Police Officer Preparation & Law Enforcement Resource - Archive

Does anyone know if the suspenders you can wear under your pants work? The ones that attach to the socks and shirt? Also, does anyone know what theses are called and were an officer can buy them? Thanks...

They are called shirt stays and Galls carries them. I dont know if they work or not, as I have never used them.

Thanks Norm.. Anyone else have any tips on keep your shirt from blousing out? I like mine nice and tucked...

Tailoring? So the shirt fits closer to you in that area, maybe?

Shirt stays work wonderfully. You can adjust how tight they are, and they are not uncomfortable. In my opinion, they are a must-have for a neat uniform. I've worked with several people who don't have anything in place to keep their uniform shirt tucked in, and they look really sloppy.

Here is what I do....

Tuck in your shirt but kinda grab each side of the shirt, stretch it out and fold it over taking up the slack on each side, if there is any so that the front of your shirt is flat against your body.

Next, put on your duty belt and boots in whatever order you wish.

The thing that keeps you snug is this: Unzip your fly and reach in and grab your shirt and pull it down stretching it tight.

Don't foget to ZIP YOUR FLY!!!

(trying to tuck in your shirt above the belt raises your shoulders which raises your shirt so it won't help to tuck it down snugly)

The shirt stays that attatch to your socks hurt. I wore them On graduation day at Paris Island and the 6 block march with them on wore a hole in my leg. Not rubbed it raw... it made a hole.

The thing that keeps you snug is this: Unzip your fly and reach in and grab your shirt and pull it down stretching it tight. just make sure it's your SHIRT that you are tugging on, michiganstud

Shirt Stays work great. Best method ive used. I would definately get some if I were you.

I wear shirt stays as well. They look great but if one gets loose, you can get hurt :o

Shirt stays work wonderfully. You can adjust how tight they are, and they are not uncomfortable. In my opinion, they are a must-have for a neat uniform. I've worked with several people who don't have anything in place to keep their uniform shirt tucked in, and they look really sloppy.


Ya but if we wear the shirt stays it pulls the shirt tight and shows my "figure"...I prefer to wear my uniform real baggy so you just can't tell if I'm fat or sloppy :D

Here is what I do....

Tuck in your shirt but kinda grab each side of the shirt, stretch it out and fold it over taking up the slack on each side, if there is any so that the front of your shirt is flat against your body.

Next, put on your duty belt and boots in whatever order you wish.

The thing that keeps you snug is this: Unzip your fly and reach in and grab your shirt and pull it down stretching it tight.

Don't foget to ZIP YOUR FLY!!!

(trying to tuck in your shirt above the belt raises your shoulders which raises your shirt so it won't help to tuck it down snugly)


What about tucking your uniform shirt into your underware? wouldn't that keep it tucked in nicely... would look funny when your underware starts to show but at least the shirt would look well tucked!!

When I was in the USCG I took my shirt and pants to a tailor and had them sewed togther like coveralls. We had to jump out of the bunk at night with emergency calls and get dressed and underway within lik 5min so it was soooo much easier than trying to get it all tucked in and such. It worked fairly well as long as I didn't gain weight then it just got tight and uncomfortable.

I took my shirt and pants to a tailor and had them sewed togther like coveralls.

Man, I love you like a long lost, red-headed, bow legged, hump backed, one eyed, snaggled tooth, foot smelling like cheetos, brother-from-another-mother, that I never wanted, but, that is the one of the weirdest thing I've ever heard, by far. :p :D

What about tucking your uniform shirt into your underware? wouldn't that keep it tucked in nicely... would look funny when your underware starts to show but at least the shirt would look well tucked!!


LOL....actually I tuck my t-shirt into my undies. then put on my vest, then shirt, then pants, then boots, then belts.



