Best Concealed Carry Vest

If you regularly carry a pistol, you understand the importance of having a variety of options for concealing your weapon. An IWB holster or pocket holster is the most popular option, but may not always be the most comfortable or most convenient. They can be hard to draw from when you’re seated, for example.

Outside the waistband, holsters are more convenient but can be difficult to conceal. A concealed carry vest can get around these issues by allowing you to carry in a specially-made garment. The best-concealed carry vest will be one that’s functional but doesn’t look out of place for your activities.

In this guide, we’ve reviewed eighteen of the most popular concealed carry vests online. We’ve selected a wide range of styles and prices, to suit as many lifestyles as possible. We’ve also tried to limit ourselves to vests that are explicitly designed for concealed carry; any exceptions will be clearly labeled.

Best Concealed Carry Vests

1. The ClubVest

The ClubVest is a classic denim biker vest with plenty of room for patches or embroidery. It’s inconspicuous out of the box, and the inner liner is thick enough to make it a good cold weather vest.

The concealed carry pockets are left and right-handed, but the one on the right side – for a left-handed draw – is oriented vertically, which makes it awkward to draw as a leftie. This makes it better for holding an extra magazine, but it’s tougher to draw from. The pockets also don’t have straps, just a single snap to hold the gun in place.

Pros

• Classic denim look
• Left and right concealed carry pockets
• Front breast pockets for a phone
• Lower front pockets for your hands
• Available in 13 sizes

Cons

• No restraining straps for the pistol grip
• Left-handed concealed carry pocket is harder to draw from

Why It’s Recommended

This is a relatively inconspicuous vest that’s warm enough to be functional, and relatively easy to draw from.

2. Wrangler RIGGS

This is a tough, durable work vest that doubles as a concealed carry vest. As such, it’s mostly designed for comfort and warmth, and the concealed carry function is more of an afterthought. The single inside pocket is on the left side, for a right-handed draw, and won’t hold your gun in place without a pocket holster.

This vest is very inconspicuous, unlike some of the leather and tactical vests we’ll look at, and it’s machine washable. It’s also very warm, which makes it a great winter option.

Pros

• Durable cotton/polyester blend
• Warm enough for cold-weather wear
• Large front pockets for your hands
• Machine washable

Cons

• Not designed for left-handed use
• Requires a pocket holster for secure carry

Why It’s Recommended

This is one of the least conspicuous vests we’ve looked at. It will keep you warm, and keep your gun concealed – as long as you’re right-handed.

3. Rothco

This vest is made for spring/summer/fall use. Not only is the cotton/poly blend very lightweight, but it has three zippers on the back for opening vents. It also has a whopping 23 pockets, which gives it more storage space than you’ll ever need.

The concealed carry pockets are ambidextrous, but they’re open on two sides, and the single velcro strap isn’t enough to hold your gun in place when you bend over. You’ll need a pocket holster to use this vest. You’ll also want to order a size smaller than usual since the sizes run on the large side.

Pros

• Lightweight and breathable
• 23 pockets
• Washable cotton/polyester blend
• Vented back for warm weather
• Two concealed carry pockets

Cons

• Concealed carry pockets require a holster
• Sizes run a bit large

Why It’s Recommended

If you need a lightweight tactical vest for carrying a lot of gear, the Rothco Plainclothes Concealed Carry Vest is just what the doctor ordered.

4. M-Boss

The M-Boss Apparel Snap Front Vest is a sturdy denim vest with deep pockets. It’s inconspicuous the way it’s shipped, but has plenty of room for patches as well. There are two external breast pockets, and additional pockets to keep your hands warm.

The concealed carry pocket is designed for a right-handed draw and is held shut with a single snap. Ideally, you’ll want to use a pocket holster for extra security. The left-handed pocket can technically be used for carrying as well, but it’s vertically-oriented and might slow you down on the draw.

