Outside-the-waistband (OWB) concealed carry is one of the most comfortable and practical ways to carry a firearm. The holster rests securely on your belt, distributes weight evenly, and allows for a fast and intuitive draw. Many shooters, both men and women, prefer OWB carry whenever possible because of its comfort and accessibility.
But here’s the challenge: while OWB carry is practical, it can also be difficult to conceal effectively. Unlike inside-the-waistband (IWB) holsters, which tuck the pistol closer to the body, OWB holsters sit outside your pants and naturally add bulk. That makes your clothing choices far more important.
The good news is that you don’t have to resort to the stereotypical “tactical vest” look to keep your firearm hidden. With the right holster, firearm, and cover garments, you can conceal an OWB holster while still looking stylish and appropriate for your environment.
This guide will explain how to choose the right OWB holster, what types of clothing work best, and how to dress around your firearm in different seasons and settings.
Why OWB Holster Selection Matters for Concealment
Before you worry about clothing, you must start with the right holster. Not all OWB holsters are designed for concealed carry. Many are built for open carry, duty use, or competition shooting and sit too far off the body to conceal effectively.
For concealed carry, look for an OWB holster that:
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Fits your exact firearm model. A proper fit ensures retention, safety, and consistency in your draw. Universal holsters rarely provide the stability required for daily carry.
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Covers the trigger guard completely. This prevents negligent discharges while holstered and ensures no foreign objects can enter the trigger area.
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Rides high and tight to the body. The closer the pistol is to your torso, the easier it is to conceal under normal clothing without printing.
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Uses strong belt loops or clips. A quality holster paired with a sturdy gun belt keeps your firearm from sagging or shifting during movement.
Gun size also plays a huge role in OWB concealment. Subcompact and slim-profile pistols like the Smith & Wesson Shield, Glock 43, or Sig Sauer P365 are much easier to conceal outside the waistband than full-sized pistols like a Beretta 92 or Glock 17.
If you want to carry a larger firearm OWB, you’ll need looser clothing, longer cover garments, and more attention to detail when dressing around the gun.
The Role of Clothing in OWB Concealed Carry
The primary goal when choosing clothing for OWB carry is simple: break up the outline of the firearm.
Printing—the visible bulge of the gun through your clothing—is the biggest giveaway. Fortunately, modern concealed carry fashion has evolved to provide plenty of stylish and practical cover garments. The best clothing balances concealment, comfort, and personal style.
Concealed Carry Sweaters: Comfort and Coverage
A concealed carry sweater is one of the easiest garments to pair with an OWB holster, especially in cooler weather. A lightweight merino wool or cashmere sweater drapes naturally over the firearm without clinging tightly. The looser hem provides the coverage needed to break up the pistol’s outline while still maintaining a clean, stylish look.
When selecting a sweater for OWB carry:
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Avoid overly bulky sweaters that restrict your ability to lift and clear the garment during a draw.
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Choose fabrics that provide structure but not stiffness. A soft weave that drapes over the holster conceals better than rigid material.
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Look for hems that extend slightly below the beltline, ideally past the pocket line, to ensure complete coverage even when moving or bending.
In addition to concealment, sweaters provide seasonal comfort. They allow you to carry OWB during fall and winter without advertising your firearm.
Flannel Shirts: The Timeless OWB Cover Garment
Few garments work as reliably for OWB carry as the flannel shirt. For decades, shooters across the United States have relied on flannel as a casual yet practical cover garment. Its relaxed fit, natural drape, and long hem make it ideal for concealing high-riding OWB holsters.
Worn untucked, a flannel shirt easily breaks up the gun’s outline. Depending on your preference, you can wear it buttoned or unbuttoned over a t-shirt. An unbuttoned flannel offers faster access for your draw, while a buttoned shirt provides more coverage and a neater appearance.
When shopping for a flannel:
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Ensure the shirt is long enough to extend past the pistol. A slightly elongated yoke or hem provides better coverage without looking out of place.
