suspenders for concealed carry?

[30 cal slob]

i guess i'm a fata$$.

when i'm carrying my pistol in an IWB or other hip holster my pants seem to fall down from the weight of the gun (usually a clunky 1911). this is a problem since it allows the gun to be exposed if i'm wearing a short jacket or conceal vest, and i often find that i am giving myself a tactical wedgie to get the holster back out of sight.

i've done some googling around for "tactical suspenders" ... anyone here use 'em with satisfactory results?

 

[B52buf]

I have the same problem. I don't carry much but while doing yard work and shooting IDPA matches I use a pair of "Plumbers Helper" suspenders. They clip on the belt and are easy to get on and off. I believe I've seen them at Home Dopot or Loews ,can't remember where the heck I bought mine. FYI, my wife thinks they're sexy.

Good luck,


Larry

 

[Iggy]

Look into Perry's suspenders.

 

[ZeSpectre]

Are you considering wearing suspenders and clipping your IWB onto the waistband of your pants? Didn't work too well for me as the waistband wasn't strong enough to resist dragging down at one point.

Tried belt AND suspenders, worked but looks odd.

 

[bogie]

Suspenders work. I learned the trick from a DEA guy

 

[george29]

I have toyed with all types of suspenders, the best I found are the old fshioned leather type that can be found at western apparel clothing stores, I bought mine whilst on a visit to Tombstone. As an added benefit, the wide leather straps are actually so strong and wide that I often slip my OWB holster on the leather strap and I have an instant shoulder holster when I feel it necessary. Whatever you do, I suggest that you avoid the aligator clip or any other spring latch and get either button loops or a spring clamp that attach to the pants, the alligator clips usually work for a very short time and then they need replacement, most CAS or western wear type leather suspenders have good systems, the costs are more but they are dressier and will outlast you.

 

[whitetiger7654]

"Suspenders work. I learned the trick from a DEA guy"

Was he the only one in the room capable of carrying this Glock...

 

[TonyB]

On a regular day,I don't wear them....but doing IDPA(WHICH i USE A HEAVIER GUN USUALLY)I use Perry's suspenders..I also use them when I'm at my part time job,which has alot of movement.It is reassuring knowing I don't have to pull my pants up every 2 seconds......I'm fat too by the way...but my problem is that my weight goes up anddown,so often my pants are actually too big..so the suspenders are good.

 

[Big Calhoun]

I recently bought a pair of Perry, Carrhart, and Hold Up suspenders. In general, they do work. They can look odd at times if not adjusted right.

The Perry suspenders felt the 'cheapest' of the bunch. The elastic band feels flimsier than the Carrhart or HUs. The attachment to the belt is actually made with a clip. The clips feels somewhat sturdy but can be a PITA to remove during natural emergency situations... The Carrharts are definately the heavy duty of the bunch and will support the weight. They use a heavy duty clip that will work on your pants or on a web belt. The HUs weren't too bad. I actually found them to be the most comfortable of the bunch. The downside to these are the clip. It uses a metal post in the center that goes through your clothing. So constant clipping and reclipping will eventually gnaw at your clothing or belt.

I've yet to carry with a workable setup involving suspenders. It just doesn't fit my everyday manner of dress. As it stands, I carry a P2K SK in a Galco belt holster which works remarkebly well with jeans/shorts and polo type shirts. I'm also trying to decide on a IWB or another belt hoslter for a 4inch 1911.

 

[Old Fuff]

I have a picture of an old-time Texas Ranger with suspenders attached to his cartridge belt...

Yes, suspenders do work, but you still need a belt to support an inside-waistband holster with anything but the lightest gun. They also used to make "suspender holsters" that were sort of a cross between a shoulder holster and an IWB rig. As for looking funny, a covering garment - shirt, vest, coat - whatever, takes care of that.

 

[cheygriz]

I generally use a Galco shoulder rig. but on the occassions when I do carry "cowboy style" in an IWB, I use suspenders, to hold up my pants. I prefer the "button" type leather suspenders.

 

[SWModel19]

I have a double problem. I'm also a big guy, but I cannot wear belts, at least not tight enough to keep a pistol from pulling my pants down.