Anyone have a routine process of getting to muster?

underwear, lycra type shirt(cheaper than UA), pants, belt, boots, vest, put b/u gun into holster in vest, my shirts are slightly tailored, I grab the shirt by each side and fold them in, tuck on the front of my SHIRT, zip up the fly, and then finally put on my duty belt. THE END

I do the zipper grab as well, and it works like a charm for getting it tight!

Too bad you can't wear your kevlar in an external carrier. Then you don't have to worry about anything like that. Plus it's easy to open up and let the air in when you got to cool down a bit!!

Shirt tail keepers...they attached to the bottom of my shirt tails and to the tops of my socks. They keep constant tension on my shirt tails to stay tucked in with a nice tight appearance.

That and I tailored my shirts so that when my body armor is on, my shirt fastens on nice and snug around the sides. Makes for a sharp appearance IMHO.

That is what we use for uniform inspections in the CG, shirt stays. I use four,2 on the front and 2 on the back, I take them from there and place them around my leg and connect to my socks. Works like a charm (however it may ripp some hair out from your legs here and there :D )

There are shirt stays that have loops to go around your feet, instead of clipping to your socks.

I've not used either, and in fact I'm going to purchase some of both kind tomorrow, but I kind of envisioned the shirt-stays that snap to my sock coming off and me having a heck of a time re-attaching them while in the squad car.

I also went to a tailoring place and had them tailor my shirt as "Mike Romeo" said, real snug along the sides to help keep a clean appearance.

Anyone have issues with the shirt stays coming unclipped from your socks? What about experience with the kind that loop around your feet?

I use shirt stays as well. Mine is a lil different. Mine looks like a Y. Hooks in the front and back of the shirt then down the side of your leg to the top of your sock. It's more comfy than the regular shirt stay.

When I started out I did use the suspenders that attach to your shirt tail and your socks. They worked keeping my shirt tucked in but they weren't very comfortable. They also would occaissionally come apart too. Kind of a pain in the butt.

I then started using a flexible waist belt. http://www.galls.com/style.html?assort=general_catalog&style=UA331 After I get my shirt on I pull the belt around my waist and attach it. My pants ride up over it when they are pulled up. The rubber waist belt keeps the shirt from coming up out of the pants. It's very adjustable so it's easy to get comfortable too. I have no trouble keeping my shirt in during a 12 hour shift. Sometimes I'll do like stud mentioned and pull my shift tails down too but usually the belt works great.

When I started out I did use the suspenders that attach to your shirt tail and your socks. They worked keeping my shirt tucked in but they weren't very comfortable. They also would occaissionally come apart too. Kind of a pain in the butt.

I then started using a flexible waist belt. http://www.galls.com/style.html?assort=general_catalog&style=UA331 After I get my shirt on I pull the belt around my waist and attach it. My pants ride up over it when they are pulled up. The rubber waist belt keeps the shirt from coming up out of the pants. It's very adjustable so it's easy to get comfortable too. I have no trouble keeping my shirt in during a 12 hour shift. Sometimes I'll do like stud mentioned and pull my shift tails down too but usually the belt works great.


My self, being on the...ummmm...."healthier" side of the scale, decided that the flexible waist belt worked MUCH better than suspenders. I also have been known to use duct tape which works real well but tends to leave residue on the shirt :D

I then started using a flexible waist belt. http://www.galls.com/style.html?assort=general_catalog&style=UA331 After I get my shirt on I pull the belt around my waist and attach it. My pants ride up over it when they are pulled up. The rubber waist belt keeps the shirt from coming up out of the pants. It's very adjustable so it's easy to get comfortable too. I have no trouble keeping my shirt in during a 12 hour shift. Sometimes I'll do like stud mentioned and pull my shift tails down too but usually the belt works great.

I use this too, and I got it for free (off of my brother, who no longer had need of it).

I will say, however, that it took me a couple of tries to figure it out. Also, I tend to be nervous about it creeping up, and not being hidden any longer.

I use this too, and I got it for free (off of my brother, who no longer had need of it).

