Outfitting the Officer

Read on for the newest uniforms, outerwear, and casual wear for law enforcement.

Melanie Basich 2012 Headshot

UNIFORMS

5.11 Tactical

First known for its multi-pocket pants, 5.11 Tactical now makes a full line of clothing for law enforcement, including A-class and B-class shirts and trousers for men and women.

Built with all of the same features and performance as 5.11 Tactical's A-Class Shirt, the company's poly-rayon B-Class shirt features the addition of a patented hidden document pocket for added functionality. Like the A-Class, this shirt is triple-needle tailored, features permanent military creases, and is available in short- and long-sleeve versions. The B-Class short-sleeve shirt features a spread collar and the long-sleeve has double-layered elbows. The poly-rayon shirt fabric has a Teflon finish to help prevent stains. Shirts are available in eight colors. Also available in poly-wool blend

Designed to be a comfortable and professional pant, the 5.11 A-Class Pant features permanent military creases, a gripper waistband shirt stay, and diamond-gusseted crotch. Pants are Teflon-treated for stain resistance and feature a self-adjusting comfort waist (not a tunnel waist). 5.11 poly/rayon pant material is a 7.4-ounce, 65-percent polyester/35-percent rayon twill weave and has the same soft, comfortable feel and durability as the shirt. It also features Teflon treatment.

Need FREEInfo? Visit 5.11 Tactical 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 agencies.

Need FREEInfo? Visit Elbeco online.

 

Fechheimer

Fechheimer's CoolMax uniform shirt is made of a 9.5-ounce 65/35 polyester/CoolMax blend. CoolMax channels moisture from the skin through to the surface of the shirt, where it quickly evaporates, keeping you drier and cooler. Features of the shirt include a seven-button placket front with optional concealed zipper, pleated pockets and scalloped pocket flaps with Velcro closures, and sewn-in military creases. It's available in LAPD blue, white, and medium blue.

Need FREEInfo?   Visit Fechheimer online.

 

The Force

The Force's New Dimension Shirts combine aggressive styling with performance features such as stretch poplin and twill fabrics and Lintrak permanent creases. Added length to sides helps to keep shirts tucked. Due to the poly-cotton fabric blend, these shirts not only perform all year, but are extremely comfortable and easy to maintain.

The New Dimension Trouser and Cargo Trouser offer the same styling and comfort to wear year-round. The New Dimension Trouser features mechanical poly-cotton stretch fabric, Lintrak permanent creases, and Banrol technology in the waistband.

Need FREEInfo?   Visit The Force online. 

 

Liberty

Liberty's Comfort Zone line of law enforcement uniform shirts and trousers features Coolmax in its fabric. This allows the uniforms to dry up to seven times faster than conventional fabrics to keep you cooler in hot, humid weather and warmer in cold temperatures. Nanotex technology is also incorporated into the uniform fabric for added moisture management. The fabric even protects against ultraviolet sunlight thanks to its UPF 40+ maximum protection.

For added wearability, Liberty's Comfort Zone trousers have a stretch waistband that features 360-degree elastic webbing with silicone beading. And Comfort Zone shirts feature an articulating neck button on the collar band to allow an extra half-inch plus of neck room when needed.

Need FREEInfo?   Visit Liberty online. 

 

OUTERWEAR

5.11 Tactical

5.11 Tactical's Aggressor Jacket is a versatile waterproof jacket that does not scream "cop," but provides plenty of weather protection and pockets for gear. It's also long enough to conceal a handgun.

The Aggressor features a zip-out fleece liner and full-length side zippers that allow easy access to your duty weapon or off-duty gun. It also has concealed ID pullouts on the chest and back, concealed discreet carry pockets on the chest and right rear hip, and a two-way main zipper.

Need FREEInfo? Visit 5.11 Tactical online

 

BlackHawk

The BlackHawk Generation III L5 is the fifth layer of the extreme climate system fielded by the Army. Waterproofing in the Gen III L5 is provided by Epic fabric from Nextec, in which every thread fiber is encapsulated in silicone. This means the material is waterproof for the life of the fabric, is very pliable, and quiet.

