When it comes to finding the right solution for your needs, you need to understand the elements of construction. Your tactical pants are an important part of your day and you deserve an option that meets your needs without worry. The more you understand the different pros and cons of the different tactical pants fabric choices, the easier it will be to find the right solution. Here are the main types of fabric commonly used in tactical pants.
Cotton Ripstop
Ripstop is fabric construction you will find in most pairs of tactical pants. It is a woven construction that makes it extra durable to protect from tears. The cotton option in ripstop is one of the most popular tactical pants fabric because it is one of the most comfortable, breathable options compared to stiffer options. It is also a lightweight material that won’t weigh you down or feel uncomfortable when performing a range of motions. While it is resistant to rips in the fabric because it is a weaved construction, cotton isn’t as strong as other choices on the market. This fabric choice is affordable, but it is also the least durable in terms of rips, stains, fading, and shrinking.
Nylon Cotton Ripstop
When looking for a longer lasting tactical pants fabric, an equal blend of cotton and nylon materials in a ripstop construction is a safer bet over 100% cotton fabric. While the cotton choice is lightweight, and the added nylon does add some weight, it is still one of the more lightweight choices that is perfect for year-round wear. This blend is also NIR-compliant meaning it is approved for military uniform standards. It is resistant to fading, shrinking, rips, and stains. Best of all, this blend of fabrics is resistant to wrinkles, so you stay professional looking at all times, as well as being wind resistant and quick drying to keep you comfortable and protected from the elements on the job. The addition of nylon to the cotton also creates a blend that is perfect for moisture wicking as opposed to cotton alone.
Poly Cotton Ripstop
This choice is similar to the nylon and cotton blend, but it isn’t an equal blending of two fabrics. The blend is usually 65% polyester to 35% cotton which gives the benefits of durability associated with nylon cotton ripstop material, but with a lighter weight to it. When you want a lighter choice for warmer months, most people choose poly cotton ripstop over nylon cotton ripstop for this reason. It offers the same properties of durability by being resistant to rips, stains, wrinkles, wind, and also being exceptionally quick drying with improved moisture wicking abilities over nylon based fabrics.
Poly Cotton Twill
When you need a heavier tactical pants fabric, a poly cotton twill is a good choice. This is a blend of cotton and polyester that is woven in a twill construction to give it more durability. It isn’t necessarily rip proof, but the heavier weight does make it more durable compared to 100% cotton fabrics. It is a heavier weight, sometimes weighing as much as 7 oz., which makes it ideal for colder weather to help with staying warm.