I will say, however, that it took me a couple of tries to figure it out. Also, I tend to be nervous about it creeping up, and not being hidden any longer.

I just make sure it's lower than my pants line and it doesn't tend to creep up. Reaching through your zipper and yanking down your shirt tails will also pull the belt down too.

Thanks for the zipper grab reminder, guys. Worked great last time I went out.

I used shirt stays in the military but never liked them because they just weren't comfortable. I use a "hidden tailor" now. It's about a 1 1/2" wide rubber belt that you wear around your waist but under your pants. The rubber keeps the shirt from pulling out and you don't even notice it. I ordered it out of Gall's or Streicher's for about $10.

I then started using a flexible waist belt. http://www.galls.com/style.html?assort=general_catalog&style=UA331

I bought one about 3 weeks ago and absolutely love it, it works really well. I hated having to re-tuck a million times throughout my shift, and now I do it once when I am getting ready.

And Gooch, you're right it's called a "hidden tailor"

lol, stud yeah I do.


Shower/shave, fresh under garments vest, keltec on vest, shirt (shirt is already pre-staged with badge/pens/etc) , shirt stays, pants, shoes, underbelt loose so I can put all the belt keepers on, belt keepers, tighten underbelt to the point of me passing out, put on duty belt with empty pouches (no weight other than the leather), adjust belt and keepers, snap keepers, put everything in/ on my belt I need, chamber then load my pistol, attach lapel mic to lapel, drive to work. :D

I got it down to a routine darnit.!

BTW, I'm looking to find and try out the other type of shirt stays, the Y and the looped foot. If anyone can point me to an online store I'd be oblidged.

BTW, I'm looking to find and try out the other type of shirt stays, the Y and the looped foot. If anyone can point me to an online store I'd be oblidged.
I have the Y but it isn't the loop. The bottom of the Y has another clip that attaches to your sock. I bought it at a local supply store so I'm not sure where you can get it online.

I have the Y but it isn't the loop. The bottom of the Y has another clip that attaches to your sock. I bought it at a local supply store so I'm not sure where you can get it online.

Here's one (http://www.dsasd.org/store/product_info.php/products_id/108)

I've used the "Y" type that clip to your sock and shirt, and they're great for keeping your shirt in and your socks up, but if they get twisted the little clip at the Y junction can wear at your leg. Has anyone tried both the "Y" type and straight type, and prefer one over the other?

Bleh, use duct tape. It fixes everything! :cool:

I've used both types and the hidden tailer is the best. It is just as effective at keeping everything tucked in and you don't have the annoyance of the elastic down your leg and clip for your socks digging into your skin.

I've used both types and the hidden tailer is the best. It is just as effective at keeping everything tucked in and you don't have the annoyance of the elastic down your leg and clip for your socks digging into your skin.


I've been using the hidden tailor for about a month, and love it!

dont know if its been mentioned or not, but i use boot bands that you can get for about a dollar a pair. just hook em up around your waistband. keeps your shirt nice and neat all day!

I like all these ideas, i'm a scrawny little fella and I am ALWAYS havin' problems keeping my shirt tucked in.

I've used both types and the hidden tailer is the best. It is just as effective at keeping everything tucked in and you don't have the annoyance of the elastic down your leg and clip for your socks digging into your skin.



Or, them coming loose off your socks, and popping you in the boys. Seen that happen quite a few times. After seeing that, I prefer to stay away from shirt stays. :D

You can get the shirt stays (actually a different item) at Walmart. They are ironing board cover keepers. They are used to hold the ironing board cover on the ironing board. Th elastic is a bit short if you are a tall guy. My wife is handy with the fabric and such so she just puts new elastic on the ends for me. No adjustment needed as she makes them up the length I need. The ones at Walmart are cheaper even if you modify the elastic to fit you. Elastic is cheap. The Shirt Stays can run about $15 with shipping if memory serves me. I think the Walmart ones are $4 and elastic is like $2. Plus when the elastic wears out you will have enough left to replace it.
My wife is a cheapskate, and she is handy to have around.

