All summers are hot, and this year is hotter than usual. That means dressing in shorts, T-shirts, and tank tops, all of which make concealing a handgun a lot more difficult. Summer clothes offer reduced coverage for your handgun when using the same IWB holsters that work well in the winter, which leads to an increased chance of your gun being exposed or printing through your clothing. Carrying a concealed firearm is also more uncomfortable in summer due to heat, sweat, and friction against your skin.
Unfortunately, criminals and crazies do not take the summer off, so you still need to be able to protect yourself and your family. But, believe me, if I can carry in the hot and humid climate where I live, anybody can as long as you adapt to the circumstances.
Dress for Concealed Carry
As the saying goes, dress around your gun. That holds doubly true in summer. I spend most of the summer in shorts and a tank top or T-shirt, but I wear shorts that require a belt, so I can still use my IWB holster. I also wear tank tops and T-shirts that are loose and long enough to conceal my handgun. In general, since you usually will not be wearing a cover garment like a jacket or unbuttoned shirt, you will need to ensure your clothes still provide concealment and do not print. Along with being loose, shirts with patterns rather than solid colors are best. Perhaps the epitome of loose shirts with patterns are Hawaiian shirts. They are baggy enough to hide a rocket launcher, and they are also surprisingly cool even buttoned up.
(Editor’s Note: While dressing around your gun is still a solid rule, modern systems like the PHLSTER Enigma offer an alternative. It’s a belt system independent of your clothing that lets you carry securely with gym shorts, track pants, or anything without belt loops. Personally, I use the Enigma for the vast majority of my carry time—it allows for deep concealment without needing to modify your wardrobe. This is not a sponsorship; just sharing what works for me.)
Carry a Smaller Gun
This one is a no-brainer. If you are wearing fewer clothes to cover your gun, then carry a smaller gun that will be easier to conceal. Some people, myself included, do not like smaller guns because they are less effective. They are harder to shoot accurately, and many have a reduced ammunition capacity, but needs must. My Beretta APX 1 Carry only holds 8+1, but it is easy to conceal in shorts and a tank top, and I can shoot it well, although there are smaller guns with good capacity, like the Sig P365 Macro, which holds 17+1
Pocket Carry
Pocket carry is another good option for summer, especially in cargo shorts that have big pockets. It is critical to use a holster that protects the trigger, and never carry anything else in the same pocket as your gun. It will also take some extra training to be able to draw effectively from your pocket, but with the right holster and some practice, it can be done.
The PHLSTER Enigma: My Personal Summer Carry Go-To
(Added by Editor, Luke McCoy)
While the original article provides excellent advice on adapting your wardrobe for summer carry, I wanted to personally add one option that’s changed how I carry—not just in hot weather, but all year round: the PHLSTER Enigma.
I use the Enigma system for about 99% of my carry time, and it’s been a game-changer. Unlike traditional holsters that require a belt or waistband support, the Enigma is a standalone chassis system that attaches directly to your body with a strap—making it completely independent of your clothing. This lets me carry securely with gym shorts, track pants, or anything with spandex and/or drawstrings instead of a belt.
Not only does this eliminate the need to “dress around the gun,” it also allows for deeper concealment and greater consistency across wardrobe changes. Combined with a holster that includes concealment features like a wedge and wing, the Enigma virtually disappears under summer clothing.
For those serious about carrying year-round without compromise—especially in the heat—this is one system worth looking into. (This is not a sponsorship—just sharing what’s worked for me.)
Belly Bands
Belly bands have been around for quite a while and are another option for summer carry, especially when wearing workout clothes. It is important to get a quality band that offers protection for the trigger and retains your gun well enough that there is no danger of it falling out when you bend over. The Crossbreed Modular Belly Band Holster is an excellent choice. There are also many affordable bands on Amazon, just be certain to read the reviews so that you get one that is both safe and durable. Cheaper is not always better.