Features include a convenient hood stashed in the collar, armpit zippers that vent heat, and a Velcro storm flap on the main zipper. To keep out the rain, the Gen III has a waist drawstring and a snap at the bottom of the zipper. Velcro strips on the chest and slant sleeve pockets allow for easy ID attachment. Two chest pockets zipper shut and are easy to access under a raid vest. The Gen III is available in ACU Camo, black, or foliage green.

Need FREEInfo? Visit Blackhawk online.  

 

Elbeco

Elbeco's Meridian is a versatile bomber-style jacket. It can be a raincoat because it has a water-resistant outer shell with extra water-resistant material in the shoulders and front panels. A Thinsulate zip-out liner with zip-off sleeves adds to the utility of the jacket.

Velcro attachment points for pull-down identification panels on the front and rear of the jacket can match the color of the jacket or you can order them in Hi Viz with reflective lettering. The jacket fits just above the duty belt for easy access to gear, and for better access to weapons there are side zippers. The jacket also features small pockets behind the primary pockets for secure carry of smaller items.

Need FREEInfo? Visit Elbeco online. 

 

Fechheimer

The Justice Jacket from Fechheimer is not just water repellent, but also wind, stain, and abrasion resistant. Its outershell of 5.4-ounce nylon and spandex provides protection and stretchable comfort.

A mandarin collar with soft brush lining and storm flap behind the front zipper help keep water out, as does an adjustable hem drawcord at the waist. Epaulets have a snap closure. Coil sideseam zippered openings have snap-secured closures for easy access to equipment.

Upper napoleon vertical pockets provide more room for your equipment, cell phone, mini flashlight, or documents. Gusseted underarms provide unrestricted mobility, while adjustable cuff tabs with Velcro closure let you keep water out of your sleeves or leave them looser for comfort in sunnier weather.

Need FREEInfo?   Visit Fechheimer online.  

 

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The Force

The Force's 3-in-1 jacket, the New Generation 3, is versatile enough to wear every season. The New Generation 3 offers a Primaloft liner and outer shell for cold wet days, or just the shell for those damp days, or just the liner for those chilly mornings. To aid in versatility the outer shell has a zipper closure with snap storm flap. This allows you to button up on the cold days or snap shut if you don't want to get overly warm when wearing the liner and jacket.

This jacket not only offers you a number of ways to wear it, it's also packed with features. To vent body heat and reduce condensation in the jacket, there are armpit zippers for ventilation. There are also a concealed chest pocket for small items or backup weapons, inner pockets to secure a wallet, inner cinch cords to snug up the bottom of the jacket to keep out those drafts that chill you, and there are side zippers for easy access to your duty gear. The collar stores a hood, which when packed inside forms a high collar to keep your neck warm.

Need FREEInfo?   Visit The Force online.     

 

Propper

Propper's Defender line of outerwear can be used separately or alone, depending on your needs. The Delta waist-length jacket has a nylon outer shell with a breathable/waterproof barrier on the sleeves and body. Its hood rolls into the collar to keep it out of the way, yet available in a flash should the weather take a turn for the worse. Lower pockets keep your hands warm, chest pockets store small items, reflective identification panels can be attached to the front and rear of the jacket, and all seams are sealed to keep you dry in the worst rains.

Since this jacket is built for duty, it features side zippers to provide access to your sidearm and other gear. To keep the cold out, the zippers secure with a snap strap, not just a snap that could be tugged loose if the snap caught on something.

The Delta can be made into a cold weather duty jacket by zipping in the water-resistant and windproof Defender Echo. The Echo is made from polyester and spandex and can be worn as a liner or a standalone jacket.

Need FREEInfo?   Visit Propper online. 

 

Tru Spec by Atlanco

Tru Spec's H2O Gen-2 Parka is a high-quality, dedicated rain parka. The model ECW comes with a removable waterproof fleece liner.

It is warm, windproof, and waterproof. Two front pockets on each side help protect odds and ends from the weather. And a front storm flapped billows-style pocket with a hand warmer pocket behind it on each side allows you to store gear and keep your hands warm and dry.

