Fleece vest as cover garment

pytron · September 25, 2002, 01:23 PM

I typically wear a polo shirt with either jeans or shorts. I also wear a fleece vest occasionally.

Since I started wearing my vest again here as the weather gets colder, I've noticed that it makes an excellent concealment garment.

With the vest I usually carry IWB cross-draw at 9 o'clock, with the vest halfway open. (I carry a Republic Arms Patriot 45 most of the time). Since I am sitting most of the time, this is a lot more comfortable than 4 o'clock or 2 o'clock (or even my SmartCarry crotch holster). I find that cross draw works better for me than strong-side because it is easier to reach into the vest than it is to pull it up over the pistol.

Another bonus is that when I get in the car, I don't have to move the pistol around because it's already at 9 o'clock.

I find that the vests (I have four of them

) work very well for a number of reasons. First, they hide the pistol well. Even a "lumpy" pistol will disappear under the vest. Second, they don't stick to the pistol when you move around. I have this problem with untucked t-shirts. Third, they do not ride up over your waist. Properly sized, the elastic band at the bottom will not ride up above the belt, no matter how hard I try. Fourth, the vest is a very versatile garment. I can wear it just about anywhere, with varying levels of formallty. Finally, they are very inexpensive.

Does anyone else tried fleece vests for cover garments? Did it work? Any comments?

For a picture of what I'm talking about:
Fleece vest at REI

Erich · September 25, 2002, 02:28 PM

Well, you'd cause the president of REI to have a stroke - I say, great idea!

Seriously, I like the idea of using garments that I generally see worn by tree-hugging granola-eaters for CCW. It's the opposite of that whole "TACTICAL" phenomenon that sort of takes away from the effectiveness of the "concealed" in CCW.

I mean, how many times have we all spotted some crew-cutted grim muscle type wearing an enormous, bulging, black, cordura "fanny pack" (with a suspicious easy-open handle hanging out the back by the belt) over his cod (extra points if it says "DeSantis" or "Bianchi")? I mean, Gee, whatcha got there, Sarge? Your wallet?

Now, I don't own anything fleece (except for some ear warmers for jogging in the winter), but I think your idea would be pretty effective as a diversion and cover up. Consider getting a vest in "Salmon"!

Christopher II · September 25, 2002, 03:32 PM

Yes, I've tried it.
Yes, it works. Very well.
Yes, the Prez of REI would probably go spastic if he found out.

Stiffer vests are better. Avoid loose inside pockets, they like to catch on hammers, rear sights, and the like.

- Chris

mpthole · September 25, 2002, 04:13 PM

Total agreement here. I was actually looking forward to the cooler weather so that it would make things so much easier.

another okie · September 25, 2002, 09:18 PM

I have one and it is indeed the best concealment garment I own. Unfortunately the fleece season in Oklahoma is also known as January.
Cabela's makes them in tall sizes, which helps in concealment, and you'd be sending your money to a company that is pro-gun.

Erik · September 25, 2002, 09:31 PM

200 weight fleece works like a charm for concealing.

I'd steer clear of 100 weight, but mileage varies.

[email protected] · September 25, 2002, 09:57 PM

Looks a heck of a lot less tactical than a photographers vest.

I see a photo vest or any sort of khaki vest and I think "gun" instantly. I see fleece and it almost never registers unless I am playing "guess who is carrying".

I'm sure I'm not the only one...

Kevin

MrMurphy · September 26, 2002, 02:39 AM

Those shirt-jackets work excellently (they're smooth on the inside too) and the fleece ones are good as well. Long enough to hide a 12-gauge practically yet light, you can flick it aside and draw.

Chugach · September 27, 2002, 11:31 PM

Fleece vests work great. I wear them for cover at least 9 months of the year, if not 10, having the advantage of somewhat cooler weather.

If you want a variety of relatively low cost but good value vests, check out your local Fred Meyer store for their house brand. In the Fall, we also get a great selection at Costco.

PeacefulWarrior · September 29, 2002, 03:31 PM

I used them for what we consider "cold" weather here in sunny Florida....what everyone else would consider "cool". I've found a few of them at Walmart and Target fairly cheap. I also used them for jogging and they work great. They look more "outdoorsy" than "Tactical".When I travel I like them because you can layer your clothing with them and still get good concealment. I usually wear a shell jacket on top of a vest and when I go inside I can take the jacket off and still have my pistol concealed under the vest. They pack great too.

September 25, 2002, 01:23 PM	#1
pytron Member Join Date: May 3, 2002 Location: Seattle, WA Posts: 22	Fleece vest as cover garment I typically wear a polo shirt with either jeans or shorts. I also wear a fleece vest occasionally. Since I started wearing my vest again here as the weather gets colder, I've noticed that it makes an excellent concealment garment. With the vest I usually carry IWB cross-draw at 9 o'clock, with the vest halfway open. (I carry a Republic Arms Patriot 45 most of the time). Since I am sitting most of the time, this is a lot more comfortable than 4 o'clock or 2 o'clock (or even my SmartCarry crotch holster). I find that cross draw works better for me than strong-side because it is easier to reach into the vest than it is to pull it up over the pistol. Another bonus is that when I get in the car, I don't have to move the pistol around because it's already at 9 o'clock. I find that the vests (I have four of them ) work very well for a number of reasons. First, they hide the pistol well. Even a "lumpy" pistol will disappear under the vest. Second, they don't stick to the pistol when you move around. I have this problem with untucked t-shirts. Third, they do not ride up over your waist. Properly sized, the elastic band at the bottom will not ride up above the belt, no matter how hard I try. Fourth, the vest is a very versatile garment. I can wear it just about anywhere, with varying levels of formallty. Finally, they are very inexpensive. Does anyone else tried fleece vests for cover garments? Did it work? Any comments? For a picture of what I'm talking about: Fleece vest at REI

