Carrying a concealed firearm is a serious responsibility that goes beyond simply knowing how to operate the gun. A major component of responsible carry is ensuring the firearm remains concealed. Publicly displaying the firearm, whether through printing (showing the outline of the gun through clothing), accidental exposure or a wardrobe malfunction, can alarm bystanders, attract unwanted attention and, in some jurisdictions, lead to legal consequences.
One of the most overlooked aspects of concealed carry is the chosen cover garment. While much attention is often given to firearm choice and holster selection, clothing can ultimately determine the success or failure of true concealment. This article outlines four essential checks to perform on concealment garments to reduce the risk of public exposure, along with basic considerations to help prevent such issues and alternative clothing or carry methods that may offer greater reliability.
Like clockwork, every time I get a new piece of gear, my first thought is: How will this impact my daily carry? These days, I don’t spend much time thinking about holsters. Within seconds of handling a new one, I usually know whether it will work for me or not. Belts are pretty similar, though I still run a quick function test before trusting one for daily use. Where I really spend the most time is with cover garments. A new shirt, a pair of shorts, even different shoes can make me pause and ask: Will this affect my carry or my drawing? To answer that, I use a dedicated practice setup that lets me run function tests before I take anything into the real world.
The Importance of Proper Concealment
Before we dive into the checklist I use, it’s important to understand why garment selection and inspection matter so much. Even the best holster can’t compensate for an unsuitable garment. The way clothing fits, moves and interacts with the firearm can dramatically affect concealment, comfort and accessibility. The following are just a few reasons why ensuring proper concealment is vital.
Legal compliance: In some areas, accidental exposure of your firearm can violate state or local laws.
Public comfort: Seeing a firearm can alarm or distress members of the public, even if you are carrying legally.
Personal safety: Displaying your firearm can make you a target for theft or violence.
Tactical advantage: The element of surprise is lost when others know you’re armed.
Four Vital Checks for Your Concealment Garment
1. Mobility Check
This check ensures the clothing conceals the firearm during normal range of movement.
• Stand in front of a mirror or record yourself with your phone.
• Go through your daily range of movements: bending, reaching, sitting, squatting, walking briskly, raising your arms.
• Think of bending over to tie your shoes, reaching to grab a glass off the top shelf, sitting in a chair at a restaurant, walking briskly to catch a cab and raising your arm to ask a question.
• Watch for instances where your shirt rides up, tightens or otherwise exposes the firearm.
Common issues
• Fitted shirts may rise or cling when reaching over your head.
• Short jackets may ride up when sitting.
• Tucked-in shirts may pull tight against the firearm when bending.
Solutions
• Select slightly looser shirts with enough length to hang over the firearm during movement.
• Choose jackets long enough to cover the holster, even when seated.
• Choose clothing with prints, textures or darker colors to visually break up the outline of the firearm better than solid, light-colored or clingy types of fabrics.
2. Printing Check
This check evaluates whether the outline of the firearm is visible through the clothing, also known as “printing.”
• Wear your full concealed-carry setup in natural lighting.
• View yourself from multiple angles (front, sides and back).
• Ask a friend or spouse to perform a second check. A buddy can check things you can’t see and is most likely to be honest if they spot something you may have missed.
• Pay attention to both standing and seated positions.
Common issues:
• Thin or clingy fabrics often print, especially in light colors.
• Tight shirts and pants increase the likelihood of printing risk.
• Full-size or thick handguns are harder to conceal under minimal clothing.
Solutions:
• Select thicker, structured fabrics that do not cling.
• Dark colors and patterns help break up the outline of the firearm.
• Consider switching to a smaller firearm for hot weather or any time you’re wearing a light garment.
• Adjust holster position (higher, lower, more canted) to reduce printing.
(l.) If simple, everyday tasks like reaching for something on the top shelf at the store reveals your handgun, your cover garment is not adequate or effective. (ctr.) Practice common tasks like reaching for your wallet to ensure your pistol remains concealed. (r.) An intentional sudden move or lunge is a good way to verify whether a cover garment offers good concealment.
3. Retention Check
This check ensures that your garment maintains concealment throughout dynamic activity—especially in unexpected or high-stress situations.
• Simulate fast movements: running in place, sudden starts and stops, dodging, leaning forward quickly, and so forth.
• For those overachievers, consider a burpee-box jump over. This will test both the horizontal and vertical planes of motion and is by far the best retention test I’ve seen. This is also the Retention Test we use to check the holster. Ten repetitions on a 20-inch box is more than sufficient.
• Check if the clothing shifts to expose the firearm or if it inhibits the ability to move freely.
