In this complete how-to guide, you will learn that dressing for concealed carry doesn't have to be difficult. As women, concealed carry presents challenges that our male counterparts don’t have to deal with. In this ultimate guide you’ll find concealed carry clothing tips and advice so you that you can know how to select the right shirt styles, pants, and cover garments so that you can dress and carry with confidence.
As women, carrying concealed presents challenges that our male counterparts don’t have to deal with. Besides the obvious fact that our body shapes are different, our clothing options and choices differ vastly, and so do our lifestyles. Many women think that when they decide to start carrying concealed it means they have to buy an entirely new wardrobe, size up all their clothes, or just throw on an unstylish layer and they’ll be good to go. That’s simply not the case.
We have been told from the male-dominated world of concealed carriers that we must dress around our firearm, and that style is something we must forego if we decide to start carrying. But why is this? Why can’t we maintain our personal style while also being able to carry a firearm?
While you won’t need to buy an entirely new wardrobe, although no one here is going to turn down a shopping trip, there are some concessions you might have to make based on your lifestyle. You must be honest and practical with yourself, your lifestyle, and your choices. Meaning, if you only wear bodysuits or bodycon style dresses, then carrying on-body will be extremely difficult and probably is not practical. Similarly, with crop tops your midsection will be exposed and there will be no way for you to conceal a firearm on your waist. Our style evolves over time just like our priorities. And the priority right now is that you’ve chosen to be responsible for your own safety, so maybe save the crop tops and bodysuits for another time or an alternative carry method. Don’t try to fit a square peg into a round hole.
As you become more experienced and confident in your own concealed carry journey, you’ll realize that proper concealment, when it comes to style, means striking the right balance of distracting the eye of a passerby while also reducing printing (the visible outline of the firearm). Being a woman is one of our greatest assets because most people would never expect us to be carrying a firearm. Use this to your advantage. The unexpectedness gets reinforced in the way we dress, as we don’t fit the preconceived notion that people have of a woman who is carrying a firearm.
You should never feel that you can’t carry because of how you dress. However, one of the things you should understand when you make the choice to take responsibility for your own safety and decide to carry any self-defense tools is that it’s a lifestyle. Just like eating healthy and working out is a lifestyle, so is carrying a firearm. You need to be ready to go all in with a commitment to training, responsible firearm ownership, the mindset shift, education, and the expenses that come along with the lifestyle.
Carrying isn’t going to be 100% comfortable, but you can find the right balance. It’s about bringing you the comfort of knowing that you can protect yourself and your loved ones if you need to.
There is a season that is a favorite among the world of concealed carriers and that is winter. Why? Because it means thicker fabrics and more layers which makes concealing your firearm pretty easy. On the opposite side, during the summer months and in hotter climates, we naturally want to shed layers. So of course that means less pieces of clothing, lighter fabrics, and concealed carry starts to get a bit more challenging.
There are ways you can make dressing for concealed carry easier, like considering the weight and type of fabric of your clothing choices. When it comes to selecting fabrics, natural fibers always win. Not only due to the structure that the fabric has but also the role the fabric plays in comfort and breathability. They look good, feel good, and last longer.
A few natural fabrics to consider when selecting shirt styles for concealed carry are:
Cotton: The soft, natural fiber of cotton is such a great choice when selecting clothing. This versatile fabric allows air to circulate, is durable, and is easy to care for. It’s a soft fabric but still has great structure. Plus almost every style of clothing can be found made with cotton so you have a lot of choices.
Linen: Linen is natural and breathable fabric that works all year long and is specifically great for the hotter months. It’s durable, breathable, and comfortable; it checks all the boxes. Due to its fibers, linen is a bit rougher to begin with but only gets softer as you wash it. It’s also a stronger fabric, so it fits on the body in a very natural and relaxed way.
Silk: Silk is one of those fabrics that looks and feels luxurious; not only on the body but also against the skin. While this is a natural fiber, it can have a mind of its own especially in dry climates. It tends to generate static which could cause this fabric to cling to your firearm and cause printing. But this can easily be fixed with a good ol’ spray of some static guard or rubbing it down with a dryer sheet. Silk shirts typically have a satin or matte-like texture which is helpful in distracting the eye from any printing. The benefit of silk shirts when it comes to concealed carry is their structure, breathability, and how they drape on the body.
