Ballistic-Resistant Garment

Abstract

A ballistic-resistant garment having a tensioning fastening system, and methods of making and using such a ballistic-resistant garment, whereby the ballistic-resistant garment includes (i) a front panel having a front panel pocket configured to receive a first ballistic-resistant insert; (ii) a back panel having a back panel pocket configured to receive a second ballistic-resistant insert; (iii) a front panel elastic elongate member coupled to the front panel; (iv) a front panel first fastener coupled to a front panel elastic elongate member first end; (v) a front panel second fastener coupled to a front panel elastic elongate member second end; (vi) a back panel elastic elongate member coupled to the back panel; (vii) a back panel first fastener coupled to a back panel elastic elongate member first end; and (viii) a back panel second fastener coupled to a back panel elastic elongate member second end.

1 . A ballistic-resistant garment having a tensioning fastening system, comprising:
 a front panel having a front panel pocket configured to receive a first ballistic-resistant insert;   a back panel having a back panel pocket configured to receive a second ballistic-resistant insert;   a front panel elongate member coupled to said front panel, said front panel elongate member having an elastic length disposed between opposing first and second ends;   a front panel first fastener coupled to said front panel elongate member first end;   a front panel second fastener coupled to said front panel elongate member second end;   a back panel elongate member coupled to said back panel, said back panel elongate member having an elastic length disposed between opposing first and second ends;   a back panel first fastener coupled to said back panel elongate member first end;   a back panel second fastener coupled to said back panel elongate member second end;   said front panel first fastener configured to matably engage with said back panel first fastener to provide a first pair of releasably engaged fasteners, and said front panel second fastener configured to matably engage with said back panel second fastener to provide a second pair of releasably engaged fasteners;   wherein said first and second pair of releasably engaged fasteners couple said front and back panels to tensionably fasten said ballistic-resistant garment about a torso of a wearer.   
     
     
         2 . The ballistic-resistant garment of  claim 1 , wherein said tensioning fastening system provides 360° of tension for a customized fit about said torso of said wearer. 
     
     
         3 . The ballistic-resistant garment of  claim 1 , wherein said front and back panels together form a vest-like ballistic-resistant garment which is sleeveless. 
     
     
         4 . The ballistic-resistant garment of  claim 1 , wherein said front panel comprises first and second materials disposed in overlaying engagement to form said front panel pocket, said first and second materials defining a pocket interior space therebetween. 
     
     
         5 . The ballistic-resistant garment of  claim 4 , wherein said front panel pocket comprises a pocket opening, said first ballistic-resistant insert passable through said pocket opening for receipt within said pocket interior space. 
     
     
         6 . The ballistic-resistant garment of  claim 5 , said pocket opening disposed proximate a front panel side of said front panel. 
     
     
         7 . The ballistic-resistant garment of  claim 5 , said pocket opening disposed proximate a front panel right or left side of said front panel. 
     
     
         8 . The ballistic-resistant garment of  claim 6 , said pocket opening accessible from an outer surface of said front panel to permit external loading of said first ballistic-resistant insert. 
     
     
         9 . The ballistic-resistant garment of  claim 5 , said pocket opening disposed proximate a front panel lower end of said front panel. 
     
     
         10 . The ballistic-resistant garment of  claim 5 , further comprising a securement system proximate said pocket opening, said securement system configured to close said front panel pocket. 
     
     
         11 . The ballistic-resistant garment of  claim 10 , said securement system configured to releasably close said front panel pocket. 
     
     
         12 . The ballistic-resistant garment of  claim 11 , said securement system comprising a zipper securement system. 
     
     
         13 . The ballistic-resistant garment of  claim 11 , said securement system comprising a hook and loop securement system. 
     
     
         14 . The ballistic-resistant garment of  claim 1 , wherein said back panel comprises first and second materials disposed in overlaying engagement to form said back panel pocket, said first and second materials defining a pocket interior space therebetween. 
     
     
         15 . The ballistic-resistant garment of  claim 14 , wherein said back panel pocket comprises a pocket opening, said second ballistic-resistant insert passable through said pocket opening for receipt within said pocket interior space. 
     
     
         16 . The ballistic-resistant garment of  claim 15 , said pocket opening disposed proximate a back panel side of said back panel. 
     
     
         17 . The ballistic-resistant garment of  claim 15 , said pocket opening disposed proximate a back panel right or left side of said back panel. 
     
     
         18 . The ballistic-resistant garment of  claim 16 , said pocket opening accessible from an outer surface of said back panel to permit external loading of said second ballistic-resistant insert. 
     
     
         19 . The ballistic-resistant garment of  claim 15 , said pocket opening disposed proximate a back panel lower end of said back panel. 
     
     
         20 . The ballistic-resistant garment of  claim 15 , further comprising a securement system proximate said pocket opening, said securement system configured to close said back panel pocket. 
     
     
         21 . The ballistic-resistant garment of  claim 20 , said securement system configured to releasably close said back panel pocket. 
     
     
         22 . The ballistic-resistant garment of  claim 21 , said securement system comprising a zipper securement system. 
     
     
         23 . The ballistic-resistant garment of  claim 21 , said securement system comprising a hook and loop securement system. 
     
     
         24 . The ballistic-resistant garment of  claim 1 , wherein each of said front and back panels is formed from first and second materials disposed in overlaying engagement, said second material inwardly disposed when said ballistic-resistant garment is worn about said torso of said wearer. 
     
     
         25 . The ballistic-resistant garment of  claim 24 , wherein said second material comprises mesh. 
     
     
         26 . The ballistic-resistant garment of  claim 1 , said front panel elongate member generally planar and having a substantially greater length than width. 
     
     
         27 . The ballistic-resistant garment of  claim 1 , said front panel elongate member flexible and correspondingly conformable about said torso of said wearer. 
     
     
         28 . The ballistic-resistant garment of  claim 1 , said elastic length of said front panel elongate member resiliently stretchable between a relaxed state and an extended state. 
     
     
         29 . The ballistic-resistant garment of  claim 28 , said extended state generated from said relaxed state by the application of a tensile force(s) that acts on said front panel elongate member along said length. 
     
     
         30 . The ballistic-resistant garment of  claim 1 , said length of said front panel elongate member in a range of between about 20 inches to about 40 inches. 
     
     
         31 . The ballistic-resistant garment of  claim 1 , a width of said front panel elongate member in a range of between about 0.5 inches to about 2.5 inches. 
     
