A Fashion-Forward User’s Guide to Concealed Carry
THE RIGHT FIT
Pairing stylish clothing with the sometimes awkward bulge of a firearm is a topic we feel deserves a fresh look here at iconcealed.com.
To begin with, the term “concealed carry” suggests handgun access coupled with public discretion. But for some, any old shirt or jacket that hides a holster is acceptable, whereas for the more discriminating armed civilian, concealed carry has to resolve other expectations as well.
Factoring in a little style is key to avoiding being pegged as a stereotypical carrier and makes the “concealed” aspect a whole lot more for reals.
What’s wrong with dressing in a way that conceals your gun and makes you look sharp at the same time?
We say… nothing.
Just Business, Baby
If a suit-and-tie is your outfit of choice, then this is right up your alley.
Businessmen who carry for personal protection have a built-in advantage given that their bulky attire provides great cover. A suit, in fact, is probably the most effective method for reducing “printing.”
Another benefit is the type of holster you can carry. Business attire allows for added variety: paddle-on-the-hip or behind-the-back, IWB, shoulder or ankle holsters are all acceptable when wearing a suit.
Another consideration for a suit wearer is whether you need to take off your jacket or wear it unbuttoned. An unbuttoned jacket can conceal either kind of behind-the-back carry but is a bad choice for a hip holster or under-the-arm type if the wearer moves around a lot.
If you tend to take off your jacket, don’t forget to wear pants that accommodate IWB carry and a dress shirt that can be worn untucked in order to drape it over the gun butt.
All About Being Business Casual
The suit-and-tie thing is great, but business casual is the preferred style for plainclothes cops, bodyguards, secret agents, or anyone carrying a gun as part of the job. It straddles both the respectable and practical worlds, often including a jacket, which makes it perfect for pros in these lines of work.
That said, non-pros should also consider the jacket-and-slacks, dress-casual combo. It offers plenty of places to conceal a weapon plus makes you look well-dressed relative to the average guy on the street.
People who notice you will be thinking, “Dude looks good,” not, “Dude looks like he’s packing heat.”
For Discerning Casual Concealed Carriers Everywhere
When dress code is not part of the equation, you can wear almost anything that disguises the fact that you might be armed.
Let’s run down a few of the better options:
- Concealment jackets – specifically made for concealed carry but designed to look like a basic work jacket. Large, unobtrusive pockets inside, often Velcro-sealed, with loops or hooks for a handgun are a common feature. A single purpose-made garment that offers awesome concealment.
- Leather or Bomber-style jackets – a classic style perfect for concealment. Choose one that’s longer and looser than normal. Bomber-style jackets offer a padded lining that conceals bulges.
- Untucked button downs – A dress shirt worn untucked offers tons of concealment to hide the grip of a gun if you’ve got an IWB holster. Excellent option when carrying concealed in places where a jacket might look out of place or make you seem oddly overdressed.
- Hoodies – trendy, ubiquitous, and plenty of room to hide larger caliber firearms. One caveat: hoodies fall comfortably into the age-appropriate attire category and can make you look kinda’ out of place if you’re a little gray around the edges.
THE RIGHT LOOK
Once you have your outfit down, remaining inconspicuous is totally up to your personal style and comportment.
Be Zen. Carry yourself calmly and with confidence and no one will ever guess you’re carrying concealed.
If, on the other hand, you want to look conspicuous, keep messing with your clothing (especially in the area where your gun is hidden), and we guarantee you’ll tip off everyone that you’re packing.
Or as we like to say here at iconcealed.com no one should know you have a gun…
…until you’re using it.