Wool: Wool is one of those natural fabrics that people either love or hate. Most don’t like it because it tends to be an itchy fabric. But did you know that there are various types of wool? So if you opt for a merino wool, which is a finer knit, it’s going to be a less itchy option. Wool is a great fabric for balancing body temperature as well. The way in which wool is woven gives this fabric its structure so you don’t need to worry about it hugging the lines of your firearm.
Cashmere: The higher end of sweater-type fabrics. It’s warm, soft, and due to the nature of their fibers most cashmere sweaters are less bulky than traditional wool sweaters. You get a warmer knit with a slimmer profile. Plus, you don’t get that itch-factor that comes along with wool. While cashmere is a bit of splurge, it will last you a lifetime when cared for properly. One of the benefits of cashmere is that it’s a fabric that is perfect to wear on its own or layered. Its knit is woven tight so it will keep you warm without weighing you down.
All these natural fabric types have their own type of structure (weight) to them that works well with concealed carry. Meaning they are the least likely of the fabrics to settle into the hard lines of your firearm. They each wear a little differently, and style also comes into play. While natural fabrics shouldn’t be overlooked, that doesn’t mean fabric blends and synthetics need to be ruled out. You can continue to wear your clothing styles made of blends and synthetics, it’s just when it comes to concealed carry, natural fibers help reduce some of the struggle.
No matter the season, if you stick with natural fabrics you’ll find that they are not only comfortable but will help make dressing for concealed carry easier. It’s all about making good choices with your clothing to set you up for success. These natural fabrics provide excellent concealment on their own or when layered.
While you may have shied away from prints in favor of solid colors in the past, now is the time to start giving them a second look. Fabrics with patterns and prints like stripes, floral, animal print, polka-dot, or plaid help distract the eye from any potential printing from your firearm.
Additionally, darker colors help to conceal any printing, but sometimes even solid dark colors can surprise you, so it’s important to try things on and make sure the fabric isn’t giving you away.
Shirts play a vital role in concealed carry. Below you’ll find several shirt styles, some of which you probably already have in your closet, that will work for concealed carry. Some may have been pushed to the back of your closet, so it might be time to pull them back out and give them a try.
Where you might have overlooked some of these shirt styles in your pre-carry life, start paying closer attention to what a shirt has to offer in terms of details and how it can benefit your concealed carry life. The foundation of a good concealed carry shirt is one that will conceal your firearm, minimize printing, and allow for ease of access. However, safely accessing your firearm will take training and practice in the shirts you wear.
The peplum/ruffle-hem tops may be a style you wouldn’t have considered before you started thinking about concealed carry. However, as you start shopping with a new eye you may realize that this style of shirt is a great option for carrying. This shirt style tends to be more fitted through the upper body and as it hits your waistline the shirt flares out. This makes for easy accessibility to your firearm and almost no printing.
A tie-front/knot-front shirt is a great option for concealed carry as it creates a small “pocket” around the front of the waist that your firearm can sit behind. You’ll have to do some adjusting with how tight or high you want the knot but you still achieve the same effect.
The great thing about this shirt style is that you don’t necessarily have to purchase that specific style, you can achieve the same look with a regular button-up shirt or a longer t-shirt. With a button-up shirt, leave the last one or two buttons unbuttoned and tie the two tails of the shirt together. With a t-shirt, you can knot the excess material in the front to create a center knot or side knot.
Button-up shirts are so versatile; they can be worn a number of ways to suit your look. Whether you like a more structured and polished look or something more relaxed, it’s a style that suits everyone. And a great tip for making a button-up shirt work for concealed carry is to try the partial tuck.
STYLE INPSO & TIPS: Best Shirt Styles for Concealed Carry
One thing to keep in mind when opting for any shirt style is to be mindful of those windy days, especially if the fabric of the shirt is lightweight. A big wind gust might blow the hem upwards revealing what you are concealing. Similar to how wind can sometimes cause our skirts to expose our derrière, the same can occur with your selected shirt styles.
