Blumenthal's Puts the Custom – and Performance – Back in Everyday Law Enforcement Uniforms

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Blumenthal's Puts the Custom – and Performance – Back in Everyday Law Enforcement Uniforms

Written by Jackie Rosselli

Monday, 17 May 2010 08:57

Not too long ago, most uniforms were made to measure garments. This was particularly true in the law enforcement market, where image and attention to detail were inextricably tied.

But the made to order uniform fell out of favor, a victim of technology, off shore production and customer preferences. Today, the market is small, niche, and typically reserved for customers with deep pockets.

Not entirely.

Take for example the venture started by Blumenthal Uniforms, the Seattle-based dealer who specializes in uniforms for the police and public safety industries. About two years ago, with the country in the midst of a deep recession, Blumenthal's started a manufacturing division, producing custom, made to measure tactical jumpsuits for agencies throughout the region.

The company had peddled its idea to all the traditional suppliers, hoping perhaps one would manufacture the garment, but there were no takers.

Part of the reason is that the uniform would have to be made here. True made to measure garments adhere to exacting specifications, details not easily found at plants offshore. "If we have to redo something, we can turn it around in a week," says Mitch Blumenthal, owner and VP.

Another was quantity – Blumenthal's didn't expect to produce large amounts of product. "The major manufacturers just can't do small quantities like this," adds Blumenthal.

Finally, there was cost. Produced domestically, the outfit would retail for around $400, a price tag believed to be out of reach for cash-strapped government agencies.

So they did it themselves – in Washington State, at their Des Moines facility. "Everyone thought we were crazy," says Roger Heldman, co-owner of Blumenthal's.

But demand was there, particularly in Blumenthal's stronghold, the Pacific Northwest. Residents are well known for their love of the rugged outdoors, and seek apparel options that complement their lifestyle. "They really have an appreciation for hi-tech performance apparel that stands up to the elements," adds Heldman.

There was also looming competition. "We really didn't have a choice, because the market was being driven by one of our competitors," says Blumenthal. "We had to do this to grow the business."

The gamble paid off. According to Heldman, demand was sparked by K-9 officers, who were looking for alternatives to their traditional uniform. "They started this," says Heldman. "They were outside most of the day, in wooded areas, and their uniforms kept getting torn up." It wasn't long before the jumpsuit caught the eye of line officers, who began requesting it for their everyday uniform. "It's the line officer, not command staff, who is driving this business," adds Blumenthal.

Yakima Police Department was first to make the switch; today, the jumpsuit is worn by over 110 public agencies, including a recently won contract for a 350 + member department in the Northwest. Its authoritative look means departments don't have to compromise image for functionality.

While it looks professional, it is the design elements that are winning converts. Intended for a modern police and public safety force, the Street Command Jumpsuit, as it is known, offers durability, freedom of movement, and above all, comfort. "You're getting a custom, made to order fit with these uniforms," reminds Blumenthal's Fred Shaw.

Customers are also getting performance fabrics with high tech features. Blumenthal's uses fabrics imported from Schoeller, the Swiss-based textiles and technology company, and Tweave, a domestic manufacturer of both 2-way and 4-way stretch woven fabrics.

Offered in both a light and heavy weight design, the former uses Schoeller Dynamic Extreme, an all around fabric typically found in sportswear, like skiing and hiking apparel, so it's highly elastic and breathable. Dynamic Extreme also includes a finishing treatment, the patented 3XDRY®, that minimizes perspiration marks, stimulates a cooling effect, and repels water and stains. Officers are also dry in a flash: textiles with 3XDRY®-finishing dry significantly faster than without.

The feature-rich jumpsuit also has plenty of pockets – over 12 – including chest, thigh, hip and flashlight pockets. And because each garment is made to individual specifications, pockets can be added or deleted, depending on preferences. The strangest request thus far? - a demand for a tennis ball pocket. "The K-9 officer used the balls for his dog, and wanted the pocket affixed to the right leg," explains Shaw. "So we went out, bought two tennis balls, and designed a pocket that would hold a couple."

There's no worry, either, about such details being lost – these and all information that make the jumpsuit a truly custom garment are stored digitally, including sizing. "As long as we put the correct information into the computer, a customer will get the right fit," says Blumenthal.

And what of the cost? The life of a Street Command Jumpsuit is 3-5 years, making it an affordable option for most departments.

"We have one department who's going on 4 years with it," adds Shaw.

Good news for the department of course; not so much for Blumenthal's.

For more information about the Street Command Jumpsuit or for other products available from Blumenthal's, visit www.blumenthaluniforms.com.