Guide to Tactical Clothing – What to Look For
The Top Tactical Clothing Features to Look For
When it comes to tactical clothing, everything from pants to plate carriers has a mission and a purpose. Tactical clothing serves the purpose of holding extra ammo, magazines, and equipment and adds a level of fire protection.
Times have changed and tactical gear is now used for various purposes. The clothing has changed over the years and has moved into civilian markets, which added a new twist to the development of it.
In this article, we explore the purpose of tactical clothing, how it has evolved, and what to take into consideration when making a purchase.
What is Tactical Clothing?
For starters, it’s clothing that is heavily built around storing a lot of cargo. Key features include deep pockets, reinforced stitching to accommodate a lot of weight, and different storage compartments to facilitate carrying various pieces of equipment and gear. Tactical clothing offers a plethora of storage and even protection against threats that might otherwise injure you.
Cargo pants became popular by both the entertainment and music industries when artists began to wear them on stage. They were admired for their functionality but equally for their ability to make a fashion statement. But as much as tactical pants are not used to make fashion statements, they do help tremendously with the success of whatever mission you are taking on.
Things to Take Into Consideration
There is a long list of things you should take into consideration when selecting tactical clothing. There are various pieces and each one should, first and foremost, be comfortable. Below, we explore the important things to take note of when shopping for tactical clothing.
Fit
Fit is very important. The last thing you want when on a mission is to be wearing something that is too bulky, uncomfortable, or tight. You want to move freely, be comfortable, and stay dry. The material you select, right down to the fit, are very important factors to consider.
Take your time. Try it on. Bend, move, give yourself and your body the opportunity to experience the feel and fit of it in the most realistic manner, if you can.
Durability
This goes without saying. You want your clothing to be durable. The last thing you need is to reach into a pocket to find that your ammunition is gone because the material came undone and you lost whatever was in there when you needed it most. Tactical clothing is used and abused. You want something durable to get you through and last a long time.
Mobility
Are you able to move freely and comfortably? Are you focussed on being uncomfortable rather than being focussed on your mission and the end goal? Are you having to make adjustments to what you are wearing to move freely? Ask yourself these questions.
Features to Look For
When making your selection, determine what your goal is for tactical clothing. Are you looking for warmth? Weather resistance? Do you have armour to carry? Ammunition to carry? Do you need quick access to items? Are you going to be using it in a hot climate? What does the background of the environment look like? Do you want to blend in? Do you want to stand out? There are many factors to consider, but here are some of the top ones.
Pockets
You will want to hold a lot in your tactical clothing. Deep pockets are a must. Reinforced pockets are also something you’ll want to check for.
Weather Resistance
You want your clothing to hold up in any type of weather. But if you’re working in the desert, chances are, water resistance may not be much of a factor for you to consider. That said, you would want a material that does not break down and breathes well in the hot sun. That said, the point is that you will want to consider the climate you will be in most when considering weather resistance and which type of weather you will need to protect yourself from the most.
Concealed Carry (For Pants)
Before deciding what style of concealed carry that you want, you will want to consider how low profile it is. You want things to look average. You don’t want it to stand out. Flaunting that you may have a weapon on you is something you do not want to do. Tactical clothing give people who conceal a firearm an advantage, given its special pockets and compartments that otherwise might not be there.
Quality Fabric
Like purchasing any other type of fabric or clothing, you want the quality to be there. The level of quality you get will depend on your budget, ultimately, but you will want to get something that offers you the most durability and comfort for your buck.
Reflective Strips
Reflective strips can help keep you safe so that others around you can see you. If you are too concealed, this can lead to accidents. Be safe.
The Takeaway – Consider Your Needs
When planning to purchase your tactical clothing, you need to consider your needs and evaluate the conditions you will be working in. You should find something that is durable and comfortable, and gives you the protection that you need each and every day you use it. The experts at your local tactical gear shop can help you narrow things down to facilitate your purchase.