The Well-Dressed Cop

Head-to-toe police apparel.

Melanie Basich 2012 Headshot

UNIFORMS

5.11 Tactical
Some of the specialized features on the TDU shirt and pant set from 5.11 Tactical include removable neoprene knee and elbow pads, a comfort tunnel waist, bi-swing shoulder for greater range-of-motion, patented BBS system loop Velcro lining on the inside of pockets to keep tools from shifting or falling out during extreme movement, and Dupont Teflon treating for stain and water resistance.

Click here to visit 511 Tactical online.

Blauer
The original Blauer StreetGear 8810 Side-pocket trouser has been expanded upon for 2006 with the addition of four new fabric options. The poly/cotton side-pocket trouser is now joined by two worsted wool blends, a rayon blend, and a 100-percent polyester option (styles 8565, 8570, 8980, and 8655). Features include optional Scotchlite pull-downs from the side pockets, stretch waistband with two bead silicone shirt grips, relaxed fit for freedom of movement, pleated double thigh pockets, thigh let-outs for athletic builds, and extra-strength double stitching in the seat for durability.

Click here to visit Blauer online.

Elbeco
Elbeco’s Prestige Advance wear line is designed for law enforcement and public service officers. Originally developed for the U.S. Navy by Cleyn & Tinker, the uniform material combines premium, long staple stretch wool for comfort and the finest manmade fiber technology for strength and durability. The machine-washable garments include uniform trousers and short- and long-sleeved shirts, all available in dark navy blue for police, sheriff, and other public safety departments.

Click here to visit Elbeco online.

Fechheimer
Fechheimer’s Urban Defender Battle Dress Uniforms are made of a tough, colorfast blend of polyester and cotton Rip-Stop. They are built to military-style specifications, but with Fechheimer quality uniform enhancements. The two- and four-pocket shirts, along with matching pants, are currently available in dark navy blue and black. Shirt features include five-button-front with concealed buttons, button-adjustable sleeve bottoms, button-down shoulder straps, and double-fabric elbow/forearm reinforcements. Pants feature hook-and-eye waistband closure with Vislon zipper fly, two bellows-style cargo pockets with Velcro-secured flaps, unique cell phone pocket with Velcro-secured flap on right cargo pocket, two hip pockets with rectangular flaps and Velcro closures, and double-fabric reinforced seat and knees.

Click here to visit Fechheimer online

Hi-Tec Sports (Magnum)
The Stealth Spec Long-Sleeve Shirt, Short-Sleeve Shirt, and Pant feature rugged, durable designs built from a high-grade, fade-resistant, wash-and-wear cotton canvas that feature sanitized anti-microbial protection and Rayosan SPF 40 sun protection coating. All garments are NFPA-approved. All Magnum tactical apparel is backed by a six-month no-fade guarantee. Magnum guarantees its tactical apparel will not fade more than three shades from the original garment color as a result of normal wear and tear within six months from date of purchase. Shirts feature 6.5-ounce pre-washed cotton canvas, Arkofix non-iron treatment, and a hidden “cuff key” pocket in the shirt bottom. Pants feature 8.5-ounce pre-washed cotton canvas, six Velcro-secured bellowed patch pockets, two hidden key pockets, and a knee pad pocket.

Click here to visit Magnum online. 

Propper
Made of 65/30 poly cotto “Battle Rip” ripstop all-season fabric, BDUs from Propper are made for comfort and durability. The BDU two-pocket shirt features two bellows pockets with drain holes and a chest pencil pocket. Fused pocket flaps and collar keep the shirt neat, while two-piece double-reinforced elbows withstand abuse. Propper’s BDU trouser continues the theme of comfort and durability with double-reinforced seat and knees and adjustable waist tabs with four bar tacks. Four of the pants’ six pockets have button flaps and the bellows pockets have drain holes. Nylon drawstring leg closures keep pant legs in place. Shirts and pants are available in 10 colors.

