Sewing for CCW?

BaaBaa · #1 03-13-2013, 09:08 PM

Anyone have any good sewing patterns for concealment garments that they can recommend?

Any tailoring tips to adapt off the rack garments to fit?

chief38 · #2 03-14-2013, 11:23 AM

If you have the right gun, the right holster, the right belt, sewing garments should not be necessary. Been carrying concealed for 35 years and I can not operate (hell- - I don't even own one) a sewing machine.

1fly2ty · #3 03-14-2013, 01:16 PM

Do what I did buy Blackhawk Concealed carry shirts, no sewing work perfect! Even found them cheaper on Amazon.com.

BaaBaa · #4 03-15-2013, 10:07 AM

Probably better qualify, I'm female, The Blackhawk shirts and every other decent carry clothing is designed for those with no curves. If I get them sized large enough to allow me to button the top I look like I'm wearing a tent. So I thought I could do some tailoring of jackets and light overshirts to more effectively conceal my gun.

PS Reason is that I know that couture clothing and all clothing made prior to the age of ready to wear was tailored and sized to fit the person in a way we never even dream of now. Just look at the skill and beauty of properly fitted plate armor! Even peasant clothing was better made than what can be bought now. Heck the fabrics aren't even as well made, the finest hand weaving and hand spinning from ancient Egyptian times can't be duplicated with any modern machinery! But I do have and know how to use a sewing machine and know some tailoring tricks but wanted a place to start.

ColbyBruce · #5 03-15-2013, 10:24 AM

One of my neighbors came from a LE family, men and women. All of them went to the local Men's Wearhouse store and bought their clothing, and took their guns and carry rigs with them. The clothes were tailored around the firearms. Not sure where the two women purchased their clothes, but did get them tailored at the same shop. You might check around your area for a good tailor and discuss your needs with him/her.

David Sinko · #6 03-15-2013, 10:39 AM

The only cutting and sewing I have ever done was to a Nemesis pocket holster made for a J Frame so that it carried my 2" K Frame deeper in the pocket.

For the females, I have seen a picture of a small semiauto in a kydex holster attached to the bottom of a bra. Obviously this will be a custom proposition, as one size does NOT fit all.

Dave Sinko

Chik a Boom · #7 03-15-2013, 12:02 PM

I put "sewing for concealed carry" into Bing and all I could find was one jacket pattern. I'm guessing you just want to alter some of those "tent" shirts?

I used to sew years ago, but followed the pattern and didn't get too creative, so don't have a lot of wisdom here, however, I wonder if you could experiment with some darts up the sides that might give the shirt a little more feminine shaping?

I have been able to get by with a tank top and cover shirt or vest over blouse on most occasions and still pass for a girl.

If you do come across anything worthwhile, please feel free to pass it on.

BaaBaa · #8 03-15-2013, 12:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chik a Boom

I'm guessing you just want to alter some of those "tent" shirts? ...
If you do come across anything worthwhile, please feel free to pass it on.

Something like that. I work outside so normal summer wear for me is heavy duty canvas pants, t-shirt with a long sleeve shirt or light jacket over it. But my normal over shirts are lightweight cotton and light color and my gun prints when I wear them. Looking for something else and figured I'd have to make it. I've got a dressform that matches me so I can try things on it to tailor them but it's static, movement is different as I've discovered ;-)

Actually some historical medieval, 16th and 17th century patterns look like they would be perfect, not sure I can get away with wearing that though!

Chik a Boom · #9 03-15-2013, 12:35 PM

Could you wear cargo pants as your heavy duty canvas pants where you could tuck something away in a pocket?

vytoland · #10 03-15-2013, 02:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BaaBaa

But my normal over shirts are lightweight cotton and light color and my gun prints when I wear them. Looking for something else

get darker colored, larger, roomy shirts with patterns that "break up" the image to the eye.

snubbyfan · #11 03-15-2013, 07:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chik a Boom

Could you wear cargo pants as your heavy duty canvas pants where you could tuck something away in a pocket?

That's what I was thinking, something with pockets you can tuck a snubby with a pocket holster in.

BaaBaa · #12 03-15-2013, 09:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chik a Boom

Could you wear cargo pants as your heavy duty canvas pants where you could tuck something away in a pocket?

Tried that last year, didn't work, cargo pants look really bad but worse, the low pockets on my short frame put the important parts in harms way from rams and when I kneel in mud to deliver lambs. Stuff has to stay on my waistband or higher to be safe.

Current favorite pants are Carharrt Easy fit curvy cut pants.

Hill_Country · #13 03-15-2013, 10:45 PM

Just FWIW, I've carried long guns and hand guns in some pretty sloppy conditions from VN to the swamps of Louisiana, and can assure you that they don't melt. As long as you take the time to clean them up its not a huge problem. Generally, I was more concerned about security and not losing the weapon in the mud than about keeping it clean.

I'm no fashion plate - that sounds secondary for you, too - and cargo pockets work great for me as long as there is an inner pocket to keep the gun from flopping around. Those kind of pants often have oversized front and back pockets, too, often with flaps. Sounds like you're pretty set on belt carry, though.

What's the problem with the rams? Butting you? I was about 4 or 5 years old when a young ram knocked me down and my Grandpa gave me a stick and told me to smack the ram as hard as I could if it got near me. Took one time and the problem was solved - at least with that young ram and I quickly got smart enough to watch my back as he got bigger.

ColbyBruce · #14 03-16-2013, 07:17 AM

Have you tried a Small Of The Back style holster? This type does conceal well, I currently have one for my Glock 32 & 19's. Another option is the 5.11 T shirt with holster pockets under each arm. I bought my brother one of these, as he rides motorcycles, and he likes it.

