Abstract: A device for protecting the body of an individual from impacts, comprises a first layer 10 of plastics material e.g. polypropylene which acts to protect from impacts the body of an individual wearing the device. To layer 10 is bonded a second layer 12 is of cross-linked polyethylene foam which acts to cushion the body of the individual The outer margin of layer 12 extends beyond the outer margin of layer 10 by between 5 and 20 mm, preferably 15 mm. A third textile fabric, e.g. terry towelling, layer 14 is attached to the second layer 12 and is generally coincident therewith. The layers 10, 12 and 14 are adhesively bonded together. Means for holding the device around the torso of an individual comprises a strip of textile fabric 22 comprising of or supporting hook-and-eye material for co-operation with a patch of hook-and-eye material 26, the strip of fabric material 22 and the patch 26 of book and eye material adhesively bonded to the surface of layer 10 at opposite ends 20, 38 of layer 10.