covert munkey

What advice would you give to our newer members guys/gals with regards to CP clothing?

You've got the big name brands such as 5.11/blackhawk etc?

Do you rate them?

Any particular shop which you recommend we buy from/visit?

CM

Hippo

I find 511 trousers a bit thick and warm during the summer in Iraq however they're great for now ie the winter period over here.
If you wasn't aware you can get knee pads for insertion into the knee inside pad pocket, they are made out of neoprene and are out of sight so ideal for CPO's and do not look aggresive if that is the look your team needs.
The other issued kit I get is from Columbia shirts, trousers and jackets all good quality and have lasted over a year.

co19

for uk don't wear white socks and invest in a good suit, plain white shirts also

Hippo

Plain Shirt, sober tie no mickey mouse or paddington bear ties.

saps-za

511 are good but i would never wear them when working as everyone wears them and i dont want to stick out. Most of the time i have to wear a suit, agree with co19, white shirts. I have seen some CP guys dress better than the Vip and that looks stupid in a way..

Nomad

White socks, now that is a classic, OK if your the Blues Brothers but a fashion disaster with a suit no matter what the occasion!

Easy care white shirts from Primark do the trick, not a bad cut (for me anyway as I have long arms), cheap and very easy to iron quickly and stay looking good. All that for £4 a shirt. Can't be bad.

That sounded so much like a morning TV show review!

paladin100

I would agree that you must have some suits and suitable shirts. Clip on ties of course, or a bit of velcro at the back. The clip on ones are handy for two reasons - they come off easily when some nit wit grabs you but the clips can be handy when you flick the tie into somebody's face. Yes, I know you know that!!! We're not far from the cavemen and don't like that much.
Otherwise you'll need clothes to suit the job. Last three jobs I have done I have been told that under no circumstances would suits be worn by the CP team. Dress down, smart casual and party gear were the instructions!!! Bear in mind that some of the time you can be in pretty grim surroundings in the freezing cold so you might near to layer up to be able to function. Carry a thinsulate hat, scarf and gloves - I prefer mitts actually. They take up minimal space in your kit bag.
It's all just commonsense - but learned commonsense. Have extras in the car for a quick change if needed.
All the best.
Paladin

hippy

I cant for the live of me understand the 511 fetish that is prevalant in our industry... Regular outdoor gear, as supplied at Blacks or Millets etc is just as robust and suitable and not quite as expensive...
But I spend most of my life in a suit now, so.....
Get decent suits... No Burtons etc.... You cant walk round wearing a £100 suit, whe your bosses rig cost a couple of K... You look bad and by reflection he looks bad.... As for the white shirts... It again depends on your boss... Mine is a businessman, so yes , my suits, shirts and ties are middle of the road, although I've still got some gear in my wardrobe from when I used to tour with bands..

paddington.... Remember the floral affair??

Avoid wearing black suits and blakc shirts together.. You dont want to look like a doorman... Not because there is something wrong with them, but you dont want the attention...

saps-za

I must be honest i wear a black suit and should change. I also have the tendency to wear dark shirts but like i siad before white is simple, so i force myself to wear lighter shirts.
I do ahve all the 511 gear but will only wear it if its known who we are and we are not "secret"

Block 30 Janitor

Shoes, boys shoes!

check soles for grip. Sounds like common sense but I've done it ONCE myself and have seen it numerous times. Most dress shoes have a flat sole with no grip which is of no use whatsoever on ice, mud or wet tiled floors.

Jackets - should be slightly over sized to assist hiding the bulge of your belt kit and of course never buttoned up! If buying blazers avoid vents at rear or sew a little stitch on vents to avoid "showing out" if it's a bit breezy.

On my last tour I purchased a 5:11 jacket (fleece and outer) which has numerous pockets, low tail to hide belt kit and breakaway sides for easy access to kit in an emergency which also means you can fasten the zipper if it's freezing. I've tested it on the range and with a bit of practice you can draw easily.

Suits should be of a dark colour to blend in with other VIP's/ business persons (better them targeted than you and your boss) and of course to assist you hide (camouflage if you like) at night.