Business Casual Carry

[G30]

I have a bit of an issue trying to figure out how to carry at work. I originally got my CCW in order to carry at work (to and from in the car as well) due to security issues in the past year. My issue arises with our dresscode. While in normal street attire, it is very easy for me to conceal adequately. However, at work, our dress code is "business casual" which basically means men should wear nice dress slacks (dockers or equivalent) and a nice button down shirt tucked in. Given the nature of my office, I could away with a suit but being that I live in Bakersfield, where it can easily reach 110 degrees, I'd much rather figure an alternative. Also, it is kind of awkward to walk around the office in a full suit when not in a meeting and really have no reason to do so. That, to me, raises suspicions, and that is the last thing I want. I'd much prefer none of my employees knowing that I am carrying. I am 6'2", 200lbs. Definitely not skinny, but not really fat either. I have thought about the comp-tac CTAC holster that says it is one that I can tuck a shirt around, howver I carry a Glock G30 which is a bit wide and I'm concerned about it printing on the outside of my shirt.

Sorry for the long post, but any help would be appreciated. Please keep in mind that clothing must fit us correctly or else it looks sloppy and our business image would suffer.

Thank you.

[ChrisG]

The CTAC is great. My full time carry is an HK USP compact, which is by no means "compact". I have never had an issue with printing, even when tucking a shirt in. I am 5'11" and of athletic (mostly, ha ha) build.

[Rob P.]

Try a vest (waistcoat) over your dress shirt. You can get extremely nice vests which should be long enough to cover your weapon without printing.

If you're wearing a tie you can easily get away with a vest instead of a coat/jacket without looking too dressed up. It is more dressy than without anything but less than when wearing a suit. I have several in different colors and fabrics which I wear in the summer. Get the tall length for extra coverage. BONUS is that it keeps your tie from dangling like a leash when you lean over the table/desk.

For those folks who don't wear a tie at work, look in the western stores for the old fashion style cowboy vests. You can get them in just about any fabric and they work fine for dress casual without looking sloppy like a photographers vest.

One thing, you can't carry SOB with a vest because generally the material in the back is too thin and short. 5 o'clock works fine for me. YMMV

[SierraNevadaCCW]

hmmm the struggle of being concealed in business attire...I understand this one.

Your best bet is a smaller gun while at work.

Carry options in business attire with tucked shirt and tie is the following:

Ankle carry: Galco, or Rocky boots with intergrated holster.

Pocket carry: Desantis Super Fly

Holster shirt: 5.11, or Kramer deep concealment tank top.

Underwear: gun show item...uncomfortable but works with small guns.

Concealed/exposed holster: Desantis belt pouch holster. Or camera pouch with something that will fit.

Tuckable: CTAC - may sag your carry side, will show bulk, shirt will look sloppy because you have to blouse it, belt holster side will bulge.

My method in business attire with no jacket is pocket carry with a .38 snub and pocket holster or ankle.

It's not ideal, but better armed reasonably than not armed at all.

[CCWInstructor]

I use a Milt Sparks Versa Max II tuckable. I love it, it works good in slacks and a dress shirt.

[IAmASensFan]

Originally Posted by SierraNevadaCCW

hmmm the struggle of being concealed in business attire...I understand this one.

Your best bet is a smaller gun while at work.

Carry options in business attire with tucked shirt and tie is the following:

Ankle carry: Galco, or Rocky boots with intergrated holster.

Pocket carry: Desantis Super Fly

Holster shirt: 5.11, or Kramer deep concealment tank top.

Underwear: gun show item...uncomfortable but works with small guns.

Concealed/exposed holster: Desantis belt pouch holster. Or camera pouch with something that will fit.

Tuckable: CTAC - may sag your carry side, will show bulk, shirt will look sloppy because you have to blouse it, belt holster side will bulge.

My method in business attire with no jacket is pocket carry with a .38 snub and pocket holster or ankle.

It's not ideal, but better armed reasonably than not armed at all.

Do you have a link for those Rocky Boots with the integrated holster?

[SierraNevadaCCW]

Originally Posted by IAmASensFan

Do you have a link for those Rocky Boots with the integrated holster?

Product: 8" Persuader- Rocky Outdoor Gear

[IAmASensFan]

Originally Posted by SierraNevadaCCW

Sorry...I don't...but here is a pic of it. The boots need a good polishing!

Hmmm...ok...thought the holster was actually built in...looks like it's kind of attached as an afterthought.

not knocking your boots!

but you are right, they could use a little polish

[SierraNevadaCCW]

I edited it and put in the link. Looks like they've improved it a bit.

The holster is made to be removed or moved to inner ankle on either boot. You will need to remove the holster, so stitching it in would not be a good option. Example: you go on a flight somewhere wearing your boots...TSA won't like your holster, even if it's empty. etc...

The snap straps that hold the holster are also good for a boot knife (if you weren't in Kalifooornia) or whatever you want to clip there.

It's a good pair of boots...I've had them re-soled once and with some polish, they come to life.

I wear them all winter in the snow and ice, mud and muck...then you just polish and clean for business attire and they work great.

[Spicy McHaggis]

I have Comp-Tac CTACs (you may want to get the Milt Sparks VMII if you prefer leather over kydex) for all of the ones I carry. They tuck reasonably well on me at 6' 220lbs.; even with my HK USPc (like ChrisG said). Like others said though, you will need to wear your shirt a little baggy and not pulled down all the way. Also, depending on the type of belt you have and how heavy your gun is, your pants might begin to sag on your holster side. Although I have found this to be very minimal.

You might even want to try something like this if you just plan on being inconspicuous in the office -Jagwear Gun Concealment Day Planner With Holster

[PirateQueen]

how about a very light jacket

[X-ffdo]

You might be forced to resort to pocket carry, with the inevitable mouse gun?
or the other, Ankle carry? None a real solution.

[TaxMan]

I tuck with either a CrossBreed or Milt Sparks VM2. Those work with or without a jacket. When I wear a tighter pair of slacks (waistband, that is), inside my cowboy boot always works. Whatever method you end up choosing, it will take a little bit of effort, to figure out what works best for you.

[SierraNevadaCCW]

Originally Posted by PirateQueen

how about a very light jacket

In Bakersfield in 110 degree heat? People would think your whacked.

I wear a summer jacket on my motorcycle in the summer and when I go in the bank for instance...the tellers are like..."a jacket?" Then I show them my helmet..and they calm down.

Personally...the best choice is pocket carry.

[cockedlocked01]

I think it also depends on where you're carrying it, along with what kind of gun.

I carry a Kahr PM9 in a tuckable Fist kydex holster (His "ultra-thin" model), appendix carry (At about 12:30). With the gun/holster set-up vertically & my cell phone clipped in front of it, no one's the wiser.

Otherwise it's the PM9, S&W 442, or Kel-Tec P-32 in a pocket holster. I'd rather not ankle carry. In the past, I only ankle carried a BUG, not my primary.

Or you may want to consider a different gun (Maybe a narrower one).