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The Top 7 Combat Shirts; Increase your comfort to increase your lethality!

In this article, we reviewed 7 of the top MilSim combat shirts available today. We assessed these shirts by durability, comfort, fit, color retention, and overall value.

1. Tru-Spec 65/35 Polyester/Cotton Rip-Stop 1/4 Zip Tactical Response Combat Shirt Olive Drab/Olive Drab Medium

The Tru-Spec 65/35 Polyester/Cotton Rip-Stop 1/4 Zip Tactical Response Combat Shirt Olive Drab/Olive Drab Medium utilizes hook and loop closures on both arms with which have sturdy construction. The patch panels located on both soldiers are also very sturdy and hold up to constant patch removal and washes. The front zipper closure gives a less restrictive fit during especially hot days. The Polyester and Cotton blend is comfortable but may be slightly hotter than some of the other shirts on this list. The sleeves have handy pencil stalls for pens, cuff keys, your Juul, or whatever you choose to place in them.

The Reinforced elbow and shoulder pockets are great for documents as required for each mission. The sleeves are also wide enough to fold inward or outward or to “wizard sleeve,” on hot days. This combat shirt is available in many popular patterns such as Multicam and Atacs-Au. Overall, this well-made combat shirt is a great value and a great buy for MilSim and military applications.

2. Condor Combat Shirt

The Condor Combat Shirt has 100 % Polyester Sleeves and collar. The lightweight portion utilizes a poly/cotton/spandex blend. I personally found this blend comfortable enough to wear underneath a plate carrier for long periods of time, yet there are other shirts that were slightly cooler to me. The “Raglan” sleeves have improved range of motion and two bicep pockets with zipper closures. Both arms have reinforced shoulder patch panels which do hold up to multiple patch removals and washes quite well. Mesh-lined collars assist with the abrasion caused by plate carriers. This mesh is also located on the underarms for better ventilation. The forearms utilize an abrasion resistant texture which will keep your shirt from ripping when moving in prone or low crawling.

The large cuffs are hook and loop adjustable and plenty wide for folding inward or outward for comfort. Overall, this is one of my favorite combat tees around. The Reinforced elbow and shoulder pockets are great for documents as required for each mission. The sleeves are also wide enough to fold inward or outward or to “wizard sleeve,” on hot days. This combat shirt is available in many popular patterns such as Multicam and Atacs-Au. Overall, this well-made combat shirt is a great value and a great buy for MilSim and military applications.

3. 5.11 Tactical 72185 TDU Rapid Assault Long Sleeve Shirt

5.11 has become synonymous with high quality and the 5.11 Tactical 72185 TDU Rapid Assault Long Sleeve Shirt does not veer from this distinction. This particular shirt shares many aesthetics with the Condor combat shirt mentioned in this article. However, I found that the stitching on the 5.11 was a little bit sturdier, utilizing double stitching in more places. The Cotton/Poly/Spandex blend is quite comfortable on the body. A mesh with a similar blend, (less Spandex) is utilized on the armpits and around the neck for added comfort.

The Sleeves and Collar utilize a Cotton/Poly ripstop material which is noticeably lighter than some other shirts on this list. Both arms have full sized shoulder patch panels and reinforced elbows for durability. Although, there is no texture like some of the other shirts on this list. The front zipper zips up all the way for increased neck protection. The shit also has pockets on both shoulders which is accessed horizontally above the patch panel. The shirt does not have pen sleeves, but it has an ample adjustable hook and loop closure around the wrists. Overall, this shirt is very well made, very good looking, and very comfortable.

4. Massif USGI FR COMBAT SHIRT (ACS) Flame Resistant

The Massif USGI FR COMBAT SHIRT (ACS) Flame Resistant combat shirt is nearly identical to my issued shirt. This combat shirt is very comfortable and lightweight throughout. It is very breathable yet I still find myself very sweaty after a long day in high temperatures. The material is the same on the torso and arms and because of this, I find that the patch panels are not as durable of panels which are located on thicker materials. There is definitely a trade-off of durability for comfort, although often times I go for comfort. Ensure that this shirt is washed inside out, and always be careful when removing patches. The right arm has a full-size patch panel, while the left has three separate panels sized for flag, rank, and name tape.

