Hard armor plate pouches incorporated in a ballistic vest carrier cover that has armor panel pockets with side openings and waist panels. The pouches are attached to the carrier cover outer layer inside the armor pockets with access through the outer layer. In one configuration, the pouch is a single fabric sheet attached to the outer layer around the sheet perimeter. In another configuration, the pouch is a bag that hangs freely in the pocket. The pouch is accessed via a lateral opening or a vertical opening in the outer layer that is closed by an openable fastener, such as a zipper, hook and loop fastener, or snaps. The vertical opening can be hidden behind a placket. Optionally, the waist panels have side pouches that have openings at the side or the top.