Functional shirts from Recon Company – combat shirts, merino and cut protection for operations and training

A functional shirt is the first layer in the system and therefore the layer that determines comfort or failure. With over 30 years’ experience as a supplier to the public sector, we know that the choice between synthetic, merino and tactical hybrid designs depends on the specific operational profile. In this category, you’ll find combat shirts, merino shirts, quick-drying training shirts and cut-resistant shirts from Aclima, Under Armour, Emerson Gear, 3PF, MTP and other brands.

Combat shirts – the hybrid of technical fabric and camouflage

A combat shirt is not just a normal T-shirt with a camouflage pattern. The design combines two materials in a single garment: the torso is made from lightweight, moisture-wicking performance fabric, which sits beneath the plate carrier or protective vest. The sleeves and collar area are made from more robust camouflage fabric with Velcro panels for patches and service insignia. The result is a tactical shirt that prevents overheating when worn under gear, whilst remaining durable in exposed areas.

With the G3 and E4 ranges, Emerson Gear offers reliable combat shirts in the mid-price segment, suitable for training and airsoft. For professional, long-term use by law enforcement agencies and special forces, models with reinforced seams and more abrasion-resistant fabrics are the better choice. The 3PF Combat Shirt extends this concept to include integrated stab and cut protection in the torso area.

Choosing merino shirts and thermal shirts by grammage

For merino shirts from Aclima and Woolpower, the grammage (fabric weight per square metre) determines the intended use. The Aclima Lightwool 140 is suitable as a summer base layer: thin enough for warm days, yet more effective at wicking away moisture than cotton. The Lightwool 180 is slightly heavier and covers the transitional season. The WarmWool range (approx. 230 g/m²) is where cold protection begins. Heavier weights from 400 g/m² upwards, such as the Woolpower 400 series, are dedicated thermal shirts for freezing conditions and static work.

With its Evolutyon Biotech and Elevatyon models, UYN takes a synthetic approach. Instead of natural fibres, zoned knitted constructions are used: different fabric densities on the torso regulate moisture and warmth specifically according to the body region. For high-intensity activities in fluctuating temperatures, this is an approach that has proven its worth in the outdoor and sports sectors.

Cut-resistant shirts for law enforcement

Cut-resistant shirts constitute a distinct product group within this category. MTP supplies cut-resistant T-shirts and long-sleeved shirts made from Level 5 fabric, as certified by AITEX testing. These models are designed for emergency services personnel who face an increased risk of injury from stabbing and cutting weapons: patrol duty in urban hotspots, restraint operations, and high-contact areas within the prison service. 3PF complements this range with a sleeveless stab- and cut-resistant T-shirt and the aforementioned combat shirt.

These models are not a substitute for ballistic protection or a stab-proof vest. They provide an additional layer of protection for areas of the body not covered by the vest: arms, shoulders and the neck area. Anyone working on duty in situations involving a risk of physical contact should regard the combination of a protective vest and a cut-resistant shirt as a single system.

Short-sleeved or long-sleeved – when to choose which style

A short-sleeved functional T-shirt is sufficient for summer training, indoor work and as a base layer under the combat shirt. In the field in changeable weather or under a jacket, long sleeves are the safer choice: protection against UV radiation, insects and mechanical irritation from straps and Velcro fastenings. The Mil-Tec Quick Dry T-shirt offers an affordable entry-level option from around 11 EUR. In the mid-range are the Under Armour Rush models: synthetic compression shirts with rapid moisture-wicking for training and sport. At the top end of the range, merino shirts from Aclima and Woolpower cater for situations where the garment needs to be worn for several days without the opportunity to wash it. The sister category of undershirts features a slimmer fit and a different focus: they are designed purely as a base layer and are not intended to be worn on their own.

• 10% government discount for civil servants and law enforcement officers, including on all functional shirts in the range.
• We deliver worldwide via field post so that the right base layer is available even on overseas assignments.
• Our team in Salzgitter or via online consultation will help you determine which weight and material are best suited to your intended use.
• Certified quality processes from procurement through to delivery, as evidenced by our ISO 9001 certification.