     
         32 . The ballistic-resistant garment of  claim 1 , said back panel elongate member generally planar material and having a substantially greater length than width. 
     
     
         33 . The ballistic-resistant garment of  claim 1 , said back panel elongate member flexible and correspondingly conformable about said torso of said wearer. 
     
     
         34 . The ballistic-resistant garment of  claim 1 , said elastic length of said back panel elongate member resiliently stretchable between a relaxed state and an extended state. 
     
     
         35 . The ballistic-resistant garment of  claim 34 , said extended state generated from said relaxed state by the application of a tensile force(s) that acts on said back panel elongate member along said length. 
     
     
         36 . The ballistic-resistant garment of  claim 1 , said length of said back panel elongate member in a range of between about 22 inches to about 48 inches. 
     
     
         37 . The ballistic-resistant garment of  claim 1 , a width of said back panel elongate member in a range of between about 0.5 inches to about 2.5 inches. 
     
     
         38 . The ballistic-resistant garment of  claim 1 , said front panel first fastener configured to matably engage with said back panel first fastener to provide said first pair of releasably engaged fasteners which couple said front and back panels to fasten said ballistic-resistant garment about a right side portion of said torso of said wearer. 
     
     
         39 . The ballistic-resistant garment of  claim 1 , said front panel second fastener configured to matably engage with said back panel second fastener to provide said second pair of releasably engaged fasteners which couple said front and back panels to fasten said ballistic-resistant garment about a left side portion of said torso of said wearer. 
     
     
         40 . The ballistic-resistant garment of  claim 1 , said front panel first fastener configured as a clip having a channel, said back panel first fastener configured as a pin receivable in said channel. 
     
     
         41 . The ballistic-resistant garment of  claim 40 , said clip and said pin configured as a rapid-release or quick-release system. 
     
     
         42 . The ballistic-resistant garment of  claim 1 , said front panel second fastener configured as a clip having a channel, said back panel second fastener configured as a pin receivable in said channel. 
     
     
         43 . The ballistic-resistant garment of  claim 42 , said clip and said pin configured as a rapid-release or quick-release system. 
     
     
         44 . The ballistic-resistant garment of  claim 1 , said back panel first fastener configured as a clip having a channel, said front panel first fastener configured as a pin receivable in said channel. 
     
     
         45 . The ballistic-resistant garment of  claim 44 , said clip and said pin configured as a rapid-release or quick-release system. 
     
     
         46 . The ballistic-resistant garment of  claim 1 , said back panel second fastener configured as a clip having a channel, said front panel second fastener configured as a pin receivable in said channel. 
     
     
         47 . The ballistic-resistant garment of  claim 46 , said clip and said pin configured as a rapid-release or quick-release system. 
     
     
         48 . The ballistic-resistant garment of  claim 1 , said front panel first fastener and said back panel first fastener configured as a hook and loop system comprising a hook and a loop hookable by said hook. 
     
     
         49 . The ballistic-resistant garment of  claim 1 , said front panel second fastener and said back panel second fastener configured as a hook and loop system comprising a hook and a loop hookable by said hook. 
     
     
         50 . The ballistic-resistant garment of  claim 1 , said front panel elongate member integrated with said front panel. 
     
     
         51 . The ballistic-resistant garment of  claim 1 , said back panel elongate member integrated with said back panel. 
     
     
         52 . The ballistic-resistant garment of  claim 1 , said front panel elongate member removably coupled to said front panel. 
     
     
         53 . The ballistic-resistant garment of  claim 52 , said front panel elongate member removably coupled to said front panel via a passageway which extends between a passageway first opening proximate a front panel side and a passageway second opening proximate the opposing front panel side, said front panel elongate member passable through said openings for (i) receipt within a passageway interior space and (ii) laterally outward extension from said openings. 
     
     
         54 . The ballistic-resistant garment of  claim 1 , said back panel elongate member removably coupled to said back panel. 
     
     
         55 . The ballistic-resistant garment of  claim 54 , said back panel elongate member removably coupled to said back panel via a passageway which extends between a passageway first opening proximate a back panel side and a passageway second opening proximate the opposing back panel side, said back panel elongate member passable through said openings for (i) receipt within a passageway interior space and (ii) laterally outward extension from said openings. 
     
     
         56 . The ballistic-resistant garment of  claim 1 , said front panel elongate member coupled to said front panel via a connector which removably couples to said front panel. 
     
     
         57 . The ballistic-resistant garment of  claim 56 , said connector configured for slidable engagement with a slit coupled to said front panel. 
     
     
         58 . The ballistic-resistant garment of  claim 57 , said front panel comprising a webbing having a plurality of said slits. 
     
     
         59 . The ballistic-resistant garment of  claim 58 , said plurality of slits comprising a first plurality of slits disposed in generally horizontal spaced-apart relation in said webbing along the width of said webbing, and a second plurality of slits disposed in generally vertical spaced-apart relation in said webbing along the height of said webbing. 
     
     
         60 . The ballistic-resistant garment of  claim 59 , said first plurality of slits aligned in generally horizontal spaced-apart relation in said webbing along said width of said webbing, and said second plurality of slits aligned in generally vertical spaced-apart relation in said webbing along said height of said webbing. 
     
     
         61 . The ballistic-resistant garment of  claim 58 , said webbing configured as Pouch Attachment Ladder System (PALS) webbing. 
     
     
         62 . The ballistic-resistant garment of  claim 58 , said webbing formed from laminate nylon. 
     
     
         63 . The ballistic-resistant garment of  claim 58 , said webbing laser cut to provide said slits. 
     
     
         64 . The ballistic-resistant garment of  claim 58 , said webbing reinforced between at least two of said slits. 
     
     
         65 . The ballistic-resistant garment of  claim 64 , further comprising a generally horizontal strip secured to said webbing in between rows of said slits to reinforce said webbing between said slits. 
     
     
         66 . The ballistic-resistant garment of  claim 64 , further comprising a generally vertical strip secured to said webbing in between columns of said slits to reinforce said webbing between said slits. 
     
     
         67 . The ballistic-resistant garment of  claim 60 , said connector an elongate connector configured for slidable engagement with said second plurality of slits. 
     
     
         68 . The ballistic-resistant garment of  claim 67 , said elongate connector having at least one clip proximate its end, said clip functioning as a stop element to stop said end from passing completely through said second plurality of slits. 
     
     
         69 . The ballistic-resistant garment of  claim 67 , said connector configured as Modular Lightweight Load-carrying Equipment (MOLLE) component. 
     
