First Look: Dickies Tactical Apparel

Dickies, the world-renowned workwear brand, has released a line of tactical clothing. The designs aren’t new but from a brand like Dickies, it further shows the growth and popularity of this type of clothing.

The Dickies Tactical line includes pants, shorts, shirts, jackets, and even boots. This clothing shows that it is specifically geared towards uniformed personnel throughout its specifications and designs. Details such as handcuff pockets, removable Velcro panels, and built-in ventilation are a few of the features meant for professionals daily wear. Standard duty colors are available throughout the line along with a multitude of sizes.

Dickies has this to say about the new line of apparel:

When seconds count and movement matters, law enforcement relies on Dickies Tactical. For more than 90 years, Dickies has delivered exceptional performance at unrivaled value and we're continuing the legacy with field-tested, purpose-built tactical wear — designed to win when the stakes are high. 4.75 oz. Ripstop, 85% Cotton/15% Elasterell-P with Sorona Polyester.

Samples of the Tactical Relaxed Fit Stretch Ripstop Cargo Pant, Tactical Ventilated Ripstop Short Sleeve Shirt, and the Tactical Softshell Jacket were provided for first impressions.

The cargo pants were true to size and do not come across as overly relaxed. The comfort waistband and anti-slip material along the back help keep your shirt properly tucked. The pockets are in familiar layouts and sized accordingly for normal carry items such as magazines, flashlights, and medkits. A slightly less common feature is the hidden handcuff pocket in the small of the back. The pants also have increased mobility thanks to Dickies’ flex material.

Handcuff pocket and anti-slip material

The shirt surprised me in that it fit very well. It can best be described as a slim or modern cut by normal clothing standards. The most important aspect was that the sleeves were not so long they hung past the elbow. The ventilation along the side was another welcomed addition. As with the other specs, pockets were in normal places and sized to hold usual carry items. The sleeve also features pen/pixie stick holders.

Hidden chest pocket on shirt

Optional epaulet and badge sew on kit

The softshell jacket has many features to make it appealing as an outer layer during inclement weather, particularly if you are wearing a duty belt. The bottom includes zippers that allow access to your duty belt, specifically a sidearm. The chest pockets are the standard variety as well as the lower hand warmer pockets. The jacket is sized on the larger end of the spectrum, presumably to fit over armor, chest rigs, cold weather clothing, etc. The back has a removable panel for placement of identification or hi-visibility markers.

Hidden chest pockets and reflective panels on the jacket

Zipper opening for access to belt or firearm

Dickies is no stranger to hard work clothing and the new tactical line shows that. The materials, construction, and familiar designs make this a good option for agencies or organizations in need of equipping a workforce.

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