Sizing up my Clothes for Concealment
Should I size up in pants or even shirts to conceal? Do I have to change my entire wardrobe?
The short answer? No, and no!
When I was considering how I would carry I made it a rule that I would not stop dressing the way I wanted to in order to carry. I was willing to consider not carrying at all if it meant giving up my “personal style.” Which in large part is how this entire Instagram got started!
As I’ve learned more about concealment the idea that I didn’t have to change how I dressed in order to carry has only be reinforced. Granted, I was never wearing skin tight tops or leggings as pants, which *can* cause certain limitations, that *can* also be overcome with a certain amount of effort.
I also quickly learned that sizing up my pants was a terrible idea. Not only did it make my concealment subpar, but it also made me feel frumpy and less put together. Instead I learned that there was a certain rise height that was and is most comfortable and most concealable on my body type. That number is going to look very different for every body type, but for me at 5’0” a 8.5-9.5inch rise is my sweet spot. It allows my belt/chassis to sit between my hips and my natural waist, which is where I conceal best and experience the most comfort when trying to disperse the weight of a gun across my mid section.
Wearing loose tops can be helpful, especially when oversized pieces are still very much in style, but I would not personally agree with the idea that purchasing tops that are obviously not your size is a requirement for concealment. Instead consider the fabric content, especially during these summer months when we want to be wearing less clothing while remaining concealed. Linen is my best friend when it comes to concealment particularly during the hotter months. It holds its own shape, which aids in preventing printing even when the wind is blowing directly against your concealment.
Instead of buying things that don’t fit consider buying things that fit you BEST as well as finding quality fabrics. Upgrade your wardrobe if you must do anything to it, don’t downgrade and create a closet full of things that don’t fit.