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Select a size that allows movement without being baggy. Too much excess fabric can hinder your draw, while a slim fit risks printing.
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Patterns, especially plaid, help visually disrupt the firearm’s outline better than solid colors.
For cooler climates, flannel is nearly a year-round option. In warmer areas, you can opt for lightweight cotton button-ups that mimic the same loose, draped fit.
Dress Shirts and Business Casual Options
For professionals who need to maintain a business-casual or office-appropriate appearance, concealing an OWB holster can be more challenging. However, it’s still possible with the right combination of firearm, holster, and shirt.
Smaller firearms paired with high-riding OWB holsters can often be concealed under untucked dress shirts or patterned button-downs. Choosing a shirt with a slightly longer cut ensures full coverage even when reaching or leaning forward.
Layering also helps in professional environments. A lightweight blazer, sport coat, or cardigan worn over the dress shirt provides an additional layer of concealment while blending seamlessly into a business wardrobe.
The key is fit. Look for shirts that allow comfortable movement without clinging to the firearm. A tailored cut with a bit of extra room at the waist often works best.
Jackets, Hoodies, and Seasonal Outerwear
Outerwear is one of the most forgiving cover garments for OWB carry. A jacket, hoodie, or coat naturally conceals the firearm without drawing attention. In fact, many shooters prefer OWB holsters during colder months precisely because outerwear makes concealment so simple.
That said, not all jackets and hoodies are equal for concealed carry:
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Jackets: Opt for models that extend below the beltline and allow full range of motion. Avoid tight-fitting leather jackets that restrict your draw. Utility-style jackets, casual bombers, or lightweight softshells often work best.
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Hoodies: A pullover or zip-up hoodie provides excellent concealment for OWB holsters. The looser fit and kangaroo pocket help disguise the pistol’s outline. Just make sure the hoodie isn’t so long that it slows your draw.
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Coats: Longer coats provide the most coverage but can also complicate the draw. If you use a heavy winter coat, practice clearing the garment quickly during training.
Layering a hoodie under a jacket gives you flexibility. If you remove the outer layer indoors, the hoodie still provides concealment without leaving your firearm exposed.
Casual T-Shirts and Two-Piece Tops
Some shooters prefer the simplicity of concealing with only a t-shirt or two-piece top. This is possible with the right setup but requires careful planning.
A large-frame pistol in a standard OWB holster will almost always print under a basic t-shirt. However, if you pair a slim-profile firearm with a holster that rides high and close to the body, it can work—especially if the shirt is slightly oversized or has a longer hemline.
Patterns, darker colors, and textured fabrics help mask outlines better than plain, light-colored t-shirts. Women can also pair two-piece tops, such as a flowing blouse over a fitted undershirt, to achieve concealment without sacrificing style.
The Importance of Training With Your Cover Garments
No matter what you wear to conceal an OWB holster, you must practice drawing from concealment with those garments. A flannel shirt clears differently than a sweater, and a hoodie draw requires a different motion than a blazer.
At the range, practice lifting or sweeping your garment with your support hand while establishing a full firing grip with your dominant hand. Repetition builds muscle memory and ensures you can draw efficiently under stress.
Time yourself using a shot timer or practice with a partner who can add verbal cues to simulate real-life stress. The goal is not only speed but also consistency and safety.
Final Thoughts: Balancing Concealment, Comfort, and Style
OWB concealed carry provides unmatched comfort and fast access to your firearm, but concealment requires a thoughtful approach to clothing. The key is combining the right holster and firearm with cover garments that drape naturally, extend beyond the beltline, and fit your personal style.
Whether you prefer a classic flannel, a sleek sweater, business-casual layering, or seasonal outerwear, there are countless ways to conceal an OWB holster effectively. By understanding how garments interact with your firearm and committing to regular training, you can carry securely and confidently without advertising your firearm to the world.
In the end, the best clothing for OWB concealment is whatever keeps you safe, comfortable, and discreet while matching your daily lifestyle.