Best Clothing for Concealed Carry: A No-Nonsense Guide

So you've decided to carry concealed. Yeah, that's a whole thing people do. And guess what? Your wardrobe could get... complicated—but it doesn't have to with the right concealed carry system I'll tell you about.

Today, I'm going to walk you through selecting the right clothing for concealed carry, because it's actually an important skill that takes some practice to master.

The Art of Not Looking Like You're Carrying

Here's the thing about concealed carry—the first rule is that nobody should know you're doing it.

When choosing clothes for concealed carry, you want items that:

• Don't scream "I'm packing heat!"
• Still look normal and appropriate for daily wear
• Let you access your firearm if needed
• Keep everything secure and in place throughout the day

Let's break this down by body type, because we're not all built the same way.

The Phantom Belt: A Game-Changer for Concealed Carry

Before diving into specific body types, let me introduce you to the Phantom Belt—an innovative solution that's changing how people approach concealed carry clothing. Think of the Phantom Belt as a cross between a belly band holster and a tactical belt, comfort everywhere, rigidity where you need it. 

Unlike traditional gun belts that can be stiff and obvious, the Phantom Belt offers a low-profile design that works seamlessly with various clothing styles. Its hybrid design  provides the stability needed for carrying, without the telltale thickness of tactical belts. What makes it unique is that it floats independently of your waistband, doesn't require belt loops, and stays put no matter your build or how much you're moving.

What makes the Phantom Belt stand out is its ability to distribute weight evenly, preventing the dreaded "gun sag" that can reveal your carry status. This becomes especially important when paired with other carrying methods like a belly band holster for maximum versatility.

Understanding IWB and OWB Carry Methods

Before we get into specific body types, let's talk about the two main carry positions that will affect your clothing choices:

Inside the Waistband (IWB) Carry: As the name suggests, IWB holsters position your firearm inside your pants waistband. This method offers excellent concealment but requires pants with a slightly larger waist size (usually 1-2 inches) than you normally wear to accommodate the extra bulk. IWB is generally the go-to for maximum concealment but requires more consideration with clothing choices.

Outside the Waistband (OWB) Carry: OWB holsters sit on the outside of your pants and attach to your belt. While traditionally less concealable than IWB, modern OWB holsters designed specifically for concealment can work well with the right clothing, particularly jackets, vests, or untucked shirts. OWB typically offers faster draw speeds and can be more comfortable for all-day wear.

The Phantom Belt works exceptionally well with both IWB and OWB concealed carry holsters, offering stability without the bulk of traditional gun belts.

For the Average Guy

If you're built with an average frame—not too muscular, not too slim—you've got some decent options. Button-up shirts worn untucked are basically the concealed carrier's uniform. They hide pretty much everything, especially when paired with a belly band holster that sits flat against your waist.

For pants, go slightly relaxed fit. Not oversized, just a bit looser than skinny jeans. This gives your belly band holster room to breathe without creating obvious bulges.

The Phantom Belt works exceptionally well here, as it provides the support needed for IWB holsters without creating the "gun belt bulge" that can give away your concealed carry status. You can easily transition between the Phantom Belt and a belly band holster depending on your outfit choice.

Casual jackets and vests work great too, especially for OWB carry options. I'd go with something like a Carhartt or a simple zip-up. Nothing that screams "tactical," because that defeats the purpose of concealment.

For Athletic and Muscular Builds

If you're broad-shouldered and muscular, you've got a different challenge. Your clothes already fit tightly across your chest and arms.

You'll want to:

• Size up slightly in your shirts
• Look for athletic-fit clothing with a bit more room around the waist
• Invest in a high-quality belly band holster that sits comfortably without printing

Athletic builds often struggle with finding belts that accommodate their tapered waist-to-hip ratio. This is where the Phantom Belt truly shines—its flexible yet supportive design adapts to your body's contours while still providing the rigidity needed for proper holster support. When combined with a belly band holster, you get the perfect balance of security and comfort.

Dark patterns and colors work well to minimize any telltale signs. Athletic builds sometimes struggle with belly band holsters riding up during movement. This is where something like the Phantom Belt shines—it floats independently of your waistband, doesn't require belt loops, and stays put no matter your build or how much you're moving. It's a game-changer for fitted athletic wear and works with both IWB and OWB holsters.

For Slimmer Builds

If you're built on the slimmer side, you might struggle with concealing anything without it being obvious. The lack of natural padding means your firearm can create noticeable lines or bulges.

Your best bet:

• Layer whenever possible
• Choose patterned shirts that break up outlines
• Try pants with a slightly higher rise to accommodate a belly band holster

Slimmer individuals often find that standard gun belts are too bulky and obvious. The Phantom Belt's sleek profile is perfect for slim builds, as it doesn't add unnecessary bulk while still providing crucial support. This makes it an ideal companion to a belly band holster, giving you multiple carrying options without compromising your slender silhouette.

For slim folks, the belly band holster is often your best friend because it distributes weight evenly instead of pulling down on one side of your pants. But if your clothes are too form-fitting—or lack belt loops—the Phantom Belt is worth considering. It allows you to wear almost any outfit without compromising your ability to carry, since it isn't dependent on pants support. This is particularly important when using IWB holsters, which can be challenging for slimmer builds.

