The Power of Appearance in Public Safety

Built to Perform. Designed to Command. Looking Sharp. Leading Strong.

In public safety, first impressions aren’t just about professionalism—they’re about presence. The way an officer shows up, visually and physically, can influence the tone of an interaction, the perception of authority, and even the outcome of a high-stakes moment.

At Flying Cross, we’ve spent more than 180 years outfitting those who serve. And while performance, durability, and comfort remain essential pillars of our product innovation, we believe one thing still anchors it all: appearance matters.

More Than a Look—It’s a Statement

A public safety uniform does more than cover the body. It communicates identity, capability, and intention. It establishes confidence. It signals preparedness. And it reinforces public trust—something earned moment by moment, encounter by encounter.

In a world where body cameras, community engagement, and transparency are reshaping how officers interact with the public, appearance remains one of the first signals of professionalism, readiness, and trust. [i]

Performance Is Only Half the Equation

Today’s duty gear must do more than just stretch and breathe. The real innovation lies in doing all that while still upholding a professional, polished appearance. Flying Cross uniforms are designed to hold their shape. To retain crisp lines under pressure. To communicate authority—even after hours in the field.

When you wear something that’s built to last—and built to look sharp—you carry yourself differently. That sense of presence isn’t superficial. It’s part of the job.

Whether it's the cooling capabilities required for Arizona's blistering summer heat, the flexibility to operate on the East Coast, or the durability needed for Kentucky’s sudden temperature swings, modern, high-performance uniforms reflect the needs of local communities and the demands on their public servants.

A Recruiting and Retention Tool You Can Wear

Today, law enforcement agencies are working harder than ever to attract and retain top talent. New recruits want to feel that they belong. And they want their gear to fit—not just their body, but their mission.

According to a recent IACP report, 78% of agencies surveyed were struggling to recruit officers—while staffing declined by 80% in a sample of police departments in large cities from 2019 to 2023. Additionally, more than 70% of respondents reported that recruitment was more difficult than five years ago. [ii]

Uniforms that support that pride—through comfort, credibility, and commanding design—can play a subtle but critical role in department morale.

Showing Up With Purpose

At Flying Cross, we don’t see appearance as an afterthought. We see it as a core part of what we design for.

Because how you show up matters. And when you’re serving others, representing your department, representing your community, and stepping into the unknown—every detail counts.

What role does appearance play in your department’s approach to uniforms? We’d love to hear how your agency is thinking about presence, performance, and the next generation of duty gear.

[i] The psychological influence of the police uniform, Police1, Richard R. Johnson, March 4, 2025. [The psychological influence of the police uniform]

[ii] The State of Recruitment & Retention: A Continuing Crisis for Policing — 2024 Survey Results, International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP) [IACP_Recruitment_Report_Survey.pdf]