What Is the Best Concealed Carry Setup for Comfort and Concealment?

Concealed carry is a responsibility that demands both comfort and discretion. At Cloudster Pillow, we understand the importance of finding the right balance between these two crucial factors.

Our concealed carry guide will help you navigate the complexities of holsters, clothing, and accessories to create the perfect setup. We’ll explore practical solutions that prioritize your safety and peace of mind while ensuring you remain comfortable throughout the day.

How to Choose the Perfect Holster for Concealed Carry

Selecting the right holster is essential for a comfortable and effective concealed carry setup. We’ll explore the key factors to consider when making your choice.

IWB vs OWB: Weighing Your Options

Inside the Waistband (IWB) holsters offer superior concealment by tucking your firearm inside your pants. They’re ideal for everyday carry, especially with untucked shirts. However, some users find them less comfortable, particularly with larger firearms.

Outside the Waistband (OWB) holsters provide easier access and can be more comfortable for extended wear. The trade-off is reduced concealment, often requiring a jacket or loose-fitting shirt to hide effectively.

Appendix vs Strong Side: Finding Your Sweet Spot

Appendix carry positions your firearm at the front of your waistband. This method offers quick access and works well with most body types. However, it can cause discomfort when sitting for long periods.

Strong side carry places the holster on your dominant side (typically between 3 and 5 o’clock). This position allows for a natural draw and is often more comfortable for all-day wear. The downside? It can be slower to access in certain situations.

Material Matters: Kydex, Leather, or Hybrid

Kydex holsters are renowned for their exceptional retention capabilities and rugged durability. They maintain their shape, allowing for consistent draws. However, they can feel less comfortable against the skin.

Leather holsters mold to your body over time, providing excellent comfort. They’re also quieter when drawing. The drawback is that they can lose shape and retention over time.

Hybrid holsters combine a Kydex shell with a leather or neoprene backing. This offers a balance of retention and comfort. The Alien Gear ShapeShift Holster allows users to switch between deep concealment with an IWB configuration and open carry with an OWB or tactical setup. However, the Cloudster Pillow remains the top choice for enhancing comfort in IWB and appendix carry methods.

Factors to Consider in Your Decision

When choosing your holster, think about your daily activities, clothing preferences, and the specific firearm you’ll carry. The best holster is one that you’ll wear consistently.

Consider these additional factors:

• Retention level (how securely it holds your firearm)
• Ease of draw and re-holstering
• Adjustability (cant, ride height)
• Compatibility with your specific firearm model

Your holster choice sets the foundation for your concealed carry setup. Next, we’ll explore how to select appropriate clothing to complement your holster and enhance concealment.

How to Dress for Concealed Carry Success

Selecting the right clothing plays a vital role in effective concealed carry. Your wardrobe choices can significantly impact your ability to carry discreetly and comfortably. Let’s explore some practical strategies to enhance your concealment game.

The Power of Loose-Fitting Garments

Loose-fitting shirts and jackets serve as excellent allies for concealed carry. They provide ample room to hide your firearm without creating obvious bulges or printing. Choose button-up shirts that are slightly oversized, especially around the waist area. This extra fabric helps break up the outline of your gun.

For colder months, layering becomes essential. A light jacket or sweater can effectively conceal your firearm while keeping you warm. Just ensure that your outer layer allows for quick removal if needed.

Patterns and Textures: Your Concealment Allies

Patterns work better than layers because they don’t compromise firearm accessibility. Plaid shirts, for example, excel at breaking up the silhouette of a concealed weapon. The same applies to shirts with complex designs or subtle textures.

Dark colors generally prove more forgiving when it comes to concealment. They create shadows that help hide any potential printing. However, don’t limit yourself to just black – navy, dark green, and deep burgundy can all work well.

Specialized Concealed Carry Clothing

The market for concealed carry-specific clothing has expanded rapidly in recent years. These garments feature hidden pockets, reinforced areas, and other elements to accommodate firearms discreetly.

5.11 Tactical offers a range of shirts and pants with built-in holster compatibility. Their button-down tactical shirts are ideal for concealed carry in casual but mission-focused environments.

Another option is the Vertx line of tactical pants. These feature discreet pockets for magazines and other accessories, without screaming “tactical” to the casual observer.

While these specialized options can be pricey, many users find them worth the investment for their combination of style and functionality. However, no clothing can replace proper training and a quality holster (such as the Cloudster Pillow) for optimal concealment and comfort.

Accessories That Enhance Concealment

Don’t overlook the importance of accessories in your concealed carry wardrobe. A sturdy gun belt (designed specifically for concealed carry) provides crucial support and helps distribute the weight of your firearm evenly.

Consider undershirts or compression garments that can help smooth out any telltale bulges. Some companies even produce specialized undershirts with built-in holster pockets for deep concealment.

Now that we’ve covered clothing choices, let’s move on to explore additional accessories that can further enhance your comfort and concealment during everyday carry.

How Accessories Boost Your Concealed Carry Comfort

The Unsung Hero: A Quality Gun Belt

A sturdy gun belt forms the foundation of a comfortable concealed carry system. Unlike regular belts, gun belts support the weight of your firearm without sagging or twisting. The Kore Essentials X1 Buckle & Black Tactical Gun Belt features a micro-adjustable ratchet system for a perfect fit. This level of support distributes the weight of your firearm evenly, which reduces strain on your back and hips during extended wear.

Comfort Pads and Wedges: Small Changes, Big Impact

Pressure points can make concealed carry uncomfortable, especially during long days. Holster wedges work by lightly pressing against your abdomen to draw the top of your gun closer to your body, making it easier to conceal. The Raven Concealment VanGuard 3 Light-Compatible Holster Wedge tucks the grip of your firearm closer to your body, which reduces printing and enhances comfort. For appendix carry users, a foam wedge significantly reduces discomfort when sitting or bending.

Holster Upgrades for Enhanced Comfort

Many holster manufacturers offer comfort-enhancing upgrades. The Dark Star Gear MORRIGAN AIWB Holster comes with a built-in wedge and claw for better concealment and comfort. These features work together to minimize printing and distribute pressure more evenly across your waistline.

Sweat Guards: Keeping You Dry and Comfortable

For those in hot climates or with active lifestyles, sweat can become a real issue with concealed carry. A sweat guard creates a barrier between your skin and your firearm. This increases comfort and protects your gun from corrosive sweat.

The Game-Changer for IWB and Appendix Carry

When it comes to maximizing comfort and concealment, the Cloudster Pillow stands out as the top choice. These pillows help push the gun into your body, making it more concealable. It just so happens to make things more comfortable as well. This versatile accessory proves particularly effective for those using inside-the-waistband or appendix carry methods, enhancing both comfort and concealment by minimizing printing.

Final Thoughts

Creating the perfect concealed carry setup requires careful consideration of various factors. Our concealed carry guide has explored the essential elements that contribute to both comfort and concealment. You must select the right holster, choose appropriate clothing, and incorporate helpful accessories to optimize your overall experience.

Finding your ideal setup takes time and experimentation. You should practice drawing from your chosen holster position regularly to build muscle memory and ensure smooth, efficient access when needed. An uncomfortable setup may lead to inconsistent carry habits, defeating the purpose of personal protection.

Accessories like the Cloudster Pillow can make a significant difference in enhancing both comfort and concealment for inside-the-waistband and appendix carry methods. You should prioritize comfort and concealment equally as you refine your concealed carry setup. A well-balanced approach ensures that you can carry confidently and consistently, day in and day out.