For Larger Body Types

For those with a larger build, you actually have some advantages in concealed carry. You've got more natural concealment to work with, but comfort is key.

Focus on:

• Sturdy belts that won't roll or fold
• Suspenders can be your secret weapon for weight distribution
• Belly band holsters that sit above any natural folds for comfort

With belly band holster for fat guys, larger individuals often struggle with belt discomfort as the day progresses. The Phantom Belt addresses this with its ergonomic design that prevents digging in or rolling, even during extended wear. Its adjustable tension works perfectly whether you're using an IWB holster or complementing a belly band holster setup. 

Larger individuals often do well with OWB holsters or shoulder holsters under light jackets or oversized button-ups. It positions your firearm in an accessible location while maintaining comfort. But for days when you want something more discreet and minimal, the Phantom Belt offers the flexibility to adjust height and placement while avoiding discomfort caused by waistband pressure.

Women's Concealed Carry Clothing

Ladies face unique challenges with concealed carry. Women's clothing tends to be more fitted and often lacks functional pockets or belt support.

From what I've gathered:

• Structured blazers and cardigans create great concealment spaces
• High-waisted pants or skirts pair excellently with belly band holsters
• Specially designed concealed carry leggings and yoga pants exist with built-in holster compartments

The Phantom Belt has become especially popular among women carriers because it's one of the few belts designed with female body types in mind. Its lower profile works with women's fashion without creating obvious bulges or awkward fit issues. Many women switch between the Phantom Belt and a belly band holster depending on their outfit, giving them versatility without compromising on concealment. For information on the best belly band holster for women, check out this blog post.

Women often struggle with traditional IWB and OWB holsters due to clothing constraints. This is another area where the Phantom Belt stands out. It's built for situations where belt loops just aren't an option, which is true for a lot of women's fashion. It allows for safe, secure concealed carry—whether you're in yoga pants, a skirt, or a fitted dress—without needing to change your style or wear oversized layers.

The Wonder of Belly Band Holsters and the Phantom Belt

Let me take a moment to talk about why belly band holsters keep coming up in this guide. They're remarkably versatile despite their simple design.

A good belly band holster:

• Works with or without a belt
• Adapts to multiple carry positions
• Fits various body types
• Stays put during normal movement
• Doesn't require special pants with reinforced waistbands

They're made of stretchy, breathable material that wraps around your midsection, with a pouch for your firearm. Think of it as an adaptable solution that works across wardrobes and situations.

But if you're still wrestling with what clothes you can't wear with a belly band holster, the Phantom Belt is that next-level innovation. It's a floating belt system designed specifically to make concealed carry work with clothing that lacks belt loops or structure—think joggers, leggings, basketball shorts, or formalwear. You're no longer limited by your outfit.

The Phantom Belt complements these advantages by offering:

• A low-profile alternative for times when belt loops are available
• Additional stability for larger firearms that might cause a belly band holster to sag
• A smooth transition between different carrying styles as your wardrobe changes
• Reinforcement that prevents printing without announcing "I'm carrying"

This versatile combination gives you maximum flexibility across different clothing styles and situations, whether you prefer IWB or OWB carry methods.

Seasonal Considerations for Concealed Carry

Summer presents challenges for concealed carry. You can't exactly wear layers when it's 95 degrees without looking suspicious or suffering heat stroke.

For hot weather:

• Lightweight, loose-fitting button-ups are your friend
• Technical fabrics that wick moisture help when wearing a belly band holster
• Consider smaller, more concealable options when full-size isn't practical

The Phantom Belt's breathable design makes it more comfortable in hot weather than traditional gun belts, which can trap heat and moisture against your body. Again, this is where the Phantom Belt really excels. It's breathable, low-profile, and doesn't require a heavy-duty waistband to stay secure. It works with minimal clothing and is ideal for summer concealment. Pairing it with a moisture-wicking belly band holster gives you options for staying cool while carrying securely.

IWB concealed carry holsters tend to be more challenging in summer months due to direct skin contact, while OWB options might require more covering garments.

Winter, on the other hand, is concealed carry paradise. Jackets, vests, and layers give you plenty of options. Just remember—if you're wearing too many layers, your draw time is going to suffer accordingly. Both IWB and OWB methods work well in winter with proper layering.

In Conclusion: Finding Your Perfect Solution

The secret to effective concealed carry clothing isn't buying a tactical wardrobe that makes you look like you're preparing for doomsday. It's finding versatile tools like the Phantom Belt and a quality belly band holster that adapt to your existing wardrobe.

Find a quality belly band holster that works with your body type—or better yet, consider the Phantom Belt if you want ultimate freedom in what you wear. It's built for everyday life, no matter your body type, wardrobe, or the season, and works seamlessly with both IWB and OWB holsters.

The Phantom Belt has revolutionized concealed carry clothing options by providing a solution that works across body types, clothing styles, and seasons. When paired with a quality belly band holster, you get a concealment system that's as flexible as your lifestyle requires.

Keep it simple, keep it accessible, and most importantly, keep it concealed. Because at the end of the day, the best concealed carry setup is one that nobody notices. Stay safe out there, and remember: actual emergency preparedness doesn't need to draw attention to itself.