When it comes to pants, fabric weight and type also play a key role in dressing for concealed carry. This is essentially the foundation of your concealed carry setup. It’s what you are relying on to secure your firearm and holster to your body. Whether you opt for beltless carry or not, your concealed carry setup gets attached to your pants so it’s not something to overlook.
When you’re choosing a beltless carry method where you are relying on the clips of your holster to attach to your foundation—your pants, the fabric weight and pant fit needs to be able to to support the weight of your firearm, and also be appropriate and comfortable for the weather and situation.
If your pants are a lightweight fabric like linen or polyester, or if they have an elastic waistband, or don’t have belt loops you may need to make some changes to how you carry. Even the most fitted size of pants in these fabric types cannot support the weight of your concealed carry setup alone. You will find yourself constantly pulling up your pants, fidgeting, and making adjustments which will not help build your confidence with concealed carry. Additionally, the lightweight fabric may have some printing issues with the barrel of your firearm.
Heavier pants like wool, denim, or even some chino materials may be able to support the weight of the firearm without sagging. These heavier fabrics also usually come in styles that have belt loops, and are thick enough to conceal the barrel of your firearm.
STYLE INSPO & TIPS: Watch Seasonal Concealed Carry Outfit Style Guides
We have so many options as women when it comes to pant styles. Everything to fit our mood, the trends, and our lifestyle. When it comes to pants, the pant style isn’t as important as fabric weight and type, and focus should be more on the style of the waistband versus the overall style of the pant.
Whether your style preference is dress pants or trousers, boyfriend or skinny jeans, bootcut or flare leg, or even leggings you can make concealed carry work for you, but you will have to be flexible and open to adapting to some changes; whether that be carry position or holster, or both.
As mentioned, the key with pant style is the waistband so if, for example, you're wearing trousers, let’s say for work, what does the waistband look like, what’s the fabric weight and material? If there are no belt loops, then your option may have to be going with some type of beltless holster. If that beltless option is using something like an UltiClip, can the fabric of your pants withstand the weight of your concealed carry setup? If the answer is no, then now you have to look at your holster options and see what type of alternative holsters you could use with those pants.
Sizing on any type of clothing item varies amongst us women, and sadly there really isn’t a standard sizing template to follow. Each brand sizes their items differently whether it be vanity sizing (marking an item a small when it really measures a medium) or sizing based on style (how the brand expects the item to fit). Then you have to consider your own body type, any sizing recommendations from reviews, and then finally how you prefer your items to fit.
When it comes to concealed carry, pant sizing is a controversial topic. Most people think you need to size up to accommodate your concealed carry setup but that’s definitely debatable. In most cases, it is not recommended to size up in your pants. Unless you are wearing super skin-tight pants that you can barely breathe in, then yes, you might want to consider wearing your true-size, or going up a size, to make carrying a firearm more comfortable.
A good rule of thumb to determine if your pants fit properly on the waistband is if you can fit two fingers inside your waistband. If you can’t, they are too small; if you can fit more than two fingers, they are too big. Well, maybe not too big because they are probably comfortable like this; but in terms of being able to concealed carry, pants that fit properly is key.
Most pants are made with some type of Lycra (stretchy fabric) woven into their material. It’s usually about 1%-2% added into the fabric which makes a difference in how the pants fit. Pants with Lycra blended into their fabric allows the pants to move with the body more naturally as it adds flexibility and give, which makes them more comfortable. So if you were to size up in your pants, you could find them to have too much stretch. When you think about concealed carry and having to add your concealed carry setup to your waistband, this little bit of stretch and flexibility aids in the comfort.
The fit of your pants also helps to keep your concealed carry setup up close to your body. It works in conjunction with a belt and if you choose not to wear a belt you need to make sure that the waistband is snug enough to support your firearm.
So if you were to size up and not wear a belt you might notice your waistband sagging. And if you do wear a belt, you will probably have to cinch the belt a bit tighter.
One of the things that you may not have realized that plays a factor in carrying is your pant rise (the measurement from the middle of the crotch seam to the top of the waistband). The pant rise trends have definitely come and gone from low-rise to high-waisted and your preferred rise can be found in almost any pant style from jeans to dress pants to leggings.
Low-rise pants will typically sit low on the hips. This rise of pant tends to be the most uncomfortable and the least ideal when it comes to carrying. Since the rise sits low on the hips, that means your firearm will also be sitting low on your hips. So you may find when sitting or bending down, the firearm digs more into your thigh and lower pelvic area.
