How To Carry A Gun Without A Holster

Concealed carry clothing helps you carry a weapon discreetly so that you don't arouse fear or suspicion. Often, people accomplish this by wearing a holster under their clothes instead of outside of them. However, as concealed carry becomes more common, companies are finding new and creative ways to accommodate the pistol-packing public without using holsters, which can be more comfortable and convenient. 

There are many popular concealed carry options. These include belly bands, shirts, pants, jackets, bras, bags, and more. The common theme threading them all together is that they're usually equipped with a pocket specially designed to hold a firearm. In this article, we'll explore alternative ways to safely store a gun on your person. 

In researching this topic, we examined multiple brands and products to understand holster-less concealed carry options, but also companies like RothCo and Tru-Spec shared insight into how they design and create concealed carry clothing.

Who Uses Alternative Carry Options?

There's no specific demographic of people looking for alternative ways to carry. These clothes and holster-less options are for concealed carriers who either want an alternative for comfort or by necessity. These are folks who carry guns in the line of duty, due to safety concerns, or just because they want to exercise that right. Regardless of the purpose, you cannot always conceal a holster easily beneath clothing, particularly tight clothes, so these alternatives give you another option.

What Should You Look for in Concealed Carry Clothing?

While carry pockets on clothing are ideal for a handgun, you can use them to carry whatever you want, such as electronic devices or important documents. They're like tactical pants in that way. Still, the carry pocket is designed so you can access what you need when you need it while maintaining a low-profile look. 

As we mentioned before, there's a broad selection of concealed carry clothing options, so before you buy, figure out what you need. You should consider three main points: mode of carry, how functional the garment is, and printing. 

Mode of Carry

For a majority of people who carry a gun, they cite safety and self-defense. Therefore, it's only logical that they can access the gun when they need it. 

Mode of carry refers to the placement of the item on your person. With a holster, your options are wherever you put it, but with clothing, you're limited to the location of the pocket. Therefore, you'll have to train, practice, and be physically capable of accessing it. 

Functional Clothes

Given that you have to wear the clothes and might not be able to move your firearm to a more convenient position, the article of clothing should fit comfortably and suit your sense of style. Therefore, all-day comfort should be a major factor in your decision. If your handgun isn't in an accessible position or pushes against your body uncomfortably, you'll have a much harder time drawing it if you need it.

Printing

Printing is a term used in gun circles to discuss a not-so-concealed, concealed weapon. It's a reference to a bulge or gun-shaped outline that you can see in clothing. You've heard the joke. Is that a gun in your pocket or are you happy to see me? 

Since concealed carry clothing is designed to carry a firearm discreetly, in theory, printing should be less of a concern. Companies like RothCo use looser fabric that's less likely to print. Still, you'll want to find clothing with the right size, fit, and carry pocket that will accommodate your gun.

Concealed Carry Clothing Options

Belly Bands

A belly band holster is a versatile carry option. It functions like a traditional holster in that you can position it wherever you want around your waist or torso by turning the band. This makes it the perfect option if you are left handed, as it can be harder to find holsters that cater to you. 

Most belly bands are made out of a stretchy fabric, and you secure them using Velcro. This lets you make the belly band as loose or tight as you want. People wear them against their skin or an undershirt. They're popular for both men and women.

Shirts and Jackets

There are two types of concealed carry shirts: undershirts and outer shirts. Looking at a holster shirt design by UnderTech Undercover, the gun will fit in an all-purpose holster under the armpit and secure in place with a velcro loop. The downside is you might have to bury it under clothing.

There are a variety of outer shirts, such as flannels, hoodies, bowling shirts, and more, that use an internal pocket. While it might give you easier access to the firearm, the gun might not rest as tightly to your body. 

Concealed carry jackets and vests are sometimes more practical than a concealed carry shirt, but the designs have more in common with the outer shirts. The difference, though, is that they use a heavier weight fabric, so there's less movement. 

Pants

Most pants designed with an internal carry compartment are cargo pants. Essentially, the cargo pocket is a cover that conceals a holster and gun. The pocket flap holds in place with velcro, so all you have to do to access your gun is pull the pocket down. There are a few benefits to concealed carry pants. First, you'll have an easier time carrying because the gun straps to your leg. Second, you can carry a full-size handgun. And lastly, you can carry on either the left or right side. 

A pants option for women is concealed carry yoga pants, like the ones by Tactica. They're designed with two carry pockets on the waistband so that you have one in the front and one in the back. Then, a retention strap holds the firearm holds in place. 

Bras and Underwear

There are two types of concealed carry bras. The first, which is popular with UnderTech Undercover, is much like a traditional bra, but a concealed carry bra has compartments for a firearm and other accessories. 

The other type of holster fits onto a bra in the center of your chest. To access the gun, you reach up your shirt, grip the gun, and pull down. The holster is designed to unsnap with the pulling force. Concealed carry underwear designs often have a pocket on the left and on the right, making them ambidextrous.

Bags

While at first glance it may seem silly to pay for a concealed carry bag because most handbags are inherently discreet, this is not the case. A bag that is specifcally designed for concealed carry has a a dedicated carry pocket that gives you quick and easy access to your firearm. It also separates the firearm from anything else inside the bag, helping prevent negligent discharges while you are carrying.

Concealed carry bags are probably the most common way of carrying a firearm without a traditional holster. One popular brand is Gun Tote'n Mamas, which makes a variety of concealed carry purses, tote bags, shoulder bags, and more. There are also a ton of backpacks, fanny packs, and more. 

Parting Shots

As you can see, there are many alternatives to traditional concealed carry, especially for women. If you're having trouble narrowing down what you want, we have tons of men's apparel and women's apparel for you to browse through. If you want to stick to carrying with a traditional holster, we also have belt holsters, paddle holsters, shoulder holsters, and plenty more options available to suit your needs.