DuPont (NYSE: DD) has introduced three new testing protocols designed to set a higher industry standard for evaluating comfort and mobility in soft ballistic body armor. Developed in partnership with German textile research institute Hohenstein, the new methods aim to replicate real-world motions to better identify discomfort and movement restrictions experienced by law enforcement and military personnel.
A key driver behind the initiative is improving officer safety: discomfort is one of the most commonly cited reasons police remove body armor during duty, while restricted mobility can lead to fatigue, slower reactions, and increased risk of injury.
The newly launched Comfort & Mobility Tests include:
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Lower Costal Bending (LCB) Test – Measures energy loss and fatigue risk caused by armor stiffness during upper-body bending.
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Double Curvature Compression (DCC) Test – Evaluates how well armor materials conform to the body’s complex curves to support natural movement.
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Edge Pressure (EP) Test – Identifies pressure points at vest edges, often a major source of discomfort.
Hohenstein, known for its textile-ergonomics expertise, contributed research based on extensive wear trials to ensure the tests closely match real-world user experience.
DuPont leaders say these new protocols will help the industry quantify flexibility and comfort more objectively, supporting development of next-generation materials such as Kevlar® EXO™. The testing methods are now available through the Hohenstein website.
