5.11's Patrol Duty Uniform (PDU) blends functional innovation with the neat, clean, professional look that is essential to command staff and the public. Made of durable 65/35 poly-cotton ripstop or twill, the fabric is Teflon treated for stain and soil resistance. The comfortable, breathable material has long-term fade resistance. And for added convenience, the tough, economical wash-and-wear fabric comes out of the dryer ready to wear - saving hundreds of dry cleaning dollars per year.
Officer John W. and fellow officer Jim H. were directly involved in PDU product development. Among their requests was an expandable comfort waist, and for the women's version, a natural waistline as well. John W. explains that female officers, who usually wear tailored men's uniforms, need their duty belts to rest at a more natural position in order to draw their weapons from a safe height.
The officers also wanted something else not normally found on uniforms: bi-swing shoulders for enhanced freedom of movement. In addition, they asked for a diamond-gusseted crotch.
PDU shirts feature a mic-cord pass-through just above an officer's duty belt for use with a radio and ear piece. Also included are 5.11's Hidden Document Pockets (Class B), pen slots, a button-covered placket with a YKK zipper, epaulets, underarm vents and adjustable wrist cuffs. The pants feature flat-front styling, permanent creases and a flashlight pocket on the back of the leg on the Class B pants. The Class A pants have a hidden zipper side seam pocket, while the Class B pant includes large double-entry cargo pockets and a secure covert pocket.
5.11 offers Class A and B Patrol Duty Uniform shirts and pants in two styles. With separate sizing, design and construction for men and women, 5.11 PDUs offer one of the broadest size offerings in the uniform market today. Special odd waist sizes of 31, 33 and 35 are available for men, and the women's uniforms come in misses and plus sizes. They'll be available in March 2010.