The Gen-2 has underarm zippers to vent body heat, a storm flapped front two-way zipper, adjustable sleeve cuffs, and a storm drawstring for those really harsh days. Sleeve pockets on each sleeve for stowing small items have Velcro closure storm flaps to protect what you keep inside. This parka is long enough to cover your duty belt and keep all your gear dry too.

Need FREEInfo?   Visit Tru Spec by Atlanco online. 

 

Under Armour

Known for its moisture-wicking Under Gear, Under Armour is moving into the outerwear market with its Black Ops jacket made from PolyArmour, UA's waterproof, windproof laminate. Built for use by HRT and SRT teams, the jacket is low profile with a built-in removable tactical vest, and numerous outer pockets to carry everything from a flashlight to AR magazines to a flash bang for a dynamic entry.

For comfort, the Black Ops jacket has underarm zippers to vent heat and to provide easy access to the vest.    

Need FREEInfo?   Visit Under Armour online.    

 

Woolrich

Woolrich Tactical's Elite Algerian Field Jacket is made of wear-resistant, nine-ounce, 100-percent cotton herringbone twill treated with DuPont Teflon fabric protector to make the jacket breathable, durable, and able to repel both water and oil-based spills. The jacket is garment-washed for a soft, broken-in feel.

On the jacket front are four bellows pockets. They feature drain holes at the bottom of the pockets, elastic webbing on the inside to secure smaller items like magazines or a flashlight, and tuckable flaps with hook and loop closures on both the inside and outside of the pockets. The top flap pockets also each have a vertical zippered security pocket behind, large enough to hold spare magazines or a small-frame revolver or auto.

On the left sleeve is a zippered pocket as well as a pen holder. The front of the jacket secures with a hidden zipper and hook-and-loop closure system for maximum range of movement and accessibility. There are four internal pockets with elastic loops for securing additional gear. Other features include underarm vents, a drawstring bottom with cordlock, and elastic cuffs with adjustable button closure.

The Elite Algerian Field Jacket is available in black, coyote brown, and OD green.

Need FREEInfo?   Visit Woolrich online.    

 

CASUAL/TACTICAL

5.11 Tactical

5.11 Tactical's functional Covert Casual line includes the Covert Khaki and Covert Casual Shirt. The Covert Khaki is engineered with eight pockets: two diagonal front pockets covering two interior zippered pockets for magazines or accessories, two standard rear welt pockets, and two large zippered concealment thigh pockets hidden along the seams.

Double-needle stitching, a comfort waist, and the heavy-duty crotch gusset promote greater freedom of movement. The Covert Khaki is constructed of wrinkle- and fade-resistant 8.8-ounce cotton twill treated with Teflon for dirt and stain resistance. These flat-front pants are available in three colors: oak, birch, and walnut.

The 5.11 Covert Casual Shirt is long enough to conceal a holstered sidearm and features a proprietary reduced-printing weave that also provides UPF40 sun protection. Featuring 5.11's moisture-wicking CovertMesh lining, the Covert Casual Shirt has concealment pockets behind the center placket, RAPIDraw instant sidearm access, Velcro-secured side vents, and a lower placket break-away for fast access to waist-level gear. The Covert Casual Shirt comes in sizes M–3XL in five colors: desert sand, slate blue, black, sage, and rust.

Need FREEInfo?   Visit 5.11 Tactical online.

 

BlackHawk

The Integrated Tourniquet System (I.T.S.) is built into some of BlackHawk's pants and shirts. The I.T.S. is a reusable (for practice) tourniquet system. To access it, all the wearer has to do is lift a Velcro-sealed pocket, pull out the injection-molded carbon fiber tourniquet, and secure it. It stops blood flow in 10 to 15 seconds.

BlackHawk's Warrior Wear Integrated Tourniquet System Shirt provides lifesaving aid in the field and on the streets. The shirt also provides comfort and durability to meet the demands of the modern day warrior. I.T.S. offers a primary protection for the brachial artery and distal placement at the wrist on both right and left sleeves. The lower tourniquet can be adjusted to fit directly next to the wound site.

Need FREEInfo?    Visit Blackhawk online.     

