Under Dress Shirt Carry

[Huntsman52]

I need some recommendations for concealed carry in a business dress environment. I tried IWB but did not like it, also I could not get rid of the bulge on my hip. I am looking for options that allow me carry under my dress shirt. I know the draw will be slower, but it is better than no carry. What would be a good recommendation? My current dress is either a button or polo shirt with tucked in with slacks or Dockers. Is a shoulder holster possible for under shirt carry? My carry gun is a Walther PPK/s. Thanks in advance.

[chasfm11]

There is also this.

http://www.kangaroocarry.com/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

If you leave a few of buttons open under your tie and practice with it, the draw is OK. Some don't like it because they say it feels funny but after the first time, I haven't minded it. I few this as only a worst case use. When I get to a situation like this, it is a debate about whether to use the Kangaroo or got to my LCP and pocket carry.

[MoJo]

Have you considered pocket carry? The pockets of both Dockers and slacks are deep enough to conceal your PPk. Get a pocket holster (they are cheap) and try putting the gun in your trouser pocket. In a front pocket the gun will appear to be a wallet etc.

[RoyGBiv]

Ever considered appendix carry?
With a thin "tuckable" holster it works great for me..
Summer (wearing shorts and a nylon tac belt) to boardroom.

Check out High Noon Hidden Ally, or there are some new velcro-clip designs that work well if you also spend a few bucks to add velcro to your belt. Totally hidden clips on a tuckable holster.

Smart carry works for me too.. but I prefer the easier draw of a more traditional holster. YMMV

Here's a pic wearing jeans... I can easily conceal this same rig with just a t-shirt and jeans...
A dress shirt bloused out a bit is easy.

AIWB.

[A-R]

Have you considered pocket carry? The pockets of both Dockers and slacks are deep enough to conceal your PPk. Get a pocket holster (they are cheap) and try putting the gun in your trouser pocket. In a front pocket the gun will appear to be a wallet etc.

With practice, your draw is much faster from the front pocket than something like a Kangaroo Carry, Thunderwear, etc. You can't carry as big a gun, but a) you're already comfortable carrying a .380 Walther and b) two rounds from a small-caliber weapon on target is better than lying on the ground bleeding from a wound inflicted by a bad guy with your hands down your pants or in your arm pits still trying to draw from some "alternative" carry method.

To each his own and all that, but if I can't draw from concealment and place my first aimed round on target in under three seconds, then I don't carry that way.

By the way, THIS GUY http://www.frontiernet.net/~akim/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false; makes the best pocket holsters I've ever used. They are ugly and seem "cheap" but the material he uses on inside to allow a smooth draw and on outside to help holster stick in your pocket as you draw the gun out are perfect. Besides, it's in the pocket so no one see it anyway - who cares if it's ugly?

[MasterOfNone]

Have you considered pocket carry? The pockets of both Dockers and slacks are deep enough to conceal your PPk. Get a pocket holster (they are cheap) and try putting the gun in your trouser pocket. In a front pocket the gun will appear to be a wallet etc.

Another benefit I have always liked about pocket carry is that when approaching an uncomfortable situation you can have the gun in your hand and ready to draw without anyone having a clue. And if someone demands your wallet, he expects you to reach in and pull out something black, giving you a little extra jump on him.

[troglodyte]

+1 for 5.11 shirt.

[C-dub]

Concealment wearing dress slacks and shirts can be challenging. I've done it IWB, but had to really blouse the shirt. Same thing goes with the kangaroo. Otherwise, just about your only other options are OWB nice and close and wear a suit or sport jacket or pocket carry. I haven't tried any of the 5.11 undershirts but I think the shirt would still need to be bloused a bit.

[mikeintexas]

I carried for a year in a shoulder rig under a button down dress shirts. Most of the button downs I wear are from Bass Pro Shops and are pretty heavy and don't show the straps through the shirt or by bumps showing the straps.

I now use IWB with a Crossbreed Supertuck. I don't get the odd looks when the old ladies hug me at church with IWB vs. shoulder rig.

[troglodyte]

Concealment wearing dress slacks and shirts can be challenging. I've done it IWB, but had to really blouse the shirt. Same thing goes with the kangaroo. Otherwise, just about your only other options are OWB nice and close and wear a suit or sport jacket or pocket carry. I haven't tried any of the 5.11 undershirts but I think the shirt would still need to be bloused a bit.

Like anything it will depend on your build. I am a little broader in shoulder than waist so the 5.11 shirt tucks the gun under my arm and the natural blouse of the shirt hides the gun pretty well.

Now if I can fight off the waist trying to catch up with my shoulders

[lonewolf]

It's been YEARS since I was broader in the shoulders than the waist.......

[Huntsman52]

Thanks for all the help! Will check out the pocket carry idea. Still do not like the IWB carry. Does not fit my frame really well. Thanks again.

[Pawpaw]

It's been YEARS since I was broader in the shoulders than the waist.......

I don't have a "waist line", I have a "waste line".

[Napier]

A SmartCarry is a good choice for a smallish .380 or 9mm:

http://www.smartcarry.com/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

I wear one all the time either as primary or BUG. It helps to be a bit portly.