How to Choose Concealed Carry Clothing

At Cloudster Pillow, we understand the importance of choosing the right concealed carry clothing. Proper attire can make a significant difference in your comfort, safety, and confidence while carrying.

In this guide, we’ll share essential concealed carry clothing tips to help you select the best options for your lifestyle. From comfort and concealment to accessibility and durability, we’ll cover the key factors you need to consider when building your CCW wardrobe.

What Makes Great Concealed Carry Clothing?

The Comfort Factor

Comfort tops the list when selecting concealed carry clothing. Ill-fitting attire can force constant adjustments, drawing unwanted attention. Choose breathable fabrics that move with you. A 2023 survey by Concealed Nation revealed that 78% of CCW holders prioritize comfort above all else when selecting carry clothes.

Mastering Concealment

Effective concealment involves more than hiding your firearm – it’s about blending in. Dark, patterned fabrics help break up your weapon’s outline. Avoid tight clothing, which can lead to printing. Wear looser, darker, more patterned clothing and consider adding a claw and/or wedge if necessary.

Quick and Easy Access

Your clothing choice shouldn’t impede your ability to draw. Test your draw with various outfits to ensure smooth access. The National Shooting Sports Foundation reports an average draw time from concealment of 1.5 seconds. Your clothing should allow you to match or beat this time.

Built to Last

Quality matters in concealed carry clothing. Cheap materials wear out quickly, especially in high-stress areas like holster contact points. Try clothing made from durable fabrics (such as ripstop nylon or reinforced cotton). These materials withstand daily wear and tear, proving cost-effective in the long run.

Personal Style and Lifestyle Fit

The best concealed carry clothing fits seamlessly into your existing wardrobe and lifestyle. Experiment with different styles and brands to find your perfect match. Your CCW attire should reflect your personal style while meeting the practical demands of concealed carry.

As we move forward, let’s explore the various types of concealed carry clothing available to help you build a versatile and effective CCW wardrobe.

What Are the Best Types of Concealed Carry Clothing?

Concealed carry clothing has evolved significantly in recent years. Innovative designs now blend style with functionality. Let’s explore some top options to enhance your CCW wardrobe.

Purpose-Built CCW Shirts and Jackets

CCW-specific shirts and jackets revolutionize carrying for many gun owners. These garments include hidden pockets, reinforced areas, and quick-access designs. The 5.11 Tactical Concealed Carry Shirt features a false front placket for easy firearm access.

Jackets like the Rothco Concealed Carry Soft Shell Jacket provide multiple carry options without compromising style. These versatile pieces work well in various climates and social settings.

Pants and Shorts with Integrated Holster Systems

Pants and shorts designed for CCW often incorporate built-in holster pockets or reinforced waistbands. Vertx produces popular tactical pants with discreet carry features. Their Delta Stretch Pants boast 14 pockets (including two for CCW) without an overtly tactical appearance.

For warmer weather, options like the KÜHL Renegade Shorts offer a low-profile design with hidden pockets perfect for smaller firearms or backup magazines.

Deep Concealment Undergarments

When maximum concealment becomes necessary, specialized undergarments excel. Belly bands like the ComfortTac Ultimate Belly Band Holster provide a versatile option for various clothing styles. They prove particularly useful for athletic wear or formal attire where traditional holsters might not work.

For women, the UnderTech Undercover Women’s Concealment Shorts offer a comfortable, secure option for skirts and dresses. These garments allow for deep concealment without sacrificing quick access.

Essential CCW Accessories

Accessories play a vital role in your CCW setup. A quality gun belt ensures all-day comfort and proper weapon retention. The Kore Essentials X1 Buckle & Black Tactical Gun Belt offers micro-adjustability for a perfect fit.

Undershirts designed for CCW, like the V-Neck Concealment Shirt from Dene Adams, help reduce printing and increase comfort. They prove particularly useful under lighter clothing or in warmer weather.

Holster accessories also deserve attention. The Cloudster Pillow, the #1-rated holster wedge, dramatically improves comfort and concealment for any AIWB or IWB holster setup. It’s compatible with leading holster brands and trusted by responsible gun owners and instructors alike.

The best CCW clothing consists of gear you’ll wear consistently. Try different options to find what works best for your body type, carry style, and daily activities. As you explore these clothing options, consider how they integrate with your existing wardrobe and lifestyle. Next, we’ll discuss best practices for wearing and maintaining your concealed carry clothing to ensure optimal performance and longevity.