• Simulate drawing the firearm with the chosen garment to ensure it allows a clean draw without inadvertently snagging.
Common issues:
• Loose, lightweight garments can fly up during rapid movement, exposing your firearm.
• Garments with button fronts may gap or pull open.
• Unsecured outerwear (open jackets or unzipped hoodies) may shift dramatically when moving.
Solutions:
• Select well-designed and properly fitted clothing.
• Choose clothing that closes securely with snaps or zippers, or wear shirts with reinforced buttons.
• Layer intelligently. Wearing a snug undershirt beneath a concealment shirt can help reduce garment shift.
4. Environmental Check
This check ensures your chosen concealment garment works in the environments you frequent, not just at home.
• Evaluate your outfit based on where it will be throughout the day: driving, office work, gym, restaurants, public transport, social gatherings, etc.
• Sit in a vehicle and check for printing or exposure while buckled.
• Check for exposure while performing actions like reaching for your wallet, leaning to grab a bag or interacting while in crowded spaces.
• Evaluate garment’s suitability in various temperatures (too hot? too bulky?). A parka isn’t a good garment choice in July, for example.
Common issues:
• Seat belts can cause shirts to ride up or shift.
• Thin dress shirts may print under office lighting.
• Lightweight summer clothes often lack the coverage necessary for effective concealment.
• Layered winter outfits can restrict draw speed.
Solutions:
• Consider adding a cover garment for driving (light jacket or overshirt).
• Keep a small kit in the vehicle with an alternative garment for changing environments.
• Invest in dedicated concealment clothing designed for a professional appearance.
• Select seasonal-carry setups that match the wardrobe (different holsters and firearms for summer and winter).
Basic Considerations to Avoid Potential Public- Display Situations
In addition to performing the four garment checks above, adopt some general habits and mindsets that help avoid unintentional display:
1. Concealment Mindset
• Always assume the firearm is more visible than it is in reality.
• Be mindful when interacting with others—avoid large movements that may expose the firearm.
• Keep personal contact to a minimum and always block the firearm’s presence by adopting a strongside underhook. This uses the arm/elbow to block contact with other people.
2. Clothing Rotation
• Have multiple garments suitable for concealed carry in your wardrobe.
• Rotate clothing seasonally to ensure you always have appropriate concealment options.
• Avoid “one shirt, one pair of pants” dependency that leads to forced, poor choices.
As the seasons change, so too should cover garments and concealment methods in order avoid drawing undue attention to yourself.
3. Periodic Self-Check
• Perform quick self-checks in mirrors or reflective surfaces throughout the day.
• Before entering crowded spaces, verify your concealment in the vehicle or restroom.
• If in doubt, adjust or cover up.
4. Training Under Real Conditions
• Practice drawing from concealment with your actual daily clothing.
• Include movement and stress drills with your chosen garments.
• Train sitting, kneeling or lying down to see how your concealment holds up under similar unexpected conditions.
Alternatives for Better Concealment
If traditional belt carry and garment layering aren’t working for you—or you want more flexibility—consider these alternatives:
1. Appendix Carry
• Provides excellent concealment with the right clothing. Think non-form-fitting.
• Easy to access while seated.
• May require specific clothing choices in order to reduce printing.
2. Pocket Carry
• Suitable for small, lightweight firearms.
• Works well in casual or business settings.
• Requires a dedicated pocket holster to prevent printing and ensure safe carry.
3. Shoulder Holsters
• Good option for colder climates with use of consistent outerwear.
• Offers comfort and accessibility when seated.
• Requires consistent jacket wear in order to maintain concealment.
4. Off-Body Carry (with Caution)
• Options include purpose-built handbags, briefcases or backpacks.
• Should only be used if the carrier can maintain close control of the bag at all times.
• Requires additional training to ensure quick and safe access.
5. Concealment Clothing
• Many companies now offer shirts, undershirts, jackets and pants that are designed specifically for concealed carry.
• These garments often feature reinforced pockets, anti-print materials and retention aids.
• Ideal for those wanting a more seamless and professional appearance.
The responsibility of concealed carry extends well beyond selecting the right firearm and holster. The concealment garment is an equally vital part of the equation. Without the proper checks and considerations, you risk accidental exposure, which is a situation that can lead to significant legal, social or even tactical consequences.
By performing the four key checks—mobility, printing, retention and environmental—then adopting a proactive mindset, you can dramatically improve your day-to-day concealment. Additionally, exploring alternatives to traditional carry methods can give you more flexibility and comfort.
Responsible carry is invisible carry. Ultimately, concealed carry should be intentional and disciplined. When done correctly, no one will know you are armed—but you will know you are prepared for whatever may come.
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