Mid-rise pants are the most common rise, also known as normal-rise. The waistband will sit between the hips and the navel. These are generally considered to be the most comfortable rise of pants. They are also probably the easiest rise for concealed carry as they are high enough to support and cover your firearm. Most shirt styles available pair seamlessly with this pant rise as well.
A high-rise or high-waisted pant will have the waistband sitting right around the navel or higher. This style is becoming more available. It’s a flattering fit that is a definite contender when it comes to concealed carry.
The grip of the firearm doesn’t seem to create as much of a bulge in high-rise pants as when carrying in mid-rise pants, so you may be able to get away with thinner shirt fabrics with less printing than you would in mid-rise pants. One of the other benefits with high-rise pants is that you can also wear your tops that might be too short for mid-rise pants. Since your firearm sits higher on the waist, you have a little bit more real estate for your shirt.
STYLE INSPO & TIPS: High-Waisted Jeans for Concealed Carry
One thing to keep in mind about pant rise is that depending on if you have a long or short torso, a mid-rise pant may actually fit like a high or low-rise pant. While these pant rises provide options to fit your style, if you decide to change up your pant rise, it won’t be just a simple swap when deciding to carry. A higher waisted pant means your firearm is positioned higher on your body, which means you might have more of your shirt that needs to be cleared and it will take more movement to draw your firearm since you’ll be drawing from a higher position on your waist. Alternatively, carrying in low-rise pants means easier access to your firearm and less shirt to clear. Sitting, walking, bending over, and most importantly drawing your firearm feels a little different and requires some adjustments and training when you decide to change up your position, even if it is just the rise of your pants.
Not everyone lives in pants and, as women, changing our clothes to fit an occasion or our mood is one of the fun parts. While concealed carry is easier in pants that doesn’t mean it’s not easy in other clothing styles too.
When wearing dresses, skirts, shorts, and athleisure you have to consider fabric weight & type. Most of these items are made of lightweight fabrics, they don’t have belt loops, and can have potential printing issues.
Carrying in a dress or skirt is not as difficult as you might think. While it’s not always as simple as if you were wearing pants, the good news is there are alternative holster options and carry positions that you can try out to determine what works best for you. There are thigh holsters, concealment shorts, ankle holsters, bra holsters, and belly bands. All which provide options that, should you choose to utilize, require their own set of training and practice so you can confidently carry in these styles.
Carrying in shorts requires a little more consideration than carrying in pants. Shorts typically get worn in the hotter months and for everything outside of denim shorts, most are made from lighter fabrics like linen and cotton to help keep you cool. As with pants, the waistband also needs to be considered as most summer shorts tend to have elastic waistbands, a single snap button, a tie-waist, and typically don’t have belt loops, so their ability to support the weight of your firearm and holster needs to be considered.
Thank goodness that athleisure popped onto the scene to make wearing leggings and joggers stylish and suitable for everything outside the gym. One of the key things to think about is that typically this clothing choice is geared around lightweight stretch fabric which utilizes the same material as the waistband or a drawstring waistband. This combination doesn’t tend to typically be concealed carry friendly. However, again having holster options for your different clothing style choices will help here. Belly band style holsters or going with a company that makes specific concealed carry leggings and joggers can make living the athleisure life very doable.
The term “cover garment” isn’t exactly stylish sounding but it’s really just a concealed carry term for a piece of clothing that covers your firearm. In most cases this will be your shirt. However, let’s look at cover garments with a stylish eye and think of them more as an extra layer. Think cardigan, blazer, jacket, or even a button-up shirt. An article of clothing you would wear over your shirt; something that is part of your outfit versus a layer you would take off. These additional layers aka “cover garments” come in handy in the spring and the fall; especially during those cooler months. It’s easy to throw on a button-up or a cardigan over your t-shirt when it gets cool at night. They can also help tremendously when it comes to distracting the eye and reducing printing altogether.
When thinking of an outer layer, many people think of jackets and clothing items that keep us warm during colder weather. Winter is the time of year that, as concealed carriers, our lives get a little easier because we can just throw on a sweatshirt and the issue of printing is basically non-existent. That method of dressing is perfectly fine if that’s your lifestyle. However, there isn’t any fault in wanting to look cute even though mother nature wants to hold our style down with elements like snow.
