CCW and what you wear.

W

wyobohunter

New member
I just started carrying my new 1911 full time... except in the woods, then I go with a little heavier "artillary" or at work where guns aren't allowed (something about firearms and explosive environments don't mix a spose).
Three things got my thinking about my method of carry and the clothes I wear. I am in the process of a slight "wardrobe redesign".

1- My coat: I am required to wear flame resistant outer garments at work; I pick em' & my company pays for em', therefore I always wear a flame resistant coat as I don't see any reason to have an "at work coat" and an "at home coat". While at the range firing my 1911 the hammer caught the sleeve of my current coat when the slide cocked it. No good as it took me what could be a critical second or so to clear the "wardrobe induced jam".
2- Also my coat: It hangs just a bit to low and is a hinderance to a nice smooth draw, the material is much thicker than that of a low hanging shirt so it doesn't move out of the way as easily.
3- The cheap plastic holsters that Springfield armory gives away in combination with a medium thickness regular belt are not conducive to a smooth draw or all day comfort.
4- The belt loop position of some of my jeans doesn't let me position my holster in the sweet spot between comfort (esp. while driving) and quick/smooth access.

Solutions:

1 and 2- Order a bomber style coat. The sleeves are elastic at the wrist and shouldn't be caught by the hammer plus it stops at the waist and will not be a hinderance to a nice smooth draw.
3- Buy a nice quality gun belt to go with the quality holster I purchased (Galco F.L.E.T.C.H).
4- Find the jeans I do have that position my holster optimally, then purchase more of those when I buy "at home" jeans or order "at work" jeans (sometimes I wear my work jeans at home).

Anybody else put much thought into this topic?
 
I have and do. I used to carry at work. Ino longer work there, but discovered the Cinch brand jeans I wear at home and work were conducive to my preferred carry method. Those were paired with an untucked polo or "bowling" style shirt, since I managed a bowling center. I could have worn my 629 I normally carry, but didn't want to fuss with the size. I went to a Glock 29 in a Milt Spaks Summer Special and never looked back.
+1 to the gunbelt. I thought stiff gun belts were silly, until I tried one. Much more comfort and they hold the holster sooooo much tighter to the body, especially in outside the waistband mode.
In regards to coats, I like the sleeves kind of short so I haven't had the fouling with the sleeve problem. So I have no input there.
But I have found that I did have to alter the wardrobe slightly. Mostly jeans a size bigger in the waist. And shirts a size larger too. The biggest improvement for me though was a good quality stiff gunbelt.
 
Eddie Bauer jeans

boot cut to be specific
i really dig the belt loop positions when i wear my 1911(5'') owb in a tagua with a backstrap.

coats have been an area of concern. ill usually wear my coat open for easier access to the weapon, but its been tooo dang cold to do that as of late.

as far as shirts go i tend to opt for large tall, even though im only 5'9'' it helps me conceal a bit easier. i also work @ eb part time so the discount and quality of the clothes make it an easy choice for me.
 
I really don't like having long, untucked shirts for cover, nor will I leave a heavy jacket on too long. Coupled with prefering to be concealed, rather than open carry, I have adapted my wardrobe a bit over the last few years.

I have taken to wearing vests, especially in the winter when the added layer is welcome, without restricting my arms or causing me to get too hot. I leave these on all day, not needing to take them off after getting settled in, and the provide great cover for my CW. I often wear an IWB holster (strong side) so this is all the concealment I need. When I wear OWB, I either don't worry about it hanging out, or choose my Glock36 which rides higher and stays hidden under most situations.

For warmer weather cover, I find a simple sport-shirt works well, provided its not too long. If they hang much below my belt-line, I find it too sloppy looking, and look for another shirt.

As for jackets, I tend to wear lighter jackets so that I don't need to worry about taking them off when I get where I am going. A light to medium leather jacket blocks the wind to keep me warm outside, but doens't trap all the heat so that I am sweating inside. For length, a medium length that hangs at or just below my pockets on my jeans is preferable. The coat is long enough to hide the gun in OWB under most any movement, yet short enough I can pull over the holster if I need to draw when it is buttoned. During these cold PA winters, though, I upgrade to a heaver coat which I try to leave unbuttoned to allow access, just keeping it closed with my hands/arms.


I stay away from jackets w/ an elastic waist. They restrict access, and can cinch the jacket over your holstergun, leaving it out for the world to see. As such, Bomber jackets are out for me, though they tend to be much heavier than I care for.
 
Jeans suffice in the right size for me as long as they're the relaxed fit type. It's what I normally wore before I started carrying, and besides, I almost always carry OWB, especially in winter. Bomber style leathers are also the norm for me, as I can't stand anything below belt level as a coat for driving, so that didn't change. My present coat rests just a tad below belt level, so it conceals nicely but doesn't hinder free movement while in the truck. Only thing I had to change when I started carrying was wearing my shirts out rather than tucked in, in the summer. That was a 38 year change, but it was far easier than I expected.
 
Definitely a good gun belt! For outer garments I prefer jackets, sweatshirts, or for warmer weather straight-hemmed button up shirts. The local Goodwill or discount clothing stores are great for finding these, and if it doesn't work you can make your money back at your next yard sale! It takes a while to get used to it, but IWB gives you more options in terms of what you wear, larger jeans notwithstanding. Levis work for me, centering the straps around the side belt loop also helps me stay consistent with holster placement.
 
I'm retired so I can wear pretty much what I want to anytime and any place. I carry 100% of the time (where it is legal of course) so dressing to effect a good carry situation is important to me. For trousers I wear either jeans of Dockers in a loose fit. When I buy trousers I take my concealed handgun rig into the dressing cubicle with me and use it to fit each of the trousers I am considering. I do tend to wear them a bit larger to make room for the gun/holster. Of course, a dedicated gun belt is a must.

I wear t-shirts with pockets (long/short sleeves) and my concealed carry "secret" is a short sleeve, light plush, vest (pic) over the t-shirt.

1159_57941_ma_0002.jpg


This vest will cover the IWB gun with ease and, for the most part, is enough cover. If it is really cold I just layer a jacket over the vest. If it is really warm I just wear a light shirt in place of the vest. I live in northwest Oregon so real extremes of hot or cold don't happen much. This combo works for me quite well.

On occasion I use a shoulder holster to carry and this combo works well for that carry mode as well.
 
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