As a concealed carrier, you’ll need a cover garment to hide your firearm. That’s where holster shirts come in. When you carry the appendix inside your waistband position, a blouse can quickly settle into the outline of your weapon and holster. To avoid printing, wear a tank top underneath your shirt to smooth things over.
Convenience
Enthusiasts increasingly turn to holster shirts for concealed carry as a practical and inconspicuous solution for comfortably and securely carrying firearms throughout the day. The best-concealed carry shirts anticipate our needs and allow us to draw our weapons in the most convenient way possible. For example, one popular option is a black shirt with long or short sleeves and a “V” neckline that allows the wearer to conceal a handgun under a button-up polo shirt or other traditional shirt. The pockets in this type of shirt are shaped to contour the side of the chest and feature openings secured by velcro that face toward the center of the chest. These pockets can also connect extra magazines or electronic devices. The shirt also has a shoulder yoke that evenly distributes firearm weight to minimize sagging and maintain accessibility.
Another advantage to holster shirts is that they are designed to be worn under other shirts, such as a polo shirt or button-down shirt, and can be tucked into pants or a skirt. They are also designed to be relaxed and comfortable, utilizing moisture-wicking fabric and antimicrobial technology.
Concealment
The first benefit of concealed carry shirts is that they make it easier to hide a gun and holster under clothing. Many shirts designed for concealed carry skew toward a tactical appearance with extra pockets and camo patterns. This is good, but it can draw attention to your carrying. A shirt fitted through the upper body and flares out at the waistline can hide a weapon much more effectively than a tighter-fitting option. It also eliminates the issue of a buttoned suit or sports jacket brushing against your pistol and exposing it. Some holster shirts even have pouches that secure magazines, electronics, medical devices, or other items. This makes them ideal for various activities, from running errands to working outdoors. They also work great when worn with a light outer layer, such as a hoodie or sweatshirt.
Accessibility
In colder weather, thick fabrics and layers make concealing a firearm reasonably easy. But when warmer weather comes around, and we shed those bulkier clothing pieces, concealed carry becomes more challenging.
One of the most important things to remember is to practice clearing your cover garment. This means that whenever you use your gun, you can easily and quickly remove the shirt covering it. Using a tank top is an excellent way to hide the outline of your firearm and holster from other people. It also helps mask printing from blouses that cling to your gun and holster lines. Another essential thing to keep in mind is that carrying your gun off of your body makes it more accessible to unauthorized users, such as purse snatchers. Keeping your gun securely in your holster is a more secure way to carry it. IWB holsters are designed to accommodate various gun sizes and shapes easily.
Comfort
When wearing a concealment holster in hot weather, you want your shirt to be comfortable. Some shirts explicitly made for carrying offer a particular moisture-wicking fabric that keeps you cool and dry throughout the day. These shirts also feature reinforced seams and bar tacking that ensure your holster can hold up to the pressure of the gun. Many shirts designed with concealed carry in mind have a form-fitting silhouette and come in camo colors, making them look tactical. You can wear these with your favorite holster, but experiment with different retention and cant options to find what works best. Some shirts also have peplum or ruffle hems that flare out when the top hits your waistline. This helps to minimize printing and allows you to keep your holster in the 3 o’clock position, where it is easily accessible. You can also try tucking your shirt off to the side instead of tucking it in, as this creates a little pocket and can help mask printing.