This is when strategic layering comes into play. Instead of just grabbing your sweatshirt, there are ways you can style up your look. A lightweight vest, blazer, or cardigan are great options to help pull a look together. You can throw those easy to wear (and warm) pieces over any top in your closet. That way, when you need to put on your final layer—that warm coat—you won’t feel like a stuffed sausage.
While the extra layers are an added benefit to concealing your firearm, you also introduce a new challenge of accessibility. Meaning, is your firearm accessible? Or better worded, how easily accessible is your firearm? During the warmer months, you only have to worry about minimal layers and thin fabrics. The colder weather will inevitably bring on extra bulk.
One of the things you might want to reevaluate is your carry method. So while carrying inside the waistband may be your go-to, opting to carry outside the waistband might be a good option. It reduces the number of layers you have to clear to access your firearm.
The purpose of a concealed carry specific belt is that they are made to support the weight of your firearm and holster. It will keep your firearm and holster secure in place, close to your body, and will prevent any sagging. A concealed carry belt works in conjunction with your standard holster clips to keep your holster in place if/when you must draw.
Belts were originally invented to help keep your pants up and around your waist. Something that was typically needed for menswear. Once fashion came into play, women started using belts more as an accessory to their outfit rather than needing them to hold up their pants.
Traditional concealed carry belts are either made up of reinforced nylon webbing, leather with an inner steel lining, or a premium genuine leather. All these belts are constructed to meet the needs of concealed carry providing a stiff rigid style that helps hold your holster in place and prevents any sagging.
Some will argue that you need to have a belt specifically made for concealed carry, but with recent innovations of beltless holsters clips (UltiClip, Fabriclip, Discreet Carry Concepts) you now have some options so that you can go beltless if you choose. If you choose to go the beltless clip route, there are some considerations that come into what we’ve already mentioned and that’s pant size, pant type, and pant weight. You want to make sure that whatever holster and clip you utilize that you’re confident in your setup and the foundation you are attaching it to.
With all that said, it doesn’t mean you have to use a legit concealed carry belt. If you are looking for a leather belt, a higher end genuine leather belt constructed in a sturdy fashion will work. Keep in mind your average standard leather belt will bend and stretch over time and they are typically not thick enough to fit your standard holster clips. For example, a leather belt from the Gap will not work. It’s too thin and flimsy. Which is why investing in a good belt will pay off in the long run—you want to be able to depend on your belt if you ever do have to draw your firearm.
There are many tips that you can incorporate into your style to help make dressing for concealed carry easier. And as you go about this lifestyle you may even find your own tricks that work.
Many women opt to wear a tank top while carrying to add a layer behind their holster and firearm because they don’t like the feeling of the firearm against their skin. And some women wear the tank top over their concealed carry setup.
Wearing a tank top as a base layer isn’t just great for keeping itchy sweaters from bothering your skin; tank tops can also be great to prevent certain fabrics from clinging to your body (and smoothing out any areas that you might be feeling self-conscious about). They also help under thinner fabrics that might look sheer in certain lighting. All of these benefits help in the goal of reducing printing of your firearm.
This method works great when wearing a flowy or lightweight top or peplum hem where your firearm might get exposed if a strong gust of wind blows through. Having that layer between the world and your firearm adds a nice layer of security when it comes to concealment. The addition of a tank top adds a smooth layer over your firearm which helps to blur any hard lines that tend to be noticeable when carrying. This smooth layer also helps to prevent your top of choice from settling into the open space between your body and the firearm, as well as helps to prevent your top from getting caught/catching on the grip. While you might not notice if you are doing a lot of standing or walking, you’ll notice it more when you go from sitting to standing or vice-versa. Depending on your top, it can easily settle into the outline of your firearm. A tank top is a great option to help mask this type of printing. The same technique holds true with thinner material blouses such as silk. These also have a tendency to cling to your body, especially if there is any dry static air. If you’ve got a tank top to cover your firearm you won’t have to worry about your blouse clinging to the lines of the firearm and/or holster.
