Defining Quality: What Police Departments Want in their Uniform Programs

This month, as the nation’s chiefs of police travel to New Orleans for the annual IACP conference, and the country’s leading uniform suppliers make the same journey to promote their latest products, UniformMarket decided to pose a question certain to be on the minds of both: What are departments looking for in their uniform programs?

A sampling of those entered in the recent Best Dressed Law Enforcement Competition, sponsored by the NAUMD, suggests that above all, today’s police departments are seeking quality – quality in appearance, in performance and product. Some are even willing to pay a premium to achieve it.

But what, exactly, is considered quality, and what role does value play in determining it? Moreover, can quality be obtained at all price points?

For the police customers of Nye Uniforms, quality is defined by durability. “There’s a desire for a return-to-basics approach to uniforming,” says sales rep Bill Ricard. “Departments are shunning some of the trendier styling options in favor of better quality fabrics in heavier weights. We’re now selling pants in a heavier fabric weight than we have in the recent past, and we’re seeing an upswing in requests for blended fabrics, particularly Dacron/Wool and Poly/Rayon, which are not only durable but look better longer.”

Ricard credits today’s police recruits with the push for quality. “Many police candidates have military experience,” notes Ricard. “They’re technologically savvy, and they’re used to quality stuff.”

A Trend toward Blends

While many departments – some place the figure as high as 80 percent – outfit their officers in all polyester clothing, there is a trend toward higher end and mid-range blends in some agencies. For these departments, quality is defined by one word – image.

Take the case of Independence, MO, Police department. A highly visible agency, they were experiencing fit and consistency issues when they turned in Alamar Uniforms.

“They came to us looking for a quality product, which of course means garments made from wool or poly/wool blends,” explains Steve Zalkin, owner, Alamar Uniforms. “Although more expensive, the department knew that these fabrics would hold up over time, actually saving money in the long run.”

“What departments are really looking for is value,” adds Michael Bucks of Red the Uniform Tailor. “And value is defined by fit, service and fabric quality. Price comes into play, but if they perceive value, they’re willing to pay more.”

The Rowlett, TX, Police Department, too, had fit and consistency concerns when they approached RTUT. To ensure the vertical color match the department desired, RTUT decided to stock dye materials in the chosen midnight blue rather than piece dye garments. The uniforms, too, are made to measure and constructed of 55/45% Dacron/Wool. Wool in Texas? “Wool is a natural fiber and therefore has the ability to breathe,” reminds Bucks. “That’s a necessity in the Texas climate.” Although the custom program has greater up-front costs, the department is actually realizing a savings because they are not replacing items as often.

Industry experts say there is a great misconception surrounding contemporary wool products. “Most departments associate it with the heavy, itchy wool fabrics of the past, but today’s wools are constructed differently and are even washable, cutting down on expensive dry cleaning costs, making its selection a viable option for many,” notes Roger Heldman of Blumenthal Uniforms. “We have to do a better job of communicating this to our customers.”

Where image is paramount, high end blends reign supreme. Heldman notes that you can incorporate some of the performance features found in the consumer market into police uniforms, giving the outfits the comfort that officers insist upon without compromising image. He cites his customer, the Washington State Patrol, as an example. “They want a traditional appearance, but they are also eager to take advantage of the latest in trimmings and design,” he explains. “As an independent dealer, we’re able to show them all available options, and to provide the customization they seek.” Blumenthal provides the department with many enhancements, including up-to-date pocketing on trousers, stretch collars and a bi-swing back on shirts for ease of movement.

Quality at all Price Points

While there is a definite trend toward better blends, most departments, as previously noted, have uniforms comprised of other, less costly, materials. The question remains: can a department find quality at the other end of the price spectrum?

The answer – an overwhelming yes – was reached with some reservation. “The industry has been flooded with poly/cottons, and many departments equate the blend with comfort,” says Bucks. “But what they may not realize is that cotton will eventually fade, compromising appearance. You just can’t get a quality look with the fabric.”

Zalkin retells the story of one department that, although advised against it, recently made the switch from an all poly uniform to a poly/cotton blend. “They did a short wear test, not long enough to gain tangible results,” he continues. “After three months and considerable expense, they scrapped the entire program, The uniforms just didn’t hold up, and they went back to their all poly uniforms.”

For departments with budget constraints, or for specialized units such as cadets or campus police, price-friendly polyester can provide quality without breaking the bank. “Polyester is an appropriate choice for police uniforms because it is a durable and easy care fabric, and is practical for many types of work assignments,’ notes Zalkin. To achieve quality with this fabric, however, you need to pay attention to the details. “Are there military creases in the shirts? Is there double needle stitching? The quality comes in the manufacturing process, and in the service provided by the dealer. Are the garments fitted properly? We’re really talking about value added, this is what the customer looks for, and this can affect quality.”

There are those who believe that cotton, too, has its place in the police market. “Yes, cotton with fade, but we’ve developed treatments that will slow the process down,” says Steve Gilkeson of Perfection Uniforms. “For certain types of uniforms, particularly tactical, poly/cottons may be the appropriate choice.”

A vs. B uniforms: Class War?

By and large, departments across the country still utilize a Class A uniform for their everyday look, no doubt for the sharp, professional appearance these garments afford. But over the last decade, many agencies have shunned the Class A in favor of the more comfortable, user friendly Class B. These garments may provide functionality, but can the Class B deliver on performance, construction and above all, quality?

“Our tactical uniforms offer the best of both worlds,” says Tom Ames of Blauer Manufacturing. Blauer, largely credited by industry execs with the creation of the present day tactical uniform, manufactures the widely successful StreetGear™ line. The trousers and shirts offer the tailored appearance of a dress uniform but have the performance features necessary for today’s active officer. “Trousers have a stretch waistband and functional side pockets that recall traditional Class A styling, and shirts are designed with a more contemporary and functional yoke design.” The garments are available in a variety of blends, including poly/rayon, poly/wool and poly/cotton.

And while Blauer products are considered top-of-the-line items, Ames insists that quality can be delivered at all prices points. “We have a good, better, best mentality here at Blauer,” he says. “Much of a garment’s quality comes from the way it was manufactured. Even with standard fabrics, there are a variety of quality features you can add without breaking the bank.”