Abstract: Various embodiments add a structure to a body armor unit that has a frame and a breathable (e.g. porous) material suspended between elements of the frame, that may allow the suspended breathable material to become the primary, or the sole material, in contact with the wearer's body. Various embodiment frame structures may allow the body armor plates to be effectively offset from the wearer's body. In this manner, the various embodiments may improve ventilation of the wearer's body, both in terms of moisture and heat transport, and/or may reduce the blunt force trauma caused by a projectile strike and potentially resultant back face deformation of the body armor.