The Force New Generation pants #HS2380 are made of a 74 percent polyester/25 percent wool/1 percent Lycra material. Elastic side inserts, silicone permanent creases, and .75-inch belt loops make these pants comforta
ble.
Tactical Pants
Tactical or cargo pants are perhaps the most versatile article of clothing for uniforms. Options available range from rugged pants with pant legs that can be unzipped and taken off to ultra lightweight pants sometimes called “pajama pants” by officers.
The sizing for the 5.11 Tactical pants runs on the small side and uniform store employees said many women officers still prefer the men’s pants over the women’s pants for fashion reasons if they prefer a lower waistband. The 5.11 tactical pants have had some recent changes, though. A lower rise and more contemporary fit have been adjusted for the latest version, making them better suited to a woman’s body. The fabric is very durable and the pockets are large with sturdy Velcro and zippers. If you have tried their pants before and purchased men’s pants instead, go back and try the new cut. It may save you a lot of money in expensive alterations.
Elbeco also offers a better fit for women’s pants with its Ladies Choice cargo pants. The curve at the hip, the lower elastic waistband, and shortened rise lend themselves well to a better fitting, more professional looking pant. All of the officers I asked about these pants felt they looked better and lasted for a longer period of time when regularly dry cleaned instead of just being washed.
The Flying Cross women’s tactical pants are a 65 percent polyester 35 percent cotton blend with a high waist and Fechheimer’s own Freedom Fit cut. The waist is secured with a button, a hook, and a zipper. The pockets are all reinforced with stitching and are of a medium depth to accommodate most women’s reach. Flying Cross has tacked down the corners of the cargo pockets and provided a zippered pocket as well as the expected Velcro securing pocket.
The belt loops are sewn into the lining on the inside of the waistband, providing very sturdy loops that will not easily be torn or come undone. The rear pockets are low enough to use and access even with a full gun belt. The only thing they could change to make the pants better is to lower the waist a bit more and then the pants will be hard to beat for quality, fit, and value.
Blauer also makes really good quality tactical pants. The fit is very good for a woman’s body with a 65/35 cotton blend that includes stretch fabric. The pockets are deep and well reinforced with quality stitching. They don’t just stop at a single bar tack for the pockets, but sew a triangular shaped tack for extra strength. All Blauer pants come unhemmed, so having a good alterations person is a must. The waistbands stretch and come with double hooks and eyes and two-bead silicone shirt grips to keep your shirt tucked in.
Both hip pockets on the Blauer tac pants have button tabs and the thigh pockets have Scotchlite stripping under the pocket flap, which really helps to keep items in your pockets even when running at full speed in a foot pursuit or jumping over walls. They fit loosely and the sizing is accurate in comparison to street clothes. These pants are available in a variety of colors. They are washable and stand up well over time.
The Force offers a New Dimensions six-pocket cargo pant #HS2344 in a 65 percent polyester/35 percent cotton blend. With elastic side inserts in the waistband and double entry cargo pockets, these pants are practical and fit easily.
The Force also offers this pant in a 70 percent cotton/30 percent polyester blend #HS2353. This particular style also has reinforced knees and zippers for the top front pockets. This is great for activities like running a foot pursuit or climbing over walls where you don’t want anything to fall out of the pockets.
Another great pair of tactical pants comes from Tru-Spec by Atlanco. They offer a brand new design with their 24-7 series pants for women. Made from a 65/35 poly/cotton blend rip stop fabric, these pants have a very contemporary cut with a comfort fit slider waistband that fits very well. The adjustable side tabs for either a paddle style or inside-the-pants holster, extra deep front pockets, knife pockets, and reinforced knees all add to the practicality of these pants. For women who prefer men’s pants these are definitely worth trying.
Socks
The 5.11 tactical series ankle socks were tested by other officers and myself. Even though the socks did a good job of providing a breathable cotton blend, the knit felt a little bit coarse and the one-size sock felt a bit stretched to officers with larger feet. However, there is a large variety of 5.11 socks to choose from, even at standard uniform stores, and the prices are very reasonable.
Thorlo uniform socks run around $10 a pair and come in a large variety of cushion levels and styles. The support in the heel, the areas where boots lace up, and under the toes was more than anything I ever thought was possible from just a sock. Thorlo socks are sized for men and women and run true to size. They are quite possibly the most comfortable sock I have ever tried and I recommend them for off-duty use as well. Though the price is a little high, the quality makes it more than worth the price difference.
Be sure to take the socks you wear on duty with you when purchasing new duty footwear to ensure correct sizing. There is a variance in the thicknesses not only between styles of socks but also between companies.
Ultimately, good quality footwear that fits your foot well may be the best investment an officer can make next to a good holster and ballistic vest. I would like to see more companies offer socks and even some socks made more like heavy-duty knee-high nylons to help eliminate the bulkiness of tube socks with uniform boots.
Duty Gear
As for duty gear, one of the standouts for women is the ASP #F25 SideBreak Scabbard. It is a unisex product but it is exceptionally well suited for women.
With multiple ways to adjust the scabbard for an expandable baton, it is possible to have an expandable baton on your gun belt that can be adjusted so the baton is not too high or too low for the officer while driving or riding in a car. The scabbard also allows for the baton to be reholstered without being collapsed.
ASP’s SideBreak Scabbard comes in a variety of finishes to accommodate duty belt requirements and is a terrific product that can be used to allow a woman officer to have gear on her gun belt without causing discomfort from bulky fitting gear poking her in the back while she is driving a car.
For smaller women, it is difficult to place all of the required gear on a gun belt because their waists are just not big enough around. The SideBreak Scabbard allows a more comfortable option.
Every police department has uniform requirements as to which shirts and pants are approved for their officers and making sure you purchase the correct uniform for your department can be greatly assisted by knowledgeable local uniform store employees. Even though most uniforms can be washed, overall they lasted and looked better longer when dry cleaned at least occasionally if not regularly. This also helped eliminate as much of a need to iron.
These are only a few of the brands available for women police officers. Trying on as many options as possible when purchasing new uniforms to find the right fit and quality can help to assure an officer she made not just a good choice, but a great choice.
Lori M. Connelly is a Phoenix police officer as well as a freelance writer who reviews automobiles and covers police-related issues.
