Body Armor Market Size

Body Armor Market Size

Body Armor Market was valued at USD 2.3 billion in 2023 and is anticipated to grow at a CAGR of over 3.5% between 2024 and 2032. The continuous rise in global military spending is a primary driver of growth in the market.

As countries prioritize the safety and effectiveness of their armed forces, there is a growing demand for advanced body armor. Military forces around the world are investing in state-of-the-art protective gear that offers enhanced ballistic protection while being lighter and more comfortable. This demand drives innovation and development in the market, leading to the adoption of new materials and technologies that meet the stringent requirements of modern warfare. In January 2024, Safariland introduced the Apex Covert Vest System, a new line of concealable body armor, at the Shooting Hunting and Outdoor Trade (SHOT) Show in Las Vegas. The company highlighted that this innovative armor provides enhanced mobility and comfort.
 

The persistent threat of terrorism and the rise in criminal activities worldwide have heightened the need for personal protection, especially among law enforcement agencies and private security personnel. High-profile terrorist attacks and mass shootings have underscored the importance of body armor in safeguarding lives. Law enforcement agencies are increasingly equipping their officers with body armor that can protect against a wide range of threats, including firearms and stabbing weapons. The civilian market for body armor has also grown as private security firms and even individual citizens seek to protect themselves from potential threats. This has led to an increase in the production and sales of body armor, particularly in regions with high crime rates or frequent terrorist activities.
 

In the body armor market, ensuring appropriate coverage and fit is critical to the effectiveness of protective gear. However, the industry faces significant challenges due to the reliance on manual measurements during the fitting process. This challenge manifests in several key areas, including sizing discrepancies, operational inefficiencies, resource-intensive measurement events, and the costly nature of garment modifications. One of the primary challenges in the market is the variability in sizing that arises from manual measurements. When body armor is fitted manually, the process is highly dependent on the skill and experience of the individual conducting the measurement. Variations in technique, the tools used, and even the person’s interpretation of fit can lead to significant differences in the final product. This inconsistency is problematic because body armor must provide precise coverage to ensure maximum protection. Ill-fitting armor can leave critical areas exposed or restrict movement, thereby compromising the wearer’s safety and effectiveness in the field.