How do you dress for concealment in the summer months without looking too casual? Now that the weather is turning consistently warmer I find myself pocket carrying a revolver more and more often. So, pocket carry has been my 'compromise' solution. If you carry IWB (Something like a Glock 19) or on your belt in the summer months how do you do it short of wearing a very loose fitting T-shirt...I can't wear a T-Shirt most of the time and a 'tactical vest' just isn't comfortable when the temps are pushing 100? Any ideas?
Dressing for Concealment
- Thread starter CTGunner
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moxie
Member
Pocket carry in shorts or pants that are loose enough to adequately provide concealment, under a longish t-shirt or other shirt. Ruger LCR in a Uncle Mike's #3 or a Nemesis is made for this. IWB is too hot and sweaty when the temps are in the 90s and above. At least for me.
Gouranga
Member
I Carry a M&P 40 FS IWB. Usually nice shorts, undershirt tucked in and some sort of button down short sleeved button down shirt. Look like you are not crawling out of the gutter but still pretty nice. The button down shirt is light, the undershirt catches any sweat. Works great.
smince
Member.
Oversize t shirt or polo untucked, Glock 19 in A-IWB position.
If required, G26 in a bellyband under a tucked in shirt.
If required, G26 in a bellyband under a tucked in shirt.
DougW
Member
Hawaiian or short sleeve casual button down shirts, light T shirt underneath, untucked. Glock 26 or Glock 19 in a paddle.
pikid89
Member
try a columbia or World wide sportsman fishing style shirt...super super light but still nice looking
killchain
Member
I carry a Kel-Tec P-3AT.
[edit: it's spelled P-3AT, not P-38T lol]
If I'm wearing tightie whities I can hide it.
Since this is an open carry state (Washington,) anything bigger I just pack on the belt and might throw a shirt over it if someone raises a stink.
[edit: it's spelled P-3AT, not P-38T lol]
If I'm wearing tightie whities I can hide it.
Since this is an open carry state (Washington,) anything bigger I just pack on the belt and might throw a shirt over it if someone raises a stink.
Mainsail
Member
I don't. I just carry openly.
bigfatdave
Member
Pants with belt and a lightweight undershirt and short-sleeved button shirt. IWB thin autos with leather/Kydex holsters and a BeltMan belt (Walther PPS or compact 1911)
Winter gets the same outfit with heavier materials, no change in mode of carry.
It really isn't that hard.
Winter gets the same outfit with heavier materials, no change in mode of carry.
It really isn't that hard.
I just started to carry not too long ago and from my limited experience I can say that it really depends on your body type. I'm a pretty fit person 5'9 180 lbs mostly muscle so I can wear untucked M/L polo shirts or a short sleeve button down shirt and carry IWB at 3 or 4 o'clock no problem. I have a 32' waist so it's rather easy for me to conceal a gun (CZ 75 P01) under an untucked shirt, for for untucked button down shirts I can even carry the CZ in an OWB holster and still be okay. But like I said I don't have the most experience and it really depends on your body type
XLT polo shirts, the "T" keeps the shirt long enough after a few washes to cover up my IWB rig while stretching and bending. Of course it has to be untucked, that may be too casual for your situation. If you aren't an XLT they also make LT shirts, Cabela's has quite a few to choose from.
84B20
Member
Since I'm retired I dress any way I want. I have worn a photo type vest for many years and with my Blackhawk Serpa holster and my 1911 I have not had a problem with concealment in any type of weather.
Harley Rider 55
Member
CTGunner
You would blend in with the crowd very well if in Miami.
You would blend in with the crowd very well if in Miami.
walksbyhimself
Member
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I typically wear long-sleeve shirts untucked over an undershirt, with the sleeves rolled up. I do this in the summer too, but Texas heat dictates lighter fabrics, and synthetic "performance fabrics". I really like plaid patterns, as they hide the gun well, and make you look like a lumberjack. Nobody messes with lumberjacks ;-)
The Lone Haranguer
Member
Long tailed, square-hemmed shirts (often called a "camp shirt"), untucked. For times when I don't wish or am unable to wear a belt holstered gun, I favor pocket carry.
coondogger
Member
- Joined
- Aug 18, 2009
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- 552
In the summer I carry IWB (Walther ppk/s .380) with either Cuban or 'retro' shirts, slightly oversized. The shirts are lighter in fabric weight than a polo knit so if, god forbid, you have need to access your weapon, they're easier to flip up out of the way.
bigfatdave
Member
For "retro" shirts, bowlingshirt.com has some nice retro stuff with a boxy cut.
By "cuban" shirts, do you mean the 4-pocket ones?
By "cuban" shirts, do you mean the 4-pocket ones?
Shadow 7D
Member
I hate IWB, could just be the holster, my main problem is reholstering, it collapses and unless I want to take the entire holster off, it's a major production to get my pistol back in.
If I'm going for minimum exposure (like taking the kids to the local park) I just slip the KT in my pocket, so pockets are pretty important.
I'm still working it all out, but I think I want to try a pancake next, and maybe something other than a Bianchi 100.
If I'm going for minimum exposure (like taking the kids to the local park) I just slip the KT in my pocket, so pockets are pretty important.
I'm still working it all out, but I think I want to try a pancake next, and maybe something other than a Bianchi 100.
http://www.cubavera.com/Men/Casual-Shirts/icat/cuhcasualshirts
These shirts are what I'm talking about. They are really light weight.
bigfatdave
Member
You're using the wrong kind of holster, that isn't a problem with IWB carry, it is a problem with a cheap holster.
Travis McGee
Member
I buy Hawaiian and other bold print short sleeve shirts, one size too big, and wear them loose and untucked. On my belt at 3 oclock an IWB holster, in that my XD9. Works for me.
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