September 25, 2002, 03:32 PM	#3
Christopher II Senior Member Join Date: November 22, 1999 Location: Germantown, MD Posts: 2,349	Yes, I've tried it. Yes, it works. Very well. Yes, the Prez of REI would probably go spastic if he found out. Stiffer vests are better. Avoid loose inside pockets, they like to catch on hammers, rear sights, and the like. - Chris __________________ "There is no worse tyranny than to force a man to pay for what he does not want merely because you think it would be good for him." – Robert Heinlein "Contrary to popular belief, your vote does not matter, and you cannot make a difference." - Bob Murphy, "Picking Neither of Two Evils" My PGP Public Key

September 25, 2002, 09:31 PM	#6
Erik Senior Member Join Date: December 24, 1999 Location: America Posts: 3,479	200 weight fleece works like a charm for concealing. I'd steer clear of 100 weight, but mileage varies. __________________ Meriam Webster's: Main Entry: ci·vil·ian Pronunciation: \sə-ˈvil-yən also -ˈvi-yən\, Function: noun, Date: 14th century, 1: a specialist in Roman or modern civil law, 2 a: one not on active duty in the armed services or not on a police or firefighting force b: outsider 1, — civilian adjective

September 25, 2002, 09:57 PM	#7
[email protected] Wise Guy Join Date: October 10, 1998 Posts: 665	Looks a heck of a lot less tactical than a photographers vest. I see a photo vest or any sort of khaki vest and I think "gun" instantly. I see fleece and it almost never registers unless I am playing "guess who is carrying". I'm sure I'm not the only one... Kevin __________________ Kevin Jon Schlossberg Owner, BladeForums.com www.bladeforums.com

September 26, 2002, 02:39 AM	#8
MrMurphy Member Join Date: August 13, 2002 Location: Texas Posts: 92	Those shirt-jackets work excellently (they're smooth on the inside too) and the fleece ones are good as well. Long enough to hide a 12-gauge practically yet light, you can flick it aside and draw. __________________ Every Man Dies. Not Every Man Truly Lives.

September 25, 2002, 02:28 PM	#2
Erich Senior Member Join Date: January 8, 1999 Location: Albuquerque, NM, USA Posts: 2,543	Well, you'd cause the president of REI to have a stroke - I say, great idea! Seriously, I like the idea of using garments that I generally see worn by tree-hugging granola-eaters for CCW. It's the opposite of that whole "TACTICAL" phenomenon that sort of takes away from the effectiveness of the "concealed" in CCW. I mean, how many times have we all spotted some crew-cutted grim muscle type wearing an enormous, bulging, black, cordura "fanny pack" (with a suspicious easy-open handle hanging out the back by the belt) over his cod (extra points if it says "DeSantis" or "Bianchi")? I mean, Gee, whatcha got there, Sarge? Your wallet? Now, I don't own anything fleece (except for some ear warmers for jogging in the winter), but I think your idea would be pretty effective as a diversion and cover up. Consider getting a vest in "Salmon"!

September 25, 2002, 04:13 PM	#4
mpthole Senior Member Join Date: February 6, 2001 Location: SW WI Posts: 462	Total agreement here. I was actually looking forward to the cooler weather so that it would make things so much easier.

September 25, 2002, 09:18 PM	#5
another okie Senior Member Join Date: November 11, 2001 Posts: 273	I have one and it is indeed the best concealment garment I own. Unfortunately the fleece season in Oklahoma is also known as January. Cabela's makes them in tall sizes, which helps in concealment, and you'd be sending your money to a company that is pro-gun.

September 27, 2002, 11:31 PM	#9
Chugach Senior Member Join Date: July 24, 2002 Location: Alaska Posts: 172	Fleece vests work great. I wear them for cover at least 9 months of the year, if not 10, having the advantage of somewhat cooler weather. If you want a variety of relatively low cost but good value vests, check out your local Fred Meyer store for their house brand. In the Fall, we also get a great selection at Costco. __________________ No such thing as bad weather, just bad gear... "A society of sheep must in time beget a government of wolves." - Bertrand de Jouvenet

September 29, 2002, 03:31 PM	#10
PeacefulWarrior Member Join Date: October 23, 2001 Location: Florida Posts: 47	I used them for what we consider "cold" weather here in sunny Florida....what everyone else would consider "cool". I've found a few of them at Walmart and Target fairly cheap. I also used them for jogging and they work great. They look more "outdoorsy" than "Tactical".When I travel I like them because you can layer your clothing with them and still get good concealment. I usually wear a shell jacket on top of a vest and when I go inside I can take the jacket off and still have my pistol concealed under the vest. They pack great too.