Tactical gear and clothing don’t often change wildly from year to year – there is no fashion runway for military or public safety personnel to change up their look. But products from shops like Propper do evolve over time, as technology around fabric improves and new feature configurations start to gain traction.

So what’s new in tactical gear for 2024?

More lightweight clothing and gear

Outerwear, shirts, pants and other types of gear are getting lighter and more breathable.

You can see this everywhere: Technological breakthroughs in fabric and construction have improved sweat- and moisture-wicking in all sorts of clothing.

Demand for lighter clothes in tactical and professional settings means you’re seeing that material in more formats – for example, “summerweight” clothing at Propper comes in shorts and polos, but you see it in lightweight pants and tactical uniform shirts, too. More professionals are erring on the side of getting the lightest, most UV-protective clothing possible.

Lighter, more packable jackets are in greater circulation, too. Designed for public safety employees who are often on the go but need to stay comfortable in fast-changing weather, these are useful for a huge spectrum of wearers. More packable waterproof pants have the typical “tactical” features – durable, extra pockets, etc – but are noticeably lighter.

Tougher items – especially belts

While all sorts of gear and clothing are getting lighter, they are also getting more durable. Many of these fabric blends also have the benefit of extra stretch and durability.

Aside from clothing, however, nylon-based gear is also improving. Public safety officers in particular rely on sturdy belts for keeping gear handy – they need to know that the fabric hasn’t collapsed or bent on them, so their essentials are comfortably attached and right where they’re supposed to be.

Boots get comfier

Classic tactical boots are always a popular (and essential) option, but you’re likely to see more tactical boot options that have lighter, more flexible material for more easygoing fit. Or, forgo the “boot” part at all – tactical shoes can give you the traction you need.

The drawback of more comfortable shoes is that they don’t last quite as long as the tough-as-nails traditional tactical boots.

More options for essentials

Pants, shirts, shorts, coats and extras like caps and belts are all appearing in a broader array of configurations and fabric types. It’s not quite the same as having customized gear specially made, but having so many additional options available on retail is the next best thing.