In 2025, the first national survey of police uniforms in England and Wales (20,838 respondents) found most officers said their uniforms restricted movement and reduced effectiveness, with widespread, documented health problems tied to ill-fitting cargo pants and body armor. Many reported feeling less professional because of poor fit — a direct hit to morale and identity. Better, purpose-built uniform systems could measurably improve safety and day-to-day performance.
Public-safety gear research echoes this across services: firefighter PPE design and weight strongly affect heat stress and performance; even sleeve construction can change mobility and comfort. Fit and thermoregulation aren’t vanity — they influence endurance, task success, and recovery.
