Discover the importance of holster shirts for concealed carry—a method to carry your pistol discreetly, comfortably, and securely while you go about your day.
The clothing you wear is a critical component of your concealed carry strategy. Garments that are tight enough to hold a firearm but can be easily swept aside or pulled up offer optimal concealment.
Look for shirts with longer tails that can be left untucked, and avoid clingy, body-hugging materials that can give away the location of your holster.
Discretion
Discretion is one of the most important things to consider when carrying a concealed weapon. You need to be able to move quickly and freely without worrying about exposing your gun to others.
The best way to do this is to wear a holster shirt that offers plenty of concealment and is compatible with your holster.
Holster shirts for concealed carry are form-fitting undershirts with built-in pocket holsters for your weapon under each arm. This type of shirt provides unparalleled concealment, making it an excellent option for many people.
Another thing to keep in mind is that your clothing should be tight enough to prevent printing but not so tight that it’s uncomfortable or restricts your movement.
Printing is when the outline of your pistol can be seen through your shirt, and it can happen when you bend over, reach down, or stretch your clothes.
Convenience
When you carry concealed, it’s essential to consider your cover garment. A gust of wind can reveal your gun or, at the very least, cause your clothing to cling to the outline of the firearm and holster, making it visible to people behind you.
To minimize this risk, look for a shirt that is tight enough. Generally, more casual button-down and polo shirts are designed with longer tails, allowing you to tuck them into your waistband and hide the holster.
Another option is a holster shirt, a form-fitting top with built-in pocket holsters under each arm for your handgun. The downside is that it can be tight and uncomfortable, especially in hot weather.
Also, you need to wear another shirt over it, which can hinder your draw speed. But a holster shirt is worth considering if you value safety over convenience.
Comfort
While there isn’t a one-size-fits-all for CCW shirts, you want a shirt that fits comfortably while giving you the space you need for your holster. This is especially important if you’re carrying an IWB firearm.
Look for a shirt with longer tails to help give you more material to tuck into your waistband and hide your holster.
You also want a comfortable shirt while wearing other clothing, such as a suit jacket or sports coat. Consider looking for a shirt made of moisture-wicking fabric to reduce sweat.
Finally, look for a holster shirt with pocket-type holsters arranged under both arms for ambidextrous carry. This makes it easier to draw your gun while keeping it hidden from those around you.
These holsters also help distribute the weight of your firearm evenly across your chest instead of putting all the pressure on your stomach.
Versatility
Trying to conceal a handgun with other clothing options can be clunky and restrict your movement. Concealed carry shirts anticipate these issues and allow you to bring your firearm with you quickly.
The pockets on holster shirts are designed to prevent chafing and provide ample space for a firearm, spare magazine, medical supplies, or electronic devices. They’re also overlaid with mesh that breaks up the outline of a handgun to prevent printing.
Most concealed carry shirts are made with polyester and spandex to make them comfortable durable and are usually a compression fit. That means they’re tight, but it allows you to clear your cover garment and draw your weapon quickly.
Removing your shirt and drawing your firearm often is essential to ensure you can do so promptly if necessary. You want to avoid being in a situation where you need your weapon, and getting to your holster is difficult.
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