Last year, the Federal Police in Belgium unveiled their new uniform. And now, it’s finally time to put it to the test. Meanwhile, in neighboring Netherlands, a new outfit is also being trialed. While these are two different countries, the uniforms have a lot in common. And there’s a good reason for that.
More authority and presence
One of the key goals of the new Belgian uniform is to project authority. That’s why they’ve moved away from the plain, dark blue outfit and switched to a version with horizontal, fluorescent and reflective stripes around the shoulders. Interestingly, this is a departure from their German and French colleagues, who still mainly wear dark blue uniforms.
In addition to a more prominent and commanding look, comfort is also an important factor. That’s why the new uniform will be tested in thirteen police zones over the coming months.
However, that doesn’t mean every officer in those zones will be wearing it. The trial comes with some legal challenges. Since the new uniforms haven’t yet been formally adopted by Royal Decree, as is customary in this monarchy, officers wearing them are not authorized to file official reports.
So, those testing the uniforms must always be on patrol with a colleague in the old outfit, as they are legally authorized to issue official citations.
Motorcycle police testing new protective gear
While federal officers in Belgium are busy testing their new uniform, Dutch traffic officers are trying out new motorcycle suits. The similarities between the two sets of gear are striking.
Previously, Dutch traffic officers wore fluorescent yellow jackets with a few horizontal dark blue stripes. On the back, the police logo was printed using reflective material. The dark blue stripes were also present on the pants.
The new jacket now matches the color of the pants: primarily dark blue, with horizontal fluorescent and reflective stripes. It also aligns with the uniform worn by Dutch officers on foot, and bears a striking resemblance to the new uniforms of their Belgian counterparts.
On Instagram, a motorcycle officer currently testing the new suit shared that it’s still uncertain whether this will become the final version.
A unique look is becoming more important
These new uniforms don’t just match in style, they seem to be part of a broader trend in the Netherlands (and perhaps also in Belgium?), where having a unique look is becoming increasingly important. When Ambulancezorg Nederland unveiled new uniforms for healthcare workers in 2019, a distinctive appearance was also cited as one of the main priorities. Instead of large fluorescent yellow panels with turquoise sections, they introduced a design full of unique details, accent colors, and red as an added touch.
We’re now seeing this with the police in both Belgium and the Netherlands. The era of basic fluorescent gear with a few logos and reflective stripes seems to be over. It’s not just about visibility and recognizability anymore, a distinctive design is playing an increasingly important role. At the same time, these new designs aim to convey unity and collegiality.
I’m curious to see which uniform changes these European countries will implement in the coming years. One thing is certain: the standard fluorescent jacket is so 1990s.
Photo: new police uniform, Lubbeek Police Zone (Belgium)
