For those who carry concealed, what you wear to work or run errands has to be comfortable and hide your firearm. Investing in clothing designed with your weapon in mind is the best way to do this.
Gun-specific garments typically don’t look anything like regular clothes. Instead, they often have a tactical appearance but with added benefits for concealing your gun.
Comfort
In the ever-expanding market of concealed carry clothing and accessories, enthusiasts can now find a diverse range of stylish and functional options to discreetly carry their firearms while maintaining a sense of fashion and comfort. One of the most critical factors in choosing concealed apparel is how comfortable concealed carry clothing is. This is especially true for shirts explicitly designed with concealed carry in mind that have built-in holster pockets under each arm. The pocket holsters prevent the gun from chafing against the body and eliminate the need to wear another shirt over it.
Concealed carry pants should also be comfortable to wear. Many have belt loops designed to accommodate IWB or OWB holsters, and many brands offer pants that look like a pair of slacks but include additional pockets for carrying a tourniquet, extra ammunition, and more.
A concealed carry vest can be an excellent option for both men and women. These vests have pockets that can hold a handgun carried in a waistband holster or compression-brief style holster, and they are often made from sweat-wicking and durable materials, which will help the holder stay cool and dry while wearing their firearm.
Style
Whether you carry inside the waistband (IWB) or outside the waistband (OWB), your clothes play a significant role in concealing your firearm. The goal is to hide your gun and avoid exposing the telltale bumps and bulges that can give away your concealed weapon.
Many shirts designed with concealed carry in mind have extra pockets and come in dark colors or camo patterns to help disguise the presence of your firearm. But there are better approaches to concealed carry than focusing on making your gun invisible to others; you also want to be able to quickly and easily access it in an emergency.
An excellent way to do this is to use a concealed carry vest, especially one that is lightweight and designed to support the weight of a loaded handgun. The type of vest is popular with photographers and safari travelers works well for this, as it is long enough to conceal holsters at the waist, thick enough to disguise bulges, and has plenty of pockets for a spare gun mag and other gear.
Concealment
If you carry a concealed firearm in a waistband or shoulder holster, you have numerous options for clothing that will allow you to hide the weapon without printing or the outline of the gun showing through the shirt. Many shirts designed with concealed carry in mind have dark colors and busy patterns that work against the human eye, hiding the telltale bumps and bulges that can signal the presence of a firearm.
Likewise, many dress clothes, like skirts and dresses, are designed with concealed carry in mind, so they have belt loops that fit a standard 1.5″ gun belt. In cooler weather, a sweater or hoodie can offer good concealment, though it’s essential to be careful about choosing one too loose; it could become distracting as you reach behind your back to clear and draw the weapon. Also, some longer jackets like bomber or parka-style jackets can make it difficult to access a handgun if you need to clear the cover garment to react to an emergency quickly.
Functionality
Proper clothing is essential for those who prefer to carry it inside the waistband. Finding a pair of pants with belt loops and an adjustable band that allows the holster to be securely placed in the correct position is critical. Dedicated concealed carry clothing can also be found that is designed to have extra pockets for taking or built-in holsters to help you carry IWB without compromising on comfort or style.
Aside from choosing pants and a shirt that will allow for easy IWB holster placement, other considerations may include the choice of a cover garment. These garments have a blazer, vest, jacket, or cardigan and are worn over the top of your shirt. They can help to conceal any printing or bulges caused by the firearm and can be easily removed in a hurry should you need to access your weapon.
Another option is to choose a peplum or ruffle-hem shirt that flares out as it hits your waistline, helping to hide the pistol and reduce printing. Concealment purses that can be carried off-body and have a dedicated pocket for a concealed handgun are available.