UnderTech UnderCover makes compression shorts for men and women that allow “inside-the-waistband” carry without a belt or holster. (Photo used with permission from UnderTech)

Concealment Garment Tips

In the summer, a simple shirt cover garment has to do more work, as you won’t be relying on outerwear to help conceal those gun bumps and bulges. Shirts with patterns tend to help hide the outline of a concealed handgun, as does material with a little more structure. Those nylon tees and polos, while comfortable, like to wrap themselves around the shape of your concealed firearm.

Take a look at dedicated concealment shirts from Blackhawk. These shirts are designed to hide your gun, and they contain a hidden feature especially useful for alternative summer-carry methods. The “buttons” are actually snaps. To access a handgun concealed underneath in a compression T-shirt or belly band, you can just “rip” the shirt open, and the faux buttons will unsnap. While ripping through real buttons works great on TV soap operas, it’s much harder in real life (hence the snaps).

Note the fake buttons on this Blackhawk shirt; they’re actually snaps. This can be a lifesaver in a self-defense incident. (Photo by Tom McHale)

Choose the Right Hybrid Holster

Hybrid holsters are great for summer use, although they’ve been getting a bad rap in recent months. By “hybrid” I mean an IWB design that has a large back panel, shielding the handgun from your body, mated with a thin Kydex shell that secures your handgun. In theory, this is a great solution for hot summer months. The panel separates your sweaty body from your handgun, and the Kydex holster shell helps keep the overall package thin and concealable.

There are a couple of potential “gotchas” to consider. A leather back panel can get soft with heavy use in humid conditions, causing the upper part to “droop” down over the holster pocket. This can be a bad thing when trying to reholster. There can also be challenges with retention. That half-backing, half-Kydex design doesn’t always secure the gun when you’re engaged in vigorous activity — like fighting for your life.

That doesn’t mean there aren’t hybrid holsters that will work. As an example of one model that overcomes both challenges, take a look at the Alien Gear Cloak Tuck 3.5. The back panel contains a thin sheet of steel to keep it from drooping. The backing material is a bit “sticky” (for lack of a better word), so retention is excellent. I can turn mine upside-down and shake and the gun stays put.

Get Creative With Concealed Carry in the Summer

Yes, there are some differences to consider for summer carry. Sweat and humidity can wreak havoc on holsters and guns. You’ll be wearing fewer clothes, so concealment takes more forethought and planning. Sometimes, you won’t have the option of wearing a belt, so alternative carry methods might be in order. Just remember, few things in life are required. While you may want to choose a micro handgun for summer use, it’s certainly not a necessity. A little creativity and commitment will help you carry the firearm with which you are most comfortable.

Sources:

Undertech: UnderTechUnderCover.com
Dene Adams: DeneAdams.com
Clinger: ClingerHolsters.com
Galco: GalcoGunleather.com
Blackhawk: Blackhawk.com
Alien Gear: AlienGearHolsters.com

About Tom McHale

Tom McHale is a perpetual student of all things gun and shooting related. He’s particularly passionate about home and self-defense and the rights of all to protect themselves and their loved ones. As part of his ongoing training, Tom has completed dozens of various training programs and is a certified National Rifle Association instructor for pistol and shotgun. He’ll be completing his USCCA Certified Instructor program in the near future.

Tom is a professional writer by trade these days and has published seven books on guns, shooting, reloading, concealed carry and holsters. He’s written two books for the United States Concealed Carry Association: Armed and Ready, Your Comprehensive Blueprint to Concealed Carry Confidence and 30 Days to Concealed Carry Confidence. In between book projects, Tom has published somewhere in the neighborhood of 1,700 articles for about a dozen gun and shooting publications. If he’s not writing, you can probably find him on the range.