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) and aramid fibers, such as Kevlar, have made armor lighter, thinner, and more comfortable to wear for longer periods. Concealable vests now fit under regular clothing without drawing attention.
- Direct-to-consumer retail growth
Online shopping has changed who can buy body armor and how fast they can get it. A specialized body armor retailer now offers direct purchasing options, detailed size guides, and product comparisons, making it easier for first-time buyers to understand what they need before committing to a purchase.
- Broader buyer demographics
Body armor sales now extend to everyday professionals seeking on-the-job protection. Reports indicate that around 75% of sales from leading manufacturers go to concerned citizens, including convenience store clerks, dispensary staff, bank tellers, and postal workers in higher-risk roles.
What Protection Level Do Civilians Usually Buy?
Not all body armor is the same. The National Institute of Justice (NIJ) sets the standards for protection levels in the U.S. Here is a quick breakdown of the most common options for civilian buyers:
| Protection Level | What It Stops | Common Use Case |
| Level II | Common handgun rounds (.9mm, .40 S&W) | Lightweight, everyday concealable use |
| Level IIIA | High-velocity handgun rounds | Law enforcement, civilian daily carry |
| Level IIIA+ | Shotgun shells, specialty rounds | Enhanced civilian and security use |
| Level III / IV | Rifle rounds | Tactical, high-threat situations |
Level IIIA is the most popular option for civilians because it balances protection, weight, and wearability. According to Persistence Market Research, Level IIIA accounts for approximately 42% of the body armor market share in 2025 [5], driven by its use in both law enforcement vests and civilian concealable armor.
Is Body Armor Legal for Civilians to Buy?
In most of the U.S., yes. Federal law allows law-abiding civilians to purchase body armor. However, a few states have restrictions worth knowing:
- Connecticut requires in-person purchases only; no online orders.
- New York restricts the sale of certain soft body armor to approved professions following legislation passed after the 2022 Buffalo shooting.
- California and Illinois have been working on legislation to further restrict civilian access.
If you are considering a purchase, checking your state’s current laws before buying is a smart first step.
The Bottom Line
The U.S. body armor market is growing, and civilians are a real and expanding part of that growth. Better materials, easier access, and a broader sense of personal safety awareness are all contributing to more Americans exploring protective gear for the first time.
This is not a fringe trend. The data shows a steady, long-term shift in how people think about personal protection, and the industry is responding by building better products at more accessible price points for everyday buyers.
FAQ
Is body armor legal for civilians in the U.S.?
Yes, federal law permits law-abiding civilians to buy body armor nationwide. Some states, like Connecticut (in-person sales only), New York (restrictions post-2022 Buffalo shooting), and California/Illinois (potential changes), require checking local rules before purchase.
What protection level do civilians prefer?
Level IIIA leads for civilians, offering handgun protection (up to .44 Magnum) in concealable, lightweight designs ideal for daily wear. It holds a strong market share due to wearability for both law enforcement and civilians.
Why the civilian sales surge?
Rising safety concerns from mass shootings/civil unrest, lighter materials like UHMWPE/Kevlar, and easy online retail are driving broader adoption among professionals like store clerks and bank tellers.
References:
- Grand View Research. (n.d.). US body armor market size & outlook, 2024-2030.
https://www.grandviewresearch.com/horizon/outlook/body-armor-market/united-states
- Fortune Business Insights. (2024). Body armor market size, share & analysis.
https://www.fortunebusinessinsights.com/body-armor-market-113318
- Market Reports World. (2024). *Body armor market size, share & report *.
https://www.marketreportsworld.com/market-reports/body-armor-market-14715134
- Treisman, R. (2022, June 14). Sales of body armor are on the rise. Who’s buying and why? NPR.
https://www.npr.org/2022/06/14/1103935711/body-armor-sales-increase-rise-mass-shootings-bans
- Persistence Market Research. (n.d.). Body armor market size, share, and growth forecast, 2025-2032. https://www.persistencemarketresearch.com/market-research/body-armor-market.asp
