Concealed carry clothing, or garments of all sorts with built-in pistol holsters and pouches for extra ammunition magazines, could be one of the fastest-growing fashion niches.
While most fashion is about making a statement, the entire point of concealed carry clothing is to not make a statement.
In other words, it’s designed to look like regular clothing on the outside, while keeping secret that wearers are strapped on the inside.
Some Wyoming tactical experts said concealed carry clothing might be a viable choice for some, but it also has drawbacks that can make it impractical.
Concealed Carry Restrictions Lifted
The demand for concealed carry clothing could be growing because Wyoming and other states are lifting restrictions on carrying concealed handguns.
Wyoming’s repeal of gun-free zones took effect on July 1.
It was previously legal to carry guns in Wyoming, either concealed or openly, without a permit.
However, carrying firearms was still banned for civilians in some places, such as inside buildings on the University of Wyoming campus.
The gun-free zones repeal means that people age 21 and older with concealed carry permits can legally carry concealed handguns in those locations.
There’s also a push to implement nation-wide reciprocity for concealed carry permits. That would mean if a person gets a concealed carry permit in any state, it would be good in all 50 states.
Currently, a Wyoming concealed carry permit is valid in some other states, such as Colorado, but not recognized in many others.
Growing Market
Concealed carry clothing is nothing new, but the market seems to be growing beyond a tiny, specialized niche, Jason Crotteau, who runs the Riverton-based Wyoming Tactical shooters’ training company, told Cowboy State Daily.
“It’s been around in one form or another for as long as I can remember, but now it seems like there are more companies emerging,” he said.
Outdoor and work-related clothing companies such as Legendary Whitetails make up a huge part of the market.
Crotteau said some of the best concealed carry women’s clothing is made by a company called Dene Adams.
“Women, historically, have had a hard time with concealed carry, because of wardrobe choices (in traditional clothing),” he said.
Garments with built-in concealed carry handgun holsters are nothing new, but they’ve become more popular lately, with Wyoming eliminating gun-free zones, and a push nationwide for concealed carry permits. (Concealed Carry Wear) 
Garments with built-in concealed carry handgun holsters are nothing new, but they’ve become more popular lately, with Wyoming eliminating gun-free zones, and a push nationwide for concealed carry permits. Above, concealed carry T-shirts by UnterTech. (UnderTech) 
While concealed carry clothing with built-in holsters is increasingly available, some tactical experts still favor separate holsters. They recommend hard-sided material that covers the trigger and is designed specifically to fit the owner’s make and model of handgun. (Mark Heinz, Cowboy State Daily) 
Garments with built-in concealed carry handgun holsters are nothing new, but they’ve become more popular lately, with Wyoming eliminating gun-free zones, and a push nationwide for concealed carry permits. (Concealed Carry Wear) 
Garments with built-in concealed carry handgun holsters are nothing new, but they’ve become more popular lately, with Wyoming eliminating gun-free zones, and a push nationwide for concealed carry permits. This canvas vest made by Venado has multiple holsters. (Venado) 
Garments with built-in concealed carry handgun holsters are nothing new, but they’ve become more popular lately, with Wyoming eliminating gun-free zones, and a push nationwide for concealed carry permits. Midriff belts that fit under shirts are popular, like this one made by Bravobelt. (Bravobelt)
How Practical Is It?
Crotteau said that concealed carry clothing might be an option for some firearms owners to consider, but it has drawbacks.
“Usually, the holster is kind of flimsy,” he said.
Also, the holsters are frequently designed as a one-size-fits-all in terms of handguns. So that means it won’t fit any specific make or model of handgun perfectly.
“They’re built to hold a variety of firearms, so you’re never going to get that perfect fit,” he said.
Cody firearms instructor Bill Tallen told Cowboy State Daily that clothing with built-in holsters might not provide the best accessibility to the wearer’s handgun.
Self-defense situations tend to develop fast, with no advance warning, so a defensive firearm must be quickly and easily accessible.
“They (concealed carry clothing holsters) almost all require two hands to deploy the weapon, and so they’re slow,” he said.
Tallen said he recommends a holster that allows the gun to be drawn quickly, with one hand.
He added that he once tried a vest with an internal pistol pocket, but he didn’t like the way it fit.
“It was dragging forward (from the weight of the pistol). It wasn’t hanging on my body right, and it didn’t look right,” he said.
Changing With The Seasons
Many concealed carry clothes are heavy shirts or jackets, which are good only during the cold months, Mark Jones of Buffalo, national director for Gun Owners of America (GOA), told Cowboy State Daily.
"Concealed carry apparel should be looked at as a tool in the toolbox. What may work for one person might not be needed or appropriate for another person. Additionally, needs change as seasons change. For example, a heavy concealed carry vest may not work well in summer,” he said.
It's each firearm owner’s responsibility to find a holster system that works for them, and that is comfortable and safe, Jones said.
He said he tried some concealed carry clothing but decided it wasn’t for him.
“While concealed carry apparel may be a great option for some, I have tested a lot of concealed carry apparel and found that I am able to meet my needs with normal clothing," Jones said.
Crotteau said those who chose concealed carry garments should pick clothes that look normal and blend in with the surroundings, rather than broadcasting the fact that the wearer has a gun.
“You want to avoid that ‘tactical’ look,” he said.
As clothing with built-in holsters becomes more common, separate holsters are still a mainstay.
Numerous holsters are available, designed to be concealed under normal clothing, and built specifically for various handgun makes and models.
Tallen and Crotteau said such holsters are still their favorite option.
They recommend holsters that are made from composites or other hard material that completely covers handgun triggers, thus greatly diminishing the chances oftriggers being accidentally bumped, or snagged and pulled.
Push To Make Carrying Legal Nationwide
Meanwhile, the push continues to make concealed carry permits valid nationwide, Jones said.
A bill is pending before Congress and will likely start moving when the current government shutdown ends, he said.
“We expect H.R. 38, the Constitutional Concealed Carry Reciprocity Act, to get a vote in the U.S. House soon after the shutdown. (President Donald) Trump has again said he will sign it. The problem will be the Senate filibuster, where Democrats can stop it with 40 votes,” Jones said.
Mark Heinz can be reached at mark@cowboystatedaily.com.
