A police uniform has so many purposes. Indeed it goes beyond the mere functionality of clothing. Police uniforms are the most recognizable or identifiable aspect of being a cop. When you don the uniform, there is no doubt that you belong to the force.
The police uniform is also a symbol of authority. When people see it, they know that the state has given them permission to implement its laws. The uniform provides a fantastic incentive for people to act better and avoid engaging in criminal activity.
For the police, the uniform is a source of pride and togetherness. It sets you apart from other people and, it is that unifying factor with your colleagues. Without a doubt, a police uniform is critical to the officers. Thus it helps to have specific considerations in mind when shopping for one.
So what should you know before buying your next police uniform? Read on to uncover some pretty interesting insights.
- Material of the Police Uniform Pants or Shorts
You may think the material for your police uniform pants or shorts doesn’t matter. But, the weather vagaries will have you paying more attention. The two main materials for police uniforms are synthetic and cotton.
If you know anything about cotton, it is the most comfortable material. In hot weather, cotton retains sweat quite well. That means you will be more comfortable no matter how hot the temperatures get. But the downside of cotton is that it does not hold onto color very well. If you do not take good care, it will fade quite rapidly.
Synthetic may not be the most comfortable fabric to wear but, thanks to technology, moisture-wicking fabric is available. Such removes sweat from the skin, allowing it to evaporate. It is an excellent way to stay dry and cool.
Synthetic material is easier to maintain because of its ability to resist wrinkles. The uniform will also look new for longer because it retains color well.
An excellent middle ground for your police uniform pants is a combination of cotton and polyester. It allows you to get the benefits of both cotton and synthetic fabric. Another fantastic option is natural fibers which offer the benefits of breathability and comfort.
Spandex and Lycra are stretchable, which means greater motion and comfort. You will appreciate this when kneeling, climbing, or running. There are excellent police uniform materials that incorporate such stretchable fabric.
- The Comfort of the Police Uniforms
Comfort is a huge factor when buying a police uniform. Imagine spending hours on duty in constrictive non-breathable fabric. What if you have to chase the suspect down an alley? Or even have to scale a wall in your pursuit.
Tight-fitting police uniform shorts or pants would make the experience horrible. The same applies to the shirt and boots.
So, before buying the police uniform, ensure it is a good fit. You will want to try on the uniform before you part with any money. Ensure you have plenty of mobility, range of motion, flexibility, and ease of movement.
During the fitting, feel free to do anything you usually do on a workday. So, mimic running, kicking down doors, and scaling walls. That simulation will be crucial in helping you decide.
Some fabric and uniform distributors have ripstop fabric. It comprises interwoven enforcement for better resistance against tearing. For a long time, it has been a technology that was quite common in outdoor apparel. But now, you will find it in police uniforms as well. Indeed many tactical police uniform pants, shorts, hats, and jackets comprise ripstop technology.
- Consider Useful Add-Ons or Technologies
The scope of work will influence the add-ons on your police uniform. A desk officer may not need as many as a field officer. Also, what kind of usage do you envision for the uniform? Let’s say you are using it for tactical practice. You will need plenty of add-ons specific to tactical training. If for everyday use, determine what you must always have on you.
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In the course of your duty, you may need to carry around quite a bit of equipment. Does the uniform choice allow you to do so without impacting comfort? Do you, for example, have extra pockets in your police uniform shorts, pants, or shirt? It frees you from carrying around bags while on duty.
A tactical belt should provide much more than the simple functionality of holding up your uniform pants police. They should also allow you to comfortably carry your duty gear. These include the radio, handcuffs, firearms, and tasers.
Load-bearing technologies under the belt are essential. It allows for weight distribution which will help avoid back problems.
- Ease of Maintenance
It doesn’t hurt to get police uniforms that are easy to maintain. A vital point in favor of synthetics is wrinkle resistance. You will maintain a professional look without too much effort on your part.
There is the option of durable water-repellent treatments. It helps avoid stains and water spots from your uniform. But that’s not all. The effect is also great for keeping the uniform color. Liquids bead and roll off the fabric rather than soaking in. that also helps keep stains at bay. You won’t have to deal with too much dirt when washing the uniforms.
Other treatments will help with the issue of smelly sweat. Anti-microbial treatments fight fungi and bacteria. These are the main culprits behind the pungent odor of sweat.
Check for fabric that has anti-microbial treatments as part of the fabric. Those that you spray onto the cloth will eventually wash off.
Final Thoughts
Shopping for your police uniform is a complex task. From what we have said above, there are many factors to have in mind. You want durability, comfort, and easy maintenance. The uniform should also have add-ons or technologies to make your work easier.
Remember, you’ll spend a lot of time in those police uniform pants or shorts. The same applies to the police shirts and boots. Thus, it makes sense to be mindful of what you are buying. Finally, please try on the uniform before you buy. It is critical to ensure a good fit and optimal comfort.
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