STYLE INSPO & TIPS: Minimize Concealed Carry Printing with a Tank Top
Some call this the “French Tuck,” but the French tuck is typically tucking your shirt right in the middle of the front of your waist, where the zipper would be. Tucking your shirt off to the side is a trick that can be beneficial for carrying as it does two things; first, it enables you to access your firearm more easily; as you’re not fighting to untuck a whole shirt to get to your firearm. That’s one less obstacle you need to worry about should you encounter a situation where you’ll need to defend yourself. Second, it tends to create a little pocket around the waist area to help minimize printing. The tuck tends to push the fabric out and away from your body, creating a nice little area where you can conceal your firearm without printing.
The great thing about the partial tuck is that it can easily be done with almost any style top. Button-up shirts present a more polished and structured look, and wearing them with a partial tuck softens the look for a little bit of the cool girl vibe.
The key to pulling off the partial/half tuck is to take just the bottom inch of the side you want and tuck that just inside your waistband.
Not all our tops from our pre-carry life need to be ditched. A good quality, simple t-shirt is great, but some of you may feel too “exposed” by just this thin layer of fabric between your firearm and the rest of the world. Adding an accessory like a scarf or a statement necklace to draw the eye of a passerby up towards your face rather than to your midsection is a great way to distract from printing. There are so many stylish designs, prints, and colors to add a fun look that isn’t bulky.
The easiest and simplest tip dates back to when you were younger and your parents always told you to stand-up straight. Who would’ve thought that would be so handy these days. You might not realize it but when it comes to printing, posture in combination with your top play a role in concealed carry. When you slouch, your top will naturally settle into your waistline, and if you carry in the appendix position this means your top will also settle into the lines of your firearm. This will cause printing and potentially some clearing issues. When you stand up straight, your shoulders pull your chest up which pulls the shirt up and away from midsection.
STYLE INSPO & TIPS: Watch Seasonal Concealed Carry Outfit Style Guides
Clothing made for the purpose of concealed carry has long been a male-dominated industry. Luckily, the tides are turning, and there are a growing number of brands making concealed carry clothing specifically for women.
Concealed carry clothing typically has some type of holster or holster pocket built right into it. There are pieces like shorts, tank tops, t-shirts, and even bra-style holsters that are meant to be worn under your regular clothing. And then there are concealed carry leggings, skirts, and other athleisure wear with the holster built right into the waistband.
The innovation from these companies has really leveled up the concealed carry options for women. Providing us more ways to carry for our lifestyle. The benefit of this type of clothing is that you don’t have to add an additional holster to your body as they are already built in.
Brands like Alexo Athletica are taking athleisure up a notch by offering skirts, joggers, and leggings that can easily be styled for day or night. Additionally, brands like Dene Adams and UnderTech Undercover offer up products that allow you to layer your own clothing on top of these undergarment-style holsters.
READ MORE: The Best 3 Types of Gun Holsters for Women
If there is one thing that can’t be stressed enough when it comes to this lifestyle it’s practice and training. As with any lifestyle choice, you're making a commitment—and the more you practice something, the better and easier it becomes. The same holds true with concealed carry.
There isn’t a set timeline for this and it never ends. As our lifestyle changes, we need to be open to adapt to those changes, and the best way to do this is with practice.
It’s not recommended to switch up your carry positions very much. When we are concealed carrying, we are relying on our training and some muscle memory to be able to react in a stressful situation. There are some carry positions that are not as conducive to a quick draw and can take more thought and time to access your firearm. Switching positions all the time can potentially defeat your muscle memory and cause problems. When seconds count, you don’t want to be spending extra time fumbling around and trying to remember where you put your firearm.
This might sound like something you did when you were 12, but playing dress up when it comes to concealed carry will help make this lifestyle easier. Playing dress up is truly the best way to see which holsters and firearms work with clothing items you already own.
Going through your wardrobe and trying on different outfits can help you get a better idea of what will work with your concealed carry lifestyle and what won’t work. Make sure you aren’t just standing in front of the mirror while you do this; go through the motions you’d be doing on a typical day in each outfit—sitting, standing, walking, bending, raise your arms, reach for things, etc. and don’t forget to practice your draw. See how your holster setup plays into your lifestyle.