 

Elbeco

Elbeco's Ufx Tactical Polo, part of the company's Ufx series, uses high-quality fabric and comfort-enhancing features. The fabric is engineered to stretch in four directions while it wicks moisture away from your body to the surface of the fabric for quick evaporation. The Tactical Polo is designed with a generous cut and side panel construction for ease of movement. The polo has a mic pocket on each shoulder and a mic clip on the bottom placket, as well as a pen pocket on the left sleeve for easy access. Other features include antimicrobial Xeede, UPF 40+ and UV protection, a no-curl knit collar, and snag and pill resistance. The polo is available in dark navy, black, and white.

Elbeco's BDU pants feature six pockets: two front slash pockets, two rear inserted pockets with snag-proof fused pocket flaps, and two bellowed inverted pleat cargo pockets with drain holes. Two adjustable side tabs, secured with four bartacks each, and nylon drawstring leg ties ensure a proper fit. The BDU pants are made of the company's Comfort Twill fabric, which is 50-percent heavier than traditional poplin fabrics. This 7.5-ounce blend of 65-percent polyester and 35-percent combed cotton is finished with stain release fabric protector for enhancement of comfort and performance.

Need FREEInfo?    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 black, grey, and LAPD navy blue. 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. Adjustable tabs at the waist and nylon drawstring leg ties allow for a more customized fit.

Need FREEInfo?    Visit Fechheimer online.    

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The Force

The Special Ops Collection from The Force includes the Tactical Knit Polo, which comes in white, black, dark navy, and silver tan. It features The Force's Dri-Balance Technology for breathability and moisture absorption, a concealed mic loop, and an interlined three-button front placket. Short sleeve and long sleeve versions are available. Sizes range from small to 4XL.

The New Dimension Cargo Pant provides the same features as the line's trouser with additional double-entry cargo pockets on each leg. Available in black, brown, dark navy, and silver tan.

Need FREEInfo?    Visit The Force online.     

 

Hi-Tec Sports (Magnum)

The Stealth Spec Long-Sleeve Shirt, Short-Sleeve Shirt, and Pant have 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.

Need FREEInfo?   Visit Hi-Tec Sports (Magnum) online.   

 

Propper

Propper's TAC.U (Tactical Uniform) for law enforcement is based on the Army Combat Uniform (ACU). The Propper Tactical Uniform is durable, will wear better, and will look better longer because it is 65 percent polyester/35 percent cotton vs. the 50 percent nylon/50 percent cotton construction of the ACU.

The TAC.U pants, unlike the ACU pants, feature Propper's gripper waistband. This keeps the uniform shirt tucked in and looking good. It also aids in keeping your pants up, which can be an issue when wearing a loaded down duty belt. The TAC.U pants also feature a convenient zipper fly vs. the more traditional button fly on the ACUs.

The TAC.U jacket differs from its ACU sibling in very minor but helpful ways. It's longer so it stays tucked in. This can also aid in concealing items on your belt should the need arise. For comfort, the back of the TAC.U jacket is vented, which allows for a greater range of motion without binding. And while it might seem like a minor thing, the left forearm has pen pockets, so you can keep a writing implement close at hand even when wearing a raid vest or body armor.

Need FREEInfo?    Visit Propper online.  

  

SigTac

Constructed of a Spandex/cotton blend, the SigTac pants and shorts are very comfortable and have a lot of give. Taped seams eliminate rough edges that can rub against your legs and backside. Comfort is just one benefit that the wearer gains from SigTac's Spandex/cotton construction. The material is also rip-stop, so it won't tear if you catch on a nail, door handle, or other object.

The rear pockets have button-close flaps to keep your wallet and whatever else you put in them secure and safe. The bellows thigh pockets have zippers to allow easy access when seated or kneeling, or you can access them from the top through the snap closure flaps. These pockets also have hidden Velcro-closed pockets suitable for carrying a small knife or pens.

Another great feature on the SigTac pants is the design of the belt loops. The loops on these pants are sized to accept larger belts and the side loops generally don't interfere with placement of a paddle, pancake, or channel loop holster.

Need FREEInfo?    Visit SigTac online.  

 

TruSpec by Atlanco

Atlanco's TruSpec line includes its new 24-7 pants and polos as well as the TRU (Tactical Response Uniform).

