Some 10,500 gardaí are this Friday to start wearing a new uniform, which will cost an estimated €5 million to fit out and supply.
Garda Commissioner Noel Conroy will introduce the uniform tomorrow. It includes a waterproof jacket, an inner "windstopper" fleece, and a new shirt with chevrons on the right sleeve for sergeants.
The amount of clothing allocated with the uniform has been described as "mean spirited" by the Garda Representative Association (GRA).
It says its members are to receive just four shirts - two for summer and two for winter - and two pairs of trousers, prompting hygiene concerns. The cap will remain the same although there will be a new cap badge.
The Garda press office said members will also wear a leather belt with brass buckle and Garda crest, Goretex safety boots, and a utility belt to hold handcuffs, baton and other equipment.
GRA president Dermot O'Donnell welcomed the new uniform but added: "It is being done once again in a mean-spirited fashion that has become a hallmark of this Government's approach to Garda resources.