One tried and true trick to conceal carry is wearing clothing that distracts people enough that they can’t notice your firearm. Shirts with prints, patterns, or dark colors go a long way toward this goal.
Many manufacturers make shirts designed for concealed carry that have gun holsters built into them. These are ambidextrous and can accommodate right or left-handed shooters.
Concealed Pockets
A pistol or spare magazine in your pocket is a great way to carry a firearm, especially in hot weather. However, this can be a risky solution if you’re not sure where to conceal your gun or are concerned about letting potential assailants know that you’re carrying it.
Shirts with pockets strategically positioned to hide a handgun offer the best option for concealed carry during warm weather without wearing a jacket. Men’s and women’s compression briefs incorporate two pockets positioned over each cheek of the rear to function like waistbands or shoulder holsters.
The ideal concealed carry shirt will minimize printing (the outline of your weapon on the inside of your clothing) and allow for a smooth, effortless draw. Look for looser fabrics and a longer hem to aid in hiding your firearm, and consider shirts with snaps instead of buttons for a quicker draw when using a shoulder holster.
No-Snag Fabric
If you’re carrying a weapon, the fabric on your shirt is important. If it’s too thin, even a slight gust of wind could send your cover garment flapping like a superhero’s cape mid-flight, exposing your concealed firearm to those behind you.
The best concealment shirts for guns are made with no-snag fabrics. They have a heavier, stiffer texture, reducing the chances of printing from the textured surface of your weapon or the friction of the holster and belt against your shirt. They also have clever, faux buttons that can be rapidly ripped open to access your handgun without damaging the shirt or button.
Finally, they often feature peplums or extra fabric around the hips that accentuate your waist and reduce printing, especially when you bend over or sit down. This is a great way to ensure your gun is covered when you’re not standing upright and can help prevent your holster from riding up the torso and giving away its location.
No-Snag Buttons
While many regular shirts will work to conceal carry under a jacket, look for a purpose-built holster shirt designed with snap functionality. During the drawing process, the snaps allow the shirt to open quickly and give you more efficient access to your method of self-defense. This feature is especially beneficial if you’re carrying a shoulder holster.
Some shirts have clever no-snag buttons, mimicking the look of traditional buttons but allowing the shirt to be rapidly ripped open without damaging the fabric or buttons. Other shirts have a longer tail, allowing you to pull your shirt up and over your gun without showing any of the firearm’s outline. Whether wearing a long-tail or no-tail concealed carry shirt, you should always practice clearing your cover garment to ensure you can do it quickly and efficiently in an emergency. The more practice you have, the better you’ll be at it! Also, avoid clothing that clings around your gun, which can make printing more obvious.
Easy Access
Shirts designed for concealed carry provide convenience, speed, and safety while being comfortable to wear all day. The main feature is a holster pocket and mag holder sewn directly into the fabric for deep concealment options without additional covering garments like jackets that can be clunky, restrict movement, and add extra weight to an outfit.
Another benefit is that they don’t need buttons to be opened and are made from fabric that moves with you. This is especially helpful for those who need to clear their cover garment or draw their weapon quickly from a hip holster while moving.
The shirts are dark colors and have busy patterns; these work against the human eye to make it harder to see telltale lumps or bumps that reveal a gun in the waistline area. They also have long tails, allowing more fabric to tuck in and hide the holster. This makes them ideal for people who need to draw from a hip holster as part of their job, such as plainclothes cops or bodyguards.
