Zips on the Front of Body Armour: Pros and Cons
Written by: Richard Fox
At PPSS Group, we have always prioritised protection above all else.
Historically, this led us to advise against zips on the front of body armour, as they were considered a potential weak point that could compromise the safety of the wearer during a violent assault. However, in listening to feedback from frontline professionals and understanding the evolving operational needs of our customers, we have made the decision to re-introduce the front zip as an option for those who value convenience alongside protection.
In this short blog, I will give you honest insight into the pros and cons of stab vests with front zips, so you can make an informed choice about what’s right for you or your team.
Dependant on the user, a front zip can marginally reduce the effort and time it takes to put on or remove the stab vest. In high-pressure environments or during shift changes, this can be a welcome benefit, particularly for those who need to get suited up quickly.
Some wearers appreciate being able to open the zip when seated or on a break. This allows more airflow to the body (body armour without a front zip can be opened at the side), helping with heat management and comfort in hot or physically demanding environments. Having the zip can be particularly useful during short breaks, this is valuable feedback we received from healthcare security professionals who can be very busy.
A zip on the front is, by design, a structural interruption in the protective surface of the armour. While modern zips can be robust and high-quality, they can still represent a vulnerability compared to a continuous cover, particularly in the face of an aggressive assault or attack.
In extreme situations such as a physical struggle with a violent individual there is a real risk that a zip could break, be forced open, or come undone. This could expose the wearer’s torso at precisely the time when protection is needed most. Previously, when we offered zip up body armour, this was a concern raised by several customers and we were even told stories of stab vests failing at the zip during struggles with violent individuals.
At PPSS Group, we understand that no single body armour configuration will suit every wearer or every situation. That’s why we now offer both zipped and non-zipped front body armour options, therefore empowering wearers and organisations to select the configuration that best suits their specific role, environment, and preference.
Our zipped models use premium-quality zips (YKK) and reinforced designs to reduce the risk of failure, but we are clear and transparent about the pros and cons. We encourage organisations and individual users to assess the operational risks they face and to select the design that provides the best balance of protection and practicality for their needs.
Your body armour should be a source of confidence, not concern. Whether you choose a zipped or non-zipped design, you can trust that our products are engineered to the highest standards of safety, comfort, and reliability.
If you would like guidance on selecting the right body armour for your organisation, please contact our team, we are here to help.
Richard Fox is the Director of Operations at PPSS Group, a UK and US registered company specialising in high-performance body armour and protective clothing. With a military background, Richard brings over three decades of experience to his role. At PPSS Group, he oversees global operations, HR, quality assurance, and compliance. Richard is committed to advancing personal safety solutions for frontline professionals and individuals at risk from workplace violence, ensuring they have access to the most effective protective gear available.