Pros

• Thick, durable denim material
• 2 breast pockets
• 2 pockets for your hands
• Deep internal pocket for an extra magazine

Cons

• Not designed for left-handed use
• Concealed carry pocket requires a holster

Why It’s Recommended

This is a heavy, warm vest that’s designed to be worn on a motorcycle. If you’re not riding, consider this a winter vest only.

5. Blue Stone Safety

This is a true tactical vest. On the one hand, you can carry just about anything in it, thanks to the twelve external pockets. On the other hand, it’s very conspicuous, including a giant American flag patch that’s very hard to miss.

The two concealed carry pockets are well placed for left or right-handed shooters, and it has a pair of elastic internal pockets further down that can hold up to six magazines securely. The all-metal zippers and snaps are extremely durable, as is the polyester shell. Be careful about getting it dirty, though; this vest is not washable.

Pros

• Waterproof polyester shell
• Ambidextrous concealed carry pockets
• Elastic internal pockets for up to 6 extra magazines
• 12 additional pockets for extra gear
• All-metal hardware

Cons

• Conspicuous
• Not washable

Why It’s Recommended

The Blue Stone Safety Concealment Vest is tough, durable and works equally well for left or right-handed individuals.

6. Wyoming Traders

The Wyoming Traders are water-resistant, lightweight, and stylish. It has a button-up design that’s equally appropriate for business casual or manual labor. The internal concealed carry pocket has two elastic straps that hold your pistol firmly in place, and there are two additional elastic pockets further down for carrying extra magazines.

The only downside of this vest is that it’s designed for right-handed people only. Left-handed individuals will need a different vest.

Pros

• Durable canvas shell
• Inconspicuous design
• Secure holster with elastic grip straps
• Elastic internal pockets for 2 extra magazines
• Stylish button-up design

Cons

• Not designed for left-handed people

Why It’s Recommended

This is one of the most fashionable concealed carry vests available. If you want a vest that emphasizes the “concealed” part of “concealed carry”, it’s a good choice.

7. Gihuo

This is a tough vest that will last you for years. It has sixteen pockets – twelve exterior and four interior – with all-metal zippers and snaps. It’s available in ten colors, and looks like a fishing or hiking vest. It’s a bit warm for summer use but works well in fall, winter, and spring.

It’s not specifically designed as a concealed carry vest. As a result, the internal pockets zip shut. This makes it hard to lose your gun but may also cost you precious moments if you need to draw it in an emergency.

Pros

• 16 pockets
• Durable, washable denim shell
• Available in 10 colors
• Metal zippers and hardware

Cons

• Not specifically designed for concealed carry
• Internal pockets zipper shut

Why It’s Recommended

The Gihuo Men’s Casual Outdoor Denim Vest is a good choice for carrying compact or sub-compact pistols.

8. Cinch Printed Bonded

The Cinch Printed Bonded has a warm cotton shell that’s also machine-washable. It zips open easily, which is practically a necessity in warm weather. The concealed carry pockets are located on both sides, and it comes with a velcro holster that stays put once you’ve got it in place. Whichever pocket you’re not using for your pistol can be used for an extra magazine.

On the downside, this vest is relatively expensive for what you get. It’s a nice, inconspicuous vest, but it’s hard to justify the price.

Pros

• Warm, washable cotton shell
• Ambidextrous concealed carry pockets
• Includes a velcro holster
• Easy to open, zip-up design

Cons

• Expensive for the quality

Why It’s Recommended

This is a comfortable, all-season vest with secure concealed carry pockets. It’s a good choice for everyday carrying.

9. SOA

The SOA is designed to look like the motorcycle vests on Sons of Anarchy. They hit the mark with this one. It looks fantastic, and the price is very reasonable for a leather vest. The all-metal hardware is well-engineered, and won’t fail quickly.

The concealed carry pocket leaves a bit to be desired, though. It’s designed for right-handed people only, and zips shut. This makes it practical for small pistols only. There’s a second interior pocket for an extra magazine.