     
         70 . The ballistic-resistant garment of  claim 67 , said front panel elongate member comprising a loop, said connector configured for slidable engagement with said loop and said second plurality of slits to couple said front panel elongate member to said webbing via said connector. 
     
     
         71 . The ballistic-resistant garment of  claim 1 , said front panel elongate member seamlessly continuous between said first and second ends. 
     
     
         72 . The ballistic-resistant garment of  claim 1 , said front panel elongate member comprising a pair of elongate members, each having said front panel first fastener proximate one of said first or second ends and a loop proximate the other of said first or second ends;
 each of said pair of elongate members couplable to said front panel via said loop and a connector to dispose said elongate members in horizontally spaced-apart and horizontally aligned relation.   
     
     
         73 . The ballistic-resistant garment of  claim 1 , said back panel elongate member coupled to said back panel via a connector which removably couples to said back panel. 
     
     
         74 . The ballistic-resistant garment of  claim 73 , said connector configured for slidable engagement with a slit coupled to said back panel. 
     
     
         75 . The ballistic-resistant garment of  claim 74 , said back panel comprising a webbing having a plurality of said slits. 
     
     
         76 . The ballistic-resistant garment of  claim 75 , said plurality of slits comprising a first plurality of slits disposed in generally horizontal spaced-apart relation in said webbing along the width of said webbing, and a second plurality of slits disposed in generally vertical spaced-apart relation in said webbing along the height of said webbing. 
     
     
         77 . The ballistic-resistant garment of  claim 76 , said first plurality of slits aligned in generally horizontal spaced-apart relation in said webbing along said width of said webbing, and said second plurality of slits aligned in generally vertical spaced-apart relation in said webbing along said height of said webbing. 
     
     
         78 . The ballistic-resistant garment of  claim 75 , said webbing configured as Pouch Attachment Ladder System (PALS) webbing. 
     
     
         79 . The ballistic-resistant garment of  claim 75 , said webbing formed from laminate nylon. 
     
     
         80 . The ballistic-resistant garment of  claim 75 , said webbing laser cut to provide said slits. 
     
     
         81 . The ballistic-resistant garment of  claim 75 , said webbing reinforced between at least two of said slits. 
     
     
         82 . The ballistic-resistant garment of  claim 81 , further comprising a generally horizontal strip secured to said webbing in between rows of said slits to reinforce said webbing between said slits. 
     
     
         83 . The ballistic-resistant garment of  claim 81 , further comprising a generally vertical strip secured to said webbing in between columns of said slits to reinforce said webbing between said slits. 
     
     
         84 . The ballistic-resistant garment of  claim 77 , said connector an elongate connector configured for slidable engagement with said second plurality of slits. 
     
     
         85 . The ballistic-resistant garment of  claim 84 , said elongate connector having at least one clip proximate its end, said clip functioning as a stop element to stop said end from passing completely through said second plurality of slits. 
     
     
         86 . The ballistic-resistant garment of  claim 84 , said connector configured as Modular Lightweight Load-carrying Equipment (MOLLE) component. 
     
     
         87 . The ballistic-resistant garment of  claim 84 , said back panel elongate member comprising a loop, said connector configured for slidable engagement with said loop and said second plurality of slits to couple said back panel elongate member to said webbing via said connector. 
     
     
         88 . The ballistic-resistant garment of  claim 1 , said back panel elongate member seamlessly continuous between said first and second ends. 
     
     
         89 . The ballistic-resistant garment of  claim 1 , said back panel elongate member comprising a pair of elongate members, each having said back panel first fastener proximate one of said first or second ends and a loop proximate the other of said first or second ends;
 each of said pair of elongate members couplable to said back panel via said loop and a connector to dispose said elongate members in horizontally spaced-apart and horizontally aligned relation.   
     
     
         90 . The ballistic-resistant garment of  claim 1 , said front panel elongate member comprising a front panel upper elongate member and a front panel lower elongate member disposed in vertically spaced-apart and vertically aligned relation;
 wherein said first ends of both said front panel upper elongate member and said front panel lower elongate member couple to said front panel first fastener; and   wherein said second ends of both said front panel upper elongate member and said front panel lower elongate member couple to said front panel second fastener.   
     
     
         91 . The ballistic-resistant garment of  claim 1 , said back panel elongate member comprising a back panel upper elongate member and a back panel lower elongate member disposed in vertically spaced-apart and vertically aligned relation;
 wherein said first ends of both said back panel upper elongate member and said back panel lower elongate member couple to said back panel first fastener; and   wherein said second ends of both said back panel upper elongate member and said back panel lower elongate member couple to said back panel second fastener.   
     
     
         92 . The ballistic-resistant garment of  claim 60 , said front panel elongate member incrementally adjustably couplable to said webbing along said width of said webbing. 
     
     
         93 . The ballistic-resistant garment of  claim 92 , wherein the adjustment is facilitated by the selection of the column of said slits to which said front panel elongate member and its associated said connector are coupled. 
     
     
         94 . The ballistic-resistant garment of  claim 60 , said front panel elongate member incrementally adjustably couplable to said webbing along said height of said webbing. 
     
     
         95 . The ballistic-resistant garment of  claim 94 , wherein the adjustment is facilitated by the selection of the row of said slits to which said front panel elongate member and its associated said connector are coupled. 
     
     
         96 . The ballistic-resistant garment of  claim 77 , said back panel elongate member incrementally adjustably couplable to said webbing along said width of said webbing. 
     
     
         97 . The ballistic-resistant garment of  claim 96 , wherein the adjustment is facilitated by the selection of the column of said slits to which said back panel elongate member and its associated said connector are coupled. 
     
     
         98 . The ballistic-resistant garment of  claim 77 , said back panel elongate member incrementally adjustably couplable to said webbing along said height of said webbing. 
     
     
         99 . The ballistic-resistant garment of  claim 98 , wherein the adjustment is facilitated by the selection of the row of said slits to which said back panel elongate member and its associated said connector are coupled. 
     
     
         100 . The ballistic-resistant garment of  claim 1 , said back panel elongate member further comprising an auxiliary pocket coupled thereto. 
     
     
         101 . The ballistic-resistant garment of  claim 100 , said auxiliary pocket configured to receive an auxiliary ballistic-resistant insert. 
     
     
         102 . The ballistic-resistant garment of  claim 101 , wherein when said ballistic-resistant garment is worn about said torso of said wearer, said auxiliary ballistic-resistant insert disposes proximate a side portion of said torso of said wearer. 
     