SO, I invented my own fat-guy concealed carry rig. Buying the materials from strapworks.com, I used a belt that was just a bit too small, closed the gap with 6" of elastic (to make the belt loose). and then sewed shoulder straps onto the back in a criss-cross pattern (ie. the left strap goes over the right shoulder and vice-versa). Then I sewed hard-points onto the belt at 4 and 8 0'Clock that the shoulder straps can go into and be secured. It may seem silly to have the points so close to the back, but the point is to have the suspenders support almost the whole weight of the pistol, and have the belt do basically nothing but hold it next to my body. The elastic is because, as all fat guys know, when you sit down, the belly expands.

I then put a pancake holster (pancakes - yummmm ) so that it sits right on top of the 4 O'Clock hard point.

I put this on over my tidy whiteys, then my trousers on over this (I have button suspenders to hold them up). The pistol rides just under my belt line, as if I had an IWB holster. I then wear an oversized shirt, something along the lines of a Hawaiian shirt.

It conceals well, carry's comfortably, and other than having to pull up the shirt, is easy to draw.

My other option is pocket carry of my M&P40c (which I do much more, now that I have it).

 

[Essex County]

I've always prefered suspenders. I got in the habit when I was a suit and tie wearer. A belt works for me also, but it's just personal prefrence. I tend to carry a J frame in a pocket holster and this works well........Essex

 

[MJZZZ]

After having double hip replacement, I have been have trouble carrying. A belt securely tightened places my hips in an unnatural position when I walk. I am about to buy a pair of suspenders and wear a belt so I can carry IWB. I don't want to look like a dork, but have to try it anyway. Belt only doesn't work for me at all. Mike

 

[tegemu]

Try www.perrysuspenders.com .

 

[skidmark]

Try these from Duluth Trading Company:

http://www.duluthtrading.com/store/...mens_accessories/92992.aspx?feature=Product_8

They also come in slim and various designs (stars/stripes, tools, ruler, etc.).


They clip at the sides instead of front & back like regular suspenders. Gives you a sort of shoulder holster look. The grippers are aggressive, so be sure you have them where you want them, or you could tear some material.

I position the right-hand one a bit back if my holster is appendix carry or at 3 to 3:30 o'clock, and a bit forward if it's at 4 or beyond. Keeps the suspender strap from tangling with my hand or the gun.

stay safe.

skidmark

 

[bakert]

Another vote for the Perry suspenders. My pants have always had a tendency to slip down and I had my left hip replaced about 10 yrs ago just before I got my concealed carry permit. I still can't wear a wide or tight belt and the suspenders hold my pants and gun in an IWB holster up pretty well.

 

[oweno]

There's a thingie called "Hidden Tailor" made by a company called flex-belt. It's a rubber belt with studs that you wear between your pants and your shirt. It keeps your pants up and your shirt tucked in and will keep a belt holster up where it belongs.

Since I've got a bit of a (ahem) 'front porch', I use it all the time and it's great. Suspenders are better but when you don't want to wear them try this.

Time out while I google to try and find a source...

here it is...

http://www.flexbelt.net/

good luck...

 

[george29]

SWModel19, how about a picture?

 

[SWModel19]

SWModel19, how about a picture?

George,

I started a new thread for this, just to warn folks that the fat guy photos aren't pretty.



http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=269407

 

[DBR]

These folks make the best suspenders I have found.
http://www.welchsuspenders.com/

I use the "X" style. Back buttons go 8" apart and front buttons vary according to waist size but I find them most comfortable placed so the straps are just to the sides of the "belly bulge".

I use a Filson single thickness 1 1/2" harness leather belt with an IWB at 4:00. Belt is very sturdy but flexible enough to be comfortable. With the suspenders the belt doesn't need to be very tight.

Except in the hottest weather I also use a Filson moleskin vest. It does not shout gun and it covers up both the gun and the suspenders. In real hot weather I have some short sleeved shirts that are made to be worn untucked.

Also, I find a synthetic T shirt that does not absorb moisture makes both the suspenders and IWB much more comfortable. I like the ones Cabelas sells. I think it is their MTP line.

 

[SMLE]

I got a set of the Perry suspenders at Wal-Mart. I really like them. I wear the shirt un-tucked and the suspenders under it. The hooks make it easy to drop trou for "bathroom breaks" when needed with out having to take off the shirt and/or jacket.

 

[Kaeto]

In the latest Guns of the Old West issue they have an article on suspenders, and they show one style where the suspenders have a holster right in them.