Editor’s note: Visit 5.11 Tactical at SHOT Show 2025 in Booth 72448. Follow all of Police1’s SHOT Show coverage here.
If you’re looking for some quality tactical uniforms for your team, 5.11 Tactical has you covered with its new V.XI line of high-tech, comfortable pants and shirts. There’s only so much we can do about cutting weight from the vest and gear we need to carry, but 5.11 has stepped up to help us carry that weight more comfortably, drier and with more flexibility. Wearing heavy vests and ballistic plates doesn’t have to be so uncomfortable.
5.11 placed a strong emphasis on innovation and functionality when designing its 5.11 V.XI product line. The goal was to create exceptional gear that meets the high standards required by demanding situations, and I think this lineup has met that goal, as well as our expectations. The V.XI collection was designed in collaboration with top-tier teams and shows 5.11’s continued commitment to providing professionals with durable and versatile tactical uniforms.
5.11 XTU Pant
Let’s start with the 5.11 XTU pant. These are a world away from the cotton ripstop pants of old. The no melt/no drip stretch fabric construction keeps you moving and cool under pressure. It is constructed from a blend of 58% cotton, 39% nylon Cordura and 3% elastane ripstop for breathability, strength and toughness. This fabric is finished off with a durable water-resistant finish to keep you dry when the weather gets ugly. And your team has multiple color choices to select from including multicam, storm gray, dark navy, black, or ranger green.
The XTU Pant is loaded with large cargo pockets with volume folds and zipper closures including one with an N6 nylon mag pocket inside. Add the zippered rear pockets and there’s enough secure cargo space for all your mission-critical essentials. Comfort is key in the field, so they included a flexible comfort waistband with Ortholite foam support at the back waistband just like the padding you would find in high quality performance shoe insoles.
5.11 went the extra distance allowing you to customize the fit of your XTU pants beyond ordering waist size and length. There’s a quickly adjustable hook-and-loop closure at the center front waistband that allows for an extra bit of modification. The 5.11 XTU Pant includes complete knee protection thanks to the 5.11 patented kneepad system. This includes a patent-pending adjustable dual kneepad system that helps ensure the kneepads stay where the user needs them. The dual system includes an external outer shell and removable soft kneepads inside the pant, so you get to decide how much knee protection you need.
To add even more comfort, a ventilation opening inside each leg helps keep you cool and dry. The inseam gusset maximizes mobility for climbing, jumping, running and any other type of dynamic movement. Shoelace hooks at the leg openings can be attached to your boot laces to keep your pant cuffs in place and prevent them from riding up during operations. There are even blousing straps inside the bottom hem to help prevent unwanted snags during close-quarter action. The XTU Pant is tough-as-nails and ready to help your team perform.
5.11 XTU Rapid Long Sleeve Shirt
The 5.11 XTU Rapid Long Sleeve Shirt is designed with the same goal of providing comfortable, tough and durable gear as the 5.11 XTU Pant. The shirt is one of the most functional, rugged and comfortable tactical uniform shirts available and was designed from the ground up to be worn under heavy and hot body armor and load-bearing gear.
The hybrid construction of the XTU Rapid Long Sleeve Shirt provides versatility and speed. The same no melt/no drip stretch fabric construction that is used in the 5.11 XTU pant is used in the 5.11 XTU Rapid Long Sleeve Shirt to help keep you flexible and comfortable. The shirt’s upper shoulders and sleeves are made from 58% cotton and 39% nylon Cordura and 3% elastane ripstop for staying power under heavy loads and is finished with a durable water-resistant coasting to keep you dry. The lower body features a 60% cotton and 40% Nylon 66 Cordura jersey enhanced with a sweat-wicking and anti-odor finish. Color choices include the same multicam, storm gray, dark navy, black, or ranger green options as the XTU pants.
The sleeves are designed with underarm gussets with movement and flexibility in mind, with no pinching, bunching, or binding to be found. Adjustable wrist cuffs and quarter-zip front closure design help you maintain comfort across quickly changing conditions. Flat-lock seams prevent chafing under body armor, while reinforced elbows and bar tacking at stress points withstand frontline wear and tear. Dual sleeve pockets with pen slots and loop patches at the biceps offer carry options for electronics, identification, pen lights, and more. The XTU Rapid Long Sleeve Shirt will help you stay in the fight.
5.11 V.XI Sigurd Shirts
The V.XI Sigurd shirts are performance base layers loaded with innovation and mission-specific construction features. These are some of the most comfortable and utilitarian base layers to be found. Available in both long and short sleeve variants, they are crafted with 5.11’s own stretch knit mesh. This fabric includes what 5.11 calls its Cryo-Tac technology that provides a cool to the touch feel with enhanced moisture-wicking and anti-odor performance.
The V.XI Sigurd shirts have an athletic, ergonomic pattern and flat lock seam construction that fit close to the body with outstanding comfort. The rugby-style collar can be folded out, folded in, or flipped up depending on your needs or style. The sleeves have 4" x 6" loop patch platforms with a pen holder pocket. The result is a breathable yet durable base layer that can stand up to the rigors of the job without extra heat or bulk. You can wear these shirts on their own, as part of a layering system, or under your plate carrier. The adaptability and flexible nature of these shirts make these a great choice for a wide range of activities from workouts to training to operations.
All of this is available in a wide variety of colors including black, ranger green, storm gray, dark navy and range red.
Conclusion
When you check out the 5.11 V.XI collection, it will become obvious that 5.11 listened to some of the top-tier teams from around the globe when they developed the XTU line of tactical wear. The XTU pants and shirts are designed and built to be functional, rugged and comfortable. The V.XI Sigurd shirts are performance base layers that are flexible enough to be worn on their own for a comfortable and cool addition to the lineup. No matter what gear you choose from the 5.11 V.XI collection, you are getting some of the highest quality, most durable and highly versatile gear available. Find out more about the 5.11 V.XI collection here.
