In order to fully consider the physiological characteristics and movement mechanism of the human body under the premise of ensuring the function and practicality of the product, the human-fabric contact finite element model based on biomechanical feedback plays an important role in the design of ‘people-oriented’ health protection products. This review focuses on the design of protective products made of flexible materials, and discusses the application status and development trend of human finite element model in the design of protective products. The construction process of finite element models of different parts of the human body in recent years is summarized from the perspective of human biomechanics. Secondly, from the contact models established between the human head, torso, upper limbs and lower limbs and protective devices, the application status and challenges of finite element method in the design of health protective products are sorted out. Finally, the problems existing in the use of finite element method in such researches are discussed. It is pointed out that in the context of pursuing accuracy, real-time and realism, finite element contact models with the advantages of high efficiency, precision and reusability still have a broad application prospect.