Best Fabrics Used For Tactical Apparel
Whether you’re a law enforcement officer, military, or security professional, you need clothing to help you perform your job better. When choosing tactical apparel, knowing what fabric used types to look for is essential.
Tactical apparel can be expensive, but it’s worth the investment to ensure you’re comfortable in your gear. The suitable material can significantly affect how much you enjoy wearing it.
Nylon
Nylon is one of the most common fabric used for a wide range of tactical apparel and consumer goods. It’s also essential in many ropes, parachutes, and mechanized gears.
Nylon can be made in various styles and colors and is incredibly versatile. This is especially true in a military or tactical context, where it’s often used to create bags, vests, jackets, and other types of gear that must meet strict standards and specifications for strength, durability, and functionality.
In the world of tactical gear, nylon is considered the best material for several reasons. It’s a lightweight material that offers superior water resistance, tensile strength, and tear-and-break strength.
Another advantage of nylon is its breathable and air/moisture absorbent, which keeps you cool and dry while also being durable enough to resist the elements. It can also resist static electricity buildup, which makes it ideal for various applications and helps keep you safe in the field.
The best choice for a long-lasting pair of tactical pants is an equal blend of cotton and nylon materials in a ripstop construction. This fabric is NIR-compliant, which means it’s approved for military uniform standards and is resistant to fading, shrinking, stains, and rips.
Polyester
If you’re looking for tactical apparel, polyester is one of the best fabric used. It’s robust, breathable, and comfortable and can be a great alternative to cotton or wool.
Polyester is a synthetic fabric used to make clothing, household items, automotive products, and industrial goods. It’s also a versatile fiber that can mimic other natural materials, such as silk and wool.
For tactical clothing, the best polyester options are woven in a ripstop construction for additional durability. This type of weave is often reinforced with an extra layer of nylon to make it more rip-resistant and less likely to shrink.
Another type of fabric that is ideal for tactical pants is a blend of cotton and ripstop polyester. This more durable option will stand up to wear and tear better than pure cotton.
A good blend of cotton and ripstop will offer the strength of polyester while being soft and comfortable. The fabric will also wick away sweat to keep you cool and dry, even when worn for long periods.
Tactical clothing must be tough enough for use but still comfortable. It should also fit well and be easy to wash. The fabric weave technique and fabric weight are some of the most important factors when it comes to fabric strength.
Cotton
Cotton is one of the oldest and most common textiles used in apparel. It is also a versatile fabric used that can be dyed and worn in various weather conditions and seasons.
Cotton and cotton blends are excellent for tactical apparel because they are comfortable, breathable, and moisture-wicking. They also resist static electricity buildup, making them great for various outdoor activities.
Another benefit of cotton is that it is naturally porous, meaning that print designs tend to maintain their color and print more evident than synthetic fabric. This is a crucial advantage when choosing a tactical shirt for your next mission or event.
Most top-rated tactical pants are made from a blend of cotton and ripstop polyester (the latter has a higher percentage for extra durability). They also have bar-tacked seams, articulated knees for easy bending and crouching, and gusset crotch pockets for more freedom of movement.
A strong weave technique is an essential factor in determining fabric strength. A soft weave will unravel quickly and break easily.