     
         103 . The ballistic-resistant garment of  claim 101 , said auxiliary pocket comprising a webbing coupled it its outer surface. 
     
     
         104 . A method of making a ballistic-resistant garment having a tensioning fastening system, comprising:
 providing a front panel having a front panel pocket configured to receive a first ballistic-resistant insert;   providing a back panel having a back panel pocket configured to receive a second ballistic-resistant insert;   coupling a front panel elongate member to said front panel, said front panel elongate member having an elastic length disposed between opposing first and second ends;   coupling a front panel first fastener to said front panel elongate member first end;   coupling a front panel second fastener to said front panel elongate member second end;   coupling a back panel elongate member to said back panel, said back panel elongate member having an elastic length disposed between opposing first and second ends;   coupling a back panel first fastener to said back panel elongate member first end;   coupling a back panel second fastener to said back panel elongate member second end;   said front panel first fastener configured to matably engage with said back panel first fastener to provide a first pair of releasably engaged fasteners, and said front panel second fastener configured to matably engage with said back panel second fastener to provide a second pair of releasably engaged fasteners;   wherein said first and second pair of releasably engaged fasteners couple said front and back panels to tensionably fasten said ballistic-resistant garment about a torso of a wearer.   
     
     
         105 . The method of  claim 104 , wherein said tensioning fastening system provides 360° of tension for a customized fit about said torso of said wearer. 
     
     
         106 . The method of  claim 104 , wherein said front and back panels together form a vest-like ballistic-resistant garment which is sleeveless. 
     
     
         107 . The method of  claim 104 , wherein said front panel comprises first and second materials disposed in overlaying engagement to form said front panel pocket, said first and second materials defining a pocket interior space therebetween. 
     
     
         108 . The method of  claim 107 , wherein said front panel pocket comprises a pocket opening, said first ballistic-resistant insert passable through said pocket opening for receipt within said pocket interior space. 
     
     
         109 . The method of  claim 108 , said pocket opening disposed proximate a front panel side of said front panel. 
     
     
         110 . The method of  claim 108 , said pocket opening disposed proximate a front panel right or left side of said front panel. 
     
     
         111 . The method of  claim 109 , said pocket opening accessible from an outer surface of said front panel to permit external loading of said first ballistic-resistant insert. 
     
     
         112 . The method of  claim 108 , said pocket opening disposed proximate a front panel lower end of said front panel. 
     
     
         113 . The method of  claim 108 , further comprising a securement system proximate said pocket opening, said securement system configured to close said front panel pocket. 
     
     
         114 . The method of  claim 113 , said securement system configured to releasably close said front panel pocket. 
     
     
         115 . The method of  claim 114 , said securement system comprising a zipper securement system. 
     
     
         116 . The method of  claim 114 , said securement system comprising a hook and loop securement system. 
     
     
         117 . The method of  claim 104 , wherein said back panel comprises first and second materials disposed in overlaying engagement to form said back panel pocket, said first and second materials defining a pocket interior space therebetween. 
     
     
         118 . The method of  claim 117 , wherein said back panel pocket comprises a pocket opening, said second ballistic-resistant insert passable through said pocket opening for receipt within said pocket interior space. 
     
     
         119 . The method of  claim 118 , said pocket opening disposed proximate a back panel side of said back panel. 
     
     
         120 . The method of  claim 118 , said pocket opening disposed proximate a back panel right or left side of said back panel. 
     
     
         121 . The method of  claim 119 , said pocket opening accessible from an outer surface of said back panel to permit external loading of said second ballistic-resistant insert. 
     
     
         122 . The method of  claim 118 , said pocket opening disposed proximate a back panel lower end of said back panel. 
     
     
         123 . The method of  claim 118 , further comprising a securement system proximate said pocket opening, said securement system configured to close said back panel pocket. 
     
     
         124 . The method of  claim 123 , said securement system configured to releasably close said back panel pocket. 
     
     
         125 . The method of  claim 124 , said securement system comprising a zipper securement system. 
     
     
         126 . The method of  claim 124 , said securement system comprising a hook and loop securement system. 
     
     
         127 . The method of  claim 104 , wherein each of said front and back panels is formed from first and second materials disposed in overlaying engagement, said second material inwardly disposed when said ballistic-resistant garment is worn about said torso of said wearer. 
     
     
         128 . The method of  claim 127 , wherein said second material comprises mesh. 
     
     
         129 . The method of  claim 104 , said front panel elongate member generally planar and having a substantially greater length than width. 
     
     
         130 . The method of  claim 104 , said front panel elongate member flexible and correspondingly conformable about said torso of said wearer. 
     
     
         131 . The method of  claim 104 , said elastic length of said front panel elongate member resiliently stretchable between a relaxed state and an extended state. 
     
     
         132 . The method of  claim 131 , said extended state generated from said relaxed state by the application of a tensile force(s) that acts on said front panel elongate member along said length. 
     
     
         133 . The method of  claim 104 , said length of said front panel elongate member in a range of between about 20 inches to about 40 inches. 
     
     
         134 . The method of  claim 104 , a width of said front panel elongate member in a range of between about 0.5 inches to about 2.5 inches. 
     
     
         135 . The method of  claim 104 , said back panel elongate member generally planar material and having a substantially greater length than width. 
     
     
         136 . The method of  claim 104 , said back panel elongate member flexible and correspondingly conformable about said torso of said wearer. 
     
     
         137 . The method of  claim 104 , said elastic length of said back panel elongate member resiliently stretchable between a relaxed state and an extended state. 
     
     
         138 . The method of  claim 137 , said extended state generated from said relaxed state by the application of a tensile force(s) that acts on said back panel elongate member along said length. 
     
     
         139 . The method of  claim 104 , said length of said back panel elongate member in a range of between about 22 inches to about 48 inches. 
     
     
         140 . The method of  claim 104 , a width of said back panel elongate member in a range of between about 0.5 inches to about 2.5 inches. 
     
     
         141 . The method of  claim 104 , said front panel first fastener configured to matably engage with said back panel first fastener to provide said first pair of releasably engaged fasteners which couple said front and back panels to fasten said ballistic-resistant garment about a right side portion of said torso of said wearer. 
     
     
         142 . The method of  claim 104 , said front panel second fastener configured to matably engage with said back panel second fastener to provide said second pair of releasably engaged fasteners which couple said front and back panels to fasten said ballistic-resistant garment about a left side portion of said torso of said wearer. 
     
