Whether you are a law enforcement officer, a security guard, or an armed civilian, your concealed carry clothing must fit snugly to avoid bouncing around as you move. This can cause your weapon to “print” (show its outline through the fabric), become a safety hazard, and make it difficult to access.
Size
When it comes to concealed carry clothing, the proper size is critical. This is especially true for pants and shorts because they can play a significant role in helping to keep your firearm concealed.
The fit of your clothes should allow you to easily pull the firearm from your holster without sacrificing comfort or mobility. This means you’ll want to choose the best clothes for concealed carry that fits snugly on your waistband and a belt that fits properly.
Pants with belt loops are ideal because they’ll help you add a robust method of holster retention that won’t sag or slip when your weapon is inside the pants. You can also use a holster that hangs outside the waistband, which doesn’t require a belt.
Fabric
Whether you’re choosing a jacket, vest or pants, the fabric weight and fit are essential in how your concealed carry setup looks. Those too lightweight can be difficult to cover and may lead to printing issues with your firearm.
Those that are too tight or loose can also be problematic. It’s a good idea to ask your tailor if they’re willing to alter your clothing to make it more suitable for concealing.
Patterns
The patterns on a shirt can make a difference when concealing your gun. Designs can fool the human eye into seeing only the outline rather than the protrusions of the weapon.
It is essential to try on clothes you intend to conceal your firearm before deciding on them so you are not disappointed when the fit is too tight or loose.
If you are new to concealed carry, it may be helpful to have a few go-to outfits in your closet that you can refer to when you need them. This will help you avoid getting overwhelmed and give you the confidence to conceal your weapon while still looking good.
Colors
Choosing the right colors is critical when it comes to concealed carry clothing. The wrong color could make you look out of place or even give away your weapon.
For example, if you wear a black shirt to a business meeting or office, your gun may be more visible than you would like.
On the other hand, if you choose a shirt with a pattern, such as stripes, floral, or animal print, it might help hide your weapon. Patterns fool the eye and often conceal your weapon better than a solid color, especially in hot climates.
Style
Style is one of the most critical factors in choosing concealed carry clothing. This is because it relates to how you will feel when you wear the outfit and whether or not you will be able to hide your firearm.
Concealed carry clothing should be comfortable and functional yet still look stylish enough to be worn by anyone. Having a proper fit is the key to this.
Shirts designed with concealed carry in mind often trend towards being tactical or military-style shirts, with additional pockets for storage and camo patterns. These are not only good-looking, but they also tend to be highly versatile and can work in various environments or situations.