Clothing that can stop a bullet is typically part of ballistic armor designed to provide protection against gunfire. While regular clothing like shirts, pants, or jackets cannot stop a bullet, there are specialized bulletproof clothing and body armor that use advanced materials to do so. These garments are usually worn by law enforcement, military personnel, or civilians seeking protection from gunfire. Here's an overview of the types of clothing designed to stop bullets:

1. Bulletproof Vests (Body Armor)

• Overview: The most common type of bullet-stopping clothing is a bulletproof vest, often made from Kevlar, Dyneema, or Twaron fibers. These vests are designed to absorb and disperse the energy of a bullet, preventing it from penetrating the body.
• Soft Armor: These are typically worn by law enforcement officers and are flexible, lightweight, and made from materials like Kevlar or Twaron. Soft armor is usually effective against handgun rounds (e.g., 9mm, .40 S&W, and .45 ACP).
• Hard Armor: For protection against rifle rounds (such as 5.56mm or 7.62mm), hard armor plates made from materials like ceramics, steel, or polyethylene are inserted into bulletproof vests or carriers. These plates help to stop high-velocity projectiles.
• Ballistic Vests: These are worn directly on the body and can be concealed under clothing for discreet protection. They are typically rated according to their protection level, such as NIJ Level II, Level III, and Level IV, with Level IV offering the highest protection against rifle rounds.

2. Bulletproof Jackets and Shirts

• Overview: Bulletproof jackets, coats, and shirts are specially designed garments made from the same ballistic materials used in bulletproof vests, like Kevlar or Dyneema.
• Bulletproof Jackets: Some manufacturers produce concealed bulletproof jackets that provide protection against handguns and, in some cases, low-velocity rifle rounds. These jackets are often made with layers of Kevlar woven into the fabric to provide lightweight protection without sacrificing style.
• Ballistic Shirts: Similar to jackets, ballistic shirts use protective fibers to provide a certain degree of bullet resistance. These are more commonly seen as part of specialized clothing for military personnel, security professionals, or high-risk individuals.
• Concealed Armor: Some clothing is designed to look like normal, everyday apparel, but it has hidden ballistic layers sewn into it. For example, there are bulletproof suits or bulletproof hoodies made from bullet-resistant fabrics.

3. Bulletproof Backpacks and Briefcases

• Overview: Though not technically clothing, bulletproof backpacks and briefcases are becoming increasingly popular as a means of protecting civilians from potential gun violence. These products often include Kevlar or steel plates integrated into the lining.
• Use: These items can be worn or carried like regular backpacks or briefcases, but they provide added protection against bullets in the event of a shooting incident. Some ballistic backpacks have pockets for inserting removable hard armor plates that increase the level of protection.

4. Bulletproof Clothing for Civilian Use

• Fashion Meets Protection: There are now several brands that offer bulletproof clothing aimed at the general public. These are designed to be worn discreetly in public places while offering protection against handgun bullets. These can include:
  • Bulletproof T-shirts and polo shirts: These garments use materials like Kevlar woven into the fabric to provide protection without looking like traditional armor.
  • Bulletproof coats and vests: Some designers have created fashionable bulletproof coats, which can be worn in urban environments for everyday use while providing protection against handgun threats.
  • Ballistic accessories: Bulletproof clothing can extend to accessories like scarves, hats, and gloves. These items may offer basic protection but are typically designed to protect against lower-caliber weapons.

5. High-Tech Fabrics and Technologies

• Overview: Research in high-tech fabrics and new materials has led to the development of advanced bulletproof clothing that is lighter, more comfortable, and more flexible. Some modern bulletproof fabrics use combinations of steel wire or carbon nanotubes, which provide superior strength while maintaining lightness.
• Polyethylene-based fabrics (e.g., Dyneema and Spectra) are often used in conjunction with Kevlar in some high-performance body armor for better protection against high-velocity rounds.
• Smart Textiles: There is ongoing research into smart textiles that incorporate ballistic materials into regular clothing without compromising on comfort. For example, some manufacturers are developing bulletproof clothing that incorporates electronic sensors for monitoring the wearer's health and alerting authorities in case of injury.

6. Military and Tactical Armor

• Tactical Vests: Military and law enforcement personnel often wear tactical vests that provide full protection against both handguns and rifle rounds. These vests are worn on the outside of regular clothing and often feature multiple layers of ballistic fabric, armor plates, and additional pockets for carrying gear.
• Plate Carriers: Plate carriers are adjustable vests that hold hard armor plates (ceramics or polyethylene), which can protect against high-powered rifle rounds. They are more commonly used by military personnel but can be worn by civilians in certain circumstances where protection is required.

Conclusion:

Clothing that stops bullets typically includes bulletproof vests, jackets, shirts, and accessories made from advanced ballistic materials like Kevlar, Dyneema, and ceramic plates. These garments are designed to protect the wearer from gunfire, especially handgun rounds, though rifle protection requires additional hard armor plates. For everyday wear, bulletproof jackets and backpacks are available to provide discreet protection. However, bulletproof clothing is not 100% invulnerable and may not be able to stop all types of ammunition, particularly high-powered rifle rounds.