Most of us don’t have to “dress up” that much anymore. However, when we do, it’s probably best that how we carry concealed in semi-formal or formal attire is as close as possible to how we carry the rest of the time so we can use the skills we develop in practice to their fullest extent.
A tuckable inside-the-waistband (IWB) holster is one solution to this problem, allowing you to carry confidently and discreetly while maintaining a professional appearance and maintaining consistency of access and deployment. Here are somethings to consider when choosing a tuckable IWB holster for dress wear.
Clip-Blocking, Overhooks and Spacing
In order for a holster to be tuckable, the clip blocking (where the clips attach to the holster body) needs to be at the bottom of the clip towards the muzzle. This allows the shirt to go in between the clips and your pants. Many holsters use top-mounted clips as their default attachment method, but thankfully the bottom mounting points are also a standard feature on many designs as well.
Clip design is another essential factor. Many clips are marketed as “tuckable,” yet are completely visible. Some dismiss this as a non-issue, or say something like “Just wear a black-colored belt.” Not only is a black belt far less versatile than most would think (it’s very formal in terms of dress clothes), but metal and leather have very different visual textures, so it will still be apparent to anything but the most cursory glance that there is a belt clip on your waist. Discreet Carry Concepts makes a series of “Behind the Belt” clips, that are designed to attach only to the fabric of the waistband, covered by the wearer’s belt.
Given that the clips attach only to the pants, trouser fit, the weight of the gun and how the clips are spaced become more important for successful concealment. The pants must fit correctly, without too much room in the waist. Otherwise, even after being cinched down by the belt, the weight of the gun will drag the excess material below the beltline, exposing the clips.
If the goal is to carry as much gun as possible, this typically means a double-stack semi-automatic, duty-size pistol like a Glock G19. Yes, the G19 is “duty-size,” as you will find it in many outside the waistband duty holsters in both the military and law enforcement service.
These guns are heavy, relatively speaking, so they are best supported by two clips, spaced as far apart as possible. If the holster only allows for one clip, or two clips side-by-side, lighter guns like the G43X series and similar-size guns will tend to work better.
Draw Stroke Consistency
The beauty of all this is many of us already carry inside-the-waistband, so that’s where we expect the pistol to be when we need it. Not only that, but the odds of the holster you currently own having the proper clip blocking (and possibly even the right clips) are also pretty good. As a result, since there’s less demand for “dressing up” than ever before, tuckable IWB works without us having to learn a new drawstroke.
If you carry on the waist behind the hip, the draw with a tucked-in holster is going to be a little different than you’re used to. While you can get away with using one hand to clear your cover garment, using both hands is more robust and repeatable, to borrow a phrase from the Shivworks playbook. Aside from that, not much changes when carrying inside the waist with your shirt tucked in.
Same goes for appendix carry. If you normally hook the hem of your shirt with cupped fingers, you’ll have to modify your technique somewhat, but if your normal drawstroke has you slapping your midsection and grabbing a fistful of fabric, it’s going to be basically the same draw when the shirt gets tucked in.
The only special considerations here are going to be the length of the shirt tail and the weave of the fabric. Dress shirts tend not to stretch as much as t-shirts & polos, and they have longer hems, so some practice is required to check the range of motion with your shirt of choice is required.
Final Thoughts
Carrying in dress clothes doesn’t have to mean sacrificing concealment or comfort. With a well-chosen, tuckable IWB holster, you can maintain a professional look while ensuring quick, reliable access to your firearm. Take the time to assess your needs, experiment with different options, and practice and train with your setup to maximize efficiency and confidence.
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