Frag Out! Magazine
Issue link: https://fragout.uberflip.com/i/1150145
Adjustments involved changing the proportions of the panels, the profile, and the dimensions of the crown. The present cut of the hat to go with the police service uniform has no counterpart in other Polish units, but you can see a resemblance to hats worn by the Italian Carabinieri, with the difference that our hats are not shaped as much upwards. UNIFORM COAT A few variants of the coat cut were considered. The first was design was based on the one currently in use – but with modified pocket bellows and flaps. The second was a slim fit trim, with classic flaps and smoothened curves of pocket flaps. The third cut considered "mandarin collar" and with reduced elements of upper pockets. The decision was to opt for variant number two. The coat is made from wool mixed polyester. Before WWII, the uniforms were mostly wool. The gabardine weave is the most traditional and elegant weave when it comes to uniforms, that's why we've decided to go for it. The fabric is lighter than that featured in the previous models. The duty conditions have changed as well. In the past, the service uniform was supposed to be for all seasons, more suitable for all and any circumstances. Now, our officers will wear their service uniforms on special occasions. That's why it is more delicate and more comfortable– says Błesznowski. The currently used uniforms are cut differently for men and women, and this difference will be maintained, but not in the case of the upper pockets of the jacket. The policewomen wearing the current uniforms have reported that it's very difficult to attach any IDs or badges to the uniform without any places to attach them. Taking their opinions into account, it was decided to add upper pockets in the new jackets. The lapels and flaps feature some non- standard solutions, and the pockets have a different layout, but this is all to make these uniforms differ from those used by other services. The buttons are metal, oxidized, 'antiquated', so to speak. Their appearance is also a reference to the pr-ewar tradition. THE HAT Not everything went smoothly at the design stage. It was necessary to consult the officers, including those from the Police Honor Guard, who got the first sets of new uniforms. They had some remarks concerning the general appearance of hats and the lack of ranks featured on the rims. A more in-depth analysis performed also at the Police Headquarters Bureau of History and Tradition showed that leaving the rim in a light color would be a certain reference to the colors of clothing of Militia, which was something far from desired. A review of various fabrics and arrangements of ranks resulted in selecting navy blue cloth rims, in line with the color of the main fabric of the uniform, silver digital embroidery, rank layout in the form of braids according to the Polish interwar period tradition, and a distinguishing chinstrap, a silver strap for officers' hats – explains Błesznowski. www.fragoutmag.com