I guarantee that militaries the world around are always working on thinner, lighter, and stronger materials, yes.
But just regular suit-like material? No. Especially not for multiple hits from a rifle. Even if it did completely protect from penetration, you still experience the kinetic force, which is going to feel like getting kicked in the chest. You’re going to have a terribly sore bruise, if not broken ribs.
There are relatively thin and light materials (see the link in the other comment) but they’re only going to protect from small/medium pistol rounds, and they’re not always trustworthy after the first hit (though level IIIA will generally handle it).
I guarantee that militaries the world around are always working on thinner, lighter, and stronger materials, yes.
But just regular suit-like material? No. Especially not for multiple hits from a rifle. Even if it did completely protect from penetration, you still experience the kinetic force, which is going to feel like getting kicked in the chest. You’re going to have a terribly sore bruise, if not broken ribs.
There are relatively thin and light materials (see the link in the other comment) but they’re only going to protect from small/medium pistol rounds, and they’re not always trustworthy after the first hit (though level IIIA will generally handle it).