Your prefered t-shirt and jeans carry method and why, IWB vs OWB

katana8869 · February 28, 2009, 03:12 PM

So, I have been licensed to carry since 1992 and I have always prefered IWB for extra concelment. Since I live in Florida the "dress code of the day" is either jeans or shorts and a t-shirt.

As I get closer to 40 I find my waistline (ahem!) expanding and though I still find IWB to be comfortable, I don't feel like it is as easy to grab the gun and draw as it once was. I have a couple of cheap OWB holsters laying around, but they do not conceal very well IMO. So, I am undecided as to whether to spend the money on a good OWB or to just stick with what I've got.

So with that said let's hear what everyone has to say about their experiences and preferences with IWB vs OWB

curt.45 · February 28, 2009, 03:38 PM

IWB and a 44 inch waist, hopefully I'll never find out if I can get to it time.
but I'll sure try.

kraigwy · February 28, 2009, 03:59 PM

I carry my 642 in my pants pocket, no matter what I'm wearing.

Don H · February 28, 2009, 06:11 PM

3" Kimber .45, pocket-carried.

katana8869 · February 28, 2009, 06:27 PM

I pocket carry a J-frame once in awhile. Pocket carry definately has it's place. This is about OWB and IWB though

hoytinak · February 28, 2009, 06:35 PM

I've gain a few pounds myself since I got out of the military and my main carry setup is still the HK P2000SK IWB (Milt Sparks VMII). I can carry this year round here in Texas even with jeans/shorts & t-shirt. If for some reason I can't get by with the P2000SK (which is VERY rare) the LCP rides in the pocket.

rantingredneck · February 28, 2009, 07:00 PM

I'm actually heading in the other direction, losing weight, due to my recent rededication to the gym. Even at my heaviest (240lbs at 6'0") I preferred my SP101 in an IWB from AKJ Concealco. I'm down about 12lbs and have gone in a notch on my beltman belt, but the gun remains the same for light clothing carry.

I just picked up a Don Hume JIT slide for my SP101 from a member here and it's working well under a light jacket. I think it'll work under a t-shirt too but haven't had the opportunity yet to give it a go.

Like Hoyt, though I've got an LCP in my pocket if my clothing somehow won't let me carry something larger.

Dave P · February 28, 2009, 07:08 PM

Iwb appendix. Kydex. Easy to cOnceal

Superhouse 15 · March 1, 2009, 12:06 PM

I use IWB all the time in FL, usually with an open shirt and T shirt or a Guyabarra. I'm a bit more pear shaped than average, too. I use Fist holsters and a local leather maker for belts. I prefer OWB only for open carry of revolvers that are too big for IWB, and then usually only at the gunshop where I don't care who sees it and prefer to show it off.

Bartholomew Roberts · March 1, 2009, 07:54 PM

IWB with a Milt Sparks VMII - all you need to conceal it is a t-shirt over the top. It works best with really slim pistols (Hi-Powers, 1911s) but it works with a wide variety.

P97 · March 1, 2009, 08:22 PM

Quote:

IWB with a Milt Sparks VMII - all you need to conceal it is a t-shirt over the top. It works best with really slim pistols (Hi-Powers, 1911s) but it works with a wide variety.

Same setup and carry a full size Ruger P90.

joegator · March 1, 2009, 08:45 PM

I live in Florida an usually wear jeans with a t-shirt.My main method of carry is a 642 in a pocket holster. For most of my jeans and shorts there is no problem. On those occasions where the 642 is just a little too big I pocket carry my LCP.

If I felt the need to carry IWB I'd go with a G26. I just find pocket carry with a 642 or LCP to be super comfortable and concealable for Florida attire.

mrwillpotter · March 7, 2009, 12:40 PM

Can anyone vouch for the "beltster" style concealed holsters? I've recently got my concealed carry permit and have carried from late fall through this winter. It's getting too warm to wear my jacket which is rigged up with my holster and magazine case and I need a new concealed option.