How to Wear Concealed Carry Clothing Effectively

Perfect the Fit

The foundation of effective concealed carry lies in proper fit; striking a balance between comfort, style and functionality of your concealed carry clothing is crucial to ensure your firearm remains hidden from public view. Tight clothes will print, while loose garments can hinder your draw. Try to find the sweet spot – snug enough to conceal, loose enough to access. When you try on CCW clothing, move around: sit, stand, reach, and bend. If your firearm becomes visible or your clothing shifts significantly, you need to reassess.

A 2022 study by the Armed Citizens Legal Defense Network revealed that 62% of negligent discharges during concealed carry resulted from clothing interference. Don’t become part of this statistic – prioritize fit and function over fashion.

Master Layering Techniques

Layering serves as your concealment superpower. Start with a moisture-wicking base layer for comfort during long carry days. Add a concealment garment, such as a purpose-built CCW shirt or jacket. Finish with an outer layer that matches your style while allowing easy firearm access.

For colder months, a quality CCW jacket can function as both your concealment and outer layer. In warmer weather, opt for a lightweight button-up shirt over a CCW-specific undershirt.

Implement Regular Practice

The importance of practice cannot be overstated for concealed carry. Dedicate time each week to dry fire practice with your CCW clothing. Use a timer to track your progress – work to reduce your draw time without compromising safety.

Firearms instructors recommend about 50-75 dry fire repetitions each training session. Include various scenarios in your practice: drawing while seated, from under a jacket, or in low-light conditions.

Cultivate Situational Awareness

Your first line of defense is situational awareness. Train yourself to remain mindful of your surroundings without appearing paranoid. Apply the color code of awareness developed by Jeff Cooper:

• White: Unaware and unprepared
• Yellow: Relaxed alert
• Orange: Specific alert
• Red: Fight

Strive to maintain a constant state of yellow when in public. This heightened awareness will help you identify potential threats before they escalate, providing valuable reaction time.

Your CCW clothing forms just one part of a comprehensive personal defense strategy. Combine effective clothing choices with solid situational awareness and consistent practice to create a robust CCW lifestyle.

FAQs

1. What makes great concealed carry clothing?

Great concealed carry clothing should prioritize comfort, concealment, and accessibility. Look for breathable, flexible fabrics that move with you. Fit is crucial—clothing should be snug enough to hide your firearm but loose enough to allow smooth access for drawing. Durable materials like ripstop nylon and reinforced cotton also ensure longevity and reliability.

2. How do I master concealment while carrying?

To master concealment, choose loose, dark, or patterned fabrics that help break up your firearm’s outline. Avoid tight-fitting clothes that can lead to printing (when the firearm’s outline is visible). Additionally, consider using accessories like a claw or wedge to enhance concealment, especially when wearing form-fitting clothing.

3. What clothing styles work best for concealed carry?

Purpose-built CCW shirts, jackets, and pants are ideal for concealed carry. Look for clothing that includes hidden pockets or reinforced waistbands for discreet firearm access. Additionally, consider deep concealment undergarments like belly bands or CCW shorts, which are great for formal or athletic wear.

4. How do I ensure my concealed carry clothing is comfortable for all-day wear?

Comfortable concealed carry clothing starts with proper fit. Opt for breathable fabrics that wick moisture away and allow freedom of movement. Additionally, experiment with layering, using moisture-wicking base layers and clothing that doesn’t restrict your ability to draw. Pair your clothing with accessories like the Cloudster Pillow holster wedge to improve both comfort and concealment.

5. What are the best practices for wearing concealed carry clothing?

To wear concealed carry clothing effectively, focus on fit and functionality. Choose clothes that balance concealment and quick access. Practice drawing your firearm regularly with your CCW clothing to improve your speed and accuracy. Layer your clothing appropriately for the weather, and cultivate situational awareness to stay prepared in all environments.

Final Thoughts

Choosing the right concealed carry clothing requires careful consideration and experimentation. Your body type, carry position, and daily activities influence the best clothing choices for you. Don’t hesitate to try different styles, brands, and accessories until you find your perfect combination.

Regular training with your chosen clothing ensures quick and safe firearm access. This practice boosts your confidence and helps identify potential issues before they become problems in real-world scenarios. We recommend trying the Cloudster Pillow to enhance your concealed carry comfort and concealment.

These concealed carry clothing tips will help you develop a CCW strategy that keeps you safe, comfortable, and confident in your daily life. The goal is to blend in while staying prepared, so choose clothing that allows you to do both effectively. Stay committed to ongoing education and training to refine your CCW skills.