Tactical T-shirts at Recon Company – combat shirts and polo shirts for emergency services personnel

A tactical T-shirt is not a fashion item. It is the layer that sits directly against the skin: under the body armour, under the protective vest, during morning exercise at 0600. With over 30 years’ experience as a supplier to the authorities, we’ve put together our range based on a simple principle: anything that doesn’t work in the field is out. From basic training through to patrol duty and the battlefield, you’ll find combat shirts, tactical polo shirts and functional shirts here for every operational role.

Combat Shirt – designed for working under a body armour vest

A combat shirt solves a specific problem: anyone wearing a plate carrier or a heavy protective vest for hours on end needs lightweight, breathable material on the torso and robust fabric with pocket functionality on the arms. This hybrid design makes the combat shirt the standard top for combat and operational duty. The torso is typically made from moisture-wicking stretch fabric, whilst the sleeves are made from ripstop with Velcro patches for national insignia and rank loops.

The range spans from entry-level models to those designed for special operations. Emerson Gear supplies robust basic models at reasonable prices, ideal for training and practice. Claw Gear and UF PRO are designed for more demanding requirements: flame-retardant fabrics and ergonomic cuts that retain their shape even after the twentieth wash. 3PF goes one step further and integrates certified stab and cut protection directly into the combat shirt. A product available exclusively to professional emergency services personnel.

Tactical polo shirt – functional uniform

The tactical polo shirt strikes a balance between uniform and comfort. Whether on patrol duty, providing site security or as team kit for security services, it fulfils two purposes simultaneously: a professional appearance and practical details that a standard polo shirt lacks. Velcro panels on the upper arms accommodate patches and service badges. Pen pockets in the breast pocket keep pens to hand without them falling out when you bend over. Loops on the button placket route headset cables or hold sunglasses in place.

5.11 Tactical sets the benchmark in this segment with the Utility Polo: quick-drying, with a button placket and pen pocket, also available in a women’s version. Mil-Tec’s Quick Dry polo shirt offers a budget-friendly alternative that is perfectly adequate for those starting out in security or municipal public order services. The difference in material becomes apparent after around 50 washes: 5.11 fabric retains its shape, whilst cheaper blended fabrics begin to stretch out of shape. Anyone who wears their duty polo shirt every day and washes it weekly is better off opting for the higher-quality model in the long run.

Functional shirts and training shirts – when your body is working hard

Whether for duty fitness, at the gym or with a personal trainer, one feature matters above all others: moisture-wicking. It’s no coincidence that Under Armour dominates this segment. HeatGear technology actively wicks sweat away from the body; the fabric dries faster than pure cotton and fits snugly enough not to slip under a protective vest. For daily physical training in the Bundeswehr and the police force, this is the practical choice.

With the Plexis Activity functional shirt , Pentagon offers an alternative that has a slightly looser fit and also works on its own as a tactical T-shirt in the field. Anyone planning multi-day exercises without access to washing facilities should consider merino: with the Lightwool 140, Aclima has produced a functional shirt that doesn’t smell even after three days in the field. Synthetics can’t do that.

Military T-shirt in camouflage pattern – a staple for the field and training

Not everyone needs high-performance fabric. A military T-shirt in Flecktarn or tropical camouflage from MFH or Mil-Tec costs under 20 euros and serves its purpose in basic training, as a spare shirt in your kit or as casual wear after duty. The construction is simple, and the material is robust enough for regular washing in the field. It’s no match for a combat shirt from Claw Gear, but that’s not what it’s designed for either. For the price of one premium shirt, you can get five military T-shirts as spares.

You’ll find matching jackets and mid-layers for your layering system amongst the softshell jackets and fleece jackets.

• Discount for law enforcement agencies: 10% for active law enforcement personnel and agencies. Simply specify this when placing your order.
• Postage via field post to any Bundeswehr base worldwide.
• Telephone and in-person advice from our team in Salzgitter, as well as via email and chat.
• Quality management in accordance with ISO 9001, independently audited from procurement through to order fulfilment.