There are a few specific types of detectives that focus on a particular line of investigative work. Although police detectives are some of the most well-known, there are also forensic, computer crime, undercover, and homicide detectives.
Each job calls for a specific outfit as well, and although some may not adhere to a single uniform, the way they dress is entirely for the purpose of the job. In this article, I’m going to provide more details on the question; What does a detective wear? I’ll also explain how their outfits can be applied to the task at hand.
Why Don’t Detectives Wear Uniforms?
Whether it’s a police officer in uniform or a detective in a neutral-colored suit, there are many reasons behind both choices.
Police uniforms are a sign of uniformity, law, and security. When you take a look at a public or private detective, most of them are just wearing everyday clothes. Not so much a crew-cut t-shirt with some over-worn jeans, but a more professional and obscure route.
A detective’s job entails many different characteristics such as attention to detail, wit, social skills, and much more.
From observing criminal activity to interviewing witnesses and suspects, detectives have a lot of tasks to maneuver. Many detectives wear business casual suits when on the job, which poses a less threatening appearance than police uniforms.
It won’t feel as threatening if a detective comes to your house in civilian clothes as a uniformed police officer.
The outfit allows them to go about their job without drawing attention, as they generally look like everyday people. However, there are different types of detectives, and they all have their own unique dress code.
Here are a few other types of detectives:
- Police Detective
- Homicide Detective
- Forensic Detective
- Undercover Detective
Each type of detective may have a similar goal, but they each require a different approach. At the same time, not every investigation comes with the same requirements, and detectives have to be adaptable for the best outcome of the job. Some detective work asks for specific attire and material needs that business casual simply isn’t cut out for
Dress Codes for Other Types of Detective Work
Not all detective work calls for business casual dress, as forensic work can deal with a fair amount of biology, fluids, and chemicals.
Forensic detectives could wear a neutral-colored polo shirt, utility belt containing necessary tools such as gloves, evidence bags, and other items to protect themselves and the crime scene from contamination. If the job calls for it, a forensic detective may also wear a fully protective bodysuit for the best protection.
Regarding undercover detectives, they could be considered some of the most adaptable and are excellent at blending in with the environment around them. This type of detective work calls for an outfit that helps them avoid attention, no matter where they are.
This type of detective work requires a cunning approach. In some scenarios, the detective has to be able to play the part they’re wearing.
With the varying duty of police detectives, what they wear can be a combination of function and policy.
The associated department could have a police detective wearing a specific uniform. Still, their job will generally also require flexibility between a police uniform and more casual clothes depending on the needs of the job at hand. Another known fact is that detectives follow the same dress code rules no matter if it’s a man or woman.
If you want to learn more about police work, be sure to check out our article about police ride-alongs!
Are Detective Dress Codes Always a Requirement?
The dress codes described in this article aren’t a universal requirement that you’ll find everywhere. Aside from the equipment required for specific duties, many detectives are allowed to choose their own day-to-day attire. Some may go with an embroidered polo with tactical 5.11 pants; others may opt for a tie, button-up shirt, and slacks.
Even though requirements for different detectives and departments vary, there is still a general look that they like to uphold.
Although some may not prefer the business casual look, dress coats allow for decent concealment. Detective work comes with a known level of danger, and many detectives are required to carry a concealed weapon.
Wonder what type of guns do cops use?
The Social Engineering Behind a Detective’s Outfit
It’s relatively common for everyday civilians to clam up to some degree when a police officer is asking questions. Many visual cues can make some people feel uncomfortable around police, whether it’s their badge, utility belt full of equipment, or the uniform itself.
Detective work tends to require interaction with one or many people, and many of these interactions can become rather personal. It’s vital for detectives performing interviews to look and sound approachable.
Police officers and detectives may perform similar duties, but the purpose of their presence can be drastically different. Whereas police officers’ uniforms are also meant to signify law enforcement, a detective’s primary goal is to gather information.
This can be done more efficiently with casual clothing. Victims, witnesses, and even criminals will be more inclined to speak with them.
As previously stated in the article, many detectives need to be able to work undetected and undisturbed. Whether public or private detective, drawing attention to their investigative work can ruin the desired outcome in a heartbeat.
You’ll also find that although they prefer to be obscure in their work, some detectives may be required to wear their badges on their hips. This is due to the fact that the sight of a detective in a suit with a concealed weapon could cause unnecessary alarm if it’s discovered.
To Conclude
Detective work isn’t just suits and ties; the outfits required for different types of investigative work have a purpose from top to bottom.
Although many departments implement varying dress codes for detectives of all kinds, the overall decision lands on a more casual tone.
Detective equipment may modernize over time, but the outfits they wear for their various duties have remained pretty much the same throughout many generations as they generally provide the best outcome for the job.
