Stab Vests for Security Officers, Retail Security and Guarding Companies
Many security officers, retail security guards and guarding companies now issue certified stab resistant vests as part of their PPE, particularly in public-facing roles where the risk of assault, knives or improvised weapons cannot be ruled out. Security officers in shopping centres, retail stores, hospitals, transport locations and commercial sites may encounter aggressive behaviour, shoplifting incidents or violent individuals, which is why many employers choose to issue certified stab resistant body armour as part of their PPE.
Overt stab vests are commonly used in the security industry as visible protection may act as a deterrent while still allowing body armour to be worn comfortably over uniform during long shifts. PPSS stab vests can be supplied in custom colours with organisation branding, embroidery and logo patches, helping security officers maintain a professional appearance while wearing certified protective equipment.
Trusted Stab Vests for Security Officers and Guarding Companies




















































Stab Vest Range for Security Professionals
Why Security Officers Wear Stab Vests
Security officers often work in public-facing roles where they may be required to deal with aggressive behaviour, shoplifting incidents, trespassers, intoxicated individuals or situations that escalate without warning. In retail environments, shopping centres, transport locations, hospitals and public venues, incidents can occur at close range, which increases the risk of injury from knives, spikes, improvised weapons or blunt force assaults.
Because of these risks, many security companies, facilities management providers and public sector organisations choose to issue certified stab resistant body armour to frontline staff. Overt stab vests are commonly used in the security industry as visible protection may act as a deterrent, while lightweight construction allows officers to wear body armour comfortably over uniform during long shifts.
PPSS stab vests are designed specifically for security officers who require reliable protection without restricting movement, making them suitable for guarding teams, retail security, event security and enforcement personnel working in demanding environments.
In recent years, many employers have reviewed their risk assessments for security officers, particularly in retail and public environments where knife-related incidents and assaults on staff have increased. Providing certified body armour can help reduce the risk of serious injury while allowing security officers to continue working safely in public-facing roles.
Certified Protection You Can Trust
All PPSS stab vests are manufactured using high-performance composite materials and independently tested to recognised international standards.
Our stab resistant body armour can be supplied to meet:
• 10 Year Life Expectancy Guarantee
CAST Body Armour Standard:
• KR1 (Knife Resistance) View Certificate
• SP1 (Spike Protection) View Certificate
VPAM Body Armour Standard:
• W5 (Blunt Force Protection) View Certificate
NIJ Standard 0115.00 Certification:
• Threat Level 1 – Spike View Certificate
• Threat Level 1 – Edged Blade View Certificate
Body Armour for Retail Security, Guarding Companies and Public Venues
Security officers working in retail stores, supermarkets, shopping centres, transport locations and public venues often face unpredictable situations, particularly when dealing with theft, anti-social behaviour, aggressive customers or enforcement of site rules. Because many incidents occur at close range, security staff may be exposed to the risk of knives, improvised weapons or physical assault, which is why many employers choose to issue certified stab resistant body armour to frontline personnel.
PPSS stab vests are designed to balance protection, comfort and mobility, making them suitable for extended wear in public-facing roles where security officers must remain fully operational throughout long shifts. Lightweight construction, ergonomic fit and the ability to wear body armour over uniform make our stab vests suitable for retail security, guarding companies, facilities management providers and event security teams working in demanding environments.
Our body armour is commonly used by:
- Retail security teams
- Shopping centre security officers
- Guarding companies
- Facilities management providers
- Event security staff
- Public sector enforcement teams
Download Our Stab Vest Catalogue for Security Teams
Trusted by Security Professionals and Guarding Companies
PPSS stab resistant body armour is trusted by security officers, retail security teams and guarding companies who require certified protection, lightweight comfort and professional appearance. Our overt and covert stab vests are designed for long shifts, public-facing roles and unpredictable environments where knives, spikes or physical assault may be a risk.
★★★★★ Rated 5/5 from verified client testimonials
Protection Designed for Overt and Covert Security Roles
Security officers often work in public-facing environments where incidents can develop quickly and without warning. Retail security, guarding teams, facilities management patrols and event security staff may be required to deal with theft, anti-social behaviour, intoxicated individuals or confrontations with members of the public, often at close range. Because of this unpredictability, many organisations choose to issue certified stab resistant body armour to help reduce the risk of serious injury while allowing officers to remain fully operational.
In the security industry, both overt and covert body armour may be required depending on the role. Visible stab vests are commonly worn by retail security and guarding teams as a deterrent, while covert body armour may be preferred for plain-clothes security, surveillance work, close-protection style duties or specialist roles where a low-profile appearance is important. Lightweight construction and ergonomic design allow our stab vests to be worn comfortably over or under uniform during long shifts without restricting movement.
PPSS stab resistant body armour is designed for frontline security professionals who require reliable protection combined with comfort, mobility and a professional appearance, making it suitable for retail, commercial, transport, event and specialist security environments.
Comfort for Long Security Shifts
Security officers often wear body armour for long shifts, sometimes 8–16 hours at a time, which is why PPSS stab vests are designed to balance comfort with high levels of certified protection. Unlike traditional soft armour materials such as Kevlar, which can become heavy, wear down and lose performance over time, our carbon fibre composite body armour is engineered for durability, reliability and long-term operational use.
UK Manufactured Stab Vests for Security Professionals
PPSS Group is a UK manufacturer of certified stab resistant body armour, supplying protective equipment to security companies, guarding providers, facilities management organisations and public sector teams throughout the United Kingdom and internationally. Our stab vests are designed for demanding frontline roles where recognised certification, comfort and reliability are essential.
Manufacturing in the UK allows us to maintain strict quality control and ensure our body armour meets recognised standards including CAST / Home Office KR1 knife resistance, SP1 spike protection and VPAM blunt force testing. We can supply overt stab vests, covert body armour and bespoke designs with custom colours, embroidery and organisation branding, allowing security teams to maintain a professional appearance while wearing certified protection.
Choosing body armour from an experienced UK manufacturer provides reassurance that protective equipment is developed, tested and supported by specialists familiar with the operational demands placed on security officers, covert teams and guarding professionals.
Book a No-Obligation Demonstration for your Security Team
Book a no-obligation demonstration today and let our Director of Corporate Relations, Mike Bird visit your team. Witness the certified protection of our stab resistant body armour in action and see how it can help safeguard your security officers, guarding teams and frontline staff.
FAQs
Yes. Our stab resistant body armour is designed for retail security, guarding companies, facilities management providers and event security teams working in public-facing environments where protection, comfort and mobility are essential.
Yes. We supply both overt and covert stab resistant vests. Covert body armour is often used for plain-clothes security, surveillance work, specialist patrol roles and situations where a low-profile appearance is required.
All PPSS stab resistant vests are independently tested and certified to recognised standards including CAST KR1 knife resistance, SP1 spike protection and VPAM blunt force testing, making them suitable for demanding frontline security roles.
Yes. Our body armour is designed to be lightweight and comfortable for extended wear. Security officers can wear our stab vests overtly over uniform or covertly under clothing without restricting movement.
Yes. We can supply stab vests in custom colours with organisation branding, embroidery and logo patches, allowing security companies and guarding providers to maintain a professional appearance while wearing certified protection
Yes. We regularly supply stab resistant body armour in bulk to security companies, facilities management providers and public sector organisations. Contact us for quotations, lead times and bespoke requirements.
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