Let’s be honest … while the options have definitely improved over the years, concealed carry clothing and gear still have a long way to go. Whether it’s clothing designed to work effectively with different carry methods or accessories meant to support them, the choices often fall at opposite ends of the spectrum. You’re either looking at gear that feels more like a novelty item or a slightly altered version of something originally made for a completely different body type.
As manufacturers continue to expand their product lines, we’ve gathered a few practical, comfortable pieces that many have come to rely on during the warmest summer months, including several that fellow industry professionals or I personally use and recommend regularly.
Why Summer Concealed Carry Can Be Challenging
For many concealed carriers, summer presents a unique set of challenges. During the colder months, jackets, sweatshirts and layered clothing make it relatively easy to conceal a firearm. Once temperatures climb, however, those extra layers disappear, leaving fewer options for effectively hiding a handgun.
Lightweight fabrics, fitted clothing and shorter hemlines can all increase the likelihood of printing, while heat and humidity can make carrying a firearm downright uncomfortable if your gear isn’t up to the task. Add in outdoor activities such as hiking, boating, backyard barbecues and trips to the beach, and it becomes clear why many people rethink their carry setup once summer arrives.
The good news is that carrying concealed in hot weather doesn’t have to mean sacrificing comfort or leaving your firearm at home. With the right combination of clothing, holster selection and firearm choice, it’s entirely possible to stay armed while remaining comfortable and discreet.
Tips for Concealed Carry in Hot Weather
When it comes to summer carry, success often comes down to making small adjustments rather than completely reinventing your setup. A few thoughtful changes can make a significant difference in both comfort and concealment.
- Choose lightweight clothing.
Breathable fabrics and lightweight materials help keep you cool while also reducing bulk. Look for clothing that offers a bit of stretch and flexibility. Loose-fitting garments can also help break up the outline of your firearm. - Use patterns to reduce printing.
Solid-colored shirts can sometimes make even minor printing more noticeable. Patterns, textures and prints naturally disrupt visual outlines, helping conceal any telltale signs that a firearm may be tucked underneath.
This is one reason patterned button-up shirts remain a popular choice among concealed carriers during warmer months. They provide airflow, comfort and an added layer of visual camouflage. - Consider pocket carry.
Summer clothing often limits traditional carry methods, particularly when tank tops, athletic wear or lightweight casual attire are involved. In these situations, pocket carry can become a practical alternative. A quality pocket holster helps keep the firearm properly oriented, protects the trigger and minimizes printing. - Carry a smaller firearm.
Many concealed carriers find themselves downsizing during the summer months.
Having a smaller firearm available for seasonal use can make carrying more comfortable and realistic when temperatures soar. Modern micro-compacts offer impressive capacity and shootability while remaining easy to conceal in lighter clothing.
Best Summer Concealed Carry Clothing
Girls With Guns: Carbine Short
There always seems to be that one piece of elusive gear or clothing. For me, that item was a good pair of range shorts. I didn’t need anything fancy, just a good pair of comfortable shorts that were in between casual, day-to-day shorts (which can be on the shorter side for many ladies) and what I could currently find on the market for “women’s range shorts” (which tend to be knee-length and not necessarily flattering).
The Carbine Short from GWG proved to be the holy grail of range shorts. Hitting at a length that falls above the knee, this poly-spandex blend allowed for maximum movement without feeling “bound up.” One of my favorite features of this short is the adjustable waistband tabs, which allow for a tighter or looser fit with a simple adjustment of the Velcro. I found this particularly handy, as it allows for additional room to account for IWB carry or a particularly heavy dinner the night before!
5.11: Staycation Shirt
Father’s Day will be here before you know it, and whether you buy this shirt as a gift or even a treat for yourself, you won’t be disappointed. Ideal for a BBQ at home or for wearing while on vacation, the Staycation shirt from 5.11 features a fun, lively tropical-themed pattern. Not only does this shirt look good, but the busy pattern also quite effectively hides any printing that may be going on with your carry gun tucked away underneath. Featuring UPF 50 protection and a lightweight, moisture-wicking fabric, this shirt is designed to keep you cool on even the hottest, most humid summer days.
