Semper Invicta: Cut-Resistant Clothing and Protection

Cut-resistant clothing is a discreet layer of protection for people who may encounter a knife, glass or another sharp object at work or in everyday life. The French brand Semper Invicta specialises in this kind of gear – it makes jumpers, T-shirts, neck gaiters, shirts and gloves that look like ordinary clothing yet protect sensitive areas of the body. In this article we explain how such clothing works, who it is for, where its limits lie and how to choose.

What is cut-resistant clothing

These are garments and accessories made from technical fibres that resist the slicing motion of a blade. While ordinary cotton can be cut through in a single stroke, fibres such as high-molecular-weight polyethylene (HMPE), Kevlar® or Graphex® offer the blade strong resistance. The fabric doesn't give way so easily under a cut, and the skin underneath stays protected.

For its jumpers and neck gaiters, Semper Invicta combines cotton with HMPE and uses a double-sided knit. As a result they look like an ordinary jumper, yet provide reinforced protection around the neck and carotid arteries. The brand received the Milipol Innovation Award 2023 for its cut-resistant clothing range.

How resistance is measured

You will come across two markings on Semper Invicta clothing:

ISO 13997 – a laboratory test that measures the force in newtons (N) required for a blade to cut through the material. The higher the number, the greater the resistance. The manufacturer states, for example, 40 N for the T-shirt, 40 N and 56 N for the jumpers and neck gaiter, and 38 N for the tube neck gaiter and the UBAS shirt.
EN 388 – the European standard for protective gloves. According to the manufacturer, the ENFORCR+ Ghost® gloves and sleeves have the highest level of cut resistance – F.

Know the limits: cut is not stab

Let's be clear: cut resistance does not mean stab resistance. The jumpers, T-shirts, neck gaiters, shirt and gloves are designed to protect against a slicing blade, not against a direct stab with the point. If you need stab protection, there is a separate category of products with inserts tested to NIJ 0115 or KR1 (see below). And no garment replaces caution and training.

Who is Semper Invicta clothing for

Security services and close protection – discreet protection of the neck and hands on duty, without making the wearer look threatening.
Police, prison and court officers – according to the manufacturer, the ENFORCR+ Ghost® gloves are duty gloves designed for law enforcement, and the UBAS shirt is worn under tactical gear.
Door staff and venue personnel – where conflicts can arise, a jumper or neck gaiter protects the areas most vulnerable in an attack.
Working with sharp tools and materials – level F gloves and arm sleeves help when handling sharp edges.
Everyday protection – for people who want an extra layer of protection while looking completely ordinary.

Overview of Semper Invicta products at Citadell

Cut-resistant clothing

Tactical roll-neck jumper with neck protection – cotton with HMPE, ISO 13997 40 and 56 N, reinforced protection of the carotid arteries. Made in France.
Knitted zip jumper – the same material and protection level as the roll-neck, with a full-length zip.
Cut-resistant T-shirt – lightweight (200 g), designed for warm weather and for wearing under clothing. ISO 13997 40 N.
UBAS shirt – a combat shirt made of Kevlar® and AVORA® with neck and sleeve protection and flame resistance. Worn under tactical gear.

Neck protection

Tube neck gaiter – our best-selling item. A lightweight tube for local neck protection, available in standard and flame-retardant versions.
Cut-resistant neck gaiter – has the same properties as the jumpers (ISO 13997 40 and 56 N) and protects your neck even when you don't want to wear a jumper.

Hand protection

ENFORCR+ Ghost® gloves – our second bestseller. Graphex® fibre, EN 388 level F, contact heat resistance level 1 (100 °C / 15 s), nitrile grip and touchscreen compatibility.
ENFORCR+ Ghost® arm sleeves – 45 cm long sleeves with level F per EN 388, hook-and-loop closure and UPF 50+. Sold as a pair.

Stab and ballistic protection

If you need more than cut protection, Semper Invicta also offers products with stab-resistant inserts and NIJ IIIA ballistic inserts:

Ballistic down vest – NIJ IIIA and NIJ 0115 24 J stab protection in the form of an ordinary jacket.
NIJ IIIA ballistic undershirt and 360° undershirt – for concealed wear under clothing. The 360° version also covers the sides and has removable inserts.
Hybrid tactical vest and plate carrier with Quick Release – for professionals, with the option to add SAPI plates.
Ballistic backpack and ballistic briefcase – mobile protection for close protection work.

The range is complemented by the C.A.C® folding knife with belt cutter (sold only to persons over 18).

How to choose

Decide what you want to protect. The neck is the most vulnerable – if you're starting out, a neck gaiter is a versatile first step. For work with your hands, gloves are the foundation.
Think about conditions. In hot weather a T-shirt or tube neck gaiter is more suitable; in cooler weather a roll-neck or zip jumper. If you work near fire, choose the flame-retardant neck gaiter or the UBAS shirt.
Cut or stab? If stabbing is your main risk, go for products protected to NIJ 0115 or KR1, not clothing that is only cut-resistant.
Size. For the jumpers, T-shirt and gloves, the manufacturer recommends choosing one size larger than you normally wear.

Care

Machine wash the clothing at 30 °C.
Do not expose jumpers and neck gaiters to temperatures above 50 °C or place them near a direct heat source – so don't dry them on a radiator.
The manufacturer notes that some people may be allergic to polyethylene – if you have sensitive skin, try the material first.
Clean the tactical vest and plate carrier with a damp cloth; for other products follow the care instructions on the product.

Frequently asked questions

Will a Semper Invicta jumper protect me from a knife stab?

No. The jumpers, T-shirts, neck gaiters and gloves are cut-resistant, not stab-resistant. Products with NIJ 0115 or KR1 inserts are designed for stab protection.

Can people tell I'm wearing protective clothing?

No. Both the jumpers and the T-shirt look like ordinary clothing, which is one of the brand's main strengths.

What's the difference between the tube and the classic neck gaiter?

The tube neck gaiter is a lightweight tube with ISO 13997 38 N resistance and also comes in a flame-retardant version. The classic neck gaiter is made of the same material as the jumpers (40 and 56 N).

Can I use my phone while wearing ENFORCR+ Ghost® gloves?

Yes, the gloves are touchscreen compatible.

You'll find the full Semper Invicta range in our shop. If you're not sure about the size or type of protection, write to us at info@citadell.eu – we're happy to help.