Click here to visit Propper online.

Red the Uniform Tailor
Uniquely RTUT stock items from Red the Uniform Tailor make uniform pieces that aren’t normally found in stock available to departments. The company’s BDU pants with adjustable waist are made of 65 percent polyester and 35 percent cot-ton and are available in stock with either gold or french blue stripes on navy. The matching BDU shirt is made of poly/cotton and is available in four colors. Both are washable.

Click here to visit Red the Uniform Tailor online. 

The Force by Horace Small
The Force Special Ops Pant comes in black, dark navy, brown, and khaki. It features various pockets, including one hidden on the right calf. Vat-dyed Ottoman weave fabric provides a technical, sharp appearance with tensile and tear strength. It’s also water and stain repellent. A new tactical polo is also available in the line.

Click here to visit The Force online.

Woolrich
Woolrich, known for its rugged outdoorwear, has a new line of tactical and law enforcement clothing. Specifically designed to handle rigorous operational demands, Woolrich’s Elite Series apparel focuses on functionality, mobility, durability, and comfort for on-the-job or training performance. The initial Elite product introduction includes a long-sleeve shirt, short-sleeve shirt, vest, pant, and short. Available in khaki and black, the garments feature 100-percent cotton fabric, UPF 30 protection, and Teflon finish for water and stain repellency. Shirts are available in khaki, sage, and navy 5.5-ounce cotton poplin. Pants, shorts, and vest are available in khaki 8.5-ounce cotton canvas.

Click here to visit Woolrich online.
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FOOTWEAR

5.11 Tactical
The three lines of 5.11 Tactical footwear are all lightweight and have been designed for duties from foot patrol to special operations. Each line has features specific to a duty function such as carbon based rubber that minimizes slipping and squeaking and is oil resistant; waterproofing; or a blood borne pathogen resistant lining. Features common to all three boot lines are injection Phylon in the mid-sole to make the boot light weight and comfortable; full grain leather to maintain high quality finish; and the 5.11 Tactical Series Shock Mitigation System to protect an officer’s feet and legs.

Click here to visit 5.11 Tactical online


Bates Uniform Footwear
Bates’ new GX-4 and GX-8 waterproof, lightweight uniform boots feature Gore-Tex waterproof lining and full-grain leather and ballistic nylon uppers to handle inclement weather. A full-cushioned, removable insole combines with a lightweight, shock-absorbing midsole to keep feet comfortable on the longest of days. Durable oil- and slip-resistant Ulra-Lites Xtreme rubber outsole will provide grip and stability on any terrain.

Click here to visit Bates Footwear online


BlackHawk Industries
The first products available from BlackHawk Products Group’s new BlackHawk Warrior Wear division for military and law enforcement are four boot models: the Light Assault Boot, the Tactical Response Boot, the Black Ops Boot, and the Desert Ops Boot. The Tactical Response Boot is a heavier duty boot with a Vibram outsole in “Trek” compound for good traction and stability in urban environments. Constructed with an OrthoLite custom molded footbed, a durable, breathable lining, and a fiberglass shank, the Tactical Response Boot is designed for SWAT professionals yet comfortable enough for all-day wear. The boot upper is comprised of Cordura and high abrasion leather for durability. All boots will be available in May of 2006.

Click here to visit BlackHawk online.

Corcoran-Matterhorn Shoe Company
The eight-inch leather Mach boot from Matterhorn is made for durability with full-grain glove cowhide, a 1200-denier Cordura tongue, and a composite shank. A padded collar and removeable Dryz moisture- and odor-control shock-absorbing cushioned inserts enhance comfort, while a non-metallic lacing system and Scrambler dual-density outsoles make your job easier.

Click here to visit Corcoran-Matterhorn online.

