While a certain image probably comes to mind when you hear the words “security guard,” the appearance of a security guard can vary widely depending on job site and client requirements. At CERBERUS, we empower our clients to select a uniform option that’s both operationally sound and aesthetically pleasing. Read on to learn more about the various type of uniforms security guards may wear.
Class A
A Class A uniform is the most formal “official” uniform a security guard wears. (A suit is arguable more formal, but is consider a normal garment rather than a type of uniform). Much like the dress uniforms of military and police, it is typically only worn for official functions such as commendation ceremonies or parades. However, it can still be seen in public facing roles in the form of a doorman’s uniform. It is a formal, well-tailored garment consisting of creased dress pants, long sleeved button-down shirt, tie, and matching topcoat. The shoes are black and well-polished, often patent leather. White gloves and a hat are also typically worn to complete the uniform. While we do not receive many requests for Class A uniforms, we can accommodate such requests with sufficient notice.
Class B
The Class B uniform leads the pack as the most common uniform a security guard wears during their career. It is the recognizable uniform that often mirrors that of local law enforcement in cut, style, and overall appearance. It consists of either a long or short-sleeved shirt with military creases and epaulets, a duty belt, creased dress pants, and black shoes or boots. A baseball style cap may also be worn, particularly when working outside under direct sunlight. The uniform is worn with a badge over the left breast pocket and a name tag or company identification over the right breast pocket, both of which help to distinguish the wearer as a professional security guard. The uniform may be of various colors, but all black, all navy, white shirt and khaki/navy pants, or blue shirt and khaki/navy pants are the most common options. By default, CERBERUS guards wear all black Class B uniforms, but this can be modified at the client’s request. This type of uniform is appropriate for most applications and the standard choice unless we and/or the client determine that a different style of uniform is called for.
Class C
The least formal of the three types of uniforms, the Class C uniform is also called a tactical uniform. It consists of a t-shirt or polo-shirt, duty belt, cargo pants, and black duty boots. To the extent that body armor is worn, it is typically worn externally with this type of uniform. The security guard’s tools, both lethal and nonlethal, may also be worn on an external vest rather than around the duty belt. Security guards typically find Class C uniforms to more comfortable to wear for a long period of time as well as less restrictive of bodily movement in the event they need to physically engage with someone. This is why Class C uniforms are typically recommended for high-risk posts such as overnight convenience stores or high-crime apartment complexes, or for sites where interaction with members of the public is minimal, such as warehouses or construction sites. Class C uniforms are not recommended for public facing businesses such as banks, hotels, or most retail stores due their generally “aggressive” appearance, but can be a superb option for certain locations and business types.
Suit
Though not a type of uniform per se, clients also have the option of requesting that the security guard wear a suit or other business dress. This type of outfit can help project a professional image in an office building lobby, hotel, or high end retail store where you may prefer a more subtle security presence.
Plainclothes
While a relatively infrequent choice, covert security can sometimes be the most appropriate way to satisfy your security needs. As the name suggests, a plain clothes security guard will dress is the same way as your employees, customers, or guests in an effort to not be recognized as security at all. This can be useful if you are trying to catch a shoplifting customer or dishonest employee in the act, or as a way to monitor a suspicious person without their knowing. Indeed, Loss Prevention is many retail stores often dress in plain clothes to monitor the activity of shoppers without tipping them off. We can help you determine if a plain clothes security guard is the best choice for your business.