Bullet Proof vest- modify it?

[gifbohane]

I bought a vest and I want to trim about two inches off the upper sides. My arms are being restricted a lot by the current size.

It is stab and bullet proof, so I know that it will not be easy to cut the material and re-sew.

Anyone here ever tried it? And if so how did you cut the material?

 

[Robert]

Where did you get it? Did they not do a fitting?

 

[gifbohane]

I bought it on the internet because I could not find a local store. Got any suggestions on where I could buy one with a "fitting?" Or at least with my personal dimensions.

I have been at this project for a month.

 

[Beck]

Post a pic of the body armor you're dealing with. Kevlar is very difficult to cut. There are special scissors and cutters, but those are really for cutting one layer at a time. If you're dealing with other materials that may be part of the vest, it'll be more complicated than buying another vest that fits right.

 

[CapnMac]

Got any suggestions on where I could buy one with a "fitting?"

Your location (at least the State) will help with that.
Presume this is an "under street clothes" vest rather than an exposed vest, yes?

A "concealment" vest winds up being very hard to self-modify. Especially one meant to be "stab resistant" (it will not cut easily).

Also, that high fit up into the armpits is meant to protect your vitals from lateral attack, too. So, getting more "armpit hole" actually exposes more of your necessary arteries.

Further, have you made the needful investment in layering garments?
A ribbed undershirt can be critical for comfortable wear. And you want at least one per day worn (two are better). You want moisture wicking undershirts as well.

Now, if you mean an external vest, worn outboard of the street clothes, you still need moisture wicking shirts. But, you also have to cope with reduced mobility (plate carriers can be particular bad about this). Generally, you need to "train through the pain" with most of those.

 

[gifbohane]

 

[Robert]

That's a very standard armor carrier. So, the general rule of thumb on coverage is, the armor should cover from the notch where your collar bone meets you sternum to your belly button. This allows for proper coverage of the vital areas while still allowing freedom of movement and being to sit down. The panel width is just a matter of how much over lap you want on the sides. More over lap means more protection but less breathability.

Without proper machinery there is no easy way to cut kevlar or the stab proof layer. I would not attempt this at home. I wear my vest every day and would not want to be working on it with the tools I have at home. If you are employed in security or law enforcement then they should be able to put you in contact with the right people. If not, there are numerous websites that can show you how to measure for proper fit. Sell what you have and buy a properly sized vest. You won't want to wear something that doesn't fit.

Also, I see your IP returns to NY. But with proxy servers being all the rage that doesn't mean much. I will say this, be aware of your local laws regardless of where you are.

 

[Riomouse911]

Do not cut the Kevlar, as soon as you do the ends will start to fray and it will slowly fall apart. After 31.5 years of having fitted vests issued, every time I played with an old/expired one and cut it, the panels soon fell apart. (Shot a lot of old vests, too.)

For safety, vests should be fitted to the wearer and then made. “Off the rack” vests fit like off the rack suits; they will work in a pinch but will never be a perfect fit.

Stay safe..