Panssariliivejä

Panssariliivejä, known in English as body armor or bulletproof vests, are a type of personal protective equipment designed to protect the wearer from projectiles and shrapnel. They are typically worn by law enforcement officers, military personnel, and private security guards. The effectiveness of panssariliivejä varies depending on the materials used and the type of threat they are intended to stop.

Modern panssariliivejä are usually made from layers of strong synthetic fibers, such as Kevlar or Dyneema, woven together to form a flexible material. These fibers are capable of absorbing and dissipating the energy of a bullet, preventing it from penetrating the wearer's body. For protection against more powerful rounds or stab threats, rigid inserts made of ceramic, steel, or composite materials can be added to the vests.

The development of panssariliivejä has a long history, with early forms of protective garments dating back to ancient times. The modern era of body armor began to take shape in the early 20th century with the advent of mass-produced firearms. Significant advancements in materials science in the latter half of the 20th century led to the lightweight and highly effective vests available today.

Panssariliivejä are classified according to their protective capabilities, often by standards set by organizations like the National Institute of Justice (NIJ) in the United States. These classifications indicate the types of ammunition and threats a vest is rated to defend against. While often referred to as "bulletproof," no armor is completely impervious to all threats, and the term "bullet-resistant" is more accurate.