Helikon-Tex RAID Tactical Shirt PolyCotton Stretch Ripstop

The Helikon-Tex RAID Tactical Shirt is a uniform shirt made from PolyCotton Stretch Ripstop — 48% cotton, 50% polyester, 2% elastane — designed for those working in service or outdoor environments who need freedom of movement without giving up the abrasion resistance that ripstop fabric provides. The elastane's four-way stretch follows the body's movements without binding or tearing.

The raglan cut eliminates shoulder seams: the sleeve is set directly at the collar, so when wearing a vest or plate carrier there are no double layers of stitching creating pressure points or chafing. Anyone who wears a vest for many consecutive hours will notice the difference immediately. The stretch fabric helps further in this regard: a stiff shirt tends to bunch up under a plate carrier during movement — this one does not.

There are eight pockets, laid out with a clear operational logic. The two angled chest pockets with snap buttons are accessible even with a vest on. The two angled shoulder pockets close with velcro or snap button and are intended for frequently accessed items; next to them, two smaller open-top shoulder pockets are sized for a compass or a tactical pen. Inside, two mesh pockets — one zipped, one open — protect or provide quick access to documents and small items. The open pocket is faster to access but offers less retention: the choice depends on what you carry.

Key points

• The ripstop fabric with elastane blend offers abrasion resistance and multi-directional give, useful for the wide range of movements typical of tactical operations.
• The raglan cut eliminates shoulder seams, improving comfort under vests and plate carriers worn for extended periods.
• Eight pockets distributed across the chest, shoulders and interior allow immediate access to frequently used items without having to open the vest.
• The smaller open-top shoulder pockets allow quick retrieval of flat items such as compasses, but offer less retention than closed pockets.
• The polycotton composition balances the breathability of cotton with the dimensional stability and moisture resistance of polyester, keeping the weight of the garment down when wet.

In the box

• RAID Tactical Shirt