I can't believe there is a 3 page thread on how to keep a shirt tucked in

The Y shirt stays suck. You need two per leg of the straight type.

If you want to be particularly motivated you can tie a knot in the middle.

Y'all sure have some complicated ways of using shirt stays. All you gotta do with a hidden tailer is put it on before you pull on your pants. Done. Shirt stays in. :D

Ok, well I just bougth a Hidden Tailor from Galls. Should be here on Wednesday. I'll let ya know how great it is.

FYI - I just got the hidden tailor from Galls ($10.00) and it works great. I wore it the other night when I was working and I never even noticed I was wearing, and not ONCE did I have to fix my shirt. Worked great. :D

When I was in the USCG I took my shirt and pants to a tailor and had them sewed togther like coveralls. We had to jump out of the bunk at night with emergency calls and get dressed and underway within lik 5min so it was soooo much easier than trying to get it all tucked in and such. It worked fairly well as long as I didn't gain weight then it just got tight and uncomfortable.


LMAO THAT IS AWESOME! hahahaha, I have enver even thought of that. The biggest uniform alt I have made is I cut out the inside of my pockets on my dress pants so it did not show up on the outside creases.


Shirt stays work great. I used them in Boot camp, we would attach them to the shirt, twist them around our legs and connect htem to the socks. Funny thing is we would lose all this hair from our legs because it would pinch it off when we marched lol. Our CC forced us to tighten them as much as possible too so it felt like something was pulling our shoulders down but it was abnormaly easy to lift our legs when we walked haha.

I miss the idiocy of boot camp lol.

Tell you what, I ordered and wore a pair of the stirrup types: worked like a charm never came loose, and I rarely noticed they were even there.

Tell you what, I ordered and wore a pair of the stirrup types: worked like a charm never came loose, and I rarely noticed they were even there.

Wait until they stretch out and get loose. *SNAP* right in the jimmy. :D

Wait until they stretch out and get loose. *SNAP* right in the jimmy. :D
That's why I have the Y type. They run down the side of the leg so when they come off it doesn't hit the sensitive areas. :D

But I think I'll get this hidden taylor gadget and try it.

And Valor...clean out your PM box!

That's why I have the Y type. They run down the side of the leg so when they come off it doesn't hit the sensitive areas. :D

But I think I'll get this hidden taylor gadget and try it.

And Valor...clean out your PM box!

I let my L4 membership run out and suddenly I have half the PM space and it was then full. It is now cleaned out and ready for your PM. I'm going to have to get used to the smaller space available. :D

I use the Y type with a loop around the foot instead of clip on the sock. They work great. I think I paid $8 for 'em.

My used a baseball belt bro to keep his shirts tucked in while he was In the Corps of Cadets at Texas A&M....WHOOP!!...................I've used it while on duty & it works great.....There thin enough so you can wear the underneath the waist of the pants & you can sinch them down really well without alot of discomfort because they are so stretchy

I just picked up a hidden tailor as well. $10 from Galls. Well worth it... they kept everything nice and snug Sat. night.

The flexable waist belt that Valor mentioned is the one I use. I get mine from Quartermasters. Works great.

There is something I've noticed about the Hidden Tailor:
Once you have the uniform on and everything adjusted, if you try to adjust the belt just a tiny bit, you will be absolutely miserable until you can get to the bathroom and redo the whole thing.

Another thing, I'm always paranoid about it coming up and being visible.

Also, what is the right way to wear it: bumps in or out? If the bumps are in, it makes it so that the top layer of the belt comes loose easily.

Bumps facing out.

Sometimes when I put my pants on the hidden tailor isn't low enough but I've never had problems tucking it back down and it staying.

Bumps facing out.

