The Citizen Armor V-Shield Ultra Conceal is a Level IIIA (HG2) concealable soft body armor vest built specifically for the female form. Its V-shaped ballistic panel covers the front and back, protecting the heart, lungs, liver, and kidneys. Third-party NIJ IIIA ballistic tested, the vest is available in Standard or Prestige armor layups, in sizes XS through XL, in black.

Who this is for

• Plainclothes professionals: detectives, investigators, and security personnel who need day-long protection that disappears under business or casual clothing.
• Women seeking everyday carry protection: the contoured V-cut and moisture-wicking fabrics make hours of continuous wear genuinely manageable.
• First-time armor buyers: the all-in-one carrier-and-panel format removes the guesswork of pairing separate plates and carriers.

Threat coverage

The V-Shield Ultra Conceal is third-party NIJ IIIA ballistic tested, covering the handgun threat spectrum at Level IIIA (HG2). This designation addresses the full range of common handgun calibers rated under NIJ 0101.06 at Level IIIA. Like all soft body armor, this vest is not designed to stop rifle-caliber threats.

Concealability and comfort

The vest is engineered around a V-shaped panel geometry that follows the natural contours of the female torso. Ultra-thin armor construction means the profile stays flat under a dress shirt, blouse, or light jacket. Large adjustable straps let the wearer dial in a secure fit across the full XS–XL size range without bulk.

The outer shell pairs a mini rip-stop nylon face fabric with a tricot layer on top for Velcro patch placement. A 100% A.M.Y./Sorbtek polyester mesh lining drives breathability and moisture management, with stain-release protection, odor control technology, and a DWR antimicrobial coating built in. The outer layer is machine washable.

Care and maintenance

The outer carrier layer is washable. Remove the ballistic panels before laundering the shell. Do not machine-wash, tumble-dry, bleach, or iron the ballistic panels themselves. Store panels flat, away from prolonged direct sunlight and extreme heat. Allow up to 10 days for the product to ship; this armor is made in the U.S.A. and is not a stocked commodity item.

Specifications

Fit and carrier compatibility

The V-Shield Ultra Conceal ships as a complete vest with the ballistic panels already integrated into the carrier — no separate plate selection required. Sizing runs XS through XL; refer to Citizen Armor's female size chart (linked on the product page) to match your measurements. The large adjustable straps accommodate variance within each size band. If you need help confirming the right size before ordering, contact us.

Frequently asked questions

What is NIJ Level IIIA and what does it stop?

Level IIIA (HG2) is the highest handgun protection rating in the NIJ 0101.06 soft armor standard. It addresses 9mm, .357 SIG, .44 Magnum, and other common handgun calibers up to the velocities specified in the standard. It does not address rifle-caliber threats — for rifle-rated protection, a hard armor plate is required in addition to soft armor.

Will this vest stop rifle rounds?

No. Soft body armor at Level IIIA is not designed to stop rifle rounds. Defeating rifle threats requires a hard armor plate rated Level III or Level IV. The V-Shield Ultra Conceal is a handgun-rated soft armor vest only.

What is the difference between Standard and Prestige armor layups?

Citizen Armor offers two ballistic panel constructions — Standard and Prestige — for this vest. Both are third-party NIJ IIIA tested. Third-party ballistic test result documents for each layup are available on the Citizen Armor product page. Contact us if you need guidance on which layup fits your threat profile and budget.

Can I wash this vest?

The outer carrier layer is washable. Always remove the ballistic panels before laundering the shell. The panels themselves should not be machine-washed or submerged. Follow the care instructions included with your vest to avoid degrading the ballistic material.

How do I choose the right size?

Use Citizen Armor's female size chart, linked on the product page, to match your chest and torso measurements to a size. The large adjustable straps provide fit flexibility within each size band. If you are between sizes or have fit questions, contact us before placing your order.

Can this vest be shipped to my state?

This vest cannot be shipped to New York or Connecticut due to state body armor restrictions. Under 18 U.S.C. § 931, anyone with a federal felony conviction for a crime of violence is prohibited from purchasing or possessing body armor. It is legal for all other law-abiding adults to purchase and wear body armor.