Combat shirts at Recon Company – operational outerwear to wear under a plate carrier

A combat shirt is not simply a field shirt with a different cut, but workwear for anyone operating whilst wearing a body armour vest or chest rig . We have been equipping law enforcement agencies and emergency services for over 30 years and know the difference between materials that will last a day on duty and those that will wear through after the first training exercise. We select our combat shirts according to the same criteria we apply to our own development projects for law enforcement agencies: durability on the body, functionality under a body armour vest and high-quality workmanship.

What distinguishes a combat shirt from a field shirt

The design follows a clear logic. The torso area is made from stretchy, breathable jersey that doesn’t bulge under a body armour vest and wicks moisture away. The sleeves are made from robust ripstop fabric, often with reinforcements at the elbows and pockets for protectors. This design originates from the military and is known as UBACS , short for Under Body Armour Combat Shirt. A classic field shirt does not offer this separation and quickly becomes a sweat trap when worn under protective gear. If you’re not using a carrying system, you’re usually better off with a normal shirt or top. The terms ‘combat shirt’ and ‘UBACS’ refer to the same design.

Material and cut for everyday duty

When choosing materials, the key factor is the combination of freedom of movement and abrasion resistance. A good tactical shirt fits snugly enough not to slip under the harness, but allows enough room in the shoulder area for fastening and gripping. Flat-lock seams are essential, as thick internal seams rub against the shoulders and hips when under load. The cuffs should be quiet and adjustable whilst wearing gloves. A tactical shirt of this design replaces all outerwear in summer and serves as the base layer in winter, worn over base layers and under a softshell jacket.

• Torso made from stretchy jersey: lies flat under the protective vest and does not trap heat.
• Ripstop sleeves: withstand abrasion from the ground, masonry and equipment.
• Pockets for elbow protectors: secure the joint without separate pads slipping out of place.
• Adjustable cuffs: fit snugly and can still be adjusted whilst wearing gloves.

UF PRO Striker: Combat shirts for heavy-duty use

The currently available UF PRO Striker XT Combat Shirt Gen.3 illustrates what we look for in this product category. UF PRO develops its designs in collaboration with law enforcement agencies, focusing on retrofittable protectors, reinforced elbows and a ventilated torso area for use under a body armour vest. A UF PRO combat shirt is in the higher price bracket, but the material can withstand regular operational use. For training, exercises and patrol duty, this pays for itself over its service life. Those who only need such a shirt occasionally will soon find more affordable combat shirts for tighter budgets in the growing range.

Camouflage and the right choice for the mission

The choice of colour depends on the mission and regulations. With the Multicam combat shirt , the camouflage pattern covers the majority of Central European vegetation and is widely used internationally. For duty in Germany, many opt for the Bundeswehr combat shirt in Flecktarn or plain-coloured models in black, stone grey or olive, which comply with the specifications for the police, fire service and THW. Before buying, it’s worth checking your own organisation’s specifications, as exchanging an item afterwards takes time. It makes most sense to combine our combat shirts with the matching operational trousers and your existing carrying system.

Service and advice at Recon

• A 10 per cent discount for members of public authorities and organisations with security responsibilities.
• Field post delivery worldwide to any operational area, including for personnel on overseas missions.
• Expert advice from our team, by telephone, online or in person at our shop in Salzgitter.
• ISO 9001-certified processes for purchasing and order fulfilment.