This project for Horace Small a subsidary of Vanity Fair Image Wear was direct at marke gaps within service unfiorms. A market oppertunity in active and comfortable Police wear was recognized. Below are some concepts and developement towrds varying trends from, ultra althetic to dress wear with hidden active inspred components.
Class Active uniform. Designed for bicycle patrol officers. Enhancement for all officers.
Class Active Pants that have side entrance zippered pockets, which are hidden in the seam. Also silicone stretch banding that enables security and freedom, not to mention extra padding for the duty belt. I dropped the location of the rear pockets to allow access, even in the presence of all the gear carried on the duty belt. The interior seam of the pants is equipped with a wicking stretchable strip of wicking lycra that runs from the calf through the crotch enabling full motion. Issues are common with lack of flexibility and cut off circulation due to tightness in the legs. This will enable law enforcement specialists to do the job efficiently and comfortably.
The shirt contains a zip front with securing buttons on the bottom and two at the top. Also snap open epaulettes to allow for easier access and removal of the microphone cable. There is a front zip Napoleon pocket that is hidden and integrated into the front plaquette. Also there is an integrated ergonomic mic clip on front plaquet, this will allow the officers to attach the mic from either the left or right side. It also prevents neck fatigue from the typical placement of the mic on the epaulette. There is also a pen pocket located within the two front chest pockets for ambiguous pen storage. The lower half of the shirt is comprised of wicking sport which creates flexibility through the entirety of the shirt. There is not just a gusset but 70% of the shirt is extremely stretchable and breathable. I also integrated vertical banding of the silicone that prevents it from coming untucked.
Materials:
Main fabric for pant and shirt is 60/40 Poly Wool Blend
Stretch material on pant is wicking Italian Nylon Lycra sourced from Seattle Fabrics.
The stretch material on the shirt is comprised of wick away mesh lycra sourced from Rose City Textiles
Initial concpet. "Dress Blues" with enhanced breathability and flexability.
Variation upon the theme of mobility and professionalism
Concept with increased visibility for ease of officer location and safety within traffic.
More atypical styling, slightly futuristic. Worth looking into styling trends of future uniforms.
Rugged and strong feel. Concept is not very approachable by the public, but creates an intense sense of "Officer Presence".
Highly visible and utilitarian concept. Built in padding and high stretch materials. Increased external pockets and incorporated lighting.
Concept Refinement
Specifics called out in concept refinement:
Silicone added to shirt tail to prevent becoming untucked.
Lower half of shirt material high breathable meash.
Side entry pocket with zipper to ensure encapsulation of artifacts.
Elastic band around waist for comfort and grip.
Silicone added around wasit band in the back to ensure grip on shirt.
Front is clasped with velcro andbrass snaps.
