Introducing Special Ops Products

Horace Small^® Introduces Special Ops Products Designed Specifically for 21st Century Law Enforcement

March 2006, Nashville, TN-Field research and focus groups around the country with patrol officers, special ops, chiefs, and commanders have shown that the demands of law enforcement have changed dramatically over the last 50 years - but the uniform really hasn't.

Horace Small responds to the precise needs of today's officers: The gear they carry... the environment they work in... the physical demands... the safety requirements.... At the same time, their uniform must both command respect and convey a welcoming approachability to a public that is increasingly wary.

Today's law enforcement officers perform many job functions and multiple duties. From patrol officer, to SWAT, to Bike Patrol, to a Field Training Officer. Officers today are required to attend special training such as defensive tactics, weapons of mass destruction, fire arms maneuvers, etc. For all these situations the traditional uniform is not adequate or functional.

What we found on the market today was a range of sportswear converted for use in tactics, to military spec BDU's; accompanying a list of issues from extreme color loss to safety issues such as straps that can be viewed as "grips" for aggressors.

Horace Small wanted to create products that the officers "wanted to wear" for functionality and comfort and that the Chief's "would approve to wear". A selection that works for the 21st Century law enforcement officer in all applications, and at all levels.

By translating what we've learned, we are proud to introduce our first products inspired by the direct influence of fine officers across this country.

Horace Small^® Special Ops Pant

Colors: Black, Dark Navy, Brown & Khaki

• Designed with a modern flat-front professional appearance
• Lab tested and proven superior color retention
• Vat-dyed Ottoman weave fabric that provides a technical sharp appearance with unparalleled tensile and tear strength
• Water and stain repellency
• Wrinkle Resistance
• Other features were developed specific to the needs of the officer on the job.
  • Interior zippered, security pockets behind the quarter top pocket entry. Anything that needs to be secured can be stored in this pocket. The opening design allows quick "un-zip / zip" functionality.
  • Cut in back hip pockets have deep and wide pocket bags. These pockets have corresponding flaps that fasten with hook and loop closure. The flaps have mitered corners so that "corner-curl-up" is not an issue.
  • The entire back seat is reinforced with 2 layers of fabric for added reinforcement.
  • Left and right cargo pockets with 4 entries:
    1. Pocket fastens to a corresponding pocket flap with hook and loop closure. The flaps have mitered corners so that "corner-curl-up" is not an issue.
    2. Two long, narrow front entries. These pockets are perfect to hold an extra magazine clip, a mini flashlight, a leatherman or a cell phone. We combined the cell phone pocket into our side cargo pockets in order to reduce visible exterior pockets. This was a conscience decision in order to reduce the "street" look of the pant. We wanted to make it look more professional-what Chiefs want while offering practical functionality. Also, when a drop leg holster is used this pocket remains functional and easy to access.
    3. The main interior cargo pocket entry. The corners of this pocket are mitered, 1, to match the corresponding flap, and, 2, so that small objects to not get stuck in right-angled, sharp-pointed corners.
    4. Interior stretch-mesh pocket bag. This interior pocket has elastic in a casing along the top edge so that this edge is kept taught to the leg panel. This pocket is intended to store objects that do not need to move around a pocket. It will allow for quick access and storing things such as evidence, contraband, paraphernalia, small objects, etc.
• The right leg only has a concealed calf pocket. The opening design allows quick "un-zip / zip" functionality. This pocket is excellent for storing an extra magazine clip for training at the range, especially when down on one knee. A small extra weapon could also be stored in this pocket. The pocket bag is positioned to the back of the leg so that when an object is in the pocket it does not beat against the shin, an area that only has a thin layer of skin next to bone. Also, when seated the calf in an easier pocket to access than the quarter top pockets. The inspiration for this pocket came after watching officers during tactical maneuvers and at shooting ranges. Also, inspiration was obtained while observing officers in the patrol car - this calf pocket allows for quick retrieval.
• Two layers of fabric are used in the knee area for added reinforcement.
• Double needle topstitching is used throughout the pant adding a technical/modern look and also adding reinforced strength.

Horace Small^® Special Ops Polo

Colors: Black, Dark Navy, White, Tan

Polo's are much more widely accepted in today's market with joint duty applications. In some departments the polo is chosen as the primary uniform shirt. We've learned that it is challenging to find a truly professional appearing polo in traditional law enforcement colors. Especially when it is desired to have a polo match the pant for uniformity.

• Athletic cut with technical professional appearance.
• Stands up to established uniform standard testing methods
• Plated fabric that is cotton rich - with jersey face/ mesh back - provides the latest technology in moisture transport and regulating body temperature. Utilizes Dri-Balance technology.
• Lab tested and proven superior color retention
• Raglan sleeve combined with a straight side panel provides technical athletic look - while keeping shirt tucked in with ease and providing the officer with a full range of motion without resistance.
• Two reinforced mic pockets concealed in the raglan sleeve seam. Mic pocket placement is off the shoulder which allows an officer to face forward and speak into their mic without losing their line of vision.
• One reinforced mic tab at the base of the placket allows for more versatility in mic placement.
• Seams reinforced with comfortable twill tape.
• Double layer sweat patch on the center back of the polo.
• Collar as no-curl feature preventing the collar tips from turning upwards.

Our singular focus and commitment will be to understand law enforcement challenges and to provide them with uniforms and products designed to meet their precise needs.

• Professional Appearance
• Innovative Fabrics
• Practical Features
• Comfortably Tough

About Horace Small^®

Outfitting law enforcement and public safety heroes for more than 65 years, the Horace Small^® brand combines groundbreaking technical design, innovative fabrics, practical features, comfort, durability and professional appearance.

About VF Imagewear

VF Imagewear is a subsidiary of VF Corporation (NYSE:VFC), with two primary businesses: Image and Activewear. The Image apparel business provides a broad array of uniforms and protective apparel to corporate customers, government and public safety agencies, service businesses and industrial laundries. The Activewear business markets branded apparel under agreements with licensors such as the National Football League (NFL), Major League Baseball (MLB), the National Hockey League (NHL), the NCAA, leading Colleges under the ESPN College Game Day brands, NASCAR and Harley-Davidson.

VF Corporation is a leader in branded lifestyle apparel including jeanswear, outdoor products, intimate apparel, image apparel and sportswear. Its principal brands include Wrangler^®, Lee^®, Riders^®, Rustler^®, Vans^®, Reef^®, Napapijri^®, Kipling^®, Nautica^®, John Varvatos^®, JanSport^®, Eastpak^®, Vassarette^®, Bestform^®, Lily of France^®, Lee Sport^® and Red Kap^®.