Pros

• Stylish and affordable
• Internal pocket for an extra magazine
• All-metal hardware

Cons

• Bonded leather shell
• Concealed carry pocket zips shut
• Only designed for right-handed shooters

Why It’s Recommended

If you love the look of leather but don’t want to pay a small fortune for your vest, this is a good choice for you.

10. Ultimate Leather Apparel

This is a leather biker vest that’s made to be worn on a motorcycle. As a result, it’s a little warm for summer wear, but is very comfortable in fall, winter or spring. The split leather shell is high-quality and durable, and the metal hardware is well-designed.

The concealed carry pocket is very secure, and includes an elastic strap that wraps around the barrel of your pistol to keep it from shifting. It’s designed for right-handers, though, so left-handed people will need to look elsewhere.

Pros

• Durable split leather shell
• Secure concealed carry pocket
• Metal hardware
• Affordable

Cons

• Not designed for left-handed people

Why It’s Recommended

This is another low-cost leather vest, and it has a better shell than the SOA replica.

11. Wyoming Traders

The Wyoming Traders has a water-resistant canvas shell. The stitching is heavy and durable, and high-stress seams have triple-stitching. The concealed carry pockets are located on both sides, and each one has a pair of elastic straps to hold your pistol firmly in place. There are also elastic pockets on the inside that will hold up to four extra magazines.

The price is very reasonable, although there’s one drawback: the buttons and zipper are plastic, so they may not last as long as metal hardware.

Pros

• Durable, water-resistant canvas shell
• Ambidextrous concealed carry pockets
• Elastic pockets for 4 extra magazines
• 2 breast pockets and 2 front pockets
• Reasonably priced

Cons

• Plastic zipper and buttons

Why It’s Recommended

This is a rugged, inconspicuous concealed carry vest that holds your pistol securely, all at a reasonable price

12. Leather Supreme

The Leather Supreme vest’s shell is crafted from premium top-grain leather that’s nothing short of beautiful. It has four exterior pockets, and interior concealed carry pockets on both sides. It includes a velcro holster that stays put once you’ve gotten it positioned, as well as smaller interior pockets for extra magazines. The metal snaps are well-engineered and stay shut unless you pull them hard.

The downside? This vest is expensive, and unless you work on a cattle ranch you’re going to look out of place.

Pros

• Top grain leather construction
• Ambidextrous concealed carry pockets
• Includes a velcro holster
• Internal pockets for 2 extra magazines
• 4 exterior pockets

Cons

• Expensive
• Very conspicuous

Why It’s Recommended

This is a gorgeous, well-crafted vest that will last for a lifetime. Even if you don’t carry a gun, it’s a solid vest.

13. Gihuo

The Gihuo Summer Outdoor Vest is a lightweight vest that’s designed to be worn in warm weather. The cotton/polyester shell is durable and lightweight, and is machine washable. It has sixteen pockets in total, so you can carry your own weight in gear if you want to.

This vest is not specifically designed for concealed carry. While it has ambidextrous internal pockets that are large enough for a Glock 19, they zip shut, and the mesh liner can snag on your sights. That said, it works for someone who carries occasionally, and is useful for hunting, fishing and more.

Pros

• Lightweight cotton/poly shell
• 16 total pockets
• Machine washable
• Great for travel, hunting or fishing
• Inexpensive

Cons

• Not specifically designed for concealed carry
• Mesh pockets can snag on your shooting iron

Why It’s Recommended

This is a good vest for people who want a utility vest that supports concealed carry in a pinch.

14. Smith & Wesson

The Smith & Wesson has a thick, nylon/polyester shell that’s extremely warm. You definitely don’t want to wear it in the summer, but it’s warm enough to wear over a sweatshirt even when the weather is below freezing. The exterior has deep hand warming pockets, as well as three magazine slots in each of the vertical pockets.

The concealed carry pockets are big enough for a large Smith & Wesson or a Glock 19, but they zip shut. This is a strange choice since the vest is designed specifically for concealed carry. It’s also very expensive, although the quality justifies the price.