LA Police Gear: Stretch Ops Women’s Tactical Pants
The Stretch Ops Women’s Tactical Pants have proved to be the ultimate in comfort and affordability. Founded in 2001 in … you guessed it … Los Angeles, LA Police Gear offers a wide array of products from dozens of other well-known brands.
But the hidden gem of this company is its house brand, which offers a wide range of quality items, such as these pants. Constructed from polycotton ripstop fabric, the pants are lightweight and offer optimal stretch, making them ideal for a run-and-gun match.
The lightweight flex of these pants has made them my go-to summer option when shorts aren’t an option. There are plenty of pockets, which I most often use for a multi-tool, spare mags, and more. Lastly, these pants are available in sizes 0 to 24, seven different color options, and three inseam lengths.
Summer Accessories to Improve Comfort on the Range
Notch: Classic Adjustable Ponytail Hat
Having hair blow into your face is a serious pain in the but when shooting, especially since it always seems to happen at the most inopportune times. Should you have hair long enough to pull back into a ponytail, Notch’s ponytail hat is a must-have addition to your wardrobe. Two distinct features set this hat apart from others. The first feature is the two notches in the rim that allow for a comfortable fit with eye protection. The second feature of note leading to this item’s popularity is the thoughtfully placed opening at the top rearward portion of the hat. Here, the wearer can pull their ponytail through, keeping their hair not only out of the way but also off the back of their neck. While this seems like a small and simple feature, it is undeniably appreciated when temperatures have risen, and the sun beats down on the firing line.
Best Holster Options for Summer Carry
DeSantis: Super Fly Pocket Holster
Just because you may be shedding clothing to stay cool as the temperatures skyrocket doesn’t mean you have to forgo bringing your carry gun along for the ride.
Let’s say, for example, you are enjoying a day outside sporting a tank top, board shorts, and your favorite pair of slides. With this sort of ensemble, there’s little room for holster options that won’t jump out at those passing by, screaming, “Look at me, I have a gun”.
The Super Fly pocket holster from DeSantis features a sticky, rubberized exterior that grabs onto the interior of your pocket, refusing to let go. Additional steps were taken to the holster’s design to aid printing, with an outer flap that you can either remove or reverse in position. The material on the inside portion of the holster is slick, resulting in a smooth, effortless draw of the gun.
As with any carry method, consistency and practice are important. Drawing from a pocket requires a different motion than drawing from the waistband, so be sure to spend time training with your chosen setup before relying on it for everyday carry.
Choosing the Right Summer Carry Gun
Why Many Carriers Downsize in the Summer
Chances are, during the dead of summer, you’re not inclined to carry the same firearm that you’d carry in the winter months, when it is much easier to conceal. Many carriers choose to transition to a smaller firearm during the warmer months. The reasoning is simple: lighter clothing provides less concealment, and a smaller handgun is often easier to carry comfortably throughout the day.
Fortunately, today’s micro-compact pistols offer far more capability than many of the small carry guns of years past. Improved ergonomics, increased magazine capacity and enhanced sights have made these firearms a viable option for those seeking a balance between concealability and performance.
The key is selecting a firearm that you can comfortably carry, shoot accurately and consistently keep on your person. After all, the firearm left at home because it’s uncomfortable to carry isn’t doing you much good.
Smith & Wesson Bodyguard 2.0
The Bodyguard 2.0 Carry Comp is one of Smith & Wesson’s newer releases. Chambered in .380 ACP, this micro-compact handgun has an overall length of 5.5 inches, with a width of less than an inch. Not only that, but it is extremely lightweight, weighing a mere 9.8 ounces.
Despite being as small as it is, it still has a capacity of ten or twelve rounds, depending on whether you’re using the extended-for-flush-fit magazine.
As a bonus, DeSantis offers a Super Fly Pocket Holster that fits this exact model, making it a perfect holster pairing for anyone looking for the ultimate in lightweight summer carry.
Building a Comfortable Summer Concealed Carry Setup
Summer concealed carry presents a few additional challenges, but none that can’t be overcome with the right gear and a little planning. Whether that means choosing clothing designed to work with your carry setup, switching to a pocket holster or downsizing to a more compact firearm, there are plenty of ways to stay comfortable without sacrificing preparedness.
The products highlighted here represent a handful of practical solutions that can help make carrying during the hottest months of the year a little easier.
