Traditional BDUs (Battle Dress Uniforms) aren't nearly as common as they used to be. But the idea of wearing an alternative uniform that's combat ready-originally borrowed from the military-is more popular than ever, as evidenced by the assortment of new BDUs, tacpants, and jumpsuits available for law enforcement.
Tactical Uniforms
5.11's TDU Shirts are designed to exceed all MILSPEC requirements. Each features a covered placket, 5.11's patented hidden-document pockets, Velcro-closure chest pockets, and rear bi-swing shoulders. Elbows are double-reinforced and come with removable neoprene elbow pads. Like the pants, TDU shirts are triple-needle stitched and treated with Teflon. The shirt is available in long-sleeve, short-sleeve, and tall versions in either 6.14-ounce ripstop or 5.78-ounce twill. Also available in the TDU line is the 5.78-ounce poly-cotton twill TDU Jumpsuit. The design incorporates features like 5.11's hidden document pockets, BBS-compatible cargo pockets, removable knee and elbow pads, triple-stitching, and generous bartacking.
Tru-Spec by Atlanco's TRU Tactical Response Uniform is a BDU focused specifically on the requirements of tactical team members. Based on the Army's ACU, Tru-Spec's TRU benefits from additional proprietary design improvements for tactical officers. Unlike the standard ACU, which is available only in a military digital pattern, Tru-Spec offers the TRU in black, khaki, olive, navy, woodland camo, and three-color desert camo, and with several coordinated accessory items, including combat caps, matching T-shirts, shoulder conversion kits, and name tape kits. All fabrics were developed and manufactured in U.S. government-approved factories and built to withstand battlefield conditions.
BlackHawk Warrior Wear line of apparel includes the TNT (Tactical-Non-Tactical) pants, which are for those individuals who need the same performance of the BlackHawk Tactical Pant but with a more discreet look. These pants are made of TNT performance material, which is lightweight, water and stain resistant, and still highly abrasion and tear resistant. The TNT pants are styled to be office-appropriate but, like their Tactical Pants counterparts, have built-in features that allow the wearer to move comfortably. The TNT pants accommodate the BlackHawk CQB Rigger Belt and other belts up to 1.75 inches wide. Available in a clay color.
Woolrich's long- and short-sleeve shirts are now also available in a lighter fabric. Lightweight Operator Shirts are made of 100-percent cotton ripstop. Features include DuPont Teflon fabric protector to repel water and oil-based stains, UPF+ 30 for sun protection, a zippered concealment pocket, a hidden button-down collar, utility pockets with zipper closure, and a three-piece ventilated back. The long-sleeve version also features underarm gussets with vent holes, reinforced elbows, and convertible roll-up sleeves. Both shirts are available in khaki, black, sage, and navy.
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. Pants feature 8.5-ounce pre-washed cotton canvas, six Velcro-secured bellowed patch pockets, two hidden key pockets, and a knee pad pocket.
Propper's Battle Rip BDUs feature an exclusive Battle Rip poly/cotton ripstop blend that resists ripping, fading, shrinking, and wrinkling for long-lasting performance. Propper put Battle Dress Uniforms (BDUs) on the map back in 1967. Since then, they have been continuously Battle Tested from the jungles of Vietnam to the deserts of Iraq and city streets everywhere for relentless durability and comfort. Sewn to military specification, Propper BDUs feature six pockets, four with button flaps for secure storage, a four-button fly, adjustable waist tabs, drain holes in the cargo pockets, and drawstring leg closures. Both seat and knee are double-reinforced with felled inseam, outseam, and seat seam for heavy-duty wear.
Available in both long- and short-sleeve versions, BlackHawk's new Lightweight Tactical Shirts in the company's Warrior Wear line are constructed from a durable 5.1-ounce poly/cotton ripstop material with a DuPont Teflon DWR (durable water-resistant) finish that resists stains and dries quickly. A mesh panel on the inside collar and mesh pocket bags increase ventilation. There are plenty of features for carrying items such as hidden zipper pockets and a Media Player pocket on the upper-left shoulder. Available in khaki, black, navy, or olive drab.
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. Shirts feature 6.5-ounce pre-washed cotton canvas, Arkofix non-iron treatment, and a hidden "cuff key" pocket in the shirt bottom.
The Elite Lightweight Operator pant from Woolrich is made with lightweight yet durable 7-ounce, 100-percent cotton ripstop fabric. Seams are double-needle stitched and bartacked at stress points. The waistband has side elastic panels for comfort, and a concealed brass zipper front fly along with a metal tack-button closure for strength and reliability. Reinforced belt loops accommodate belts up to two inches wide. Other features include reinforced knees with external openings for inserting included knee pads and 10 strategically placed multi-use pockets, with two hidden back pockets for wallet or ID and two additional rear pockets for larger gear.
BDU pants and shirts from Red the Uniform Tailor are made of a 65-percent polyester/35-percent cotton blend. Ladies sizes are available through the company's custom line. BDU pants from Red the Uniform Tailor come in brown with tan stripe, or navy with a royal, gold, or French blue stripe. Pants feature cargo pockets with flaps and a waist side adjuster. The Short Sleeve Class C BDU Shirt has sewn in creases, epaulets, and patch pockets with scalloped flap and Velcro closure. Shirts are available in dark navy, French blue, or tan with contrasting brown trim. Also available in a long-sleeve version.
Elbeco's Transcon FR Urban Search Rescue jumpsuit is made with Nomex IIA. This permanent fire resistant, anti-static material offers self-extinguishing characteristics for use where flammability and radiant heat are concerns. Nomex IIA is a strong, protective weave, yet excellent for jobs requiring quick and sudden movement. Features include a heavy-duty concealed brass Nomex front zipper with internal protective flap, bi-swing pleated back, heavy-duty 10-inch brass Nomex zippers on inseam to don over boots with two hook-and-loop tabs at the ankle hem, elasticized waistband for extra comfort, overcoat-style collar with hook-and-loop closure tab, and double-needle lapped seams. Available in black, midnight navy and royal blue.
Some of the exclusive design improvements available only in the TRU from Tru-Spec by Atlanco include zigzag stitching on the hook and loop of both sleeve cuffs and the mandarin collar, extra deep front trouser pockets, double reinforced front trouser pocket openings, YKK PowerHook hook and loop, hidden 5 x 5-inch pockets in each trouser cargo pocket, thicker leg drawstrings, reinforced bar tack crotch seam, and one-inch-wide belt loops with 2.25-inch openings.
5.11 Tactical's new generation of sturdy pants, shirts, and jumpsuits is known as Tactical Duty Uniforms (TDUs). MILSPEC in appearance, the TDU Pant has a self-adjusting comfort-waist free of irritating metal buckles. The pants also feature cargo pockets with magazine compartments and 5.11's proprietary Back-up Belt System (BBS). Both seat and knees are double-thick, and removable neoprene kneepads are free with purchase. TDU pants are available in three 65-percent polyester/35-percent cotton blend fabrics: 7.5-ounce ripstop, 7.2-ounce twill, and the new 6.14-ounce Taclite version.