If I choose a shirt, it's only this one – it's comfortable, airy and really looks great. Together with my son, we appreciate ripstop for its durability and resistance.
Helikon-Tex Defender Mk2 PolyCotton Ripstop Short Sleeve Shirt - Black
Functional and comfortable tactical short sleeve shirt in Black, designed for law enforcement personnel and active individuals who value practical solutions and high-quality workmanship. The loose fit supports natural body movement and works well with a low-profile ballistic vest or IWB (Inside the Waistband) holster.
PolyCotton material reinforced with Rip-Stop
Made from PolyCotton fabric with a weight of 155 g/m2, combining durable cotton and polyester. A 2% addition of elastane provides greater flexibility and wearing comfort. The Rip-Stop weave increases resistance to abrasions and mechanical damage, making the shirt suitable for both field operations and urban conditions.
4 spacious pockets
The design includes 4 spacious chest-level pockets:
- two main ones with flaps and velcro closures, accessible from the top
- two napoleon pockets behind the main ones, closed with lightweight and durable YKK zippers
Button placket, loop, reinforced collar
The main closure is a button placket with a loop for hanging sunglasses. A reinforcement in the front part under the collar prevents curling and enhances the overall appearance when worn.
Key features
- PolyCotton fabric construction reinforced with Rip-Stop
- elastane blend
- fabric weight: 155 g/m2
- loose fit compatible with ballistic vest or IWB holster
- 4 pockets
- YKK zippers
- button placket
- sunglasses loop
- partially reinforced collar
MILITARY is the official distributor of Helikon-Tex.
Helikon-Tex is a European brand established in 1983, combining reliable quality with responsible manufacturing and a strong focus on tactical, military, and outdoor apparel. The brand's product range includes a wide range of products, including clothing, backpacks, bags and various tactical accessories, which have gained popularity among both professionals and outdoor enthusiasts. The offer includes product lines such as Bushcraft - for survival enthusiasts, Law Enforcement - designed for uniformed services, and Range - designed for shooters. The company uses modern camouflage patterns, including MultiCam, ATACS and PenCott, providing effective camouflage in a variety of terrain conditions.
| Color/camouflage | Black |
|---|---|
| Sleeve length | Short |
| Thermoactive | No |
| Material type | Synthetic-natural |
| Gender | Men's |
| Clasp type | Buttons |
| Grammage | 155 g/m2 |
| No | |
| Cut | Loose |
| Weight | 287 g |
| Additional material | 2% elastane |
| Additional material | 40% Polyester |
| Main material | 58% Cotton |
| Number of pockets | 4 |
| Main color | Black |
| Velcro panel | No |
| Manufacturer code | KO-DS2-PR-01- |
| Brand | Helikon-Tex |
| EAN |
PoliCotton fabric is a blend of polyester and cotton fibers featuring the best qualities of both yarns. Polyester provides strength and flexibility, while cotton provides softness and breathability.
Rip-Stop weave protects the fabric from abrasions and tears. It is characterized by additional threads woven in at regular intervals, forming a mesh-like pattern. It provides high strength to the fabric, increases resistance to mechanical damage, especially tears.
Reviews with photos
Review summary
Number of reviews: 70
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Unfortunately, this shirt did not meet my expectations. On the plus side, it has a nice colour and an interesting look, but I see two main flaws that made me decide to return it. Firstly, the cut is a bit strange – size XL is usually right for me (I'm 182 cm tall and weigh 100 kg), but this model is very tight on my back under the arms. The other measurements are okay, but I'm worried that a larger size (XXL) would be too wide in the shoulders. The second downside is the material – it's not very pleasant to the touch, quite stiff and reminds me a bit of a jacket. Although I understand it's a 'Rip-stop' with an admixture of synthetic fibres, I personally prefer softer cotton.
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Good fit and workmanship. I will order more shirts of this model. I bought size L and am very satisfied. I am 1.89 m tall and weigh 90kg.
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Very good shirt, the pockets are excellent. High quality workmanship. I like the proportion of materials. I haven't tested it in intense conditions yet, but it wears comfortably and lightly. Size M fits my height of 176 cm perfectly.
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They arrived quickly, since I ordered two and didn’t have this Pine Green colour. I have shirts of the same type in other colours, they are pleasant and practical. Thank you.
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Great colour. It has a military style feel, but is also perfect for everyday use. The short-sleeved version will be suitable for summer. It is breathable and durable. I definitely recommend it.
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The shirt fits perfectly, it's comfortable, and despite the thicker material, it's also suitable for warmer days. Practical and elegant, it will work in various situations.
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The colour is great. It has a military style, but it's also suitable for everyday outings. The short sleeve is perfect for hot days. The material is breathable and durable. I definitely recommend it.
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Two years ago, I bought a Defender shirt in an olive shade and it still looks like new, though I haven't worn it too often. However, this year the heat has been tough, so I decided that a brighter colour would be better for everyday use. I chose size M again (I'm 176 cm/104 kg) and in over 30°C I wear it to work, for shopping and on walks. Combined with Helikon UTS shorts, the heat doesn’t bother me.
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It looks great and is very smart, a perfectly fitted shirt. This is already my third one. The beautiful, vivid sand colour matches everything. The pockets are very functional and roomy – they easily hold a smartphone and documents. I am 174 cm tall, weigh 100 kg, chest circumference 124 cm, size XXL fits perfectly and there is still enough room to wear another t-shirt underneath, especially the long sleeve version. I am very pleased with this next purchase. I respect MILITARIA PL shop very much for high service quality, individual approach to the customer, reliability and speedy processing.
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The shirt looks superb – elegant and well cut. This is the third in my collection. It stands out with a beautiful sand colour that goes with everything. The functional and spacious pockets can easily fit a phone and documents. At 174 cm, 100 kg, and a chest circumference of 124 cm, XXL is perfect and still leaves enough room to wear a vest or thermal shirt underneath, especially with the long-sleeved variant. I'm very satisfied with this next purchase. I value MILITARIA PL's online shop for its professional, friendly and individual service as well as for its quick order processing.
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This is my first shirt from this brand, so I can’t yet assess its durability, but it is exactly what I expected. I really like it. If it proves itself, I will buy another one, this time with long sleeves. Regarding sizing: I ordered M, the chest measures 56 cm (I'm 176 cm, 79 kg, and 104 cm in the chest). This size is just right, with a bit of room to spare – the smaller size would probably be too tight.
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Very good shirt. The material and stitching quality are top notch. The size matches the table, and the colour looks great. I recommend Helikon products – now I only wear their shirts.
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I really value the Helikon Defender series, I’m used to this cut and the arrangement of the pockets – for me it’s spot on. The shirt is solid, durable, slightly elastic due to the elastane, although not particularly airy. I most often wear it as a second layer on a cotton or thermal t-shirt. It always fits well and it’s hard to look bad in it. For my build (184 cm/100 kg), XL fits me perfectly. I really like the civilian colour.
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This is another purchase after three Defenders with long sleeves. The shirt is comfortable, excellently made and very practical. It proved itself during summer trips to Lower Silesian castles. I sincerely recommend it.
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