The right clothing can make it easy to carry a concealed firearm without looking like a tactical gearhead. Many companies have developed new clothing that makes it easier for concealed carriers to blend in.

The fabric of the cover garment should be dark, as light fabrics can show the darker outline of a handgun. Shirts with heavier fabrics print less.

Natural Fabrics

Regarding travel concealment, natural fabrics like cotton and linen are breathable, which can help circulate air around your body. This allows you to stay cool while carrying a concealed firearm without the risk of overheating.

Natural fabrics like merino wool are soft and wick moisture away from the skin. This helps to keep you comfortable while wearing a concealment holster, especially in hot climates. Wool is also very durable and perfect for backcountry hiking and hunting.

Heavy clothing can also be a good option for concealed carry because it’s thicker and can mask any bulge from your weapon. However, you need to ensure that you can still access your firearm easily if you need to draw your gun from its holster quickly. This could mean unbuttoning a jacket or flipping it open when grabbing your pistol. That’s why you should consider a tactical sports jacket specifically designed with pockets and features to support concealed carry.

Prints

The size and fit of your concealment garments are other important factors. Tight-fitting jackets will reveal the outline of your firearm, while looser clothing may hide it more effectively. A sports coat can hide a concealed pistol in your hip holster for a casual outing, while a bomber jacket or parka may be a better option for an urban setting.

Light-colored fabric can make the shape of a gun visible, so choose navy, black, or charcoal clothing for concealed carry. Also, light-colored pants can show the outline of a weapon, so opt for darker pants when possible.

The best way to prevent printing is to practice regularly and to find a comfortable carrying position that fits your body type. Worrying about whether or not you’re printing will only distract you from focusing on the task at hand. Additionally, prioritize comfort to avoid fidgeting throughout the day. This will help you avoid the accidental prints that unintentional movements can cause.

Dark Colors

For those who carry concealed daily (police detectives, security guards, entrepreneurs traveling in dangerous countries), the task is to find clothing that conceals their weapon while looking respectable. Various options span James Bond’s tuxedo to cargo pants and a T-shirt.

One important consideration is that your closed-cover garment must be dark enough to hide the outline of a handgun. White or other light colors are more likely to show the shape of your weapon, even with a dark IWB or OWB holster.

A darker color also helps disguise any printing or bulges caused by your concealed carry outfit. In addition, a pattern or other design on your cover garment can make it more difficult for someone to see the handle of your firearm.

Cover Garments

The goal of concealed carry is quick access to a firearm when needed, but it’s also important that your weapon remain hidden until you need it. Having the right clothing can help you achieve both goals.

Clothes such as cargo pants and fishing vests offering holsters in the waistline can conceal your firearm while offering quick, easy access to it. Shirts with peplum or ruffle hems can hide your gun without showing its outline through the fabric.

Depending on your style, a cardigan or blazer can be another useful cover garment to conceal the printing and bulge of a firearm when carried in a shoulder holster. This is often preferred by plainclothes detectives and security guards who want to be discreet but must quickly get their guns out of the holster and into action. Practicing a clear, repeatable technique for clearing your jacket is important when drawing the pistol.