Designed to be comfortable, functional, and versatile, TruSpec's 24-7 pants look nice and don't attract a lot of "I'm a cop" attention. Their design is more understated than tactical pants, yet they provide secure storage for gear. Constructed of durable 8.5-ounce 100-percent cotton canvas, TruSpec's 24-7 pants look more like khakis with some extra pockets, making them suitable for wear on and off duty.

24-7 pants and coordinated polo-style shirts are available in a wide range of sizes and in four colors: khaki, olive drab, coyote, and black. Just like the Army's ACU, Atlanco's

TruSpec TRU is rugged, functional, and ready for duty. The TRU shares the heritage of the issue ACUs right down to the button fly and drawstring waistband on the pants and the pen pocket on the left sleeve of the shirt. The TRU shirt features a Mandarin-style collar that lies flat when you fold it back and when unfolded protects your neck from being rubbed by a tactical/raid vest. Each sleeve of the TRU shirt has a Velcro-covered pocket for ID attachment.

The TRU pants pockets are closed with heavy-duty Velcro and lay flat, reducing the odds that they will catch on anything. The thigh pockets have an interior pocket to secure small items, and each leg has a handy lower calf pocket.

Tru-Spec offers the TRU in a wide range of colors: black, navy, olive, khaki, woodland, three colors of desert, and now Multicam. Solid colors are made from 65/35 polyester-cotton rip stop and the camo patterns are 50/50 nylon-cotton rip stop.

Need FREEInfo? Visit TruSpec by Atlanco online.    

 

Under Armour

Under Armour's AllSeasonGear Tactical Covert Ops line provides durable uniform alternatives for officers in tactical units as well as those in special details that don't require traditional blues.

The company's AllSeasonGear Tactical Covert Ops Shirt is made of stretch woven PolyArmour for durable moisture transport and uses ultra-lightweight, ultra-quiet Under Armour technology. Two mesh-lined chest cargo pockets with Velcro closure and a hidden zippered napoleon pocket under the covered placket provide convenient storage space. Mesh-lined underarm vents help move air to keep you cool, dry, and comfortable. The shirt is anti-microbial treated for odor-free performance and UPF 30+ treated for protection from harmful sunrays. Available in black, white, desert sand, Marine OD green, and dark navy blue.

Made of 100-percent Nylour, Under Armour's AllSeasonGear Gen II Tactical

Pant is extremely durable and lightweight. Better yet, its micro-grid ripstop fabric resists tearing while moving moisture away from the skin for quick-drying performance.

A seven-pocket design includes two zippered back pockets, two side stash pockets, two Velcro cargo pockets with hidden zippered napoleon pocket on left leg. Inner-leg gusset, back-yoke, and knee Nylour stretch panels enhance mobility. Articulated legs make for a better fit that moves with you.

Additional features include a plastic utility D-ring that provides front-hanging storage, UPF 30+ protection, and a 6.5-inch zip fly with single snap-button outer closure and inside toggle button for extra-secure fit. Available in black, desert sand, Marine OD green, and dark navy blue to coordinate with the Covert Ops Shirt.

Need FREEInfo?   Visit Under Armour online.   

 

Woolrich

Hunting apparel and military uniform manufacturer Woolrich is now making a line of tactical clothing, including long-sleeved and short-sleeved shirts, cargo pants, cargo shorts, vests, hats, gloves, and even socks. The shirts are constructed of 100-percent cotton poplin and feature epaulets, venting, and ultra-violet protection with a UPF of 30. Woolrich's new Elite Cargo Pants and shorts are constructed of 100-percent cotton canvas, and they feature numerous pockets, including a rear wallet pocket, reinforced belt loops, and Teflon stain resistance.

Woolrich's Elite Tactical Pants have a partially elasticized waist for comfort. Its pockets are placed to allow easy access when the wearer has a sidearm in a concealed carry or tactical thigh holster. There are also front thigh pockets that will hold any handgun magazine or a 20-round AR-15 magazine, and the belt loops will accommodate a two-inch belt. Elite Tactical Pants are available in standard cotton canvas or lightweight poly/cotton ripstop fabric and in black, sage, and khaki.

Need FREEInfo?    Visit Woolrich online.  

About the Author
Melanie Basich 2012 Headshot
Managing Editor
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