Police Product Test: Tru-Spec T.R.U. 1/4 Zip Combat Shirt
Unlike the traditional cotton T-shirt feel of traditional combat shirts, this one feels more like a sports performance fabric common to compression workout clothing.
The new ¼-zip combat shirt is made of a breathable cotton blend and Cordura nylon. (Photo: Tru-Spec)
3 min to read
While the style of the traditional military and law enforcement tactical uniforms hasn't changed much over the years, the technology and materials that go into them have evolved quite a bit. Tru-Spec's new T.R.U. ¼-Zip Combat Shirt is one of them. It features classic, utilitarian styling that has been updated to be more comfortable and perform better than those before it.
The Tru-Spec T.R.U. (Tactical Response Uniform) line is the company's top of the line and built to withstand the toughest conditions. The new ¼-Zip Combat Shirt is no exception. Starting with the body of this shirt, Tru-Spec updated the traditional cotton stretch fabric to a 60/40 cotton and Cordura nylon fabric. This not only creates a very breathable and comfortable base layer but also provides increased protection from burns and flash fires. Unlike the traditional cotton T-shirt feel of traditional combat shirts, this one feels more like a sports performance fabric common to compression workout clothing. It is not only super comfortable but does a much better job of wicking moisture away from the body. The ¼-zip front is clean and smooth, and the mandarin collar provides great neck protection without being restrictive.
Ad Loading...
Each sleeve has a reinforced elbow, making the shirt durable enough to withstand a range of motion. (Photo: Tru-Spec)
The sleeves are an entirely different animal. Made of a more robust Cordura cotton blend, the sleeves and shoulders provide no stretch but are durable enough to withstand the wear of body armor and protect the wearer's arms from injuries and burns. Each sleeve is gusseted for great range of motion and has a reinforced elbow for longevity. At the top of each is a cargo pocket with hook-and-loop closures as well as a large loop panel for patches and IR tabs. Moving down to the forearm, there are several pen/pencil sleeves and the cuffs each feature hook-and-loop closures as well.
Overall the fit and finish is top notch and the comfort is unrivaled. After several hours under heavy armor, I felt cool and dry and there were no chafing points anywhere. This shirt is my new go to, and at a very reasonable $62 direct from Tru-Spec for the model I wore you can't go wrong. Take a look at www.truspec.com.
Tru-Spec • T.R.U. 1/4 Zip Combat Shirt
Body of shirt made from no melt, no drip Cordura Baselayer fabric
1/4 zip front mandarin collar; zipper has a cover hood for comfort
Seamless, reinforced shoulders to minimize rubbing and chafing
Storage pockets on sleeves
Loop on sleeve pockets for attaching name, rank, and flag patches
Glint tape holder for IR tape
Reinforced elbow patches
Gusseted sleeves
Pen/pencil stalls
Hook-and-loop cuff closures
Sizes: XSmall–3XLarge Regular, Medium–2XLarge Long (Not all sizes are available in all fabrics/colors)
Price: $61.95–$73.95 for 65/35 Polyester/Cotton Rip-Stop; $61.95 for 60/40 Polyester/Cotton Twill; $67.95–$81.95 for 50/50 Nylon/Cotton Rip-Stop
A.J. George is a sergeant with the Scottsdale (AZ) Police Department assigned to the Technical Operations Unit, Special Investigations Section. He has more than a decade of law enforcement experience in patrol, field training, and traffic enforcement.
With the commercial availability of Avon Protection’s EXOSKIN-S2, users now have increased options for their protective suit requirements across the spectrum of CBRN threat environments.
Versaterm has acquired Aloft, an FAA-approved Unmanned Service Supplier (USS) that specializes in real-time airspace intelligence and flight authorizations.
The two-day DroneSense Innovation Summit by Versaterm will bring together public safety and industry experts to define best practices for scaling drone operations.
Learn what makes a boot good for police officers as POLICE visits with Kyle Ferdyn, of Garmont Tactical, who explains the features of boots and why each is needed in an LE boot.
The application period for the Folds of Honor scholarship program is now open through the end of March. Scholarships support students from early education through postsecondary studies, easing the financial burden for families who have given so much in service to others.
With GovX verification now integrated directly into the Team Wendy checkout experience, eligible customers can confirm their status in just a few clicks and have the discount applied automatically.
5.11 showcased new apparel and footwear products during SHOT Show 2026, including new color options for the A/T Boa Lite Mid Boot and the Founder’s Jacket.
5.11 launched a variety of new load-bearing gear, ranging from backpacks to chest packs, designed for training, travel, and everyday readiness, this week during SHOT Show 2026.
Built on the proven Halen platform, the new EOTech x Fast Metal Halen Ballistic Spectacle System is the only aluminum frame listed on the U.S. Army’s Authorized Protective Eyewear List.