Beltster - http://www.banderagunleather.com/

Kreyzhorse · March 7, 2009, 05:14 PM

With just a t-shirt on, I'll carry my S&W 637 in an OWB Galco Fletch holster using a belt by Beltman. That combo hides very easy.

cz223 · March 8, 2009, 08:15 PM

it gets very hot and humid for at least a couple weeks out of the year. Even during the hottest times I usually wear a loose fitting short sleeve shirt open in the front with a T-shirt underneath. I have dresed this way in Florida, Texas and New Mexico too so, I do know what hot is. I prefer IWB carry with my Glock 23. I also carry an LCP in my left, offhand side, pocket. While I have never been a big fan of wearing shorts, just don't have the legs for it, I will be wearing Cargo shorts with the afformentioned T-shirt and loose cover shirt. By the way I learned a long time ago, in the army, that a loose fitting shirt over a t-shirt is actually better than just the shirt or the t-shirt. The t-shirt helps absorb sweat and the outer shirt provides a kind insulative barrier from the direct sunlight. Also, since I have gained a little weight I have recently joined a Gym and started eating better.

sdj · March 9, 2009, 10:35 PM

G32/G19 in a CompTac 2 o'clock (IWB); 1911Sc (4.5" Commander) in the same: CompTac 2 o'clock. When going super light: 442 in a size zero Uncle Mikes. Currently looking for more robust options than the Uncle Mikes. Sure are comfortable, though.

Good luck.

mrclean77 · March 9, 2009, 10:40 PM

I have just about decided that I'm a hundred lbs away from IWB

If I'm gonna carry, for now, I think I'm gonna have to find something I stick in my pocket (although I think many pistols would do just great w/o printing, I don't think my G21SF is one of them

)

February 28, 2009, 03:12 PM	#1
katana8869 Senior Member Join Date: December 26, 2005 Posts: 355	Your prefered t-shirt and jeans carry method and why, IWB vs OWB So, I have been licensed to carry since 1992 and I have always prefered IWB for extra concelment. Since I live in Florida the "dress code of the day" is either jeans or shorts and a t-shirt. As I get closer to 40 I find my waistline (ahem!) expanding and though I still find IWB to be comfortable, I don't feel like it is as easy to grab the gun and draw as it once was. I have a couple of cheap OWB holsters laying around, but they do not conceal very well IMO. So, I am undecided as to whether to spend the money on a good OWB or to just stick with what I've got. So with that said let's hear what everyone has to say about their experiences and preferences with IWB vs OWB

February 28, 2009, 03:59 PM	#3
kraigwy Senior Member Join Date: June 16, 2008 Location: Wyoming Posts: 11,061	I carry my 642 in my pants pocket, no matter what I'm wearing. __________________ Kraig Stuart CPT USAR Ret USAMU Sniper School Distinguished Rifle Badge 1071

February 28, 2009, 06:11 PM	#4
Don H Senior Member Join Date: May 8, 2000 Location: SLC,Utah Posts: 2,704	3" Kimber .45, pocket-carried. __________________ Don http://www.utahconcealedcarry.com/forum/

February 28, 2009, 07:00 PM	#7
rantingredneck Senior Member Join Date: January 12, 2007 Location: North Carolina Posts: 4,728	I'm actually heading in the other direction, losing weight, due to my recent rededication to the gym. Even at my heaviest (240lbs at 6'0") I preferred my SP101 in an IWB from AKJ Concealco. I'm down about 12lbs and have gone in a notch on my beltman belt, but the gun remains the same for light clothing carry. I just picked up a Don Hume JIT slide for my SP101 from a member here and it's working well under a light jacket. I think it'll work under a t-shirt too but haven't had the opportunity yet to give it a go. Like Hoyt, though I've got an LCP in my pocket if my clothing somehow won't let me carry something larger. __________________ NRA Member NC Hunter's Education Instructor PCCA Member (What's PCCA you ask? <- Check the link)

March 1, 2009, 12:06 PM	#9
Superhouse 15 Senior Member Join Date: September 13, 2007 Location: Sunny Florida Posts: 844	IWB I use IWB all the time in FL, usually with an open shirt and T shirt or a Guyabarra. I'm a bit more pear shaped than average, too. I use Fist holsters and a local leather maker for belts. I prefer OWB only for open carry of revolvers that are too big for IWB, and then usually only at the gunshop where I don't care who sees it and prefer to show it off.

February 28, 2009, 03:38 PM	#2
curt.45 Senior Member Join Date: December 28, 2008 Location: Fort Wayne Ind. Posts: 866	IWB and a 44 inch waist, hopefully I'll never find out if I can get to it time. but I'll sure try.

