Detective Clothes for Court & Tactical Situations

Most cops don’t enjoy wearing dress clothes. Walk through the lobby of any training conference and you are much more likely to see grunt-style t-shirts and Oakley sunglasses than you are button-up shirts and slacks. But what happens when that eager young officer puts in the work and finally makes the eligibility list for a detective spot? Detectives in any agency are the primary point of contact for victims of major crimes, the district attorney’s office, and conduct interviews/interrogations of suspects on serious cases. Their work requires more than just a professional demeanor; detectives must also dress the part.

Normal dress clothes cover the look detectives need, but what about the functionality? Although detectives must dress nicely for their assignment, they still need to be able to function as law enforcement officers. Detectives still make arrests, respond to “hot calls” and jump in to help patrol when the situation calls for it. Wolfhound Clothing bridges this gap with detective clothing for both court and tactical situations.

Detective Clothes: Balancing Style and Practicality

Wolfhound Clothing was designed specifically for law enforcement. As a criminal detective, I was investigating a child rape and went with a small team to try and locate the suspect. He fled out the back when one detective knocked on the front door. I was a detective and dressed like one, but I was still a cop. I needed to apprehend this guy. A foot pursuit and gunfight erupted. I had a suspect and an officer who were both shot. I needed to secure the bad guy and render aid to my friend. I needed to contact dispatch. The problem was that since I was in dress clothes, I had very little gear with me. I had a badge and a gun, but not much else. 

After that incident, I set out to make dress clothes for detectives that balanced style and practicality. I needed detective attire that looked the part of a professional but offered the function and practicality of the tactical clothing I owned. Wolfhound Clothing offers just that. 

Dress Code for Detectives: Navigating Professional Standards

Whether it’s on television, in the movies or just walking through your local police department, it’s easy to see that there is a dress code for Detectives! The investigations unit is the forward-facing point of contact for an agency on all major events. This is who interfaces with the District Attorney, and major crime victims and conducts interviews on serious cases. Detectives also routinely go before judges for search warrant applications. Because of these encounters, law enforcement agencies have policies in place that outline the dress code for detectives. Button-up shirts, a tie, slacks, and dress shoes. 

There is no way around it. If you want the part, you have to dress for it. 

Detective Clothing Must-Haves

Patrol officers carry most of the gear for their job on their duty belt, in a cargo pocket, or in an external vest if they wear one. None of these are options in dress clothes. 

Historically, the dilemma that has always faced officers when they are assigned to detectives or have court is to either look unprofessional by crowding their nice dress belt with gear or leave gear behind. Most unfortunately choose to leave gear behind. 

Wolfhound Clothing solves this problem. We started with fabric for our shirts that offers a four-way stretch. Running, jumping over fences, or getting in a force response requires the ability to move. Wolfhound shirts offer detectives the confidence that if things don’t go as planned, they won’t be held back by their attire. Our pants have the classic look of traditional dress slacks, however they offer significantly more functionality for the needs of law enforcement. The fabric is a two-way stretch, allowing a full range of motion. The side pockets are deep, allowing you to carry more than traditional dress pants typically provide. Additionally, the pocket openings are specifically designed with a flat bottom to better hold a pocket knife clip. Our defining feature is two additional pockets hidden in the yoke of the pants. These pockets ensure detectives can carry their gear, but still maintain their professional dress appearance. The pockets can carry your second cell phone, OC spray, handcuffs, your radio, or even an AR mag if you deploy to a hot call. 

As Police1 noted, Wolfhound dress shirts and pants “feature an athletic cut that helps you perform instead of hold you back” 

Why You Shouldn’t Purchase Detective Clothes from Big Box Stores

This may seem like a no-brainer, but we would be doing a disservice to our readers if we didn’t address the problem associated with buying your detective clothes from a typical retailer.

First, although they offer a wide variety of dress clothes, none of the dress clothes are designed for the work environment detectives operate in. Although your typical dress clothes may cost a little less at a box store, they are designed for sitting behind a desk. They are not conducive to the work detectives often find themselves in. 

Second, aren’t you tired of YOUR money being used to promote issues and philosophies you fundamentally disagree with? Do a quick Google search and you will find all the big box stores and their leaders throwing law enforcement under the bus during the height of the BLM movement a few years ago. These businesses called you racist and sent YOUR money to an organization that publicly called for your death. Wolfhound Clothing Company was founded by an active law enforcement officer. Wolfhound Clothing Company publicly supports law enforcement and our military. We are proud to stand with the people who sacrifice every day to make their communities better. When you shop detective clothes at Wolfhound, the proceeds go to support fallen officers and their families (currently sending donations to the Oregon Fallen Badge Foundation), not causes that go against your values. 

Detective Clothes from Wolfhound Clothing

You may not like to dress up, but the job sometimes calls for it. When it comes time to shop for detective clothes, you need to find something that looks professional but still allows you to function as a police officer. 

I have experienced firsthand the pitfalls of thinking I could go without all my gear because “I’m a detective now.” Don’t fall into that trap yourself. Maintain the dress code for detectives while also carrying the needed gear for law enforcement. 

Although you do spend a lot of time behind a desk, at a moment’s notice that all changes and you are out in the field. Be prepared for the task at hand. When you shop detective clothes, shop at Wolfhound Clothing. Visit our website and see for yourself!