Clothing Considerations for Concealed Carry

Concealed Carry with IWB Holster

You’ve made the commitment to carry a concealed weapon for your own protection. That is great, but how do you make this work in your day to day lives? Carrying a weapon makes choosing what to wear just a tad bit more difficult.  The variables in deciding how to change your wardrobe are pretty immense and I don’t surmise that we will cover everything in this article, however there are some universal ideas that can be applied to all manner of dress.

In the winter in a colder climate the options are pretty wide open. With big winter jackets and extra clothing, concealing your handgun becomes fairly easy. The first option to consider is an IWB or Inside the Waist Band holster. When combined with a leather or tactical belt, the IWB becomes a great way to conceal your carry weapon. Finding a place around the waist that is comfortable is all personal preference, however most people choose to wear the IWB holster on the hip or slightly rotated towards the back. Material choice is also personal preference, however getting a nice leather holster will form to the shape of your body and will invariably be the most comfortable over the long haul.

If you have chosen a small concealed carry weapon along the lines of the Ruger LCP, Sig Sauer P238, Diamond Back 380 or other gun similar in size, then a pocket holster becomes an option. Carrying your weapon in your front pocket makes clothing choices fairly straight simple. If the weapon will fit in your front pocket without becoming obvious or a nuisance, then no problem.

Summertime concealment can be particularly frustrating, however there is some help available. Several companies, including 5.11 Tactical and ScotteVest make some great clothes that are both very comfortable and very functional. They include extra pockets and deep concealment areas ideal for tactical and concealed carry circumstances. Some people may prefer to carry their weapon in a fanny pack or backpack which is acceptable as well and is a matter of personal style and taste.

Ankle holsters wouldn’t be my first choice for concealment because accessibility becomes a problem, however if that is what you are comfortable with and it is an ankle holster or nothing, then by all means use an ankle holster. Many law enforcement professionals will use and ankle holster as perhaps a second or even third weapon.

Ladies clothing choices are ripe for an entire additional article, however some of the same principles apply. Women have the added advantage that carrying a purse or handbag is an acceptable accessory and it a terrific place to keep a concealed weapon.

Whatever you decide to wear be sure it is comfortable and not revealing to the fact that you are carrying. If you are comfortable, you will be more likely to carry and will have a better chance at survival when things get dangerous.