Identity area
Reference code
Title
Date(s)
- 2004 (Creation)
Level of description
Extent and medium
Context area
Name of creator
Administrative history
Garmentec 2021–present
KIT Design was founded in Chesterfield, Derbyshire in 1998. The company worked in partnership with the Metropolitan Police to develop a range of ‘fit for purpose’ high-performance work uniforms and clothing in response to a demand for advanced technical clothing specifically within the UK police force. In 2000, following the delivery of custom-made police cycling uniforms throughout the UK, the company expanded into other areas of technical workwear. This included the development of the X-Form equipment vest. KIT Design moved to the premises of Sheffield uniform company Style Workwear in 2014. Style Workwear rebranded to Style Uniforms in 2017, and a parent company called Garmentec was established. In 2021, Style Uniforms and KIT Design formally merged to become Garmentec, the parent company’s new name.
Source: garmentec.co.uk.
Repository
Archival history
Immediate source of acquisition or transfer
Content and structure area
Scope and content
Style: 427B
Size: Large
Country of Design: United Kingdom.
Appraisal, destruction and scheduling
Accruals
System of arrangement
Conditions of access and use area
Conditions governing access
Conditions governing reproduction
Language of material
Script of material
Language and script notes
Physical characteristics and technical requirements
Finding aids
Allied materials area
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Existence and location of copies
Related units of description
Notes area
Note
Invisible Men exhibition label:
TASER TRAINING SUIT
Kit Design Technical Wear
2004
Introduced to the United Kingdom in 2003, the Taser stun gun was initially restricted to firearms officers in five police forces, before being authorised for use throughout England and Wales. This protective suit was designed to be worn during police Taser deployment training and is padded to protect against the standard Taser training rounds.
Synthetics
Archive no. 2017.065.1 and 2017.065.2
Note
From Inside the Westminster Menswear Archive:
TASER TRAINING JACKET
KIT Design
2004
When the Taser stun gun was first introduced to the UK in 2003, its use was restricted to firearms officers in five police forces before later being approved for use throughout England and Wales. This jacket is part of a suit that was designed in conjunction with the Taser Practitioner Group. It
was created to be worn during police Taser deployment training and is padded to provide protection against standard Taser training rounds. It allows the wearer to run, fight and function as near as possible to a person unencumbered by safety gear. Before being authorized to use a Taser, police officers complete a minimum of eighteen hours of training. Taser training builds on an officer’s prior training and experience with the use of force, decision-making, officer safety and first aid.
Synthetics
Archive no. 2017.065.1