Concealed Carry Underwear
It may seem like a strange concept, but concealed carry underwear is actually a thing. Initially, it was only shirts, and they had holsters much like a belly band. But in recent years, the fabric has been improved, and the holsters have been designed to be more secure and offer better trigger protection. UnderTech offers a complete line of men’s and women’s concealed carry undershorts, shirts, and leggings.
Concealed Carry Undershirts
Concealed carry undershirts are generally made from polyester compression. The fabric wicks well, so moisture doesn’t cause chaffing or collect under your firearm. The shirts themselves can be T-shirts or sleeveless tank tops. Most incorporate built-in holsters are designed like a cross-draw shoulder holster. They work well with drawstring shorts because they eliminate the need for a belt and holster, but since they cannot be worn as an outer garment and still conceal your gun, you would have to wear them under another shirt.
Concealed Carry Undershorts
Concealed carry undershorts offer the ideal in carrying concealed if you are in drawstring shorts, sweats, or even jeans with no belt. These are made from Spandex and carry the gun in a traditional IWB position without a belt. Another solution that works similarly—but with greater modularity—is the PHLSTER Enigma system (covered above). Women have the additional option of concealed carry leggings made of the same material.
Off-Body Carry
A realistic and effective option for summer is off-body carry. Yes, I know some people advise against it, but when done right, it is a viable alternative. Ideally, it is best to use a method that provides the best security for your firearm, such as a shoulder bag or fanny pack, as opposed to something handheld. As always, when carrying off-body, you should maintain physical possession of your bag to avoid loss or theft.
Other Considerations for Summer Carry
Summer climates can lead to other concealed carry complications besides clothing. For one thing, it’s hot and people tend to sweat more, so your gun will get damp and even wet more often. If you live in a humid climate, it can be an even bigger problem, especially if you are carrying in a bellyband or concealed carry shirt. To protect your handgun from corrosion and rust, be sure to check it over at least weekly to catch corrosion early. Make sure that it is coated with a fine coat of oil or rust inhibitor to protect it from moisture.
As I mentioned earlier, carrying in the summer is often more uncomfortable because of heat and chafing. I find that my gun has a tendency to dig into my side when I am using an IWB holster. This is especially troublesome when I’m in the car with my seatbelt on. I have found the Clinger Cushion from Clinger Holsters to be a good accessory. They come in three sizes and can be mounted to any type or brand of holster using the included Velcro dots. The dots have extremely strong adhesive, so there is very little chance of them coming off, even after months of usage in humid conditions. The cushion pad can be mounted however you like to extend above the top of the holster and keep your gun from rubbing your skin.
Preparing Yourself for Summer Carry
Modifying your clothing and carry methods to adapt to summer conditions is only a first step. You should also train with it and try everything out in real-world conditions. Here are some tips to maintain your effectiveness under summer conditions.
Get Used to Your Summer Gear
Do not just put on your summer outfit, holster your gun, and go out the door. It is important to try everything out and get used to it before you leave the house. Dress like you are going out while carrying your gun, then wear it around the house for at least a few hours. This will help you get used to it and discover if there are any problems that need to be addressed.
Practice Drawing
Practice drawing from your summer setup. This is especially important if you are using an alternative method like pocket or off-body carry. If you can draw and shoot at your range or wherever you practice live fire, that’s great, but it can also be done at home with an unloaded gun. Add a laser training device, and you can practice drawing and getting a first-round hit. This will be especially useful in helping you position an off-body bag for quick access.
Train Under Summer Conditions
As the Army says, train how you fight. In the summer, that may mean hot and sweaty. Walk around outside for a few minutes before you practice so you can see how things will go when you are hot or have sweaty hands. Do this with an unloaded gun or laser trainer for safety in case you discover that your sweaty hands affect your grip.
Summary
Being prepared to defend yourself means that you are ready for and understand how to function under all conditions, including summer. Adjusting your carry technique for summer may be a bit of extra work at first, but it is much better than just leaving your gun at home because it’s inconvenient to carry in the summer.
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