The men and women in blue may be introduced to new lightweight wash-and-wear trousers.

The new pants might not look different, but they will be more practical for police officers.

Trouser pockets and being easy to wash will benefit police compared to the cost of caring for the current dry clean-only version.

In recent years the New Zealand Police operational uniform has evolved with stab resistant body armour (SRBA), new effective shirts and raincoats being introduced to meet the changing environment that police work in.

NZ Police chief media advisor, Grant Ogilvie says police will consider if there are better options appropriate for staff.

'This is part of an on-going process to ensure our staff are using the best equipment, including uniform, from both a safety and practical perspective.”

It is not known when the new pants will be introduced with extensive testing being first priority.

Police will test options with staff in a variety of roles, locations and climates around the country.