Dressing for Concealed Carry: What Works, What Doesn’t

Carrying concealed isn’t just about picking the right firearm or holster — it’s about how you dress to stay hidden, stay comfortable, and stay ready. At Black Swamp Leather Company LLC, we believe that your gear should work with you, not against you — and that includes what you wear every day.

Choosing the right clothing for concealed carry isn’t complicated, but it does take a little forethought. Here’s what you need to know to carry smart and stay covered.

👕 Loose-Fitting Garments: Your First Line of Defense

The quickest way to spot a concealed carrier? A shirt stretched tight around the waistband, printing the outline of a pistol for the world to see. Don’t be that guy.

Loose-fitting shirts, jackets, and hoodies are your best friend when it comes to concealment. You want fabrics that drape naturally, without clinging to the shape of your firearm.

Some tips:

• Patterns help break up outlines. Solid colors tend to show printing more easily.

• Vertical designs (like plaid or flannel) draw the eye up and down instead of side-to-side.

• Longer hems help keep your gear covered even when you reach, bend, or move fast.

You don’t need to dress like you’re carrying — you need to dress like you’re living your life while carrying.

🛡️ Sturdy Belts: The Unsung Hero of Everyday Carry

Your belt is the foundation of your concealed carry setup — and most regular department store belts aren't built for the job.

Gun belts are specifically designed to:

• Support the weight of your firearm and holster without sagging

• Hold tight to your waist without shifting during movement

• Maintain structure over time, even with daily wear

A sagging belt leads to an unstable holster, sloppy draws, and obvious printing. Worse yet, if you ever have to move quickly or fight for your weapon, you don't want your gear bouncing around or coming loose.

At Black Swamp Leather Company LLC, we recommend investing in a real gun belt — something thick, durable, and made from quality materials. It's one of the most overlooked but critical pieces of EDC gear you can own.

👔 Concealed Carry Clothing: Built for the Job

There’s a growing market for purpose-built concealed carry clothing — shirts, jackets, and pants designed with reinforced areas, built-in holster pockets, and stretch panels to move with your gear.

While some of it is genuinely useful, not all concealed carry apparel is created equal. A few points to keep in mind:

• Built-in holsters can be handy for deep concealment, but they often don’t offer the same retention or safety as a dedicated holster.

• Tactical pants with hidden pockets allow for carrying spare mags, knives, or flashlights discreetly.

• Stretch fabrics around the waist can help accommodate IWB carry without feeling restrictive.

If you go the concealed carry clothing route, choose pieces that don’t scream "tactical" to the casual observer. The goal is to blend in — not to advertise that you’re carrying.

☀️ Hot Weather Challenges: Stay Cool and Concealed

Carrying concealed when it’s hot outside can be a real test. Heavy jackets and flannels aren’t exactly practical when it's 95 degrees and humid.

Some strategies for warm weather carry:

• Lightweight button-up shirts work great as cover garments and can be worn open over a T-shirt.

• Moisture-wicking fabrics help you stay comfortable without looking like you’re sweating bullets.

• Smaller firearms (and lower-profile holsters) might be worth considering for seasonal carry without sacrificing too much firepower.

Above all, stay committed to carrying safely — don't let heat be an excuse to get lazy about your setup.

Final Thoughts

Dressing for concealed carry isn’t about looking like a "tactical operator." It’s about blending in, moving freely, and being prepared without drawing attention.

At Black Swamp Leather Company LLC, we know real-world carry demands real-world solutions. Your clothing, your belt, and your holster should work together — comfortably, reliably, and invisibly.

Train hard. Dress smart. Stay ready.