Premier Everyday Armor T-Shirt 360 Review: Best CCW Body Armor?

Old school Pew Pew Tactical readers might remember when I wrote an article about various low-profile accessories and guns for the Grey Man.

Part of that was combining a Tru-Spec shirt and a Premier Armor soft armor panel. I spoke with Premier Body Armor all those years ago, shared my idea with them, and they sent me the panel.

From there, they packaged the two together, eventually created their own shirts, refined the panels, and are now in what you could consider the third gen of that idea with the Everyday Armor T-Shirt 360.

Since I had a hand in the Everyday Armor T-Shirt 360, I thought, let’s talk about it.

Specs & Features

Specs

• NIJ Rating: IIIA
• Weight: 2 lbs
• Front Panel Size: 7.75 x 12.25 inches
• Side Panel Size:  6×6 inches
• Sizes: XS to 4XL

Features

• Concealable
• Easy to wear
• Easily removable panels

What is the Everyday Armor T-Shirt 360?

It’s a concealable body armor system that beats every other concealed armor system on the planet. Instead of combining an ultra-thin and lightweight concealable vest, Premier integrated armor into a compression t-shirt.

The latest model features integrated side protection in the form of Level IIIA 6×6 panels. This means the system provides you with front, back, and side panels for 360-degree protection without compromising concealment.

It’s perfect for niche jobs, undercover police, and low-visibility situations.

Background on Premier Body Armor’s T-Shirt

My professional career in the United States Marine Corps began and ended with armor-wearing. As an average guy, I never needed concealable armor, but I understood the pros and cons of wearing it.

The idea for concealable body armor first came to me while working in a job that required me to do everything from repossession to money collection in less-than-ideal parts of town, often late at night, and all by myself. (It’s crazy what you’ll do for $10.25/hour)

There was no way the corporate overlords would allow me to wear armor, and they didn’t allow guns. I thought a concealed soft plate would work well in my job, which eventually led me to connect with Premier Armor and Tru-Spec.

That idea has since evolved, and the Everyday Armor T-Shirt 360 offers protection, concealment, and comfort. It’s easily the most dynamic and usable concealed armor system on the market for the Average Joe.

Fit & Feel

Premier advises ordering a size down from what you normally wear to ensure good concealment and compression. I followed that advice, and getting the shirt on is…interesting.

It is an awkward process and feels like you have to dance to get it on. It’s tight, and the armor makes it awkward. A partner can help to get the armor situated.

The armor panels are held in place by a bit of reinforcement that keeps them tight to the body and fully supported. This way, it doesn’t bow out of the pocket and compromise protection and concealment.

After donning the shirt, it’s wise to do a pat check to ensure the panels are tucked under the reinforcement. Doing that with your back panel can be tough, so again, a partner makes that process easier.

Once the shirt is on, it’s surprisingly comfortable. There is no rubbing or chafing, even in more sensitive areas. Its side panels are very discreet and comfortable. The front panels might give you a slight barrel-chested look, but who doesn’t want that?

Certain spots around the armor do get warm, but the compression shirt breathes well. To get a good warm-weather test, I went to the range to shoot the Springfield Armory Kuna and test a suppressor.

I walked up and down the range for about 70 minutes, shooting, taking pictures, setting up targets, and chugging water. It’s Florida, and at that time, temperatures were in the mid-90s and humid.

I wore the Everyday Armor T-Shirt 360 under a Magellan long-sleeve shirt and, though I did get warm, the combination made it bearable.

Moving & Grooving

The Everyday Armor T-Shirt 360’s design makes it easy to move, with no restriction of movement.

Assuming a proper shooting position with a handgun, rifle, or shotgun isn’t a problem.

Using a long gun, you can still get good shoulder contact without adding any length to your length of pull. There is no padding or armor at the shoulder, so it mounts naturally and properly.

Even taking a prone position to shoot isn’t an issue. Unlike traditional armor, there is no bulk that presses you off the ground.

It works at the range, but what about everywhere else?

I wore the shirt while running errands, playing with my kids, and just doing life.

When driving a car, the armor rises a bit, poking away from your chest, but that’s true of any sitting position while wearing the Everyday Armor T-Shirt 360. It’s not a big deal, but it does print a little more when seated.

Moving isn’t a problem; again, the Everyday Armor T-Shirt 360 doesn’t impede your movement. I can block basketball shots, shoot, and anything I’d normally do – no chafing or pain.

Who Is It For

As I mentioned, this kind of body armor certainly has law enforcement applications with undercover officers or low-profile plain clothes police.

For a regular person, it can be valuable in risky jobs. Cash couriers, repossession professionals, tow truck drivers, security guards, bouncers, and similar jobs where a heightened risk is part of the profession. A low-profile system draws no attention and allows one to maintain a professional appearance.

By the Numbers

Weight: 5/5

At 2 pounds, the Premier Armor Everyday Armor T-Shirt 360 weighs nearly nothing.

Ergonomics: 5/5

There are tons of sizes and options for everyone.

Fit & Comfort: 5/5

While it’s warm, the shirt allows for excellent fit, movement, and concealment.

Protection: 4/5

As an IIIA plate, it isn’t stopping rifle rounds, but it will stop most pistol rounds without a problem.

Value: 5/5

For less than $400, you can get the shirt, four panels, and you’re off to the races.

Overall: 5/5

Final Verdict

The Premier Armor Everyday Armor T-Shirt 360 is a revolutionary piece of gear for someone looking for concealed body armor.

It’s light, comfortable, and forms a protective shell around the user that works well for those who want a little added protection without the bulk of traditional body armor.

Would you wear the Everyday Armor T-Shirt? Let us know in the comments below. For more body armor, head over to the Best Body Armor for more recommendations.