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Well, I am about to get my plastic any day now. I am still not sure how to carry. I am thinking about a shoulder holster and IWB, maybe an ankle wrap around...

Anyway, IWB seems to be most basic but there goes pants size. All my pants right now fit me exactly, maybe some less so.

Well, since you started to carry as IWB, do you buy pants with an extra size? If yes, how many extra inches?

Also, what do you do if you have to wear pants to work where you cannot carry but they are larger in size? I am confused by logistics on this one. How do you handle it? Do you have some "carry" pants, some exact fit?

How do you do it?

PS: How do you carry OWB? Do you need a super long shirt? Does it look silly?

With a crossbreed super tuck, Xd .45 compact normal jeans 29, IWB jeans 30…. And I have a different belt as well.
OWB, same gun, long shirt is what I do, Look silly? Don’t know, don’t really care.. I don’t have to wear clothes for a living (IOW I’m issued what I wear at work, so what I wear when I’m not at work is my call, and I’m not a fashion hound, don’t do clubs, and such.

One of the most important thing I found was a good heavy duty "Work Belt".. When you shop around, look for a good heave thick work belt, and make sure is a few inches longer for IWB.. The pant size did not seem to matter unless they are real tight.. As I had a few

I have Hanks Gunleather Holster, like a Super tuck...Shirts I had to go a extra size larger, and this is my biggest problem..

Also, try it out on a family member ! I did, asked to my wife can see the print, and where she thought I was carrying, she said yes real clear The problem, was, It was a trick, I was NOT carrying..IT was my spare roll

So, off and on, I would place in differ area and, ether I'm really good, or she don't want to offend me...

I will say, you will notice it more then anyone else...

Good Luck BAT

I agree that a good gun belt makes all the difference. I typically carrry with a vest, untucked shirt, baseball type jersey or a large shirt in a "tall" size ( I am not tall, just under 6ft) but it gives me added coverage. All of this being said, I carry with an outside the waistband holster. It is easier to holster/unholster and I feel it is safer and I dont have to worry about pant size. I have carried this method for about 14 years and so far I have not been "made" that I know of.

I work out just enough to loose that extra inch in the waist so as to maintain my current stock of jeans. When it is time for new jeans, I'll buy an extra inch in the waist. That way I can cut down on the number of workouts!

I went up a size and got belts that had enough play that I can use the when carrying and not.

IWB: pants one size larger.
OWB: shirt one size larger.

Pants and shirts one size larger. Buy the "relaxed cut" pants this makes IWB even more comfortable belt 2" longer. Long cut shirts/jackets etc help conceal. Learn to dress around your gun. Trying to fit a gun into your current wardrobe may be frustrating.

I'm retired and over 60 so nobody even notices my "Old Guy Grunge" outfits.

The truly dedicated CHLer will get liposuction to create a cavity where his or her sidearm will fit.

I h ave not bought a single new pair of pant to carry. always iwb. I carry the same way no watter what. I use the correct size pants too. I almost never have to wear a belt for this reason. it works well for me. But I am growing found of the hawian shirts :) . they seem to hide printing better then anything else

All good advice. ~ one size larger pants and shirt, plus a belt ~ 2 inches larger and you're good to go with almost any size handgun.

Another way to be sure is to invest a few bucks in one of those flexible measuring tapes used by seamstresses, tailors, etc. Can find them at Wal Mart in the fabric aisle (or Hobby Lobby etc). When you get your gun/holster (assuming IWB here), put it all on over your underwear (do this AT HOME and IN PRIVATE please ), then measure - loosely - around your waist with everything in place. This is generally the size pants and belt you'll need.

A lot of this depends on your body type, shape, size etc.

Also if a belt maker has specific instructions for how to measure the proper size of that particular belt, then follow THOSE directions - each maker does things a bit differently.



and ++++ on the quality belt recommendation. Makes all the difference in the world.

Here is a plentiful list of suggested makers/types of quality belts ... viewtopic.php?f=23&t=45576&hilit=belt+poll" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

I carry IWB most of the time and I do not have any problem with pant size or shirt size.

The holsters I use are very low riding. I think that really helps with the shirt.

For me a low riding holster is best where just the grip is over my belt line.

Sometimes I pull the belt one more notch pulling the gun closer to my body.

I do not need a longer belt, bigger shirt or bigger pants when I carry IWB.

Chuck

RockingRook wrote:I carry IWB most of the time and I do not have any problem with pant size or shirt size.

The holsters I use are very low riding. I think that really helps with the shirt.

For me a low riding holster is best where just the grip is over my belt line.

Sometimes I pull the belt one more notch pulling the gun closer to my body.

I do not need a longer belt, bigger shirt or bigger pants when I carry IWB.

Chuck

Well RockingRook, from your sig line you are to the age you probably don't want to have your jeans looking like they were sprayed on! Maybe you have already added for the shootin iron when buying for comfort. Those young cowboy types who wear their Wranglers so tight they can't put both hands into the pockets at the same time are the ones that need the extra two inches - - - Not us "mature" types.

MoJo wrote: Well RockingRook, from your sig line you are to the age you probably don't want to have your jeans looking like they were sprayed on! Maybe you have already added for the shootin iron when buying for comfort. Those young cowboy types who wear their Wranglers so tight they can't put both hands into the pockets at the same time are the ones that need the extra two inches - - - Not us "mature" types.

Actually you are correct!! When it comes down to it I really do not care what I look like. I can pull the belt in an extra notch when
carrying IWB because there is a lot of give around my waist. My spare tire is low on air and kind of mushy.

Chuck

Oh, Lord. I could have written that. Kind of sad, actually. sigh