Pros

• Warm nylon/poly shell
• Deep, padded handwarmer pockets
• Ambidextrous concealed carry pockets
• External pockets have 6 total magazine slots
• Machine washable

Cons

• Concealed carry pockets zip shut
• Expensive

Why It’s Recommended

This is a great choice if you need a high-quality winter vest that also supports concealed carry.

15. 5.11 TacLite

The 5.11 tactical vest was designed specifically for competitive shooters. The external magazine pockets are deep enough for an AR magazine, and the concealed carry pockets are easy to draw from, particularly when you use the button strap to keep it closed with the zipper open.

The canvas shell is durable and machine-washable and has durable quad stitches on virtually all of the seams. It requires a velcro holster for safe carrying, though, which is a bit disappointing considering how well-designed it is.

Pros

• Durable canvas shell
• Designed for competitive shooters
• Large magazine pockets
• Quad stitching on high-stress seams

Cons

• Concealed carry pockets require a holster

Why It’s Recommended

This is an ideal vest for competitive shooters. If you shoot in 3-gun competitions, you’ll have room for plenty of mags along with your CCW.

16. Berne Echo One

The Berne Echo One is a thick, cold-weather vest that’s perfect for fall, winter, and spring wear. It’s machine-washable and has a fleece liner. The concealed carry pockets are located on both sides and have MOLLE velcro on the inside for attaching your pocket magazine.

This vest has external magazine pockets on both sides, which have enough room for four to six magazines depending on size. It’s a bit pricier than some other options, but it’s high-quality and durable.

Pros

• Machine washable cotton shell
• Warm fleece liner
• Ambidextrous concealed carry pockets
• External magazine pockets
• Handwarmer pockets

Cons

• Requires a holster
• Heavy and expensive

Why It’s Recommended

This is a warm, durable cold-weather vest. When paired with a velcro holster, it’s perfect for concealed carry.

17. AC Undercover

The last two items on our list aren’t technically vests, but they’re in the same ballpark.

The AC Undercover Men’s Compression Concealment Tank Top has a pair of elastic holsters under both arms that allow for concealed carry by left or right-handed people. The restraining strap has a hook-lock that’s secure and easy to release.

This isn’t as durable as a vest, and your gun is a little harder to get at if you’re wearing a tee-shirt over it, but it’s one of the best warm-weather options available.

Pros

• Ambidextrous holsters
• Secure, under-arm CCW placement
• Great for carrying under light clothes

Cons

• Not as durable or accessible as a vest
• No extra pockets

Why It’s Recommended

This AC Undercover Tank Top is a great choice for law enforcement or citizens who need to carry it while wearing light clothing. You can wear this with nothing more than a tee-shirt and gym shorts.

18. Graystone Gun Holster Tank Top

The Graystone Gun Holster Tank Top is similar to the AC Undercover, but has one significant advantage: the holsters have a proper bottom, so you can use your off-hand holster for carrying an extra magazine. It has the disadvantage to balance that out, though: the holsters won’t support most guns that are larger than 9mm.

Pros

• Ambidextrous elastic holsters
• Opposite-side holster can hold an extra magazine
• Conceals your firearm even under a tee shirt

Cons

• Not as durable or accessible as a vest
• Only useful for compact or sub-compact pistols

Why It’s Recommended

This is another good option for anyone who’s carrying their CCW under light clothing.

Key Considerations

When you’re purchasing a vest for concealed carry, there are a few things you’ll want to consider. A lot of these factors will depend on you, your gun, and your lifestyle, so weigh your options carefully.

