U.S. Body Armor Market - Databook 2025 to 2034

The global U.S. body armor market size was estimated at USD 789 million in 2024 and is projected to be worth around USD 1,140 million by 2034, growing at a CAGR of 3.74% from 2025 to 2034.

Highlights of the U.S. Body Armor Market

• By protection level, the level III segment underwent notable growth in the market during 2024.
• By protection level, the level II segment is anticipated to expand rapidly.
• By end-user, the defense segment experienced significant expansion in the market.
• By end-user, the law enforcement segment is expected to emerge with notable growth during the forecast period.
• By type, the vest segment saw strong growth during the studied period.
• By type, the helmet segment is set to experience the most robust growth across the market.
• By style, the overt segment showed substantial gains in the market.
• By style, the covert segment is set to experience the most robust growth across the market.

Industry Valuation and Growth Rate Projection

The U.S. body armor market is booming as interest in safety and protection has grown significantly. Body armor encompasses bulletproof vests, helmets, and shields used to protect police, soldiers, or any person. The current market is booming due to high levels of crime, military needs, and advances in technology. Many manufacturers are making stronger, lighter, and more comfortable armor.

In addition, many governments, especially in Western countries, are increasing military budgets and funding. Additionally, the use of body armor has expanded to include its use by private security guards and within schools. Overall, with new materials and smart cuts and designs, body armor now has more protection than it had previously, while also being lighter and easier to wear. It is a real opportunistic in the body armor market for the United States.

What Are the Market Trends in the U.S. Body Armor Market?

• The market trends in the U.S. body armor market are increasing emphasis on lighter armor, advances in material, and body armor with smart technology.
• With an increased emphasis on speed in a fast-paced action environment, police and military forces in the U.S are selecting lighter body armor.
• Due to advances in the use of technology with materials such as Kevlar and the use of ceramic plates, it is possible for armor to be stronger and lighter, and move in the direction of comfort.
• Some U.S. companies are producing body armor equipped with sensors recording issues such as health or damage sustained in use.

What Are the Restraints in the U.S. Body Armor Market?

The market restraints in the U.S. body armor market are the expense of new and smart armor, government regulations, and the short service life of soft armor.

• New and smart body armor can be costly for small police departments or individuals.
• Making and selling body armor in the U.S. requires multiple approvals, which can impede the release of new products.
• Soft body armor may be shortened in use and replaced more often, which adds to the long-term costs.

What Are the Opportunities in the U.S. Body Armor Market?

The opportunities in the U.S. body armor market lie in the expansion of the private security industry, government-sponsored funding programs, and armor for school safety personnel.

• U.S. firms do a better job of hiring security and purchasing armor to protect their staff, and contributing to the expansion of the private security industry.
• U.S. government defense and law enforcement agencies are better funded to purchase more protective and safer armor.
• Some U.S. schools are providing body armor to their school safety staff to better protect students.

Recent Developments in the U.S. Body Armor Market:

• In May 2025, U.S. special operations forces are to be outfitted with new blast-exposure monitoring systems in 2026-2029. The officials also wanted to equip them with lighter, better body armor and a concussion-sensing device, so the appropriate protections were in place when operating in high-risk combat.
• In March 2025, the U.S. army awarded a US$ 416 million contract to Hardwire, LLC, a Worcester County body armor manufacturer. Hardware LLC is a manufacturer of ballistic armor and has donated protective gear for local schools to enhance teacher and student safety.