plus size polo shirtsBefore you invest in new clothes or gear, you want to make sure you’re getting something that lasts — durable items that will keep you looking professional and feeling comfortable for a long time to come.

Propper closely monitors trends to make sure we’re stocking the best options for our customers. While we primarily outfit public safety officials, our clothing and gear is popular with all types of professionals for both work and recreation. Breakthroughs and trends like these change the game for everyone, no matter what they do for a living.

So as we head into 2024, here’s what we’ve observed – and what you might want to keep in mind as you make buying decisions.

Trend 1: New tech to make clothes last longer

The post-pandemic inflation rollercoaster has left consumers extra-sensitive to stretching their dollars. They want clothes that are going to look good for the long haul.

How to make clothes last longer?

  • Anti-snagging and anti-pilling, so you don’t look shabby after only a few wears
  • Anti-stain fabrics, so you don’t have to worry about outright ruining your gear
  • Stretch material that keeps its shape for longer
  • Antimicrobial treatments to keep the fabric smelling clean and fresh, even after long shifts out in the heat

Look at Propper’s tactical polo shirts to get a few examples, like the I.C.E. Performance Polo shirt – which is designed to have antimicrobial properties and a lot of stretch – or Propper shirts that are specifically anti-snag.

It’s also a good idea to look for clothes with a UPF rating, like our Summerweight shirts and pants. That UPF rating means the fabric is treated to protect the wearer against UV rays, but those treatments also make the fabric more durable and long-lasting.

Trend 2: A move away from pandemic casual

The pandemic work-from-home trend has cast a long shadow over how we’ve dressed over the past few years. In 2020, a lot of people put their “professional” button-down shirts and slacks away, and haven’t taken them out since. More form-fitting clothing and office-ready looks are still largely gone. Even jeans took a nosedive, with lots of consumers moving away from rigid fabrics of any kind.

But there are signs that may be changing. More structured clothes seem to be making a comeback as increasing numbers of people spend a few days a week in the office. Collared shirts are replacing cotton t-shirts, and you’ll likely see coats and pants that provide a more streamlined look.

While tactical pants with plenty of highly visible pockets are always popular – for many public safety and military professionals, they’re simply necessary – you might see more of a preference for subtler pockets, like the Kinetic Slick Pant. Functional pockets and other features are still there, but they’re arranged in a way that looks less rugged and more professional.

Trend 3: Consumer-friendly tactical or tradesman looks

You're probably seeing clothes you'd associate with tradespeople or military personnel becoming more and more popular among folks who don’t work in those industries. When you see combat boots and an M65 field coat on the street these days, you’re probably not looking at a military professional.

That broader acceptance from the general public means your tactical clothing and gear is more at home in social settings. You’re likely to have more options for clothing, boots and gear from true workwear brands like Propper and Carhartt, but also more fashion- or casual-oriented brands like Abercrombie and Eddie Bauer.

That will be great for putting together a kit that works in any setting – just remember that the stuff from the fashion brands isn’t going to last as long in the field.