Photos courtesy 5.11 Tactical
Traditional jackets pose significant challenges for those of us who carry concealed firearms and other everyday carry (EDC) gear regularly. 5.11® has sought to change this with the introduction its highly anticipated 5.11 Founder’s Jacket, the first-ever technical blazer designed in partnership with armed professionals. It’s set to redefine what professional apparel can do, combining C-suite style with much needed practical features. It provides quick and easy access to all your essentials without advertising what you’re carrying
The development of the 5.11 Founder’s Jacket has long been a visionary project for Francisco J. Morales, 5.11’s co-founder, former CEO, and current Executive Chairman. Known for pushing boundaries in technical innovation, Morales drew on decades of experience in the industry and poured his vision and expertise into creating this jacket in partnership with the 5.11 Product Team and world-class teams of executive security professionals, representatives of government agencies, and seasoned international travelers.
The result is a performance blazer designed for ultimate versatility: It’s a garment you can keep rolled up in a bag and, on a moment’s notice, put on to look professional. Importantly, this blazer is engineered for convenience without compromise, as it’s fully home washable and ready to go back into service without sacrificing quality or performance.
Design and Features
The 5.11 Founder’s Jacket is crafted from a superb stretch double-weave polyester with a Durable Water Repellent (DWR) finish, ensuring it remains wrinkle-resistant and durable. The jacket’s lining is made of lightweight dobby nylon, providing excellent abrasion resistance.
The jacket’s body is made from a lightweight fabric blend of 89% polyester and 11% elastane, weighing 5.54 oz/yd², and features a DWR C0 finish The body lining is made of 100% nylon dobby, weighing 1.47 oz/yd², and features ANTI-UV and DWR C0 properties This combination of materials ensures that the jacket looks great straight out of your home laundry or after professional laundering and pressing.
DWR C0 is a type of Durable Water Repellent finish that is free from PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances), also known as “forever chemicals.” It provides effective water repellency while significantly reducing or eliminating the environmental and health risks associated with traditional DWR treatments that contain PFAS.
While the 5.11 Founder’s Jacket may present a refined and understated exterior, it is engineered with a multitude of tactical features to enhance both functionality and convenience. The jacket’s silhouette helps prevent printing, making it ideal for concealed carry. It includes two external patch dump pockets for quick access to items and an external chest patch pocket that adds to its stylish appearance. The jacket is single-vented, which makes sense for concealed carry. A double vent would be vulnerable to exposing the firearm when carrying in the 4- or 5 o’clock position. The jacket is finished with two melamine buttons at the center front closure for durability and style, and a buttonhole at the wearer’s left lapel for a touch of classic elegance.
The 5.11 Founder’s Jacket combines a refined, understated appearance with a range of tactical features designed for both functionality and convenience. Its tailored silhouette minimizes printing, making it a practical choice for concealed carry. The jacket features two external patch dump pockets for quick access and an external chest patch pocket, enhancing its stylish look. Additionally, the front closure is secured with two durable melamine buttons, and a buttonhole on the left lapel adds a classic touch of elegance.
The jacket was designed without sleeve buttons, which could be either a cost-saving measure or a deliberate styling choice. Whatever the reason, it’s not a deal-breaker, as this is ultimately a casual jacket
For added practicality, the jacket incorporates a hybrid single vent—a thoughtful design for concealed carry. While a double vent may risk exposing a firearm carried in the 4 or 5 o’clock position, the single vent is sewn together at the bottom, offering the mobility of a traditional single vent while ensuring full coverage.
The interior of the 5.11 Founder’s Jacket features integrated comms routing with elastic loops for discreet management of communication devices, and elastic PALS webbing to provide secure attachment points for essential gear that won’t fit in the pockets. And there are a lot of pockets.
The pockets include two interior vertically-zippered chest pockets for secure storage, three interior drop pockets, including a buttoned0pocket in the chest and two “phone pockets” in the waist with 5.11’s elastic Ready Loop™ feature to keep contents in place, an interior pen loop ensure you always have a pen handy, and hidden cuff key pockets in the back vent and center front button to stow handcuff keys and/or other small e&e tools when operating in hostile areas or non-permissive environments to get you out of a jamb, ans a flex-cuff channel..
Practical Style
The 5.11 Founder’s Jacket is ideal for scenarios where you need to look professional while staying prepared, keeping essentials close, and for everyday wear where you can enjoy the perfect blend of style and tactical functionality. Business casual goes tactical.
The 5.11 Founder’s Jacket is an excellent choice for business travelers, thanks to its wrinkle-resistant fabric that ensures you look sharp from the moment you step off the plane to your return trip home, as well as all the pockets. I wadded up the jacket and shoved it in a gym bag for a few days, It came out wrinkle free. The stretch material provides unparalleled comfort, making it perfect for long flights and busy days.
The DWR finish offers excellent stain resistance, ensuring you stay looking polished no matter what the day throws at you. Additionally, the ease of at-home (or away) laundering means you can keep the jacket in top condition without the hassle of dry cleaning.
The 5.11 Founder’s Jacket offers an excellent range of motion and stretch benefits. The jacket’s stretch double-weave polyester fabric allows for unrestricted movement, ensuring that professionals can perform their duties without feeling constrained. Whether reaching for equipment, drawing a concealed weapon, or engaging in physical activities, the jacket’s flexible material adapts to the wearer’s movements, providing both comfort and functionality.
I’ve worn the jacket through numerous training drills, and it has never restricted my movements. The jacket moves seamlessly with me. There is no binding and no bunching in the shoulders during pistol presentation.
This enhanced mobility is particularly beneficial for law enforcement officers, protective details, and undercover operatives, who require agility. The jacket’s design ensures that it remains comfortable and practical, even during extended wear, making it an essential piece of gear for armed professionals who need to stay prepared and perform at their best.
The 5.11 Founder’s Jacket seamlessly integrates into any wardrobe, delivering the style you deserve with the substance you demand. Its combination of professional appearance and practical features makes it a versatile and valuable addition to your clothing collection. Whether you pair it with slacks for a more formal look or dress it down with a tee and sneakers for a more casual vibe, this jacket adapts to any occasion.
Final Thoughts
The 5.11 Founder’s Jacket sets a new standard for business professionals who carry and plainclothes officers and executive protection professionals who need to blend in with comfort and confidence. Its combination of tactical features and business casual appearance makes it a valuable addition to any wardrobe. It offers exceptional functionality.
The 5.11 Founder’s Jacket is available in two classic colors: Dark Navy and Black. I opted for the dark navy. A navy blazer is an iconic piece in menswear, known for its timeless appeal. Not only does it look fantastic, but it’s also one of the most versatile items in a man’s wardrobe, effortlessly bridging the gap between smart and casual attire.
The jacket comes in a wide range of sizes, from Small to 3XL, catering to various body types and ensuring a comfortable fit for everyone. The jacket is offered in both Regular and Tall lengths. Priced at $160.00 for Regular and $194.00 for Tall, the 5.11 Founder’s Jacket offers excellent value for its combination of style, functionality, and durability. It’s a winner.
Source
5.11
511tactical.com
Material Disclosure
I received this product as a courtesy from the manufacturer so I could test it and give my honest feedback. I am not bound by any written, verbal or implied contract to give this product a good review. All opinions are my own and are based off my personal experience with the product
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