The demand for armored and concealed carry clothing is rapidly expanding, with several companies dominating the market.
According to Fox News, Colombia-based designer Miguel Caballero is one powerful player in the industry. Noted for his line of personal protection apparel which uses the latest ballistic-resistant materials and technology, Caballero’s work is distributed in the United States by Elite Sterling Security. However, with prices of over $3,000 for a sleeveless shirt, nearly $4,000 for a Baobabs vest and over $6,000 for a Rapa jacket, his clothing is not cheap. Other companies are now are competing with him.
“Throughout the decade, there has been a global exponential increase in civilian awareness regarding terrorism or ‘of the sort’ violence. From the recent shootings at the Las Vegas Mall, to the Sandy Hook tragedy, violence has prompted a demand in basic body armor,” César René Pabon Bernál, President of New York-based body armor wear company Doo Aquino LLC told FOX411. “We have developed a patented, high-end body armor garment design tailored exclusively to deliver unique protection. Wearing stylish body armor has caught on not only in the U.S., but around the world.”
Fox News cites a Strategic Defense Intelligence Report, “The Global Body Armor and Personal Protection Market 2013,” which states that the industry is likely to expand at a compound annual growth rate of 4.58 percent over the next 10 years, to $3.7 billion.
Meanwhile, the popularity of concealed carry clothing is also increasing.
“The need for ‘hidden’ protection without changing ones clothing style and habits, as well as an increased state of ‘preparedness’ of individuals is evident,” said Jan-Willem Driessen, Marketing Director for 5.11 Tactical. “The mindset of being ready for this type of situation is now not only present with our first responders.”
“People buy more guns and the direct result is more need for range ready apparel and gear hat is versatile and comfortable,” Driessen added.
Read more: http://www.foxnews.com
