Clothing for Hot Weather...

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Autolycus

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Well let me start that the journey of life might take me to a much hotter and friendlier climate. I am in school and will be applying for school in a few states outside of the Peoples Republic of IL. I am hoping to go to U of Washington but I may end up at the U of Miami. I am curious as to how you all conceal during the hot weather. I am a large guy at about 5'10 and 260 lbs.

I am assuming a lot of light dark colored shirts. The gun I wish to conceal would be an HK P2000 and possibly an HK P2000sk. I do plan to carry a spare magazine and possibly 2 if I expect trouble or venture into the great unknown. As it is I need some new summer clothes anyway so any suggestions are welcome.

Out of curiousity anyone here familiar with Guayabarra shirts? I believe that is what they are called. Does anyone know a good place to get some online?

I am also wondering if photo vests will really stand out in Florida.

Thanks in advance for all of the replies.
 
If you don't need deep concealment, a longer, slightly loose fitting dark colored t-shirt over shorts or jeans/pants (whatever, so long as it has standard belt loops) works good for me (full sized 1911, milt sparks, 5'11", 180lbs). It might print a little to you, but people are sheep, no one notices.

If you need deeper concealment, an unbuttoned button-down shot sleeved shirt over a t-shirt will hide about anything. Plus it looks pretty nice too. :)
 
Sarasota here.
The Flowered shirts are the ticket with cargo shorts.
It's the Fla uniform. You won't stand out. Just get the shirt one size bigger.
A photo vest? Want to look like a dork and really stand out??
And NO man purses.
Be advised Dade is a little different than the rest of Fla. Somewhat more restrictive about CCWing.

Good luck with your choices.

AFS
 
In hot weather I just....

drop my Kel Tec 3AT in my shorts pocket......spare mag in the other pocket.........chris3
 
You want to carry a gun pluse two extra mags! I am sure this will get me flamed but I very rarely carry more ammo then is in my gun. If I am carrying my J frame(5 rounds) I will often carry an extra 5 rounds, but that is the exception to the rule.

Hiding a gun is a lot easier then you think just cover it up some and go for it. Like someone else said people are sheep and will hardly ever notice that you are carrying.
 
Sturm: I just want to carry a gun and one extra mag. Only when I am in a real bad area would I want the second magazine.

I have no experience carrying since I live in IL. And I rarely travel out of state so I never bothered to get a permit.

So basically a loose button down, a t-shirt, and cargo shorts will do fine. Sounds very comfy as well. Thanks.

One more question: How does leather hold against the heat, sweat, and ocean air?
 
As previously stated, shorts and a tee or tank covered with the Hawaiian print oversized shirt will work nicely in most situations...Kel tec for everthing else.

Bryan
 
Carry
Lots of folks nailed it, but it bears repeating:
1. Quality leather GUN belt. 1.5" is the standard, though 1.25" & 1.75" are seen. Do not skimp.
2. Quality holster. HBE COM, Milt Sparks VM2, others. Do not skimp.
3. Loose pants/shorts 1 size bigger than usual. No painted on jeans.
4. Cover garment (bold patterns are better than solids, dark colors better than white)
* Button down/polo/T shirt 1 size bigger
5. Cotton undergarments. This is no place for polyester or silk. Undershirt is primary; undershorts, optional. A wifebeater works under a T shirt cover.


Leather vs Sweat
Depends on the leather. Horse is naturally water resistant, cow needs treatment.

A good holster of either type will hold up vs perspiration with no problems. I am 6', 265# & a heavy sweater. I have worn my COM by HBE (cow hide) in 100deg/90% humidity all day. Yes, I sweated like a butcher. My holster was just fine at the end of the day, having taken on no water.
 
A little more info...

options are many, I prefer nylon and kydex to leather...a belt from 5.11 tactical and a fobus paddle holster do it for me...just a matter of preference from someone who sweats profusely!

Bryan
 
the U huh?

im not far from there and although im not old enough to carry its very easy to do so if you have a CORRECT fitting belt and holster...I can conceal a full size 1911 with a collared shirt and blue jeans...

just have to be slightly careful of lifting my arms above my head or bending over


btw it gets pretty warm down here...im a native so it doesnt bother me.

edit: down here in miami-dade, and Broward is basically the most anti in florida... :( so you'd have to be a little more careful.

Chad
 
Nimitz: I grew up in IL. So any anti's you all are facing are nothing compared to the anti's we got here.

As for the weather I can get used to it. I just figure a lot of water and visits to the beach will take care of it.

What is your impression of the University of Miami? It looks like a decent school. I just wish Florida allowed CCW on college campuses.
 
