Your prefered t-shirt and jeans carry method and why, IWB vs OWB

K

katana8869

New member
So, I have been licensed to carry since 1992 and I have always prefered IWB for extra concelment. Since I live in Florida the "dress code of the day" is either jeans or shorts and a t-shirt.

As I get closer to 40 I find my waistline (ahem!) expanding and though I still find IWB to be comfortable, I don't feel like it is as easy to grab the gun and draw as it once was. I have a couple of cheap OWB holsters laying around, but they do not conceal very well IMO. So, I am undecided as to whether to spend the money on a good OWB or to just stick with what I've got.

So with that said let's hear what everyone has to say about their experiences and preferences with IWB vs OWB ;)
 
I've gain a few pounds myself since I got out of the military and my main carry setup is still the HK P2000SK IWB (Milt Sparks VMII). I can carry this year round here in Texas even with jeans/shorts & t-shirt. If for some reason I can't get by with the P2000SK (which is VERY rare) the LCP rides in the pocket.

 
I'm actually heading in the other direction, losing weight, due to my recent rededication to the gym. Even at my heaviest (240lbs at 6'0") I preferred my SP101 in an IWB from AKJ Concealco. I'm down about 12lbs and have gone in a notch on my beltman belt, but the gun remains the same for light clothing carry.

I just picked up a Don Hume JIT slide for my SP101 from a member here and it's working well under a light jacket. I think it'll work under a t-shirt too but haven't had the opportunity yet to give it a go.

Like Hoyt, though I've got an LCP in my pocket if my clothing somehow won't let me carry something larger.
 
IWB

I use IWB all the time in FL, usually with an open shirt and T shirt or a Guyabarra. I'm a bit more pear shaped than average, too. I use Fist holsters and a local leather maker for belts. I prefer OWB only for open carry of revolvers that are too big for IWB, and then usually only at the gunshop where I don't care who sees it and prefer to show it off.
 
IWB with a Milt Sparks VMII - all you need to conceal it is a t-shirt over the top. It works best with really slim pistols (Hi-Powers, 1911s) but it works with a wide variety.
 
IWB with a Milt Sparks VMII - all you need to conceal it is a t-shirt over the top. It works best with really slim pistols (Hi-Powers, 1911s) but it works with a wide variety.
Click to expand...
Same setup and carry a full size Ruger P90.
 
I live in Florida an usually wear jeans with a t-shirt.My main method of carry is a 642 in a pocket holster. For most of my jeans and shorts there is no problem. On those occasions where the 642 is just a little too big I pocket carry my LCP.

If I felt the need to carry IWB I'd go with a G26. I just find pocket carry with a 642 or LCP to be super comfortable and concealable for Florida attire.
 
Can anyone vouch for the "beltster" style concealed holsters? I've recently got my concealed carry permit and have carried from late fall through this winter. It's getting too warm to wear my jacket which is rigged up with my holster and magazine case and I need a new concealed option.

Beltster - http://www.banderagunleather.com/
 
Last edited:
With just a t-shirt on, I'll carry my S&W 637 in an OWB Galco Fletch holster using a belt by Beltman. That combo hides very easy.
 
Even though I live in Maine

it gets very hot and humid for at least a couple weeks out of the year. Even during the hottest times I usually wear a loose fitting short sleeve shirt open in the front with a T-shirt underneath. I have dresed this way in Florida, Texas and New Mexico too so, I do know what hot is. I prefer IWB carry with my Glock 23. I also carry an LCP in my left, offhand side, pocket. While I have never been a big fan of wearing shorts, just don't have the legs for it, I will be wearing Cargo shorts with the afformentioned T-shirt and loose cover shirt. By the way I learned a long time ago, in the army, that a loose fitting shirt over a t-shirt is actually better than just the shirt or the t-shirt. The t-shirt helps absorb sweat and the outer shirt provides a kind insulative barrier from the direct sunlight. Also, since I have gained a little weight I have recently joined a Gym and started eating better.
 
G32/G19 in a CompTac 2 o'clock (IWB); 1911Sc (4.5" Commander) in the same: CompTac 2 o'clock. When going super light: 442 in a size zero Uncle Mikes. Currently looking for more robust options than the Uncle Mikes. Sure are comfortable, though.

Good luck.
 
I have just about decided that I'm a hundred lbs away from IWB



If I'm gonna carry, for now, I think I'm gonna have to find something I stick in my pocket (although I think many pistols would do just great w/o printing, I don't think my G21SF is one of them:eek:)
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top