Product News: 5.11 Tactical & Best Manufacturing

In our final product news report for the year, we have new offerings from 5.11 Tactical and Best Manufacturing:

California-based 5.ll Tactical has launched a new Tactical Dress Uniform ™ (TDU ™s) which features advanced design, quality and comfort. The company is touting it as an alternative to the old BDUs.

5.11 Tactical ® enlisted the help of top experts in federal, state and local law enforcement on the TDU ™s design and new functionalities. “The idea was to give law enforcement a more functional and comfortable alternative to the old BDUs and also have them look neat and professional,” explains Dan Costa, CEO of 5.11 Tactical. “We had the people who use our products give us design features that would help enhance their job performance. These garments were street-tested to make sure they held up to the rigors of the job.”

Based on recent reviews from law enforcement, tactical training units and overseas operators, the improvements are a huge hit. Some of the specialized features on the shirt and pant set feature include removable neoprene knee and elbow pads, a comfort tunnel waist, bi-swing shoulder for greater range-of-motion, patented BBS™ system loop Velcro lining on the inside of pockets to keep tools from shifting or falling out during extreme movement, and Dupont Teflon ® treating for stain and water resistance.

“I know I’ve met my customers’ needs when the feedback is that they’ll never go back to the BDUs,” asserts Tim Velasco, Line Manager for 5.11 Tactical. “In this industry, it’s hard to change something as important as work attire, but we‘ve seemed to accomplish our goal.”

For local dealer locations or further info rmation on 5.11 Tactical Series ® visit www.511tactical.com .

Capitalizing on the designer uniform trend, Best Manufacturing Group last month unveiled its new designer label apparel collection at the 2005 International Hotel/Motel & Restaurant Show. This marks the first time that a major North American uniform company will offer a designer collection at a mass level.

Companies like McDonald’s are exploring the possibility of hiring Tommy Hilfiger or a hip hop designer like Diddy to create new uniforms for their employees. Pilots flying for United Airlines and JetBlue Airways are already wearing uniforms created by New York designer Stan Herman.

“The challenge is to create a clean, polished, tailored look that will match the design, management style, vision, and guest appeal of the hospitality client,” says Senior VP of sales Don Anderson. “While Best will continue to be a leader in all aspects of the hospitality apparel marketplace, our new product offering will give the hospitality industry an alternative – a high fashion style retail designer collection.”

The cornerstone of Best’s new collection is being presented in partnership with Hartmarx who has exclusive rights to market selected products under a number of premier brands such as H&W, XMI, Claiborne, Palm Beach and Austin Reed. This high-profile collection defines the modern workplace and has been specifically designed to bring name-brand tailored apparel to hotel employees and guests.

The new apparel collection extends well beyond the standard colors, fabrics and styles the industry has come to expect. Best will be offering luxurious stretch fabrics and tailored apparel in new shades like red and chocolate brown for solids as well as textures like mini-check and herringbone. Separate soft components in knit tops, men’s shirtings and ladies blouses will be available in 5 styles and over a dozen colors like cornflower, pumpkin, and cobalt. Pinstripes will be offered in color combos like mint, lemon, and coral.

Ladies apparel will be available in Petite, Misses, Women and Women Petite sizes resulting in a better fitting garment and less alterations. Best’s full line of hospitality apparel will include front of the house, food & beverage, housekeeping and culinary garments. “Our breadth and depth of in-stock apparel will allow the hospitality industry to create the custom look they desire at prices they can afford,” comments Anderson. “The new apparel line complements the complete offering of bed, bath and table linen we have been known for throughout the hospitality industry.”

Best’s new apparel catalog is currently in production and is scheduled for release this winter.

For more info rmation, visit www.bestmfg.com

Editor’s note: Would you like to see your new products featured in a future installment of Product Round-up? Send an email to Jackie@uniformmarket.com