Sometimes when I put my pants on the hidden tailor isn't low enough but I've never had problems tucking it back down and it staying.
I guess I should've read this page: http://www.red-diamond-unif.com/hidden_tailor.htm

Son of a .....
I have been using this thing for months, and always have the nubs pointed in. Seemed to work fine, but I will try it the other way today at work.

I dont know if any of you have tried or heard of it, but for my Explorer Uniform I use the "Ultimate Belt." I'd say in general it tends to work pretty well, especually once I got my shirt taken in around the waist so it was a little tighter to begin with. First few times I wore it I noticed that it slipped up above my regular dress belt and was visible, but I havent had that problem since then. It definitely looks better and fits better with it then without it, but I imagine there are definitely some better ones out there.

Anyone else have any experience with it?
http://www.leonuniform.com/alpro_ultimatebelt.htm

Valor; So the belt you use, you put your uniform shirt on and put the belt around it, then pull up your pants over the belt?

Valor; So the belt you use, you put your uniform shirt on and put the belt around it, then pull up your pants over the belt?

Yes. You put it around your waist on top of your shirt. I get my shirt pulled down under it and then I pull my pants up. You can't see the rubber band and it keeps your shirt from sliding up out of your pants.

Yes. You put it around your waist on top of your shirt. I get my shirt pulled down under it and then I pull my pants off. You can't see the rubber band and it keeps your shirt from sliding up out of your pants.
Okay, I followed until you mentioned pulling the pants off...:confused:

:)

Okay, I followed until you mentioned pulling the pants off...:confused:

:)
Oops I fixed it. LOL

Oops I fixed it. LOL
That makes sense ;). I really don't see how it keeps the belt up, but I'll take your word for it on future planning :)

I took my new shirts into the cleaners and had them taylored. They turned them inside out, had me try them on and pinned the slack so that they could stitch it. It taylored the shirt to conform to my body so there is no slack.

Looks sharper.

Oh yeah, Bearcat, I took the shirts in and had the epaulet unstitched they made the button hole real so that the whistle chain is under the flap. Now other officers are doing the same because it looks nicer. :D

I took my new shirts into the cleaners and had them taylored. They turned them inside out, had me try them on and pinned the slack so that they could stitch it. It taylored the shirt to conform to my body so there is no slack.

Looks sharper.

Oh yeah, Bearcat, I took the shirts in and had the epaulet unstitched they made the button hole real so that the whistle chain is under the flap. Now other officers are doing the same because it looks nicer. :D
Pictures of new tailored uni? :)

Theres a guy at the local pd that always is dressed sharp, his uniform is always tucked tight. Hes a marine, though, so that may explain it

Pictures of new tailored uni? :)

Theres a guy at the local pd that always is dressed sharp, his uniform is always tucked tight. Hes a marine, though, so that may explain it


In the member pics section. Not of the new Epaulet though, I gotta get new pics of that if you want.

In the member pics section. Not of the new Epaulet though, I gotta get new pics of that if you want.
Please do, Is the Epaulet the little chang thing that hangs down?

Michiganstud- Checked out your pic. Do you use anything to keep your uni intact? Like shirt stays or anything?

Michiganstud- Checked out your pic. Do you use anything to keep your uni intact? Like shirt stays or anything?


Most of the guys here do, but I don't. I never need to really. The shirt does ride up now and then through the shift -

Again, to get that nice tucked in look you have to reach in through your zipper and pull your shirt down. Doing this tucks the shirt in neatly. Tucking it in from over the belt raises your shoulders up and doesn't tuck all of the shirt in.

reach in through your zipper and pull your shirt down

You need some shirt tail keepers my friend. I can only imagine what the folks at your 7-Elevens think. :D

ME: White socks (prevents athletes foot), with black nylon dress socks over them. Attach the elastic bans from the shirt tail keepers (attached to the bottom of your uniform shirt) to the the black socks, and everytime you adjust your untility belt the tension -- pulls your shirt tail in.

