Vikela has unveiled a new 3D-printed, gender-adaptive body armour designed to address long-standing issues with fit and weight in protective gear. This innovation is expected to set new standards for personal protective equipment (PPE) across industries such as military, healthcare, and security.
The growing concerns over knife crime and workplace safety are driving the demand for more adaptable and effective protective equipment. Vikela, a Northern Ireland-based company, has created body armour that caters to both genders, focusing on improving fit, comfort, and protection.
By leveraging advanced materials and 3D-printing technology, Vikela aims to solve the persistent challenges of weight, comfort, and fit—especially for women and those with non-standard body types. Traditional body armour has been primarily designed around male body shapes, often leading to discomfort and restricted mobility for women. Vikela’s flexible stab vest not only meets but exceeds current safety standards and is being praised for its innovative approach to adapting PPE for a broader range of users.
With rising concerns over knife crime and safety risks in various occupations, the demand for high-performance protective equipment continues to grow. As PPE standards evolve, there is an increasing conversation about the need for gender-inclusive and ergonomic protective gear in military, healthcare, and security roles.
Peter Gilleece, Vikela’s founder, was motivated to create a more adaptable solution after consulting with military personnel about the challenges of wearing heavy and rigid body armour for extended periods. He shared with Belfast Live: “I was hearing a lot of the same issues regarding the excessive weight from the bulletproof plates in their jackets over long durations.”
Vikela’s flagship APIS stab protection range, made from Kevlar and carbon fibre, has been rigorously tested to ensure equal protection for all genders. As PPE standards continue to evolve, innovations like Vikela’s may influence future discussions on the minimum design requirements for protective gear.
Beyond military applications, gender-adaptive PPE could significantly improve safety for workers in high-risk professions. Recent incidents, such as the stabbing of a nurse in a Manchester hospital, have renewed calls for better safety equipment for frontline workers. If widely adopted, Vikela’s approach could offer enhanced protection for healthcare staff, emergency responders, and security personnel.
