Concealed Carry in the Summer: Tips, Tricks, and the Best Holsters for Summer

There’s no denying that summertime is pretty great. The days get longer, making it easier to do more activities later in the day. And all that increased sunshine seems to have everyone in a better mood than the dreary cold months. But if you carry a concealed weapon, summer means something else. The lighter clothes of summer months means that it’s the hardest time of year to carry a concealed gun. In this post, we’re going to look at how a combination of concealed carry clothing, sweat guards, and compact, low-profile firearms combined with the best concealed carry holsters for summer can make carrying a breeze.

Choosing the Right Concealed Carry Gun for Summer

The main problem you’re going to face while concealed carrying in the summer is “printing.” If you’re not familiar with the term, printing refers to your firearm “imprinting” its outline on your clothes. This, in turn, signals that you’re carrying a gun, defeating the whole purpose of concealed carry in the first place.

Summer clothes are light and usually only involve a single layer. That means they’re particularly prone to printing. However, choosing the right concealed carry gun can help with that. You’re going to want to stick with a compact or subcompact pistol. The SIG P365 or Kimber Micro are both a great choice here. Remember that your gun’s grips will print more than any other part of the firearm.

Sig P365

Summer Concealed Carry Clothes and Accessories

Your wardrobe itself is just as important a part of your concealed carry ensemble as your gun. While it is tempting to walk around in a trench coat all the time to conceal an Ithaca 37, this usually isn’t a viable option.

Wearing clothes that are inappropriate for the weather can sometimes draw just as much attention as if you were obviously printing. When looking for concealed carry clothes, stick with loose-fitting, dark-colored garments. Loose, black shirts will print the least. You’ll also want something that wicks away sweat. 

Sweat can cause your clothes to cling to your body, making printing all the more noticeable. Consider using a holster sweat guard to help minimize how sweat impacts your concealed carry habits. A sweat guard will also prevent your gun from physically touching your body, keeping it from getting sweaty itself. This can make it easier to grip once you need to draw it. It’ll also deter rust.

Holster with sweatguard

Best Concealed Carry Holsters for Summer

Last but definitely not least, your holster plays a huge role in maintaining your weapon’s concealment. You’ll want a sleek, compact, and low profile holster for summertime carrying. As always, an appendix inside the waistband (AIWB) holster is a great choice. These offer a great combination of high concealment and easy access when you draw. A leather holster will also be a much better option than nylon because it’s sturdy and durable.

Want to discover the perfect summertime concealed carry holster for your individual needs? Check out our entire selection of holsters to find your new favorite rig.

IWB Black Leather Holster

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