     
         143 . The method of  claim 104 , said front panel first fastener configured as a clip having a channel, said back panel first fastener configured as a pin receivable in said channel. 
     
     
         144 . The method of  claim 143 , said clip and said pin configured as a rapid-release or quick-release system. 
     
     
         145 . The method of  claim 104 , said front panel second fastener configured as a clip having a channel, said back panel second fastener configured as a pin receivable in said channel. 
     
     
         146 . The method of  claim 145 , said clip and said pin configured as a rapid-release or quick-release system. 
     
     
         147 . The method of  claim 104 , said back panel first fastener configured as a clip having a channel, said front panel first fastener configured as a pin receivable in said channel. 
     
     
         148 . The method of  claim 147 , said clip and said pin configured as a rapid-release or quick-release system. 
     
     
         149 . The method of  claim 104 , said back panel second fastener configured as a clip having a channel, said front panel second fastener configured as a pin receivable in said channel. 
     
     
         150 . The method of  claim 149 , said clip and said pin configured as a rapid-release or quick-release system. 
     
     
         151 . The method of  claim 104 , said front panel first fastener and said back panel first fastener configured as a hook and loop system comprising a hook and a loop hookable by said hook. 
     
     
         152 . The method of  claim 104 , said front panel second fastener and said back panel second fastener configured as a hook and loop system comprising a hook and a loop hookable by said hook. 
     
     
         153 . The method of  claim 104 , said front panel elongate member integrated with said front panel. 
     
     
         154 . The method of  claim 104 , said back panel elongate member integrated with said back panel. 
     
     
         155 . The method of  claim 104 , said front panel elongate member removably coupled to said front panel. 
     
     
         156 . The method of  claim 155 , said front panel elongate member removably coupled to said front panel via a passageway which extends between a passageway first opening proximate a front panel side and a passageway second opening proximate the opposing front panel side, said front panel elongate member passable through said openings for (i) receipt within a passageway interior space and (ii) laterally outward extension from said openings. 
     
     
         157 . The method of  claim 104 , said back panel elongate member removably coupled to said back panel. 
     
     
         158 . The method of  claim 157 , said back panel elongate member removably coupled to said back panel via a passageway which extends between a passageway first opening proximate a back panel side and a passageway second opening proximate the opposing back panel side, said back panel elongate member passable through said openings for (i) receipt within a passageway interior space and (ii) laterally outward extension from said openings. 
     
     
         159 . The method of  claim 104 , said front panel elongate member coupled to said front panel via a connector which removably couples to said front panel. 
     
     
         160 . The method of  claim 159 , said connector configured for slidable engagement with a slit coupled to said front panel. 
     
     
         161 . The method of  claim 160 , said front panel comprising a webbing having a plurality of said slits. 
     
     
         162 . The method of  claim 161 , said plurality of slits comprising a first plurality of slits disposed in generally horizontal spaced-apart relation in said webbing along the width of said webbing, and a second plurality of slits disposed in generally vertical spaced-apart relation in said webbing along the height of said webbing. 
     
     
         163 . The method of  claim 162 , said first plurality of slits aligned in generally horizontal spaced-apart relation in said webbing along said width of said webbing, and said second plurality of slits aligned in generally vertical spaced-apart relation in said webbing along said height of said webbing. 
     
     
         164 . The method of  claim 161 , said webbing configured as Pouch Attachment Ladder System (PALS) webbing. 
     
     
         165 . The method of  claim 161 , said webbing formed from laminate nylon. 
     
     
         166 . The method of  claim 161 , said webbing laser cut to provide said slits. 
     
     
         167 . The method of  claim 161 , said webbing reinforced between at least two of said slits. 
     
     
         168 . The method of  claim 167 , further comprising a generally horizontal strip secured to said webbing in between rows of said slits to reinforce said webbing between said slits. 
     
     
         169 . The method of  claim 167 , further comprising a generally vertical strip secured to said webbing in between columns of said slits to reinforce said webbing between said slits. 
     
     
         170 . The method of  claim 163 , said connector an elongate connector configured for slidable engagement with said second plurality of slits. 
     
     
         171 . The method of  claim 170 , said elongate connector having at least one clip proximate its end, said clip functioning as a stop element to stop said end from passing completely through said second plurality of slits. 
     
     
         172 . The method of  claim 170 , said connector configured as Modular Lightweight Load-carrying Equipment (MOLLE) component. 
     
     
         173 . The method of  claim 170 , said front panel elongate member comprising a loop, said connector configured for slidable engagement with said loop and said second plurality of slits to couple said front panel elongate member to said webbing via said connector. 
     
     
         174 . The method of  claim 104 , said front panel elongate member seamlessly continuous between said first and second ends. 
     
     
         175 . The method of  claim 104 , said front panel elongate member comprising a pair of elongate members, each having said front panel first fastener proximate one of said first or second ends and a loop proximate the other of said first or second ends;
 each of said pair of elongate members couplable to said front panel via said loop and a connector to dispose said elongate members in horizontally spaced-apart and horizontally aligned relation.   
     
     
         176 . The method of  claim 104 , said back panel elongate member coupled to said back panel via a connector which removably couples to said back panel. 
     
     
         177 . The method of  claim 176 , said connector configured for slidable engagement with a slit coupled to said back panel. 
     
     
         178 . The method of  claim 177 , said back panel comprising a webbing having a plurality of said slits. 
     
     
         179 . The method of  claim 178 , said plurality of slits comprising a first plurality of slits disposed in generally horizontal spaced-apart relation in said webbing along the width of said webbing, and a second plurality of slits disposed in generally vertical spaced-apart relation in said webbing along the height of said webbing. 
     
     
         180 . The method of  claim 179 , said first plurality of slits aligned in generally horizontal spaced-apart relation in said webbing along said width of said webbing, and said second plurality of slits aligned in generally vertical spaced-apart relation in said webbing along said height of said webbing. 
     
     
         181 . The method of  claim 178 , said webbing configured as Pouch Attachment Ladder System (PALS) webbing. 
     
     
         182 . The method of  claim 178 , said webbing formed from laminate nylon. 
     
     
         183 . The method of  claim 178 , said webbing laser cut to provide said slits. 
     
     
         184 . The method of  claim 178 , said webbing reinforced between at least two of said slits. 
     
     
         185 . The method of  claim 184 , further comprising a generally horizontal strip secured to said webbing in between rows of said slits to reinforce said webbing between said slits. 
     
