When it comes to the concealed carry lifestyle, your firearm and your holster are clearly the main focus, and your mindset will be a key factor to success. But beyond that, your clothing can definitely play a major role. In fact, clothing is the area in which you may have to make the biggest compromises to be able to carry your firearm safely, comfortably and effectively. Luckily, garments can be pretty easily added, altered, swapped or changed. Even so, there are some tried-and-true tips and techniques to help you accomplish this … with hopefully little to no printing. Try some of these ideas on for size!
Whenever possible, wear thicker fabrics. These are much more forgiving than thinner types and can help conceal your firearm more easily because they won’t easily cling or conform to the shape of your gun and holster.
- Prints and patterns can be very effective for concealed carry, and oftentimes, the bolder and brighter, the better! Different colors and styles — from florals and cheetah prints to camouflage and stripes — can fool the eye and help disguise the shape or outline of a firearm.
- Invest in a good belt. Remember that if you are planning to use a holster that requires a belt, you need to have one that’s sturdy and durable. Many people will say that a good belt is the centerpiece of effective concealed carry gear. So look for a quality product with structure and support that is meant to hold the weight and heft of a holstered gun. Otherwise, the belt may bend, loosen or crease, which could cause the gun to shift or even fall.
- Select a top, sweater or outerwear that incorporates ruffles, layers or tiers. These fun fashion elements add depth, dimension and texture, which can effectively help mask printing from your holster or firearm.
- Wear longer clothing. Choose tops that have a bit more length to them so you don’t have to worry about your gun peeking out if you bend over to pick something up or if you reach up to get something. Sometimes your clothes look just right when you’re standing static in front of a mirror, but things can quickly change when you add in the normal movements of everyday life … and suddenly the simple act of getting into your car or picking up a child exposes your no-longer-concealed carry gun.
- Wear looser clothing. That’s right … you have permission to buy a size larger than normal or to NOT tuck in your shirt! Oftentimes, especially in warm weather, keeping your clothing looser will be key to keeping your carry gun concealed.
- Tuck in only one side of a button-down blouse, cardigan or shirt. A loose front tuck or half tuck of the bottom of your garment creates an asymmetrical look that can not only give your silhouette a waist, it can also keep your holstered gun from being spotted.
- Note that ruching is your friend. Clothing that uses a ruched design around the waistband area features fabric that is gathered in a repeating pattern to form pleats, scallops, ripples or petals. These three-dimensional layers are excellent for breaking up the pattern of a concealed firearm.
- Use layers. This works easiest and best in colder weather, of course, but you can start with a lightweight and more form-fitting undershirt or a tank top before layering on a polo, sweater, blouse, blazer or jacket. Remember that each layer added can subtract from the possibility of someone spotting your holster or your gun.
