A generic term used to refer to soft kevlar, para-aramid, and other woven and _____ type layered fabrics used as body armor. Common certifications for this type of armor include NIJ level IIIa, II, and lower. While these fibers are known to degrade over time and have an established shelf-life, many have contested the shelf-lives of these armors and claim they remain effective long after expiration with proper care and limited use. Usually worn as a stand-alone armor, these armors have proven effective against pistol threats but not rifle or stab threats; additionally, soft armors are used in conjunction with hard steel plate armor to catch/stop the spalling and fragmentation caused by the impact of bullets against the steel armor.
International certification level tables