A ballistic vest, also known as a bullet-resistant vest or bulletproof vest, is a form of personal armor worn on the torso. It is designed to absorb the impact and minimize or prevent penetration of firearm-fired projectiles and shrapnel from explosions. Soft vests are constructed using multiple layers of woven or laminated fibers, providing protection against small-caliber handgun and shotgun projectiles, as well as small fragments resulting from explosive devices like hand grenades.