Finding concealed carry gear and clothing that is actually effective is definitely not an easy chore.  First of all, there is some concealed carry gear out there that will work well for some people and then not work well for others. Even for the high quality gear that can keep a weapon adequately concealed while keeping the person looking ‘casual’, it may be incredibly uncomfortable for the user to wear.

The goal when looking for concealed carry accessories is to find a holster that properly conceals the weapon, keeps the wearer looking casual, and is comfortable to wear.  To meet these standards, people have tried an assortment of different carry options, some which are preferable to a majority of concealed carry individuals and some that are not.

Examples include an IWB holster on the side, the appendix carry holster, an ankle holster, a shoulder holster, and so on. But these may not for everyone which is why we’re going to discuss holster shirts today.

Explaining Holster Concealed Carry Shirts

While it may not be the best option for everybody, for quite a few people the answer to these standards would be a CCW shirt (or ‘holster shirt) if they have not found satisfaction with one of the above options.  It’s casual and doesn’t draw attention to wear, it’s simple and keeps the weapon concealed, is relatively lightweight, and has internal pockets and vents that are very easy for the user to reach.

The 5.11 concealed carry shirt concept was initially marketed by the manufacturers almost extensively to law enforcement; due to the breathable and lightweight material these shirts are typically made out of, they would go nicely with the body armor police often wear.  In addition, the weight of the gun is almost inclusively carried by the shoulders, since the suspension straps are sewn into the shirt.

In that regard, you can think of it as a shoulder holster system built into an everyday shirt.

As a result of these benefits, the concealed carry t-shirt concept quickly grained traction not only with law enforcement but also in the civilian marketplace. Individuals with physical disabilities or pain, people who work long hours in the office place, or those who do a lot of driving may not prefer having to strap on a holster in or over the waist, ankle, or shoulders every day.  With a conceal carry shirt, the user is able to reach across their upper body to grab their concealed handgun in an emergency.  What’s more?  You can buy a concealed carry shirt in nearly any color.

The Best Concealed Carry Shirts

 

1. 5.11 Tactical S/S Holster Shirt

With the 5.11 Tactical S/S Holster shirt, you’ll have the equivalent of two shoulder holsters, only with the holsters and suspension straps built into the shirt. The weight of the guns will be put on your shoulders.

In that regard, you can utilize one of the pockets for your handgun, and the other pocket for something else such as an MP3 player, a cell phone, a wallet or a radio.

There’s also a solid retention strap like most true shoulder holsters have in order to keep the firearm securely fastened where it belongs, unless it must be drawn in a time of crisis.

Constructed out of twenty percent spandex and eighty percent high quality polyester, and with flat lock seams that reduce friction, this holster shirt by 5.11 Tactical is an extremely versatile, comfortable and flexible concealed carry shirt for law enforcement and civilians alike.

For admirers of V-necks, 5.11 makes the same exact ccw shirt in a V-neck here.

 

2. UnderTech Undercover Men’s Concealed Crew Neck Shirt

The UnderTech Undercover Men’s Concealed Crew Neck Shirt is definitely one of the best CCW undershirts available for you out on the market, considering it has been worn and approved by the TSA, FBI, and the American Secret Service.

That alone says a lot about this concealed carry t shirt’s record.  With breathable compression fabric to keep the body cool, and made in the USA, this UnderTech Undercover shirt features one holster pocket under each arm.

This allows you to either carry two handguns, or to carry one gun in either pocket and then to store other items such as a phone or a wallet in the other pocket.

The firearm is kept fastened securely thanks to the attached retention strap.  As one of the most comfortable and proven CCW shirts on the marketplace, the men’s concealed crew neck shirt is ready for any dangerous mission that comes its way.

Like the 5.11 above, the UnderTech Undercover also comes in an alternative black or white V-neck that is largely popular.

 

3. Blackhawk Men’s 1700 Shirt

Blackhawk is known for making high quality firearm accessory products ranging from holsters to gun apparel to tools for firearms, and the Men’s 1700 shirt is certainly no exception. This shirt is constructed out of ninety-four percent polyester and six percent rayon, and is both wrinkle-resistant and well protected against UV rays.

Available in a wide variety of different conceal carry shirt colors and patterns, the Blackhawk Men’s 1700 shirt is also perfectly casual for nearly any situation.  Designed for both on-duty and off-duty use, the shirt is very lightweight and extremely comfortable.

The features you can expect from the shirt include a left side-entry pocket, a left patch chest pocket, a notched collar, left side-entry, pleated back yoke, zippered chest pocket, lower side slits for quick and easy access, and moisture wicking treatments.  You can’t go wrong with Blackhawk, and you certainly won’t go wrong with the Men’s 1700 Shirt.

 

4. 5.11 Men’s Sleeveless Holster Shirt

The 5.11 Men’s Sleeveless Holster Shirt is manufactured exclusively for concealed carry purposes, and much thought was put into the design. For example, this holster shirt is manufactured out of spandex, allowing them to almost literally mold to your body.

If you wear a more loose fitting shirt or a jacket over it, you’ll forget you’re wearing it as you go about your day.  There are two holster pockets under each arm and both are fully identical to the other.

You can carry a gun in one pocket and a spare magazine or speed loader/speed strip in the other.

The outer layer of both pockets are made out of a padded nylon, preventing printing and allowing the fabric to breathe and keep you cool.  The inside of the pockets are padded against a layer of neoprene to make it very comfortable as you wear the concealed carry holster shirt throughout the day.

5. UnderTech Undercover Concealment Women’s Tank Shirt

Made in the United States, available in many sizes, and constructed out of eighty-eight percent polyester, the UnderTech Undercover Concealment Women’s Tank Shirt is one of the most comfortable concealed carry options on the market for women.

This shirt has been worn to carry a backup piece by servicewomen in the TSA, FBI, and the U.S Secret Service.  The pockets are able to carry nearly all self-defense handguns, while the X-Dry compression fabric is designed for all weather and will keep the body both cool and dry throughout the day.

As this is V-Neck shirt, the user will be able to access their handgun easily with any button front shirt.  Included on the ccw shirt are one holster pocket under each arm with a durable retention strap for each holster, and two additional pockets to hold extra items (such as a phone or wallet).

If you’re seeking for a reliable and comfortable method to adequately conceal carry your handgun throughout the day, the UnderTech Undercover Concealment Women’s Tank Shirt is definitely worth your strong consideration.

*** If you’ve ever been on the fence, now is the time to decide amongst these 5 best holster shirts and see how a day or week in the life of a conceal carry shirt can make a difference for you.