Tactical shirts: what are they, how to choose and what to wear?
Tactical shirts are not clothes for every day, however, their popularity is attracting more and more interest from the civilian population. To learn more about the features, rules for choosing and combining combat and other varieties of these clothes is definitely worth those who are involved in extreme sports, spend a lot of time fishing and hunting. They, as well as employees of law enforcement agencies and members of military-patriotic associations, will be primarily interested in detailed information about tactical shirts as an alternative to the usual jacket.
Peculiarities
Tactical shirts or UBAKS (UBACS - Under Body Armor Combat Shirt) appeared in the wardrobe of military and civilians with the light hand of the American military, forced to serve in a variety of climatic conditions. However, some prototype of this type of equipment can be considered a tunic - a transitional option between a regular shirt and a uniform. With the proliferation of armored and unloading vests, soldiers and special forces fighters had serious problems in choosing equipment: under heavy uniforms, the body in the tunic was sweating, overheating, and in the T-shirt, the hands were not protected from external factors.
The solution was found in a rather original way: sleeves made of membrane material with additional pockets were sewn to the base in the form of thermal underwear. A short zipper was made in the neck area. The innovation was quickly appreciated not only by the military, but also by fishermen, hunters, tourists who had to wear heavy backpacks for a long time.
Varieties
All Combat Shirts in a modern design can be divided into categories according to the peculiarities of their cut and purpose.
- Combat under body armor and unloading... Classic tactical shirt with membrane materials in the area of the body (most often it is jersey based on polyester or Coolmax) and sleeves made of smooth and durable polycotton. The colors are most often monochromatic: coyote, olive, desert, khaki. Camouflage patterns are only saved on the sleeves.
- Civilian use... This is an everyday type of tactical shirts for fishermen, hunters, tourists. They are made of polycotton or cotton fabric, have a large number of hidden or open pockets, ventilation valves.
- Long Sleeve. Models with long sleeves, long sleeves, are traditional for demi-season and winter wear. In addition, they are part of the year-round outfit in the tundra climatic zone.
- Short Sleeve. Tactical short sleeve shirts are more like T-shirts, but the entire shoulder girdle and upper sternum are made from more durable materials. Ideal for summer or desert climates.
These are the main varieties of military tactical shirts on the market today.
Manufacturers overview
Tactical shirts are successfully produced by firms in many countries of the world. In Russia, the products of local manufacturers are most in demand. However, European and American brands are also quite widely represented in the uniforms market. It is worth considering some of them in more detail.
Condor Outdoor
American manufacturer, one of the leading suppliers of tactical equipment in the world. The company has existed since 1990, based in California, but production has long been transferred to China. The brand produces Combat Shirts in several colors: black, green, sand. There are summer models with short sleeves.
Helicon-Tex
Polish company, widely known among European fans of military tactical games, outdoor activities. The brand develops and sews official uniforms for various branches of the military in their country. The products are distinguished by an average price range and good quality.
UF-Pro
Russian manufacturer of military tactical, tourist and hunting equipment. The company has been successfully operating since 1997, using the world's best technologies for the manufacture of its products. There are 2 lines of tactical shirts: Striker XT Gen. 2 and Striker XT.
The models feature the best modern ideas: the weight of the product is no more than 0.5 kg, there is an adjustable sleeve width, strong elbow pads, 2 large and 2 small pockets.
"Alloy"
Russian company specializing in the development, production and supply of tourist, military-tactical, specialized uniforms and equipment. It has existed since 1992, and during this time a path has been passed from the piece production of alloy means to a large production association with branches in Moscow, Tver, Grodno, Novozybkov.
"SoyuzSpetsOsnaschenie" (SSO)
Russian company operating since 1997. It produces clothing and equipment for special purposes, and is considered one of the leaders on the domestic market. The brand has its own design bureau, sewing shops, laboratories and testing grounds for products. The assortment of tactical shirts from "SSO" includes combat shirts "Combat" of 2 types: in black and camouflage colors.
Selection rules
When choosing a tactical shirt, you should pay attention to the following points:
- type of climatic zone of use;
- the length of the sleeve;
- the purpose of a wardrobe item (tourist, military);
- cut features (number of pockets, zippers);
- compliance with the size range;
- workmanship.
The price depends more on the brand awareness. If you do not want to overpay, instead of European and American Combat Shirts, it is quite possible to take Russian ones.
What to wear with?
In everyday life, a tactical shirt is simply not needed - this piece of equipment can be called a purely military one. Its main purpose is to provide optimal thermoregulation and comfort in the field. Accordingly, when choosing this wardrobe item for yourself, you should take into account its specifics. For example, civilian types of such clothing are often used to disguise a belt or shoulder holster.
Military models are worn with unloading and body armor, used as underwear under armor. In a civilian suit, they can be combined with cargo pants or breeches, complementing a military-style wardrobe. For hunting and fishing, they are often used in combination with vests, getting optimal thermoregulation of the body in any weather. On a hike, such clothes are convenient for traveling with a backpack over long distances. Durable sleeves protect your hands from insect bites, while thermal underwear wicks sweat away from your body.