A tactical shirt, also known as a combat shirt or UBACS (Under Body Armor Combat Shirt), is an item of gear specifically designed for use in high temperatures and during intense physical exertion. Primarily, it was developed to provide comfort when wearing body armor: plate carriers, body armor vests, or chest rigs, preventing overheating, moisture build-up, and chafing of certain skin areas. However, thanks to its unique operational properties, the combat shirt quickly became versatile, practical clothing actively used on shooting ranges, during training, and on patrols.
The UBACS shirt isn't just a long-sleeved T-shirt; it's a distinct type of tactical apparel with its own functional features.
How a tactical shirt differs from a long-sleeve tee and a regular sweatshirt
The UBACS shirt fits snugly around the torso but allows freedom in areas where it's needed, primarily in the shoulder girdle. This cut provides the wearer with excellent maneuverability, not restricting movement while not interfering with gear and outer layers of clothing.
What materials are UBACS shirts made from?
One of the main features of a combat shirt is the zonal distribution of fabrics:
- The central part of the shirt, which lies against the body and is covered by a plate carrier/body armor, is made from a lightweight, breathable material. Most often, this is a blend of cotton and polyester with added elastane. Such material quickly wicks away moisture, doesn't chafe the skin, and effectively cools the body in high temperatures.
- Sleeves and shoulders. These areas are subjected to constant mechanical stress when wearing body armor, so a wear-resistant fabric with rip-stop weaving is used here.
Adjustable hook-and-loop (Velcro) cuffs allow for a precise fit with gloves or bare hands, and reinforcements in the elbow area help withstand harsh use in field conditions. Some models also feature additional ventilation — mesh inserts in the underarm area, on the back, or along the sides. This is especially important in regions with extreme heat.
Why the UBACS shirt is highly compatible with body armor
As already mentioned, certain zones of the product are made of durable materials and also have fabric reinforcement, which not only prevents wear and tear of the shirt itself but also protects the skin from irritation and damage during prolonged wear of a plate carrier, body armor cover, or chest rig. But beyond that, the tactical shirt has another distinguishing feature — flat seams. If they are absent, then what you have is not a combat shirt, because only a flat seam minimizes friction between the UBACS and body armor, even with a tight fit.
How many pockets does a combat shirt have?
Despite the fact that UBACS is very often used under armor, it's not devoid of utilitarian elements. The design includes pockets for storing small, yet important additional gear and equipment. They are usually located on the sleeves, as the chest area is typically covered by armor. This allows access to necessary small items without having to reach into pouches or a backpack.
Color schemes of the UBACS shirt
Tactical shirts were originally created for combat applications, and the choice of colors here is not a matter of style, but of tactics. Each color scheme is selected considering specific environmental conditions. Depending on the landscape and lighting, certain shades are used to maximize blending with the surroundings and minimize visual detection:
- dark green shades (Olive, Black Olive) — for forest locations;
- black and dark blue (Black, Navy) — for night operations, in both urban and field conditions;
- sand and brown tones (such as Coyote) — for arid, rocky areas.
Of course, the product can also come in camouflage patterns — pixel, multicam. When choosing a high-quality tactical shirt, be sure to pay attention to everything — from the cut, seams, and manufacturing materials, to the number and implementation of pockets, and the convenience of cuff adjustments.
