A plate carrier (such as a vest) is provided having shock absorption capabilities for absorbing shock in response to movement of a plate within the carrier resulting from movement of the wearer. The plate carrier can include a cradle that supports the plate within a pocket from underneath. Stretchable material may be incorporated into the cradle to provide shock absorption. For example, the cradle may include a limit strap hanging to form a first loop and a shock-absorption strap hanging to form a second loop spaced above the first loop. The shock-absorption strap may be formed from a material more stretchable than the limit strap, for example, so that the limit strap provides a limit of plate deflection and shock absorption provided.