When it comes to carrying a firearm daily – whether it be for personal protection or if it is needed for your occupation – most all firearm owners acknowledge that carrying that weapon is best done concealed (out of the sight of others). This affords you, the owner, a lot of benefits and advantages. You have the element of surprise against unsavory assailants who might prompt you to produce your firearm for protection. By concealing, you do not make others around you uncomfortable (when thinking that the converse is open carrying). Moreover, if you conceal your carry pistol you can use your discretion as to whether you want to deploy it or not. For all of those reasons and bevy that were not stated, most people prefer to carry a pistol concealed as opposed to being out in the open. So, what do you do to ensure that it doesn’t “print?” Or, ensure it isn’t obvious under clothing?

This is a simple question that requires a multi-faceted answer. For one, if you have already chosen your desired pistol to carry, you must then carry “where your physique allows.” Without being too provocative, if men are uncomfortable carrying appendix inside the waistband (IWB) or over their groin, then choose somewhere else. If a woman has a big butt, then IWB small-of-the-back may not be appropriate. If either gender has a big belly, then anywhere appendix IWB (10 o’clock position to 2 o’clock) might be uncomfortable and something more on the hip (9 o’clock and 3 o’clock) could be better. We’re all unique people in odd, fun, perplexing shapes, and sizes. What is a good position for your friend might not be for you. Examine your shape, body, and physique, and then choose a spot where you can effectively draw from concealment.

Once you have your firearm and assessed where to carry is best for you, then you need to select a holster for both. It obviously has to fit the gun and then it needs to work with where you’re intending to carry it. A holster that sits well on your hip under clothing might feel horrible for appendix carry and vice-versa. So, you need to make sure your holster fits your gun, fits your body, and fits the spot you’re tying this all together.

Next, you need to be cognizant of your clothing. This can be everything from how low a shirt hangs on your waist, how tight a pair of pants is, and how tight a top is against your waist area generally. All of these things could lead to you “brandishing” or accidentally displaying your firearm when you did not intend to. As a result, make sure to think through your outfit when it comes to concealed carry. Especially if you are going to be carrying all day long or for extended periods of time.

Finally, try to carry “deep.” So, what does that mean? Deep concealed carry typically refers to having your firearm deep in your waistline. For example, think of a water line analogy. If you see a shark’s fin in the ocean (your gun printing under clothing, high on your waist, and/or brandished due to poor clothing choices) it's obvious for everyone to see. Now, think of an alligator’s eyes under the surface (your firearm properly concealed). Only the most utterly observant and astute firearm owners would notice this style of carry because you did everything right. Yet, your firearm is ready to be deployed at a moment’s notice (or strike just like the alligator).

Overall, successful concealed carry is an evolution of getting everything right while being comfortable and prepared. It is a constant learning process. Until next time, continually check out our blog, join our newsletter, and watch the website for new and exciting updates! As always, let us know all your thoughts in the comments below. We love it when you participate in our articles and keep the conversation going!