Most crucial factor when it comes to concealed carry attire is getting the right size. Ensuring your clothing fits properly not only enhances comfort but also plays a crucial role in effectively concealing your weapon. Here’s what you need to know about selecting sizes for your concealed carry clothing to optimize both comfort and functionality.
Key Takeaways:
- Proper fit is important: For concealed carry attire, choosing the right size is crucial for comfort, ease of draw, and overall effectiveness.
- Consider the type of firearm: The size and weight of your firearm will impact the sizing of your concealed carry clothing to ensure proper concealment and accessibility.
- Choose clothing designed for concealed carry: Look for clothing specifically made for concealed carry, as they often have features like extra room in key areas and reinforced seams for better performance.
Concealed Carry Essentials
Defining Concealed Carry
One vital aspect of concealed carry is being able to discreetly carry a weapon on your person without drawing attention to it. This means selecting clothing and accessories that help you keep your self-defense tool hidden from view while still being easily accessible in case of an emergency.
Importance of Proper Fit
The importance of proper fit cannot be overstated when it comes to concealed carry attire. Ill-fitting clothing can not only make it difficult to hide your weapon effectively but can also hinder your ability to draw it quickly and efficiently if needed.
Ensuring that your clothing fits well and allows for easy access to your concealed weapon is crucial for your safety and the effectiveness of carrying a self-defense tool.
With properly fitting concealed carry attire, you can confidently carry your weapon knowing that you are prepared for any potential dangers that may arise. When your clothing fits well and allows for easy access to your weapon, you can navigate your daily activities with peace of mind, knowing that you are equipped to protect yourself if necessary.
Measuring for Concealed Carry
Assuming you’re considering incorporating concealed carry into your daily attire, it’s crucial to ensure your clothing fits comfortably and effectively conceals your firearm. The first step in selecting the right size for concealed carry attire is accurately measuring your body.
Taking Your Measurements
To determine the correct size for concealed carry clothing, you’ll need to measure your chest, waist, and hips. Use a tape measure to get accurate measurements, ensuring it sits snugly against your body without being too tight. These measurements will guide you in selecting the appropriate size for concealed carry garments.
Understanding Body Types
On your journey to finding the ideal concealed carry attire, understanding your body type is crucial. Different body types require different fits and styles of clothing to effectively conceal your firearm while maintaining comfort. Perceiving how your body shape influences the fit of concealed carry clothing is key to finding the perfect size.
| Body Type | Characteristics |
| Apple | Rounded midsection, slimmer legs |
| Pear | Wider hips and thighs, narrower shoulders |
| Hourglass | Well-defined waist, balanced upper and lower body |
| Rectangle | Straight torso, similar shoulder, waist, and hip widths |
| Inverted Triangle | Broader shoulders, narrower hips |
Considerations for Different Builds
Aconcealed carry wardrobe that fits your body type is crucial for comfort and functionality. Depending on your build, certain styles and cuts of clothing may work better than others. Carry out some trial and error to determine which sizes and styles suit you best.
Carrying a firearm safely and discreetly is of utmost importance. Ensure your clothing allows for quick and easy access to your firearm while effectively concealing it. Choosing the right size and fit for your body type will enhance both your comfort and concealed carry capabilities.
Fabric and Material Selection
Breathability and Moisture-Wicking
Material selection is crucial when choosing concealed carry attire. Keep in mind that fabrics with good breathability and moisture-wicking properties are necessary for comfort, especially during long periods of wear. Look for garments made from high-quality synthetic materials or blends that can help keep you cool and dry throughout the day.
Durability and Abrasion Resistance
Selection of durable fabrics is key for concealed carry attire, as these garments are likely to undergo more wear and tear than your regular clothing. Look for fabrics that offer strong abrasion resistance to withstand the friction caused by the holster and firearm. This will ensure that your clothing remains in good condition and can support the weight of your firearm without wearing out quickly.
To ensure the longevity of your concealed carry attire, opt for fabrics that are specifically designed to withstand the rigors of carrying a firearm. Invest in clothing made from high-quality materials that offer both durability and comfort, providing you with reliable performance in various conditions.
Comfort and Flexibility
An important factor to consider when selecting concealed carry attire is comfort and flexibility. Look for fabrics that are soft, flexible, and move with your body to ensure a comfortable fit that won’t restrict your movements. Be mindful of, you may need to wear your concealed carry clothing for extended periods, so prioritizing comfort is key.
Abrasion resistance is necessary to prevent wear and tear on your clothing from the constant friction of carrying a concealed firearm. Look for fabrics with reinforced stitching and durable construction to ensure your attire remains in top condition even with frequent use.
Choosing the Right Garment Style
Many factors come into play when selecting the right garment style for your concealed carry needs. The style of clothing you choose can have a significant impact on how effectively you can carry your firearm while maintaining comfort and discretion. Here’s what you need to know about selecting the right garment style for your concealed carry wardrobe.
