Incompatible functions: Problems of protection and comfort identified by female police officers required to wear ballistic vests over bras

Fit-for-purpose operational equipment for women undertaking law enforcement has generated significant discussion and research internationally over several years. This research addresses the need to ensure optimum safety and fit for women who require ballistic vests as part of their policing roles. It examined whether bras can improve the performance of unisex ballistic vests for women of all bust sizes. A survey of 273 female Victoria Police officers was conducted. The results showed that unisex ballistic vests are not suitable for women with larger breasts when combined with commercial sports bras. Conversely, women with smaller breasts experienced limited issues. Although wire-free bras are recommended for use with ballistic vests, officers with larger breasts reported that they preferred to wear underwire bras. Women with larger breasts experienced more problems with unisex ballistic vests than women with small breasts. Sports bras are not designed to be worn under body armour for prolonged periods.