People, in general, can sleep well at night because cops are there to protect them. Therefore, their police gear must be of high quality, especially when it comes to uniforms. Being the frontline workers, cops need dresses, which are durable and look like a professional uniform.
For more than a decade, a blend of poly-cotton has been used in the industry, but now more varieties are available. And with so many options, you may find it hard to determine which material is suitable for your requirements. So, for making a smart choice, you may consider the six different fabric qualities discussed below when buying police uniform:
- Cotton or Synthetics
Cotton and synthetic, being two popular fabrics, have a huge difference. While cotton retains sweat and quickly gets faded, the synthetic fabric can resist wrinkles and protect the colour for a longer time. And since both qualities are essential for keeping up the standard of your uniform, you can look for a combination of polyester and cotton that provides the best performance of synthetic fabrics and the comfort of cotton. Even so, many people prefer natural fibres for their comfort and breathability.
- Moisture-Wicking Quality
Many synthetic blends that can keep your body cool and dry are now available on the market. Moisture-wicking fabrics are designed to remove sweat from your skin and let it evaporate. This way, it cools the body, keeps the shirt drier and free of ugly sweat stains.
Also, you may look for an integrated cooling effect or ICE moisture-wicking material, which is a special knit intended for dispersing moisture, and to help quick evaporation. Moreover, it dries 125 % faster than cotton and 30% faster than regular polyester.
- Stretch
Stretch fabric can incorporate additional fibres like Lycra, Spandex, or a specially designed weave. It offers a pliable garment having a wide range of motion and greater comfort. Adding stretch makes the uniform comfortable while running, climbing or kneeling. That’s why it is preferable for police uniforms.
The duties of the cops are not easy to perform, and that’s why their dress, gear, and everything must be comfortable for them to carry while in action. That being said, the starch fabric has become popular in sportswear and leisurewear, and nowadays, it is more available in uniforms.
- Water and Stain Resistance
Durable water repellent or DWR treatment fights off stains and liquids so that your dress looks clean and well-knitted. DWR protects against fading and keeps the garment looking better for longer hours. Also, the invisible protective layer produced by DWR treatment helps the original colour remain the same, as it compels the particles in the liquids to bead up and roll off rather than penetrate the fabric. The best thing about this material is that it reduces the chances of wear and tear and is more durable than the other fabrics used for making police uniforms.
- Antimicrobial
Everyone knows that it is sweaty work and sweat that causes body odour. Moreover, repeated washing starts to break down even the most intricate fabric. Sweat starts smelling when bacteria and fungi get in contact with it on the skin and dress. Therefore, cops need sprays with antimicrobial properties as it helps them work freely without the tension of bad odour.
As the uniform is one of the integral parts of police gear, you have to choose it wisely. Both your look and duty must not be hampered at any cost. And if required, take the time to choose a suitable material.