Posted: 5/23/2008 7:27:13 AM EDT
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I'm new to CCW and wonder what to wear as a cover garment in the summer. I like the comfort of OWB but I believe it going to be hard to conceal in the summer. Anybody has any suggestions on a light weight cover garment that will tasteful? Thanks Bri |
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Depends on where you are at. For us "Urban" types, a hipster track jacket or bowling shirt works well. Plus, you are in a good "sheep disguise". I also use a windbreaker with keys or something else in the pockets to allow for an easier "sweep" to clear the garment. I always go IWB and that even works in shorts and a t-shirt for full concealment. Good luck! |
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I also use the squared-off on the bottom shirts, with a t-shirt or A-shirt underneath. They come in a zillion fabrics and colors nowadays. A good belt/holster/handgun hides under this setup either OWB or IWB. I sometimes use a tuckable with a 1911 and a tucked short sleeved shirt if a more professional look is needed. |
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If Columbia Sportswear knew how great their camp-type shirts are for CCW they would probably puke. A great choice of prints and fabrics: All Shirts Linky Here are a couple of my favorites: Favortie A Favorite B Cinch also makes some good shirts for CCW. |
| C'mon...I live in Phoenix...you know, 115 degrees on a good day in Aug. I carry an XD-40 in a Safariland FBI Concealment Holster (OWB)and a dual mag carrier. This is with shorts, A-shirt and just a regular shirt over that. I have always worn larger shirts then my build, so no change there. You don't have to go with bowling or Hawaiian shirts, no windbreaker with keys in the pocket. Go with what is comfortable for you. You don't have to go to the extreme measure of changing your whole wardrobe from winter to summer carry. |
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Depending on wear I'm going I'll normally wear extra large T-shirts or polo shirts or untucked button cotton shirts. But my favorite cover garment has always been a vest. I've got vests of all different types. I've got fancy satin and cotton "gambler's vests", rough and smooth leather western vests, bikers leather type vest, safari/photographer vest, patchwork leather and even a bikers vest that looks like the traditional bikers jackets but without sleeves. They're easy on/off garments, almost all will cover an IWB pistol, are usually not hot even in warm weather and give extra pockets for spare mags and BUGs. |
+1, I just bought several bass pro bitton down shirts for 12.88. I also use the baseball/football jerseys as well... scottMO |
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Go to lapolicegear.com and look at the 5.11 Tactical Covert Casual Shirts. They are specially designed for concealed carry with special interior material on the side of the shirt to avoid the firearm from printing. They are VERY easy to draw with as well and pretty stylish. For about $40.00 a piece they are what you'd pay for most decent shirts you didn't purchase at the Walmart. Good stuff. I find that 5.11 makes the best civilian CCW clothing out there. I own their cover casault shirts, their pants, and a 3-1 parka I'm very happy with. |
| Fortunately, it's "cool" to wear your shirt outside your pants these days. Any type of sport shirt like an oxford, polo or even a t-shirt works for me as long as it remains outside my pants and loose. Snug, tailored or custom shirts won't work. Keep it loose and dark (if possible) |
+1. A light, loose, short sleeve button up style shirt works perfect over a t-shirt. |
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Loose, button-up shirt. Dark colors with a pattern on them are best. If I do this I can look somewhat respectable. Just a T-shirt? Haha, it'd have to be three sizes too large. I can hide a gun under a regular T-shirt when just standing, but sitting down, bending, reaching etc. and the grip prints. |
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BFIBri, you don't have to go through an entire wardrobe change just to CCW in the summer. Just wear what is comfortable for you. You go through a drastic wardrobe change and anyone with a lick of common sense is going to notice the change and start asking questions. Personally, I don't wear a lot of button up clothes. Just don't like them. I wear an A-shirt under a normal everyday shirt. 5.11 shirts scream handgun...as do vests in certain situations. Sheeple aren't paying attention to people enough to notice printing. If you wear your CCW on the peak of your hip, of course it's going to print and be too obvious. Depending on your holster and draw technique, wear your CCW just forward or behind the peak of your hip. If reaching high, reach with your weak hand instead of your strong hand..it will help against being exposed. Squat down vs. bending over. Sit somewhere where you can put your CCW side towards a wall or other obstacle to prevent the few nosey sheeple out there looking for CCW's. Situational awareness and common sense play parts when carrying. No matter what you wear, practice your draw technique a few times in the mirror. Grab your shirt near your CCW with your weak hand, pull up and draw. |
| Unless I am wearing a parka I could not conceal my Glock 23 in an OWB holster. I've tried a few as well before I went to IWB. I bought a $20 IWB that concealed better than ANY OWB oout there. It way uncomfortable though. Then I bought an MTAC IWB and a 1.5" double layer belt from The Beltman and never looked back. Comfort, support and concealablity unmatched. I would suggest looking into a CTAC or MTAC IWB from Comp-tac and get a good belt. It's a better way to go than trying to modify your whole style of dress. |
I, too, live in Phx and in the summer I wear shorts, a sleeveless t-shirt or wifebeater with a Columbia shirt over (and unbuttoned) to hide the IWB piece and carry mags. On windy days I do find myself chasing the shirt to prevent unwanted exposure. All other seasons I will switch the outer shirt for a 5.11 Tactical Vest (I HATE the tactical connotation but I LOVE all the pockets!) in digital camo. |