February 28, 2009, 06:27 PM	#5
katana8869 Senior Member Join Date: December 26, 2005 Posts: 355	I pocket carry a J-frame once in awhile. Pocket carry definately has it's place. This is about OWB and IWB though

February 28, 2009, 06:35 PM	#6
hoytinak Senior Member Join Date: July 5, 2006 Location: Texas Posts: 5,721	I've gain a few pounds myself since I got out of the military and my main carry setup is still the HK P2000SK IWB (Milt Sparks VMII). I can carry this year round here in Texas even with jeans/shorts & t-shirt. If for some reason I can't get by with the P2000SK (which is VERY rare) the LCP rides in the pocket.

February 28, 2009, 07:08 PM	#8
Dave P Senior Member Join Date: August 16, 1999 Location: North Florida Posts: 1,346	Iwb appendix. Kydex. Easy to cOnceal

March 1, 2009, 07:54 PM	#10
Bartholomew Roberts member Join Date: June 12, 2000 Location: Texas and Oklahoma area Posts: 8,462	IWB with a Milt Sparks VMII - all you need to conceal it is a t-shirt over the top. It works best with really slim pistols (Hi-Powers, 1911s) but it works with a wide variety.

March 1, 2009, 08:45 PM	#12
joegator Senior Member Join Date: April 11, 2008 Location: Florida Posts: 537	I live in Florida an usually wear jeans with a t-shirt.My main method of carry is a 642 in a pocket holster. For most of my jeans and shorts there is no problem. On those occasions where the 642 is just a little too big I pocket carry my LCP. If I felt the need to carry IWB I'd go with a G26. I just find pocket carry with a 642 or LCP to be super comfortable and concealable for Florida attire.

March 7, 2009, 12:40 PM	#13
mrwillpotter Junior Member Join Date: February 27, 2009 Posts: 6	Can anyone vouch for the "beltster" style concealed holsters? I've recently got my concealed carry permit and have carried from late fall through this winter. It's getting too warm to wear my jacket which is rigged up with my holster and magazine case and I need a new concealed option. Beltster - http://www.banderagunleather.com/ Last edited by mrwillpotter; March 7, 2009 at 12:41 PM. Reason: forgot URL

March 7, 2009, 05:14 PM	#14
Kreyzhorse Senior Member Join Date: April 12, 2006 Location: NKY Posts: 12,463	With just a t-shirt on, I'll carry my S&W 637 in an OWB Galco Fletch holster using a belt by Beltman. That combo hides very easy. __________________ "He who laughs last, laughs dead." Homer Simpson

March 8, 2009, 08:15 PM	#15
cz223 Senior Member Join Date: September 17, 2006 Location: Maine Posts: 118	Even though I live in Maine it gets very hot and humid for at least a couple weeks out of the year. Even during the hottest times I usually wear a loose fitting short sleeve shirt open in the front with a T-shirt underneath. I have dresed this way in Florida, Texas and New Mexico too so, I do know what hot is. I prefer IWB carry with my Glock 23. I also carry an LCP in my left, offhand side, pocket. While I have never been a big fan of wearing shorts, just don't have the legs for it, I will be wearing Cargo shorts with the afformentioned T-shirt and loose cover shirt. By the way I learned a long time ago, in the army, that a loose fitting shirt over a t-shirt is actually better than just the shirt or the t-shirt. The t-shirt helps absorb sweat and the outer shirt provides a kind insulative barrier from the direct sunlight. Also, since I have gained a little weight I have recently joined a Gym and started eating better.

March 9, 2009, 10:35 PM	#16
sdj Senior Member Join Date: May 24, 2005 Posts: 462	G32/G19 in a CompTac 2 o'clock (IWB); 1911Sc (4.5" Commander) in the same: CompTac 2 o'clock. When going super light: 442 in a size zero Uncle Mikes. Currently looking for more robust options than the Uncle Mikes. Sure are comfortable, though. Good luck.

March 9, 2009, 10:40 PM	#17
mrclean77 Member Join Date: January 22, 2009 Location: Alabama Posts: 81	I have just about decided that I'm a hundred lbs away from IWB If I'm gonna carry, for now, I think I'm gonna have to find something I stick in my pocket (although I think many pistols would do just great w/o printing, I don't think my G21SF is one of them)

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