Concealed carry isn’t always easy, especially if you have a large caliber firearm with a magazine that holds ten or more rounds. The kind of clothes you wear makes it all but impossible in some cases, such as the enormous, bulging outline you get with a compression shirt.
For those who prefer their shirts tucked in or have to dress casually for the day, an IWB (Inside the Waistband) holster with a J-style belt clip is the best way to go. Larger firearms may be a bit more uncomfortable, however, so it’s only best with a smaller caliber weapon.
Not everybody prefers to wear their clothes baggy, with their shirts untucked. Some of us prefer to stay sharply dressed, even in casual attire. That makes concealing your firearm difficult, especially for large guns like a .45 Sig Sauer P320.
How to Conceal Carry with a Tucked-In Shirt
Best Position for a Tucked-in IWB
The IWB is the best option for concealing your firearm with a tucked-in shirt. Your shirt usually folds outward where it meets the waistband, concealing the pistol grip. Two J-clips are the best option because it stabilizes the holster on your waist.
Two positions are the most convenient and comfortable for an IWB holster—the strong side and the appendix. The strong side is concealed in the 2 o’clock to the 4 o’clock position for right-handed individuals and the 8 o’clock to 10 o’clock position for lefties.
Appendix concealment is not always the most comfortable, especially when sitting down. If you prefer it, you should wear a belt that matches the color of the J-clips. Otherwise, you will give yourself away if a keen-eyed person is paying attention.
How to draw from a tucked shirt
If you’re wearing a tucked-in dress shirt, your pistol grip is wrapped in shirt fabric, which kind of makes things difficult if you need to get your firearm out quickly. There isn’t a “best method” outside of pulling the material of your shirt out a little. Not so much that it looks sloppily tucked in, but close.
If you are right-handed, you will need to pull your left hand across your chest and grab the material of your shirt just over the top of the pistol grip. Pull up to untuck your shirt as you reach to draw with your right hand. Practice will make it a much smoother motion.
Tips for carrying this way
Everybody is different. We are all shaped differently, have thicker or thinner waists, and prefer to wear our clothes differently. What is uncomfortable for one person might be entirely comfortable for another.
Use two J-clip holsters
While you can use a single J-clip, the firearm will often move around quite a bit, which can be uncomfortable. Two J-clips keep it stable on the belt, with a solid feel. It will also hold the holster in place better when you have to draw the weapon.
Use what is comfortable
There is nothing inherently wrong with the appendix or the strong side carry. Some arguments suggest the strong side carry gives you a better draw opportunity if your opponent is right in your face. However, it’s entirely up to you in terms of your comfort level and ability to access and draw your weapon quickly.
Consider a Different Type of Holster
If you prefer a tucked-in shirt and don’t like the idea of carrying underneath it, there are other ways to carry. Each has its disadvantages, such as a lack of quick access to your firearm in an emergency.
Ankle Holsters
Ankle holsters are popular for those who need or want to conceal carry but also have to dress casually. The only drawback is it’s just about the farthest you can get from your hand if you ever need it.
Vest
A concealed carry vest is a fantastic idea. These aren’t tactical vests by any means. They look and feel casual while having a space inside for carrying a concealed firearm. The only drawback to using a vest is it can get pretty hot in the summer.
Belly Band
A belly band is certainly an option, but since you carry it concealed, it will be much more difficult to access because you will nearly have to pull your shirt off to access it.
Fanny Pack
Last but not least is the fanny pack, which is pretty self-explanatory. You can wear it on the outside of your tucked-in shirt, and so long as you don’t mind looking like a tourist everywhere you go, it’s easy to access quickly.
Bottom Line
Carrying concealed with your shirt tucked in isn’t incredibly difficult. You’re simply adding a layer of action before you reach your firearm. It’s a good idea to practice your draw speed by combining two motions—untucking your shirt with your off-hand and drawing with your strong hand.
Regardless, an IWB holster with dual J-clips is your best alternative if you have to dress casually or just prefer to keep your shirt tucked in. The other options are certainly doable, but they all come with significant drawbacks.
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