Material

Concealed carry vests can be made of just about any material that clothes are made of. Here are some of the most common options:

• Leather vest – It will typically be very durable and will go well with motorcycle or riding gear. Anyone who works on a farm or a ranch can easily carry in one of these vests. That said, a leather vest is going to attract a lot of attention if you live in a major city. The last thing you want to do when carrying a concealed gun is to wear clothing that screams “This guy has a gun!”, so consider a leather vest only if it won’t look out of place.
• Canvas is water-resistant, warm, and durable. It also comes in a variety of colors and stitching is easy, so canvas vests will often have a large number of pockets. This can help obscure the profile of your gun and is also useful for carrying extra magazines, tools, or fishing and hunting supplies. That said, you’re liable to look like a photographer or fisherman when you’re wearing one, so they’re conspicuous in a lot of everyday contexts.
• Linen/nylon. Linen or nylon vests tend to be designed to look like traditional menswear. This makes them ideal if you wear a suit or sports jacket for work. On the other hand, the material is usually thin, which means you’ll need that jacket to help obscure the gun’s profile.
• Denim/fleece. These are the least fashionable options but are also appropriate in the largest number of circumstances. Almost anyone can wear one of these vests without looking conspicuous. They’re also warm, so they double as good cold-weather gear.

Functionality

Depending on why and where you’re carrying, you may need different options. To begin with, most concealed carry vests have two pockets, one on each side. If you’re left-handed, make sure your vest has this option, or you may get stuck drawing right-handed.

Another thing you’ll want to check is whether or not the pockets have straps to restrain your firearm. Most concealed carry vests do, but some require you to use a pocket holster or risk having your pistol pop out of the pocket unexpectedly. Most of these straps are made of velcro so they can be released quickly in an emergency.

You’ll also want to make sure you can carry as many extra magazines as you need. Usually, one in the gun and one in the opposite-side pocket will be sufficient, but if you’re an undercover law enforcement officer you may want to carry more firepower. Tactical vests are a good choice for this purpose but can make you stand out like a sore thumb in a lot of situations.

If you’re looking for a concealment option that can be worn under athletic wear, a tank top can be a better option than a vest. These won’t have extra pockets for a spare magazine, but they’re better than nothing, which is why we included two of them on our list.

Comfort

If you’re carrying concealed every day, you’re going to want a concealed carry vest that’s tight enough not to flap around, but also loose enough that you can easily reach inside and access your firearm.

If you’re ordering one online, keep in mind that sizes can vary from manufacturer to manufacturer. Make sure to try it on as soon as it arrives to find out whether or not it fits correctly. If it doesn’t, return it immediately and order a different size.

The material is also important to your comfort. A heavy denim vest may be extremely comfortable in cool weather but can be oppressively hot in the summer. Conversely, a lightweight nylon vest may be comfortable in the summertime, but you’ll need to layer other clothes over the top of it in wintertime.

If you normally wear a jacket over your vest, make sure to wear one when you’re trying the vest on. See if there are any bulges or pockets on the vest that cause your jacket to snag and whether your jacket still fits well across your shoulders with the extra bulk of the vest.

Appearance

We’ve already touched on this, but it bears repeating: the whole point of concealed carry is to keep your firearm concealed. While any garment that covers the gun will keep you legal, it may not keep you safe in an emergency situation.

Legal reasons aside, the main benefit of concealed carry – as opposed to open carry – is that the bad guys won’t know you’re armed. If any casual observer can tell that you’re carrying, you may become a target if, for example, you happen to be standing in line at the bank when a gunman decides to rob the place.

Consider your environment carefully – where you work, where you socialize, and where you run your errands – and choose a vest that won’t look out of place.

Bottom Line

As we’ve seen, there are a lot of options available for your concealed carry vest. You can buy them in a wide variety of materials: leather, canvas, nylon, denim, fleece, and others. You can also choose from several styles, from formal business attire to safari vests to biker gear and everyday work vests. We’ve even looked at some workout gear.

We’ve also seen a wide variety of functionality, from vests that are basically glorified holsters all the way to vests that have a dozen or more pockets for all your survival gear. Whether you’re carrying every day, or whether you’re carrying a sidearm in the field as a last line of defense against predators, there’s a vest here for you.