Taking pictures or videos of yourself in each outfit can also be helpful. It can help you see any printing issues you might miss from just looking in the mirror. You can start an album on your phone of concealed carry outfits. Then you can reference that album for those days when you’re standing in front of your closet wondering what you are going to wear. We have all been there.
As you’re playing dress up in your closet, this is a great time to determine which pieces of clothing will help you build your foundational outfit. What that means is identifying the pants, the shirt, whatever clothing items you have that works for your concealed carry setup. Figuring out what these go-to pieces are allows you to build upon and create more looks. It’s easy to get overwhelmed with style in general, and then adding in carry concealed can feel like an uphill battle. Having a couple go-to concealed carry outfits helps a lot, especially in the beginning. These are outfits you feel confident in, you know they have little to no printing issues, and you can just throw them on and run out the door. Having these kinds of outfits will help you stay consistent in your concealed carry journey. They set the foundation for which you can build your wardrobe around.
As you start living this lifestyle and become aware of what clothing/outfits work for you, you’ll notice that you might be shopping with a different eye. Where, in your pre-carry life, you might have selected a top based on it being “cute,” now you’ll start asking yourself “how will it conceal?” That doesn’t mean you can’t still buy that cute top nor will the top that you select for concealed carry not be cute. It’s more of a matter of being more selective in your clothing choices so you have more options, which will lead to you carrying everyday.
Speaking of shopping, don’t be afraid to take a few extra holsters with you if you plan to try on clothes. This will help make sure that your concealed carry setup works with whatever you plan to purchase. It will also help you spot any potential printing issues before you buy.
As you go through your concealed carry journey, you’ll get a better idea of what clothing works best for your body type and your concealed carry setup. You’ll start to be able to look through the current trends to spot the elements that will fit your style and your self-defense lifestyle.
READ MORE: 5 Tips to Start Carrying Today
The term “dry draw” might be new to you, but it’s a rather simple concept and a vital component of any concealed carry wardrobe and lifestyle. Dry drawing begins with making sure your firearm is completely empty of live ammunition. Then you are practicing the act of clearing your clothing, accessing and drawing your firearm. The more you practice, the more comfortable you will become, which will help you in a true emergency situation. No matter your style preference, practicing your draw from concealment is critical to this lifestyle. Dry drawing becomes even more important if you are planning on switching up your carry position or changing up your style.
Seasonal changes also bring dry draws into consideration. Clearing a light cotton tank top in the summer is a lot different than a heavy winter sweater or jacket. Being prepared to defend yourself and your family means being prepared to access your firearm no matter what you’re wearing.
Dry draws and dry fire are arguably the cheapest and easiest ways to practice with your firearm. Just be absolutely certain you have cleared your firearm, there is no ammunition anywhere near you when you are practicing, and always follow the four rules of gun safety.
READ MORE: What is Dry Fire and Why It’s Important
While different outfits and clothing styles can pose their own set of challenges, it’s important to play around with your carry positions and holsters that you are comfortable with and that work for your lifestyle. Don’t be opposed to making adjustments as they can give you more options with your wardrobe.
Keep in mind that more options means an increased commitment to training. You must practice and train when you start changing things up with your everyday carry routine. Different seasons come with different benefits and challenges.
Have patience and take the time to find what works for you, with your wardrobe, and your lifestyle. A carry method, holster choice, and firearm are personal choices that only you can make for yourself. And what works for one person may not work for you. That doesn’t mean you should give up. That just means you haven’t found the right combination for you...yet.
Remember that this isn’t a one-size-fits-all lifestyle. Carrying a firearm isn’t about being comfortable; it’s about having comfort in knowing you can defend yourself should you need to, but you can find the right balance. Clothing is just one aspect of your concealed carry setup which helps to aid in concealment. You still need to give priority to your holster, firearm, and belt. When you decide to carry a firearm, whether it be a subcompact or a full size, carry whatever you feel comfortable carrying. If, for you, that’s a full-size firearm then so be it. Don’t let anyone tell you that what you are carrying is “too big” or is “not a good tool.” If you can conceal it in a manner that works for your lifestyle, and so long as you are training with it and are confident in using it, then the defense tool you choose is your choice. In the end, you are the one that may have to use it, not someone else.
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