Tove Nilsbo

Today, most protective vests have very little shape as the bulletproof material imposes significant limitations. The vests are often flat at the front and back, which can cause discomfort for police officers who wear them daily. Many describe having to tighten the vest firmly to prevent it from shifting; this makes it difficult to take deep breaths and causes pressure and pain around the chest.

My degree project focuses on developing protective vests that accommodate a wider range of body types. I have chosen to focus on female bodies, identifying key issues through a survey and interviews with female police officers.

The result is a vest designed for SnigelDesign AB, Stockholm, where the ballistic panel and plate have been shaped to fit different bust sizes and equipped with adjustment options. This protective vest respects and follows the contours of the body.