     
         186 . The method of  claim 184 , further comprising a generally vertical strip secured to said webbing in between columns of said slits to reinforce said webbing between said slits. 
     
     
         187 . The method of  claim 180 , said connector an elongate connector configured for slidable engagement with said second plurality of slits. 
     
     
         188 . The method of  claim 187 , said elongate connector having at least one clip proximate its end, said clip functioning as a stop element to stop said end from passing completely through said second plurality of slits. 
     
     
         189 . The method of  claim 187 , said connector configured as Modular Lightweight Load-carrying Equipment (MOLLE) component. 
     
     
         190 . The method of  claim 187 , said back panel elongate member comprising a loop, said connector configured for slidable engagement with said loop and said second plurality of slits to couple said back panel elongate member to said webbing via said connector. 
     
     
         191 . The method of  claim 104 , said back panel elongate member seamlessly continuous between said first and second ends. 
     
     
         192 . The method of  claim 104 , said back panel elongate member comprising a pair of elongate members, each having said back panel first fastener proximate one of said first or second ends and a loop proximate the other of said first or second ends;
 each of said pair of elongate members couplable to said back panel via said loop and a connector to dispose said elongate members in horizontally spaced-apart and horizontally aligned relation.   
     
     
         193 . The method of  claim 104 , said front panel elongate member comprising a front panel upper elongate member and a front panel lower elongate member disposed in vertically spaced-apart and vertically aligned relation;
 wherein said first ends of both said front panel upper elongate member and said front panel lower elongate member couple to said front panel first fastener; and   wherein said second ends of both said front panel upper elongate member and said front panel lower elongate member couple to said front panel second fastener.   
     
     
         194 . The method of  claim 104 , said back panel elongate member comprising aback panel upper elongate member and a back panel lower elongate member disposed in vertically spaced-apart and vertically aligned relation;
 wherein said first ends of both said back panel upper elongate member and said back panel lower elongate member couple to said back panel first fastener; and   wherein said second ends of both said back panel upper elongate member and said back panel lower elongate member couple to said back panel second fastener.   
     
     
         195 . The method of  claim 163 , said front panel elongate member incrementally adjustably couplable to said webbing along said width of said webbing. 
     
     
         196 . The method of  claim 195 , wherein the adjustment is facilitated by the selection of the column of said slits to which said front panel elongate member and its associated said connector are coupled. 
     
     
         197 . The method of  claim 196 , said front panel elongate member incrementally adjustably couplable to said webbing along said height of said webbing. 
     
     
         198 . The method of  claim 197 , wherein the adjustment is facilitated by the selection of the row of said slits to which said front panel elongate member and its associated said connector are coupled. 
     
     
         199 . The method of  claim 180 , said back panel elongate member incrementally adjustably couplable to said webbing along said width of said webbing. 
     
     
         200 . The method of  claim 199 , wherein the adjustment is facilitated by the selection of the column of said slits to which said back panel elongate member and its associated said connector are coupled. 
     
     
         201 . The method of  claim 180 , said back panel elongate member incrementally adjustably couplable to said webbing along said height of said webbing. 
     
     
         202 . The method of  claim 201 , wherein the adjustment is facilitated by the selection of the row of said slits to which said back panel elongate member and its associated said connector are coupled. 
     
     
         203 . The method of  claim 104 , said back panel elongate member further comprising an auxiliary pocket coupled thereto. 
     
     
         204 . The method of  claim 203 , said auxiliary pocket configured to receive an auxiliary ballistic-resistant insert. 
     
     
         205 . The method of  claim 204 , wherein when said ballistic-resistant garment is worn about said torso of said wearer, said auxiliary ballistic-resistant insert disposes proximate a side portion of said torso of said wearer. 
     
     
         206 . The method of  claim 204 , said auxiliary pocket comprising a webbing coupled it its outer surface. 
     
     
         207 . A method of using a ballistic-resistant garment having a tensioning fastening system, comprising:
 obtaining said ballistic-resistant garment comprising:
 a front panel having a front panel pocket configured to receive a first ballistic-resistant insert; 
 a back panel having a back panel pocket configured to receive a second ballistic-resistant insert; 
 a front panel elongate member coupled to said front panel, said front panel elongate member having an elastic length disposed between opposing first and second ends; 
 a front panel first fastener coupled to said front panel elongate member first end; 
 a front panel second fastener coupled to said front panel elongate member second end; 
 a back panel elongate member coupled to said back panel, said back panel elongate member having an elastic length disposed between opposing first and second ends; 
 a back panel first fastener coupled to said back panel elongate member first end; 
 a back panel second fastener coupled to said back panel elongate member second end; 
   disposing said front panel about a front torso;   disposing said back panel about a back torso; and   matably engaging said front panel first fastener with said back panel first fastener to provide a first pair of releasably engaged fasteners, and matably engaging said front panel second fastener with said back panel second fastener to provide a second pair of releasably engaged fasteners;   wherein said first and second pair of releasably engaged fasteners couple said front and back panels to tensionably fasten said ballistic-resistant garment about a torso of a wearer.   
     
     
         208 . The method of  claim 207 , wherein said tensioning fastening system provides 360° of tension for a customized fit about said torso of said wearer. 
     
     
         209 . The method of  claim 207 , further comprising inserting said first ballistic-resistant insert into said front panel pocket. 
     
     
         210 . The method of  claim 207 , further comprising inserting said second ballistic-resistant insert into said back panel pocket. 
     
     
         211 . The method of  claim 207 , further comprising disengaging said front panel first fastener and said back panel first fastener. 
     
     
         212 . The method of  claim 209 , further comprising disengaging said front panel second fastener and said back panel second fastener. 
     
     
         213 . A ballistic-resistant garment, comprising:
 a front panel having a front panel pocket configured to receive a first ballistic-resistant insert;   a back panel having a back panel pocket configured to receive a second ballistic-resistant insert;   a front panel first member coupled to said front panel, said front panel first member having a length disposed between opposing first and second ends, wherein at least a portion of said length is elastic;   a front panel first fastener coupled to said front panel first member first end;   a back panel first member coupled to said back panel, said back panel first member having a length disposed between opposing first and second ends, wherein at least a portion of said length is elastic; and   a back panel first fastener coupled to said back panel first member first end;   said front panel first fastener configured to couple to said back panel first fastener to tensionably fasten said ballistic-resistant garment about a torso of a wearer.   
     
