How to choose a combat shirt

Combat shirts are an essential part of the military uniform. Versatile, durable and well suited for combat, these shirts are unique for their rare combination of comfort and utility. To choose the right one, it will be helpful to understand why they became part of the army uniform, their overall construction, and the long list of useful features they offer.

A combat shirt is essentially a t-shirt/uniform coat hybrid: the body of the shirt is made of soft, stretchy fabric while the arms are made of abrasion-resistant materials. Prototype combat shirts for the US Army debuted in 2002. They went through years of testing and modification before they saw combat for the first time in 2007.

Due to their light weight, breathability and moisture wicking properties, combat shirts are optimal for use in hot weather. The increased use of Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) against the US military has necessitated uniform garments that provide fire protection. Combat shirts made from flame retardant fabrics were the solution and as a result combat shirts became part of the OCP uniform of the army and the air force. In addition to these lightweight and flame retardant properties, combat shirts are also excellent for accommodating plate holders and other types of body armor .

Law Enforcement Combat Shirts

While combat shirts were originally developed for military personnel, they have been increasingly used in law enforcement operations over the years. In many cases, law enforcement officials and military personnel have similar tasks: dealing with potentially hostile adversaries, mastering weapons training, de-escalation techniques and protecting civilians, among others. As a result, military clothing, footwear, and equipment tend to spill over into the law enforcement realm.

Combat shirts in law enforcement are typically reserved for specialized agencies and units that utilize their rugged construction and combat-focused features. It is not uncommon for SWAT teams and ICE agents to wear combat shirts for their operations. There are even bright orange styles available for search and rescue teams who need tough clothing to match the harsh environments they work in.

Combat Shirt Materials

The unique and specific design of a combat shirt differs from other military clothing in that the same material is not used throughout the garment. On the contrary, the torso and sleeves of a combat shirt are made from different fabrics to meet different needs.

• Torso
  The torso (or body) portion of a combat shirt is typically made of a 40% nylon Cordura/60% cotton blend. This particular fabric blend ensures that the shirt is lightweight, breathable and manageable for soldiers operating in hot and humid climates. The torso fabric wicks moisture away from the body to keep the wearer comfortable and dry. This blend of fabrics is also ideal for accommodating a soldier's body armor. Using more cotton than nylon ensures that the shirt will not melt if exposed to flames.

• Sleeves
  The sleeves of a combat shirt are typically made from a 50% nylon/50% cotton ripstop blend. This tough, abrasion-resistant material is similar to the material that makes up standard military uniform coats. It provides extra protection to the extremities that body armor doesn't cover, and many styles are seamless for increased mobility.

Combat Shirt Features

Because combat shirts are designed for combat, they come with a number of versatile, combat-ready features. From extra storage to extra reinforcement, these features are added to give soldiers an edge when they need it most.

• quarter zip
  A simple yet highly effective design, a quarter-zip collar provides soldiers with extra ventilation, should they need it. When closed, it can protect from sun, wind, insects and many other inconveniences.

• Mandarin Collar
  A must military uniform , a mandarin collar is designed to close around the neck when zipped or buttoned. Like a quarter zip, it is designed to eliminate minor obstacles when closed, providing yet another layer of protection for the wearer.

• Pockets
  for pens You never know when you'll have to take notes or write a report. Typically located on the sleeves of a combat shirt, pen pockets are specific locations for storing writing utensils. The location of the sleeve pockets makes pens and pencils easily accessible.

• Shoulder pockets
  Closed with a zipper or Velcro, the shoulder pockets provide much-needed storage space on the sleeves of a combat shirt. These pockets are perfect for carrying small essentials with convenient access.

• Reinforced elbows
  The elbows of a shirt tend to wear out quickly. Combat shirts often have reinforced elbows that struggle with both normal wear and the rigors of combat.

• Loop Velcro Fields
  A place to display your rank insignia or other crests identification is a must in the uniform. Like the traditional uniform coat, combat shirts have space to do just that. These Velcro loop fields are usually located on the shoulder of the shirt.

If your deployment takes you to a hot and humid climate, a regular uniform layer can be very uncomfortable. Combat shirts offer an effective solution with their breathable, lightweight fabric and endless versatility. With the knowledge of what a combat shirt is, what materials it is made of and what features it has, choosing the right one is a much easier task.