Shirts and Tops
With shirts and tops, it’s important to consider the material and fit to ensure a comfortable and secure carry. Look for shirts made of breathable fabrics that are loose enough to easily conceal your firearm without printing. Additionally, choose tops with patterns or darker colors that can help disguise any bulges or lines caused by your holster and gun.
Pants and Shorts
Pants are a crucial part of your concealed carry attire. Select pants with a sturdy waistband that can support the weight of your firearm without sagging. Opt for pants with deep pockets or a reinforced waistband to provide easy access to your gun. Concerning shorts, choose longer lengths that can provide better coverage and help with concealing your firearm.
Pants and shorts with belt loops offer the option to use a sturdy gun belt, which is vital for secure and comfortable carry. Ensure your pants are roomy enough to accommodate your holster without feeling too tight or restricting your movements.
Dresses and Skirts
Skirts are a versatile option for concealed carry, providing a feminine and discreet way to carry your firearm. Look for dresses and skirts with fitted silhouettes that can help prevent printing. Styles with elastic waistbands or A-line cuts can offer comfort and ease of movement while carrying your gun.
A dress or skirt made of a slightly thicker fabric can also aid in concealing your firearm more effectively. Remember to adjust the placement of your holster based on the style of the dress or skirt to ensure a secure and comfortable carry.
Sizing Considerations for Specific Carry Methods
IWB (Inside the Waistband) Carry
Despite the concealed nature of IWB (Inside the Waistband) carry, you still need to consider sizing when selecting your attire. When choosing pants for IWB carry, you will need to go up a size or two to accommodate the added bulk of the gun and holster inside your waistband. This extra space ensures that the firearm can be comfortably and securely carried without printing through your clothing.
OWB (Outside the Waistband) Carry
The sizing considerations for OWB (Outside the Waistband) carry are different from IWB. With OWB carry, you want your clothing to be loose enough to conceal the firearm and holster comfortably. This may mean opting for a jacket or overshirt that provides the necessary coverage without clinging to the shape of the gun on your hip.
This method of carry allows for easier access to your firearm, but it also requires more attention to how your clothing drapes over the holster. Ensure your shirts or jackets are long enough to prevent the firearm from peeking out when you move or reach, maintaining both concealment and accessibility.
Appendix Carry
To size your clothing for Appendix Carry, you should focus on the area around your waistline. With the appendix carry method, the positioning of the holster and firearm at the front of your body requires pants that sit comfortably at your natural waistline without digging into your midsection.
It is important to note that with Appendix Carry, you should avoid pants that are too tight in the waistband, as they can cause discomfort or even interfere with your ability to draw your firearm quickly and effectively.
Balancing Comfort and Concealment
Prioritizing Concealment
To adequately conceal your concealed carry weapon, you may need to prioritize certain aspects of your attire over others. This might mean opting for looser or darker clothing to help mask any printing or bulges that could give away the presence of your weapon. While this may slightly sacrifice comfort, it is crucial to maintain the element of surprise that comes with concealed carry.
Finding Comfortable Options
To find a balance between comfort and concealment, look for clothing designed specifically for concealed carry. Brands like 5.11 Tactical and UnderTech UnderCover offer a wide range of options, from shirts with built-in holsters to pants with hidden pockets for easy access to your weapon. These specialized garments are designed to provide maximum comfort while effectively concealing your firearm.
Concealment should always be your top priority when selecting attire for concealed carry, but that doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice comfort completely. Investing in high-quality, purpose-made clothing will ensure you can carry comfortably without compromising on concealment.
Compromising for Everyday Carry
For everyday carry, you may need to make some compromises in order to balance comfort and concealment. While a hoodie or oversized shirt may be comfortable, it might not be the most concealable option for carrying your weapon. Similarly, a form-fitting top may effectively conceal your firearm but could be less comfortable for all-day wear.
Comfort is important, but when it comes to concealed carry, you must prioritize concealment to ensure your safety and the effectiveness of your self-defense strategy. Consider your daily activities and environment when making choices about what to wear, and always opt for clothing that allows you to comfortably carry your weapon while keeping it out of sight.
Summing up
With these considerations in mind, selecting the right sizes for your concealed carry attire is crucial for both comfort and effectiveness. Remember to take accurate measurements of your body and the firearm you plan to carry, and choose clothing that provides enough room without being too loose or too tight. Don’t forget to consider the type of holster you will be using and how it will affect the fit of your attire.
By following these tips, you can ensure that your concealed carry clothing fits well, conceals your firearm properly, and allows for quick and easy access when needed. Keep in mind, when it comes to carrying concealed, the right fit can make all the difference in both your comfort and your safety.