     
         214 . The ballistic-resistant garment of  claim 213 , said elastic portion of said length of said front panel first member resiliently stretchable between a relaxed state and an extended state;
 said extended state generated from said relaxed state by the application of a tensile force(s) that acts on said front panel first member along said length.   
     
     
         215 . The ballistic-resistant garment of  claim 213 , said elastic portion of said length of said back panel first member resiliently stretchable between a relaxed state and an extended state;
 said extended state generated from said relaxed state by the application of a tensile force(s) that acts on said back panel first member along said length.   
     
     
         216 . The ballistic-resistant garment of  claim 213 , said front panel first fastener configured to couple to said back panel first fastener to fasten said ballistic-resistant garment about a right side portion of said torso of said wearer. 
     
     
         217 . The ballistic-resistant garment of  claim 213 , further comprising:
 a front panel second member coupled to said front panel, said front panel second member having a length disposed between opposing first and second ends, wherein at least a portion of said length is elastic;   a front panel second fastener coupled to said front panel second member first end;   a back panel second member coupled to said back panel, said back panel second member having a length disposed between opposing first and second ends, wherein at least a portion of said length is elastic; and   a back panel second fastener coupled to said back panel second member first end;   said front panel second fastener configured to couple to said back panel second fastener to tensionably fasten said ballistic-resistant garment about a torso of a wearer.   
     
     
         218 . The ballistic-resistant garment of  claim 217 , said front panel second fastener configured to couple to said back panel second fastener to fasten said ballistic-resistant garment about a left side portion of said torso of said wearer. 
     
     
         219 . The ballistic-resistant garment of  claim 213 , said front panel first fastener and said back panel first fastener configured as a rapid-release or quick-release system. 
     
     
         220 . The ballistic-resistant garment of  claim 217 , said front panel second fastener and said back panel second fastener configured as a rapid-release or quick-release system. 
     
     
         221 . The ballistic-resistant garment of  claim 213 , wherein said front and back panels together form a vest-like ballistic-resistant garment which is sleeveless. 
     
     
         222 . A ballistic-resistant garment, comprising:
 a front panel having a front panel pocket configured to receive a first ballistic-resistant insert;   a back panel having a back panel pocket configured to receive a second ballistic-resistant insert;   a front panel first member removably couplable to said front panel, said front panel first member having a length disposed between opposing first and second ends;   a front panel first fastener coupled to said front panel first member first end;   a back panel first member removably couplable to said back panel, said back panel first member having a length disposed between opposing first and second ends; and   a back panel first fastener coupled to said back panel first member first end;   said front panel first fastener configured to couple to said back panel first fastener to tensionably fasten said ballistic-resistant garment about a torso of a wearer.   
     
     
         223 . The ballistic-resistant garment of  claim 222 , further comprising:
 a front panel second member removably couplable to said front panel, said front panel second member having a length disposed between opposing first and second ends, wherein at least a portion of said length is elastic;   a front panel second fastener coupled to said front panel second member first end;   a back panel second member removably couplable to said back panel, said back panel second member having a length disposed between opposing first and second ends, wherein at least a portion of said length is elastic; and   a back panel second fastener coupled to said back panel second member first end;   said front panel second fastener configured to couple to said back panel second fastener to tensionably fasten said ballistic-resistant garment about a torso of a wearer.   
     
     
         224 . The ballistic-resistant garment of  claim 223 , said front panel first member removably couplable to said front panel via a passageway which extends between a passageway first opening proximate a front panel side and a passageway second opening proximate the opposing front panel side; said front panel first member passable through said passageway first opening for (i) receipt within a passageway interior space and (ii) laterally outward extension from said passageway first opening. 
     
     
         225 . The ballistic-resistant garment of  claim 224 , said front panel second member removably couplable to said front panel via said passageway; said front panel second member passable through said passageway second opening for (i) receipt within said passageway interior space and (ii) laterally outward extension from said passageway second opening. 
     
     
         226 . The ballistic-resistant garment of  claim 223 , said front panel first and second members disposed in (i) horizontally spaced-apart relation, and (ii) substantially horizontally aligned relation; and
 said back panel first and second members disposed in (i) horizontally spaced-apart relation, and (ii) substantially horizontally aligned relation.   
     
     
         227 . The ballistic-resistant garment of  claim 222 , said front panel first member adjustably couplable to said front panel along the width of said front panel. 
     
     
         228 . The ballistic-resistant garment of  claim 223 , said front panel second member adjustably couplable to said front panel along the width of said front panel. 
     
     
         229 . The ballistic-resistant garment of  claim 222 , said back panel first member adjustably couplable to said back panel along the width of said back panel. 
     
     
         230 . The ballistic-resistant garment of  claim 223 , said back panel second member adjustably couplable to said back panel along the width of said back panel. 
     
     
         231 . The ballistic-resistant garment of  claim 222 , wherein said front and back panels together form a vest-like ballistic-resistant garment which is sleeveless. 
     
     
         232 . A ballistic-resistant garment, comprising:
 a front panel having a front panel pocket configured to receive a first ballistic-resistant insert;   a back panel having a back panel pocket configured to receive a second ballistic-resistant insert;   a front panel member coupled to said front panel, said front panel member having a length disposed between opposing first and second ends, wherein at least a portion of said length is elastic;   a front panel first fastener coupled to said front panel member first end;   a back panel member coupled to said back panel, said back panel member having a length disposed between opposing first and second ends, wherein at least a portion of said length is elastic; and   a back panel first fastener coupled to said back panel member first end;   said front panel first fastener configured to couple to said back panel first fastener to tensionably fasten said ballistic-resistant garment about a torso of a wearer.   
     
     
         233 . A ballistic-resistant garment, comprising:
 a front panel having a front panel pocket configured to receive a first ballistic-resistant insert;   a back panel having a back panel pocket configured to receive a second ballistic-resistant insert;   a front panel first member coupled to said front panel, said front panel first member having a front panel first member length disposed between opposing first and second ends, wherein at least a portion of said front panel first member length is elastic;   a front panel first fastener coupled to said front panel first member first end;   a back panel first member coupled to said back panel, said back panel first member having a back panel first member length disposed between opposing first and second ends, wherein at least a portion of said back panel first member length is elastic; and   a back panel first fastener coupled to said back panel first member first end;   said front panel first fastener configured to couple to said back panel first fastener to tensionably fasten said ballistic-resistant garment about a torso of a wearer.   
     
