Policemen in India to Receive New, Better Smelling Uniforms

Tuesday 06th of March 2007 09:07:29 PM

For most policemen who patrol the city streets of Ahmedabad, India, leaving their shift in a dirty uniform is all part of the job. Being out in the hot streets takes its toll not only on the people wearing the uniforms, but also the uniforms themselves. Last year, Gujarat police visited the National Institute of Design and asked if anything could be done to make police uniforms more comfortable. After carefully researching fabrics and finish, the designers have come close to deciding the best course of action.

“What we are working at in the new uniform is a new look, comfort level, functionality and besides being fashionable, trendy and customised. We are going to experiment with both fabrics and finishes. In fabric, we are looking at 100 per cent breathable and light weight fabrics which are wrinkle-free,” said Somesh Singh, co-ordinator of Apparel Designing and Merchandising at NID.

The designers worked very hard to find ways to help police stay comfortable during the hot days. Because uniforms will have to be washed often, the fabric and finish will have to withstand constant washings without falling apart. These concerns and others are what the designers are still trying to figure out.

"With the various finishes, we are trying to increase the functionality and utility of the police uniform. We are going to add photochromatic badges and thermostatic prints. The fragrance finish is to ease the stress the policemen work under, anti-bacterial microbial finish to protect them against bacteria and UV rays and night glow so they are visible in the dark,” said Singh.

While new uniforms are still a few months away, policemen will be able to breathe a little easier knowing that they will be able to perform their jobs while still being able to look presentable at the end of their shift.

(c)Breann Bennett, www.sxc.hu