BullfrogKen said:
http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?p=2386263#post2386263

I've found IWB to be unbearably uncomfortable after about 6-8 hours with a 1911, sooner with a Sig 229 because its slide is thicker. After 12 hours, its intolerable.

That is my opinion. Some may find it doesn't bother them, but I imagine anyone who has a gun on anytime he has pants on might agree. I guess you can stick a 2x4 down your pants and learn to tolerate it. But its uncomfortable, and after six months of it day after day, you might find yourself looking for an alternative, too.

My experience with hot weather has been if I used an IWB, after 5-6 hours I sweat through it. And it stays wet as one night isn't enough to dry it out, so I'm constantly sticking my slide into a sweaty, salty piece of leather.

If you must have an IWB, get the Heritage from Milt Sparks. Or, the HR-LTD (New Products page). Either one has a waterproof barrier inserted between two layers of leather to keep the moisture from sweating through and soaking the holster. It is worth the extra cost. But it now, or buy it later, but eventually you'll buy it. If you only carry for 2-3 hours at a time, then maybe you won't need it.


I find I have no problem walking about with an OWB Commander, Hi-Power, or full size 1911. But my manner of dress differs from yours. Rusty Sherrick offers the best design of a high riding OWB I've seen, and I've been fortunate to have seen a few . . . the Gochenour Extreme High Ride. My next choice would be a Sparks 60TK.
Click to expand...

From my response to a previous thread not even a week ago about carry IWB vs OWB in hot weather. I didn't feel motivated enough to address such a similar post typing a similar response when we were discussing this same subject over the weekend.

Sorry, buddy. But you did respond to that post, so I know you saw it. I reposted it here for the benefit of others who weren't following that thread.

Tecumseh said: I am also wondering if photo vests will really stand out in Florida.
Click to expand...

I still suggest you have other options.

I manage to carry either a Colt Cobra (aluminum frame Detective special) with a speedloader and 6 round dump pouch, or a Commander with one reload, both OWB, depending on how I feel healthwise that day. I always have either a 6P Surefire and a 4" fixed blade on me, as well.

And I find I have no problem keeping this obscured from my coworkers. Night school was easy . . . 3 hours of class vs. 9 hours of work.
 
I'm living in Florida now, and I carry a P2000 in an OWB CQC SERPA paddle holster.

I don't have a whole lot of meat on my bones, so heat has never really been a problem for me. I carry concealed with just a pair of sturdy jeans or dress slacks and a thin, short sleeved button up shirt of polo shirt. Works like a charm.
 
I highly recommend name brand golf polo shirts with a pattern or dark solid color. Golf polo shirts typically have a long tail to keep the shirt bottom from pulling our when you swing your club. When not tucked in, they can cover an amazing amount of gun. Also the fabric with thick yet breathable, so it doesn't print easily nor overheat you easily.

Get some good hiking sandals. Sandals can sort of send a subliminal message saying that you have less to hide.

Cargo pocket shorts made of denim or heavy twill.

Kel-Tec P32 or P3AT as a BUG or swimwear carry.

Consider a New York reload. One of the best ways to carry spare ammo is in a second gun.
 
im 18, and fixing to head off to college, so I've defintely looked at all the florida schools.

UM is a good school, its a private school so very pricey. I myself am going to go to santa fe community and transfer to UF...

are you going to live on campus? or in a apt.? make sure the apts. contract doesnt say anything about firearms.

Chad
 
Nimits: I called the University today and spoke with the PD. They have no way for me to store firearms on campus. I find this unnaceptable! I live in IL and the college I go to has weapons lockers at the campus police department. As a side note some of the campus PD is supportive of CCW.

I figure I will probably get some of those Guayabarra shirts, some Hawaiian shirts, and lots of big baggy cargo shorts. Thanks for all the suggestions. I am really leaning towards the U of Miami more and more.

Would you mind if I PMed you with some questions about the neighborhood near Coral Gables?
 
wow thats to bad to hear...I dont mind if you PM me at all, however im not to familar with the area, I just moved here a year or so ago from tampa, but I know a bit.

Chad
 
I was extremely annoyed by the fact they do not have storage lockers for the students. Even here in an anti-gun state we have them for the students. I kind of got the impression that the officer I spoke with on the phone as an anti as well. He seemed annoyed at the question. His tone of voice just made him sound as if he thought I was some sort of sicko. Nevertheless I will PM you later today after I get a little sleep. Thanks by the way.
 
I was extremely annoyed by the fact they do not have storage lockers for the students. Even here in an anti-gun state we have them for the students. I kind of got the impression that the officer I spoke with on the phone as an anti as well. He seemed annoyed at the question. His tone of voice just made him sound as if he thought I was some sort of sicko. Nevertheless I will PM you later today after I get a little sleep. Thanks by the way.
 
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