     
         234 . The ballistic-resistant garment of  claim 233 , said elastic portion of said front panel first member length resiliently stretchable between a relaxed state and an extended state;
 said extended state generated from said relaxed state by the application of a tensile force(s) that acts on said front panel first member along said front panel first member length.   
     
     
         235 . The ballistic-resistant garment of  claim 233 , said elastic portion of said back panel first member length resiliently stretchable between a relaxed state and an extended state;
 said extended state generated from said relaxed state by the application of a tensile force(s) that acts on said back panel first member along said back panel first member length.   
     
     
         236 . The ballistic-resistant garment of  claim 233 , said front panel first fastener configured to couple to said back panel first fastener to fasten said ballistic-resistant garment about a right side portion of said torso of said wearer. 
     
     
         237 . The ballistic-resistant garment of  claim 233 , further comprising:
 a front panel second member coupled to said front panel in horizontally spaced-apart relation to said front panel first member, said front panel second member having a front panel second member length disposed between opposing first and second ends, wherein at least a portion of said front panel second member length is elastic;   a front panel second fastener coupled to said front panel second member first end;   a back panel second member coupled to said back panel in horizontally spaced-apart relation to said back panel first member, said back panel second member having a back panel second member length disposed between opposing first and second ends, wherein at least a portion of said back panel second member length is elastic; and   a back panel second fastener coupled to said back panel second member first end;   said front panel second fastener configured to couple to said back panel second fastener to tensionably fasten said ballistic-resistant garment about a torso of a wearer.   
     
     
         238 . The ballistic-resistant garment of  claim 237 , said front panel second fastener configured to couple to said back panel second fastener to fasten said ballistic-resistant garment about a left side portion of said torso of said wearer. 
     
     
         239 . The ballistic-resistant garment of  claim 237 , said front panel second fastener and said back panel second fastener configured as a rapid-release or quick-release system. 
     
     
         240 . The ballistic-resistant garment of  claim 233 , said front panel first fastener and said back panel first fastener configured as a rapid-release or quick-release system. 
     
     
         241 . The ballistic-resistant garment of  claim 233 , wherein said front and back panels together form a vest which is sleeveless. 
     
     
         242 . A ballistic-resistant garment, comprising:
 a front panel having a front panel pocket configured to receive a first ballistic-resistant insert;   a back panel having a back panel pocket configured to receive a second ballistic-resistant insert;   a front panel first member removably couplable to said front panel, said front panel first member having a front panel first member length disposed between opposing first and second ends;   wherein said front panel first member terminates in a front panel first fastener proximate said front panel first member first end; and   a back panel first member removably couplable to said back panel, said back panel first member having a back panel first member length disposed between opposing first and second ends;   wherein said back panel first member terminates in a back panel first fastener proximate said back panel first member first end;   said front panel first fastener configured to couple to said back panel first fastener to tensionably fasten said ballistic-resistant garment about a torso of a wearer.   
     
     
         243 . The ballistic-resistant garment of  claim 242 , further comprising:
 a front panel second member removably couplable to said front panel, said front panel second member having a front panel second member length disposed between opposing first and second ends;   wherein said front panel second member terminates in a front panel second fastener proximate said front panel second member first end; and   a back panel second member removably couplable to said back panel, said back panel second member having a back panel second member length disposed between opposing first and second ends;   wherein said back panel second member terminates in a back panel second fastener proximate said back panel second member first end;   said front panel second fastener configured to couple to said back panel second fastener to tensionably fasten said ballistic-resistant garment about a torso of a wearer.   
     
     
         244 . The ballistic-resistant garment of  claim 243 , said front panel first member removably couplable to said front panel via a passageway which extends between a passageway first opening proximate a front panel side and a passageway second opening proximate the opposing front panel side; said front panel first member passable through said passageway first opening for (i) receipt within a passageway interior space and (ii) laterally outward extension from said passageway first opening. 
     
     
         245 . The ballistic-resistant garment of  claim 244 , said front panel second member removably couplable to said front panel via said passageway; said front panel second member passable through said passageway second opening for (i) receipt within said passageway interior space and (ii) laterally outward extension from said passageway second opening. 
     
     
         246 . The ballistic-resistant garment of  claim 243 , said front panel first and second members disposed in (i) horizontally spaced-apart relation, and (ii) substantially horizontally aligned relation; and
 said back panel first and second members disposed in (i) horizontally spaced-apart relation, and (ii) substantially horizontally aligned relation.   
     
     
         247 . The ballistic-resistant garment of  claim 243 , said front panel second member adjustably couplable to said front panel along the width of said front panel. 
     
     
         248 . The ballistic-resistant garment of  claim 243 , said back panel second member adjustably couplable to said back panel along the width of said back panel. 
     
     
         249 . The ballistic-resistant garment of  claim 242 , said back panel first member adjustably couplable to said back panel along the width of said back panel. 
     
     
         250 . The ballistic-resistant garment of  claim 242 , wherein said front and back panels together form a vest which is sleeveless. 
     
     
         251 . A ballistic-resistant garment, comprising:
 a front panel having a front panel pocket configured to receive a first ballistic-resistant insert;   a back panel having a back panel pocket configured to receive a second ballistic-resistant insert;   a front panel first member removably couplable to said front panel, said front panel first member having a front panel first member length disposed between opposing first and second ends;   a front panel first fastener coupled to said front panel first member first end;   a back panel first member removably couplable to said back panel, said back panel first member having a back panel first member length disposed between opposing first and second ends; and   a back panel first fastener coupled to said back panel first member first end;   said front panel first fastener configured to couple to said back panel first fastener to tensionably fasten said ballistic-resistant garment about a torso of a wearer;   said front panel first member adjustably couplable to said front panel along the width of said front panel.   
     
     
         252 . A ballistic-resistant garment, comprising:
 a front panel having a front panel pocket configured to receive a first ballistic-resistant insert;   a back panel having a back panel pocket configured to receive a second ballistic-resistant insert;   a front panel member coupled to said front panel, said front panel member having a front panel member length disposed between opposing first and second ends, wherein at least a portion of said front panel member length is elastic;   a front panel first fastener coupled to said front panel member first end;   a back panel member coupled to said back panel, said back panel member having a back panel member length disposed between opposing first and second ends, wherein at least a portion of said back panel member length is elastic; and   a back panel first fastener coupled to said back panel member first end;   said front panel first fastener configured to couple to said back panel first fastener to tensionably fasten said ballistic-resistant garment about a torso of a wearer.