Pick a Polo

Four Tips for Choosing a Duty Polo

Sometimes a button-down patrol uniform isn’t the best option for the activity of the day. Maybe you’re working hot weather duty at the county fair, training at the range or just need to dress down a bit but still look sharp. Your uniform should make you look good. Crisp, clean, credible. And it needs to work with everything where you need it. What options do you have?

One great alternative a lot of departments are moving toward is the duty polo. Sharper than the typical off-the-shelf polo you’ll find at a retail store, a duty polo offers many of the same functions of a uniform shirt but in a relaxed yet professional fit that lets you move and keeps you cooler during those hot weather activities.

What should you look for when choosing a polo that works best for you?

1. Start with the material. It should be moisture wicking to keep you cool and dry. Moisture-wicking fabrics pull sweat away from your skin and allow it to evaporate, leaving you cooler and your shirt free of ugly sweat marks.

2. Check the functionality. Does it do everything you want? Can it hold pens, microphone and sunglasses? What about a body cam? Most common retail or department store polos don’t offer these handy and necessary features.

3. What about the collar? Does it lie smoothly with no upturned corners? Will it lie flat with a badge holder chain underneath?

4. Durability is a big consideration with duty polos, too, as they are often worn in harsh conditions, including under or over body armor. Check how well the material holds up against snags. For instance, what happens if you accidentally rub the hook side of the hook and loop closure of your armor against the body or sleeve of the polo? Does it snag or pull? What about laundering? Does the material pill up after repeated washes?

You have options!

Propper offers four great alternatives for those days when a polo is the best option.

The I.C.E. Performance Polo keeps you looking sharp with hidden collar stays and dry with the Integrated Cooling Effect moisture wicking material that dries 125% faster than cotton and 30% faster than polyester. It also keeps your gear where you need it with a mic clip on each shoulder, a sunglasses/body cam holder on the front and two pen pouches on the left sleeve.

Want the same style but in 100% cotton? The Classic Polo mirrors the features of the I.C.E. Performance Polo with its hidden collar stays, two pen channels on the left sleeve and extended length to help stay neatly tucked into your uniform pants for a polished look.

A great value option, the polyester Uniform Polo dries quickly and keeps you looking your best as it stands up to fading, shrinking and wrinkling.

Propper’s signature Snag-Free Polo takes all the style and function you need in a duty polo and adds an extra layer of durability with a moisture wicking material that won’t snag or pill, even if you accidentally rub the hook side of your armor straps against it.