Tough threads.

"Relax, everything is going to be okay," says Miguel Caballero as he aims a 36-ca|iber revolver at a reporter's stomach. He fires a shot at point-blank range; no damage. That's how the "Armani of bulletproof clothing," as Caballero has become known, demonstrates the quality of the products made at his shops in Bogota. Turning Colombia's constant state of insecurity into a US$2 million-a-year business, Caballero makes jackets, raincoats, sweaters, coats, T-shirts, vests and even underwear into bulletproof clothing. All are light and versatile and, besides being protective, are discreet and even look good. And for $150 to $1,700 an item, they better. Caballero's clothes are designed to stop anything from low-caliber bullets to Uzi submachine rounds to 7.62-millimeter ammo. Garments weigh between one and three kilograms, depending on the level of protection, which can equal that of the highest-quality bulletproof vests made in the United States. Fashion aside, Caballero tailors armored clothing for the army, police units, bodyguards and other professionals in the security business. The ambassador from the United States to Colombia has purchased Caballero's vests for his bodyguards, and the Colombian army bought 300 armored uniforms at $6,000 apiece, which include helmets and mine-proof boots. The boots, which are made with soles designed to disperse an explosive round, have already saved lives. Other innovations include an armored blanket that bomb squads use to cover unexploded bombs. The blanket does the opposite of the boots: It prevents the blast from dispersing.