Danner
The Telson GTX features the most recent in a long line of technical innovations from Danner. The patent pending EXO is a new platform that combines quality and durability with the performance of an athletic shoe. The EXO eliminates the standard shank system used in conventional boots and replaces it with an exoskeleton chassis that improves overall athletic performance. To improve comfort, the Telson GTX features a lace-to-toe system that allows for the most precise fit. The boot also utilizes abrasion resistant material to protect the boot and the wearer from the daily rigors of uniform duty. The Telson GTX will be available in six- and eight-inch models in Spring 2006.

Click here to visit Danner online

LaCrosse Footwear
The Taser from LaCrosse Footwear is designed to meet the demanding needs of uniformed duty professionals. The LaCrosse Quad Comfort platform has proven a comfortable platform that doesn’t sacrifice performance, which is why it serves as the foundation of the Taser boot. The Quad Comfort platform provides comfort and stability through a multi-layer system that positions cushioning material right where it is needed most for maximum relief and reduces foot fatigue. The core of the Quad comfort provides support while maintaining lateral stability and torque needed for firm footing on any surface. LaCrosse has a variety of Taser styles with different features to meet users’ needs.

Click here to visit LaCrosse Footwear online.

Hi-Tec Sports (Magnum)
Built in the USA, the Magnum 8-inch Mirage boot features a full-grain leather and nylon upper. A vented fiberglass shank provides increased breathability, while a contoured removable sockliner provides added comfort. Goodyear welt construction and a slip- and oil-resistant lightweight rubber outsole with injected EVA midsole complete the package. The Mirage is available in medium and wide widths.

Click here to visit Magnum online

Lowa Boots
The Lowa Renegade ll GTX Mid boot is lighter weight than classic Task Force boots and is constructed using a water-repellant smooth leather upper combined with Gore-Tex lining. The supportive yet flexible upper provides out-of-the box comfort and is easy to break in. It features Lowe’s proprietary Viral Vialta outsole/midsole package. LOWA and Vibram have worked together to develop this lightweight and easy-to-walk-in sole that provides traction and stability. Its direct-inject PU midsole
provides comfort and cushioning.

Click here to visit Lowa Boots online.

Original SWAT Footwear
The Original S.W.A.T. air boot collection has re-designed uppers and added features. Both the Air 9” Side Zip and the Air Trainer Lo models are built on PU midsoles with S.A.S. (Stable Air System) pressurized air pillows for superior cushioning and shock absorption. The Air 9” Side Zip has a modern athletic profile in leather and nylon, with a YKK side zipper and Velcro tab. The zipper has an internal leather gusset to keep out debris. The Air Trainer Lo also has a re-engineered, sleek upper design, and a handy heel pull-tab. New details on both models include logo’d lacing hardware and reinforced toe scuff-guards. The inner liner has been improved with an extra-durable moisture-wicking fabric. Both models are available in black.

Click here to visit Original SWAT online.

Rocky Shoes & Boots
Rocky’s BOA 2186 model is an athletic-inspired chukka made of black full-grain leather and breathable mesh. Its lightweight design, vented polyurethane insert, and tri-density “trail tread” outsole make the 2186 extremely comfortable. It features the new BOA coil lacing system, which tightens the boot in exact increments via a turn-dial that constricts a strong, ultra-thin steel stranded wire. This system locks the foot in place and eliminates the possibility of laces breaking or coming untied. The BOA system was also designed not to constrict pressure points in the foot, promoting better circulation and additional comfort.

Click here to visit Rocky Boots online.

Thorogood Footwear by Weinbrenner
Weinbrenner’s eight-inch all-leather side zip in the new Thorogood Silencer series of boots features hand-sewn quality construction and a comfort-enhancing design. A padded collar and tongue, moisture-wicking knit lining, and a full-grain supersoft leather upper contribute to comfort. An energy return midsole combined with a shock-absorbing two-density polyurethane footbed provides cushioning and stores kinetic energy and releases it with a forward motion.

Click here to visit Weinbrenner online.

About the Author
Melanie Basich 2012 Headshot
Managing Editor
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