EN 388:2016 Puncture Level 4 — the maximum

Stab & puncture-resistant clothing.

Covert, everyday-wear garments rated to EN 388:2016 Puncture Level 4 — the highest level — with ANSI A6 cut resistance. Protection against spikes, improvised edged weapons, and slash attacks, worn under a uniform or as normal clothing.

What “stab-proof” clothing actually means

People search for “stab proof clothing,” “knife proof clothing,” and “stab resistant shirts” — but protection is measured precisely, and it pays to know what you’re buying. A slash and a stab are different threats: slashing is graded by cut resistance (ANSI A6 / EN ISO Level F), while stabbing and spike threats concentrate force on a single point and are measured by EN 388:2016 puncture testing.

Every garment in this range carries EN 388:2016 Puncture Level 4 — the maximum on the scale — alongside cut resistance, independently lab-tested by Groupe CTT Inc. in Quebec, Canada. That combination is what most buyers mean by “stab proof.” One honest note: engineered knife-edge stab armour is certified under a separate standard (NIJ 0115), and no garment is immune to every implement — so match the rating to your real threat. See how the protection ratings work →

Why Cut-Tuff® Core

Protection that looks like ordinary clothing

Lab-rated stab and puncture resistance, built into garments you can wear all day without anyone knowing.

EN 388 Puncture Level 4 + ANSI A6 cut

The maximum puncture rating plus top-tier cut resistance — protection against spikes, shanks, improvised points, and slashes, independently tested by Groupe CTT Inc.

Completely covert

Hoodies, t-shirts, and base layers that look and feel like normal clothing. Worn discreetly under a uniform, scrubs, a ballistic vest, or on their own — no visible armour.

Comfortable for all-day wear

Lightweight, breathable, 100% latex-free, and machine washable. Protection only works when it’s worn — so these are built to stay on through a full shift.

Ships ready to wear

Fast dispatch and DDP shipping to the U.S.A. — duties, taxes, and brokerage are included in the price, so there are no surprise fees at the door. US shipping is $39 flat, free over $300, except for purchase orders.

Discreet protection, ready to wear

Whether you want personal protection for everyday peace of mind, or you’re outfitting a security, corrections, or law enforcement team, our stab and puncture-resistant garments ship ready to wear — covert, comfortable, and lab-rated.

Don’t forget the hands: stab-resistant clothing protects the torso, but searches and handling expose the hands. See our guide to cut, needle & puncture-resistant gloves.

Frequently asked questions

Is cut-resistant clothing the same as stab-proof?

Not exactly — and it’s an important distinction. Cut resistance (ANSI A6 / EN ISO Level F) handles slashing. Stab and spike threats concentrate force on a single point and are measured separately under EN 388:2016 puncture testing. Our Cut-Tuff Core garments carry EN 388:2016 Puncture Level 4 — the maximum — alongside their A6 cut rating, which is what most people mean when they search for \”stab proof clothing.\”

What does EN 388:2016 Puncture Level 4 mean?

EN 388:2016 is the European standard for mechanical protective performance. Its puncture scale runs 1 to 4, and our garments hold Level 4 — the highest — meaning they resist the greatest test force before a pointed object penetrates. This is the rating that matters for spike, shank, and improvised-point threats.

Will stab-resistant clothing stop a knife?

It depends on the threat and the implement. EN 388 Puncture Level 4 garments meaningfully reduce the risk from spikes, improvised points, and many edged-weapon contacts. However, engineered knife-edge stab armour is certified under a separate standard (NIJ 0115), and no garment is \”stab proof\” against every implement. We tell you exactly what the ratings cover rather than over-promising. See our guide on stab vs cut vs bullet resistance.

Can stab-resistant clothing be worn covertly under a uniform?

Yes — that’s the point of this range. Our base layers, t-shirts, and hoodies are lightweight, breathable, 100% latex-free, and designed to be worn discreetly under a uniform, scrubs, or everyday clothing with no visible armour.

Who wears stab and puncture-resistant clothing?

Safety-conscious individuals who want discreet, everyday protection against edged and pointed-weapon threats — plus security professionals, corrections officers, and law enforcement (often worn under a ballistic vest). See our pages for corrections and law enforcement.

What sizes are available?

The Cut-Tuff Core range runs XS to XXL, and we ship DDP to the U.S.A. — duties and taxes included, no surprise fees. Email sales@bac-tactical.com if you would like help choosing a size.

More general questions? See our full FAQ →