You won't need to keep putting your hand into your zipper area in public. :D

You need some shirt tail keepers my friend. I can only imagine what the folks at your 7-Elevens think.

ME: White socks (prevents athletes foot), with black nylon dress socks over them. Attach the elastic bans from the shirt tail keepers (attached to the bottom of your uniform shirt) to the the black socks, and everytime you adjust your untility belt the tension -- pulls your shirt tail in.

You won't need to keep putting your hand into your zipper area in public.

I don't do it in front of lil old ladies though. :D I might have to try a pair, but what if they detatch from your sock? That elastic will have a tendancy to go upward quickly if you know what I mean. :eek:

Do you wear shoes then? I wear white socks when i'm wearing my boots and black socks when i'm wearing my shoes.

I've been eyeing a pair of bates high gloss shoes for the last few weeks. Anyone ever wear the bates shoes??

Most of the guys here do, but I don't. I never need to really. The shirt does ride up now and then through the shift -

Again, to get that nice tucked in look you have to reach in through your zipper and pull your shirt down. Doing this tucks the shirt in neatly. Tucking it in from over the belt raises your shoulders up and doesn't tuck all of the shirt in.
Gotcha, thanks man.

I can't believe there is a 3 page thread on how to keep a shirt tucked in
Actually that's a safety issue for me using a hip holster at shooting matches... My shirt often gets a little baggy after moving around a lot, so when I go to grab my gun, I occasionally also grab some shirt - so I have to watch that and keep it tucked in.

Of course when I'm using my IWB holster, a baggy shirt is desirable.

I don't do it in front of lil old ladies though. :D I might have to try a pair, but what if they detatch from your sock? That elastic will have a tendancy to go upward quickly if you know what I mean. :eek:

Do you wear shoes then? I wear white socks when i'm wearing my boots and black socks when i'm wearing my shoes.

I've been eyeing a pair of bates high gloss shoes for the last few weeks. Anyone ever wear the bates shoes??

Man, I don't have any problems with them. I've had one come loose a couple of times, but that's through years of using them. They don't work well with thick socks because the clip needs a tight fit. That's why I use black dress shoes over white socks. You can wear them with shoes, sure. You're shirt tail will always be tucked in with them.

Speaking of shoes, I wore Bates high gloss Oxfords for years in the military. The padded collar ones have excellent ankle support! Either one is very sharp.

In the member pics section.
How does one get to this member pics section? I can't seem to find it anywhere. :confused:

How does one get to this member pics section? I can't seem to find it anywhere. :confused:
It's a thread in General Topics II, do a search.

I don't know how well it would work since I've never used shirt stays, but what if you were to put safety pins on your socks, and on your uniform shirt, and connected the uniform stays to them? This would eliminate the threat of them comming loose. They could still be connected to the shirt, but the safety pin could be used just in case they came undone.

I don't know how well it would work since I've never used shirt stays, but what if you were to put safety pins on your socks, and on your uniform shirt, and connected the uniform stays to them? This would eliminate the threat of them comming loose. They could still be connected to the shirt, but the safety pin could be used just in case they came undone.


What if the safety pin came loose!?!?!? :eek:


I just got my summer shirts done. I had the sleeves hemmed up above the elbows and had the slack taken in around the torso.

I have to wear a tie even in the summer....I know I know.

The best investment i've made for that so far is the collar expander. It was 2.00 at the dry cleaners. Its a button with a spring loop on the end. You loop that to your button and your collar stretches as you move. Makes it very comfortable.

LMAO THAT IS AWESOME! hahahaha, I have enver even thought of that. The biggest uniform alt I have made is I cut out the inside of my pockets...

What was that reason again? :p

I use to have this rubber band looking thing that had a button on it and you put it over your shirt. it had little knobs on it also to help keep your pants up if you needed it. I used them when i worked as a summer cop and was getting in and out of the car ALOT and worked great for me. i use shirt stays now..