How Class M actually works in practice, per Procedure 1502-8 (revised October 2025).
The intent
The maternity work uniform is designed to give pregnant employees the option to maintain a professional, uniformed presence while engaging in CAL FIRE business — and to do that comfortably throughout pregnancy.
Class M is optional. A pregnant employee otherwise authorized to wear a Class B uniform may choose Class M, or may continue with Class B if it still fits, or may use one of the alternate options below.
Authorization
- Unit Chief or Program Chief authorizes the Class M maternity work uniform as an additional uniform option for pregnant employees, AND authorizes business-casual work wear as an option.
- Supervisors may authorize the Class M maternity work uniform (Option 1 below); the Class M uniform can substitute for the polo shirt per 1500 specification. Supervisors may also authorize business-casual work wear (Option 3 below).
The three options
Option 1 — Maternity-modified Class B Administrative
The current Class B administrative uniform with maternity modifications: - Customizable side panels on the shirt - Pants with stretch panel
This is the most "uniform" of the three options. Shirts and trousers are Elbeco 100% Wool LAPD with -M SKU suffixes (#5237-M, #537-M, E8923R-M). See the Class M Purchasing Guide article for complete SKUs.
Option 2 — Approved polo shirt + maternity-modified Class B trousers
- Approved polo shirt (per Optional Items Purchasing Guide — see below)
- Current Class B administrative pants with maternity modifications (customizable side panels and pants with stretch panel)
The polo replaces the wool admin shirt — easier wear during pregnancy. Pants stay maternity-modified Class B.
Approved polos (Optional Items Purchasing Guide):
- 5.11 Tactical Polo 71049
- Elbeco Tactical Polo K5134
- Blauer Performance Shirt 8472
- First Tactical Performance SS Polo M 112509-729 / F 122509-729; LS M 111503-729 / F 121503-729
Option 3 — Business casual attire
- Authorized as an option for pregnant employees
- Must be authorized by the Unit Chief / Program Chief or Supervisor
When neither uniform option works comfortably, business-casual is the third permitted path.
When Class M applies
Class M is appropriate for the same kinds of activities as Class B Administrative: - Public-relations activities - Office tasks - Fire-prevention programs - Training sessions - Meetings, special events - Where there is no expectation of emergency response
For environments where emergency response is expected, Class M does not apply — Class B's "no expectation of emergency response" boundary carries over.
Insignia
Class M follows the Class B Administrative insignia rules. Required: uniform patches, collar brass, badge, nameplate. Optional: rank insignia badge, flag pin, EMS pin, union pin, honor guard pin, local cooperative, aviator wings, FTO, hazmat, IMT, unit/program. One pin at a time.
Sourcing
All Risk Uniforms stocks the items needed for all three Class M options: the maternity-modified Elbeco 100% wool LAPD admin shirts and trouser (#5237-M, #537-M, E8923R-M) for Option 1, and the approved polo shirts (5.11 71049, Elbeco K5134, Blauer 8472, First Tactical 112509-729 / 122509-729 / 111503-729 / 121503-729) for Option 2.
Source
Procedure 1502-8 — Class M "Maternity" Administrative Uniform and Insignia Display Procedures, revised October 2025. Companion: Class M "Maternity" Purchasing Guide (revised October 2025). Polo shirt manufacturers: Optional Uniform Items Purchasing Guide (revised October 2025).
