An innovative police cape based on those worn by officers in Victorian times has proved a winning design in a competition to help shape new uniforms.
London College of Fashion students were asked to come up with designs as part of a review by the Metropolitan (Met) Police into men and women's uniforms.
The winning women's design included trousers that can be adjusted to be worn high or low on the hip.
Experts will now consider whether the designs can go into production.
Eight designs were shortlisted in the competition and paraded before senior officers on Monday.
Most of the ideas focused on improving fine details of uniforms such as accessories, pockets, collars, ties and belts.
"I would like to think we will see a London police officer wearing our cape"Alice Burkitt, 20, whose team of five won the men's competition, said: "I would like to think we will see a London police officer wearing our cape.
"It would be great if that worked."
They used waterproof yellow fluorescent fabric and reflective material to make the cape fit for the 21st Century.
Dep Ass Com Steve Roberts said: "It is an idea brought back to life. It's something we can see officers wearing."
Women's winner Jude Cunningham, 21, said many officers complained about uncomfortable uniforms to her.
She said: "I spoke to a lot of women police officers who wanted lower waists that would be more comfortable."
The Met has been working with the students over the last few months to develop "practical" concepts which could be fed into the uniform review.
A basic police uniform contains 28 different items and the review of all 2,000 pieces of Met uniform is expected to continue until September.
^ Back to top | BBC Sport Home | BBC Homepage | Contact us | Help | ©
~RS~q~RS~~RS~z~RS~25~RS~)