Best Ways to Conceal and Carry With Less Printing

Conceal and Carry With Less Printing: Best Practices and Expert Tips

Carrying concealed is a commitment to personal safety, but achieving true concealment—without any noticeable “printing” of your firearm—can be challenging. Printing occurs when the outline of your firearm is visible through clothing, often betraying your concealed carry intentions. Whether you’re a seasoned carrier or a beginner, reducing printing is critical for maintaining discretion and peace of mind.

This comprehensive guide will walk you through the best ways to conceal and carry with less printing, focusing on everything from clothing choices to firearm positioning and accessories. By following these tips, you’ll be well-equipped to carry confidently without attracting unnecessary attention.

What Is Printing in Concealed Carry?

Printing refers to the visible outline or bulge of a firearm under your clothing. While it’s not illegal in most places, it defeats the purpose of concealed carry by drawing attention to the fact that you’re armed. The good news is that with the right strategies, you can significantly reduce or even eliminate printing, ensuring your firearm remains discreet.

1. Choose the Right Holster

The foundation of effective concealed carry starts with your holster. A poorly designed holster can cause your firearm to shift, creating an obvious bulge under your clothing. To minimize printing, look for holsters with these key features:

Adjustable Cant and Ride Height

Holsters that allow you to adjust the angle (cant) and depth (ride height) of your firearm can help you find the most discreet position for your body type.

Low-Profile Design

Opt for inside-the-waistband (IWB) holsters, which tuck the firearm closer to your body. Appendix carry holsters, in particular, are popular for reducing printing.

Holster Material

Choose materials like Kydex or hybrid leather and polymer designs. These provide a snug fit that keeps the firearm secure and prevents unnecessary movement.

Wedges and Claw Attachments

Holster wedges push the firearm grip inward, while claw attachments reduce the grip’s protrusion, both of which help reduce printing significantly.

2. Wear the Right Clothing

Your wardrobe plays a critical role in your ability to conceal and carry with less printing. The type of clothing you wear can either enhance or hinder your ability to keep your firearm discreet.

Opt for Looser Clothing

Tight or form-fitting clothing is more likely to reveal the outline of your firearm. Choose shirts, jackets, and pants with a slightly looser fit to help obscure printing.

Patterns and Textures

Solid colors often highlight bulges, while patterns and textured fabrics can break up the outline of your firearm. Plaid shirts, camo patterns, or heathered fabrics work well for this purpose.

Layering Is Your Friend

Wearing a lightweight jacket, vest, or open button-up shirt over your base layer can add an extra layer of concealment, making it nearly impossible for your firearm to print.

Choose Longer Shirts

Ensure your shirt is long enough to cover your waistband and firearm when reaching, bending, or stretching.

Flexible Waistbands

Pants with some stretch or an elastic waistband can accommodate your holster and firearm without creating tight pressure points that increase printing.

3. Position Your Firearm Correctly

The way you carry your firearm has a significant impact on printing. Experimenting with different carry positions can help you find what works best for your body type and wardrobe.

Appendix Carry (AIWB)

Carrying at the 12 o’clock to 2 o’clock position offers excellent concealment and accessibility. Using a wedge or holster with adjustable cant can reduce printing further.

3-5 O’Clock Carry

Traditional hip carry positions can work well with a well-fitted holster and a good belt. Ensure the grip doesn’t protrude outward by using a claw attachment.

Small of the Back Carry

While this position can be comfortable and deeply concealed, it may cause discomfort when sitting and is less accessible in emergencies.

High-Ride Holsters

Holsters that position the firearm higher on your waistline are less likely to print, especially when paired with a long shirt or jacket.

4. Invest in a Quality Gun Belt

A sturdy gun belt is essential for concealed carry. Standard belts are not designed to support the weight of a firearm and holster, which can lead to sagging and noticeable printing.

Reinforced Core Belts

Belts with a steel or polymer core provide the rigidity needed to hold your holster securely against your body.

Micro-Adjustable Belts

Belts with ratchet systems or micro-adjustable buckles allow you to achieve a precise fit, improving both comfort and concealment.

5. Choose a Firearm Designed for Concealment

The size and shape of your firearm play a major role in how easily it can be concealed.

Compact and Subcompact Models

Smaller firearms like the Glock 43, Sig Sauer P365, or Ruger LC9 are easier to conceal and less likely to print compared to full-sized handguns.

Rounded Edges

Firearms with smooth, rounded edges are less likely to create noticeable outlines under clothing.

Slim Profiles

Single-stack magazines result in slimmer grips, which are less prone to printing than double-stack models.

6. Use Accessories to Your Advantage

Several accessories are designed to help carriers conceal and carry with less printing.

The Cloudster Pillow

A comfort accessory like the Cloudster Pillow adds cushioning between your holster and body, reducing pressure points and improving concealment.

Holster Clips

Low-profile clips secure your holster without adding bulk, keeping your setup discreet.

Padded Wedges

These inserts help angle the firearm grip closer to your body, minimizing its outline under clothing.

Concealment Belts

Some belts are designed specifically for concealed carry, featuring hidden compartments for storing additional gear or ammunition.

7. Train Regularly in Your Carry Setup

Practice makes perfect when it comes to concealed carry. Spending time in your carry setup allows you to identify and address any printing issues.

Dry Fire Practice

Practice drawing and holstering your firearm while wearing your typical clothing to evaluate how well your setup conceals.

Range Testing

Test your setup during live fire sessions to ensure it performs reliably and remains comfortable.

8. Adjust for Seasonal Changes

Your carry strategy may need to change based on the weather.

Winter Layers

Heavier clothing like coats and sweaters make concealment easier but may require adjustments to your draw technique.

Summer Clothing

Light fabrics and minimal layers require slimmer holsters and firearms to prevent printing. Moisture-wicking shirts can also improve comfort.

9. Listen to Feedback from Others

Sometimes, you might not notice printing yourself. Ask trusted friends or family members to evaluate your setup for printing issues.

Mirror Check

Stand in front of a full-length mirror and move around to check for any noticeable bulges.

Discreet Observations

Have someone observe you in different environments to determine if your firearm is noticeable.

10. Embrace a Minimalist Approach

Carrying additional gear, such as spare magazines or tactical flashlights, increases the risk of printing. Adopt a minimalist approach by carrying only what you need for everyday self-defense.

Conclusion

Achieving a successful concealed carry setup that avoids printing requires a combination of the right gear, clothing, and techniques. By prioritizing quality holsters, properly positioning your firearm, and investing in concealment accessories, you can confidently conceal and carry with less printing. Regular practice and adjustments to your setup will ensure that your firearm remains discreet while still accessible for self-defense.

With these tips, you’ll be able to carry with comfort, confidence, and complete concealment in any situation.