Propper is a manufacturer of clothing and gear for tactical, law enforcement, EMS, fire services, coast guard, air force, public safety, and military applications. Since 1967, it has been one of the main uniform suppliers to the United States military. The company has supplied over 160 million garments to the U.S. Department of Defense, making it the leading supplier in terms of volume to the U.S. Armed Forces. The company is based in St. Charles, Missouri, and operates as both a government contractor and a commercial supplier.
Propper International was founded in 1967 by William S. Propper and landed its first government contract with the U.S. Navy, manufacturing the iconic white sailor caps known as "Dixie cups."[1] As one of the largest official suppliers to the United States armed forces, Propper International has manufactured over 160 million garments for the U.S. Department of Defense – Army, Air Force, Navy, Marines, Coast Guard and Special Forces.[2] Propper also manufactures apparel for the commercial military, tactical, law enforcement, and public safety markets and sells through both dealer/retailer channels and online through e-commerce.[3] Propper commercial products are distributed through more than 3,000 military and law enforcement and specialty retail stores and websites across the country.
In 2015, the company began offering boots, expanding beyond its traditional uniform manufacturing. Additionally, Propper International operates eight manufacturing facilities in Puerto Rico, including two in Cabo Rojo (Reto 1 and Reto 2), three in Mayagüez (Mayagüez 1, Mayagüez 2, and Equa), and locations in Lajas, Adjuntas, and Las Marías (Hunca Munca). The Cabo Rojo facilities serve as the primary production hub, collectively producing around 200,000 units monthly with a global workforce exceeding 1,000 employees.
In 2023, the company integrated Coats Digital's GSDCost solution into its manufacturing processes. This technological upgrade is projected to improve production efficiency by 3 to 7 percent.
Products
Propper's core product has always been the current standard issue U.S. military uniform. More recently, they expanded their product line to include clothing for law enforcement officers, firefighters and emergency medical personnel.
Military
Propper is a prime contractor in nearly every branch of the U.S. military. In 2015 the company began offering boots.[4]
Flame-Resistant Army Combat Uniform (FR ACU) (Army)
NFPA-Compliant Airman Battle Uniform (Air Force)
Foul Weather Parka II (Coast Guard)
Foul Weather Liner II (Coast Guard)
Law Enforcement
Propper introduced a full line of body armour for military and law enforcement use in January 2016. The 4PV, in both men's and women's versions, offers wearers better comfort and protection than the typical "clamshell" two-panel design found in most other body armour. In addition to concealable body armor, Propper also introduced a full range of tactical body armor with ballistic plates front and back for added protection to meet NIJ threat level standards.[6]
In addition to armor, Propper also provides a full range of police uniforms, tactical pants, and tactical bags.[7] One bag, the UC Pack, is based on the Marine Corps FILBE complete with MOLLE attachment points and extensive use of hook and loop fasteners.[8]
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