Underneath the patch panels are zippered pockets that come in quite handy and are easily utilized whether using your hands or teeth for assistance. The fire resistant material does have a distinct plastic odor that goes away after several washes. Unlike some of the other shirts, this shirt does not have a zippered front. This doesn’t really bother me and find that the length of the neck is perfect and very comfortable. The reinforced elbow pads utilize a rubberized texture for added durability. Besides the issues with the patch panels, this shirt is one of my favorites on this list.

5. ReFire Gear Men’s Tactical Military Combat Shirt

The ReFire Gear Men’s Tactical Military Combat Shirt is very similar to the combat tees that I have been issued in the military. Many of the aesthetics are the same, however, this particular shirt does have some differences. For example, the front zipper closure on this shirt is nonexistent on my issued ones. I do find the front zipper to be a plus on any combat tee. Unlike other shirts on this list, the same material, 95% Cotton/5% Spandex, is utilized throughout. Let me tell you, this blend is super comfortable. However, I find that I sweat more underneath my plate carrier. Because the arms utilize the same materials as the body, the hook and look patch panels have a tendency to fall apart if you don’t take care of them. The right arm has a full-size patch panel, while the left has three separate panels sized for flag, rank, and name tape.

Underneath the patch panels are zippered pockets that come in quite handy and are easily utilized whether using your hands or teeth for assistance. (If you have ever worn one of these, you will know what I’m talking about.) This shirt also has textured reinforced elbow pads for added comfort. I also appreciate the way the camo pattern is extended on the top portion of the torso and sides for increased camouflage effectiveness while wearing a plate carrier. For the price, this shirt is hard to beat. However, pay special attention to sizing charts when purchasing this shirt.

6. Tru-Spec Combat Shirt

This particular Tru-Spec Combat Shirt utilizes a 50% Nylon/50% cotton blend for phenomenal comfort and breathability. It feels like a comfortable T-shirt after just a few washes. The material is ideal for hot environments. I have personally worn this shirt in 120-degree temps underneath a fully loaded plate carrier; the shirt feels great! Sleeves are longer and wider than some shirts which make them ideal to fold or, “wizard sleeve.” The patterns look great and color retention is excellent after many washes.

Hook and loop patch panels on both arms have ample space for squad patches and job patches. They also appear sturdy and have not ripped from multiple patch removals. The reinforced elbows have pockets for the addition of pads. Although by themselves the elbow area will not offer much protection while in a prone position. I also appreciate the front zipper which allows you to adjust for comfort. Overall, this shirt is reasonably priced and has great bang for your buck.

7. XXKTTAC Tactical-Combat-Airsoft-Military-Shirt

When I see shirts prized this low online, I tend to have my doubts about its durability. While I do not personally own the XXKTTAC Tactical-Combat-Airsoft-Military-Shirt, a close friend of mine does and currently wears it almost every day in temperatures ranging from 90 to 125 degrees. The sleeves utilize a decent ripstop material and the elbows are reinforced for added comfort and have pockets that may be utilized for extra elbow protection. The sleeves are thinner than some other shirts, however, they are still comfortable and can be rolled up if needed. The arm pockets come in handy for all sorts of items that you may require during patrols. The sleeves also utilized a hook and loop closure for adjustment.

Hook and loop patch panels are located on both arms with enough space for the required patches. The body material is 60% cotton / 40% Polyester which is a little hotter than nylon blends but still feels comfortable enough in hotter climates. It also utilizes moisture wicking materials which will keep you drier in hot climates. The lightweight material on the body extends underneath the armpits for added comfort.  The ¼ front zipper zips up fully for full neck coverage. This may add extra protection from the elements or from airsoft pellets and paintballs if you are utilizing it for those activities.