SMSgt · #15 03-16-2013, 09:32 AM

Someone still makes their own clothes?

sipowicz · #16 03-16-2013, 10:15 AM

I sew up all my underwear on the right side to make me dress to the left for when I appendix carry.

BaaBaa · #17 03-16-2013, 10:30 AM

Thanks for the options:

To answer several posts in one.
small of back carry ruled out due to risk if I fall on my gun doing myself injury in the process. Read too many reasons why small of back is bad I guess.

I am considering a shoulder harness but they are expensive and I really want to test one out first. I already have to return one nice Desantis holster because it is incredibly uncomfortable. It looked ok in the store but I wasn't really prepared to try it on there and when I got home there was no way it would fit me at all. It basically made the gun poke everywhere, butt end of the grips into my chest, muzzle into my hip and I couldn't bend or twist. Yet a lot of men find them very comfortable.

I'm also looking at some of the t-shirt with underarm carry pockets as well.

Now there is a business opportunity for some LGS. Get a variety of holsters, even some of the custom ones if possible and let people actually try them on.

Cargo pockets put things like my cell phone and camera in harms way because I use my knees and legs to catch and hold sheep. Rams horns can poke places you really don't want them too. Rams don't butt us more than 2 times before they are history so it's not butting it's using my own body as a head catch.

I also found that stuff in cargo pockets got in the way kneeling. Stuff in any of the pockets shifts and then I can't kneel comfortably. I do fine with stuff on my belt, I routinely carry things on belt pouches and the gun doesn't get in the way of any of my normal activities so far but isn't always invisible.

I'll keep looking. No wonder women end up with many more holsters than most men :sigh:

gfy1960 · #18 03-17-2013, 09:50 AM

HTML Head Content, The Well Armed Woman

BaaBaa · #19 03-17-2013, 10:09 AM

Well Armed Woman is where I got the 2 holsters that so far do work fairly well.

ColbyBruce · #20 03-17-2013, 10:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BaaBaa

Thanks for the options:

To answer several posts in one.
small of back carry ruled out due to risk if I fall on my gun doing myself injury in the process. Read too many reasons why small of back is bad I guess.

I have to believe this is a myth. There is not a single patient at The Shepherd Center here in Atlanta that has a spinal cord injury due to the use of a small of the back holster. I have never seen a person in a wheelchair who got there for the above reason. Since I do use such a rig, I will say that it is difficult to reholster a firearm; nearly impossible to draw from with your weak hand; and close to impossible to sell if it does not work out for you.

I am considering a shoulder harness but they are expensive and I really want to test one out first. I already have to return one nice Desantis holster because it is incredibly uncomfortable. It looked ok in the store but I wasn't really prepared to try it on there and when I got home there was no way it would fit me at all. It basically made the gun poke everywhere, butt end of the grips into my chest, muzzle into my hip and I couldn't bend or twist. Yet a lot of men find them very comfortable.

Shoulder rigs do not fit busty women or barrel chested men very well. I feel the horizontal carry rigs are dangerous as the barrel sweeps everyone the wearer passes. These types are not fast to draw from and one must sweep a wide arc to bring the gun on target.

I'm also looking at some of the t-shirt with underarm carry pockets as well.

I believe this will work for you, but it is not a quick draw option.

Now there is a business opportunity for some LGS. Get a variety of holsters, even some of the custom ones if possible and let people actually try them on.

HA!! As you are finding out gun leather is very costly, and there is a large variety of it. Not a lot of shops can afford to tie up their capital or a wall of space for accessories that may or may not move quickly. Leather, nylon, Kydex, OWB, IWB, shoulder, LH, RH, etc. So many styles, types, designs to choose from make it difficult to stock what might sell best.

Cargo pockets put things like my cell phone and camera in harms way because I use my knees and legs to catch and hold sheep. Rams horns can poke places you really don't want them too. Rams don't butt us more than 2 times before they are history so it's not butting it's using my own body as a head catch.

Have you considered a fanny pack ?

I also found that stuff in cargo pockets got in the way kneeling. Stuff in any of the pockets shifts and then I can't kneel comfortably. I do fine with stuff on my belt, I routinely carry things on belt pouches and the gun doesn't get in the way of any of my normal activities so far but isn't always invisible.

I'll keep looking. No wonder women end up with many more holsters than most men :sigh:

I can cover a twin bed with holsters, LOL! I try to buy used, and purchase similar types by different makers for my various handguns. You might go to a custom holster maker and talk to them, let them see how you move about, what you carry, and discuss your needs. Custom is not cheap, but you get what you want and need.

I do not see that you mention what firearm you carry. Perhaps you need to rethink that as well.

ColbyBruce · #21 03-17-2013, 09:22 PM

One other thing, if you can find a LE supply store near you they would be more likely to carry a variety of holsters that might suit you as they cater to female and male customers who need to conceal.

BaaBaa · #22 03-17-2013, 10:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ColbyBruce

I do not see that you mention what firearm you carry. Perhaps you need to rethink that as well.

Sorry, Model 640 .357 revolver small because it fits me, shoots big enough ammo to deal with a black bear and concealable. About as small as I can get I think and still be reasonable for self defense.

snubbyfan · #23 03-17-2013, 10:54 PM

Not sure what kind of holster you're using but a holster with some forward cant can help tuck the gun butt in and aid in concealment.
I made both my thumbbreak and molded holsters with enough cant to conceal under a cover garment.

snubbyfan · #24 03-19-2013, 03:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BaaBaa

Thanks for the options:

To answer several posts in one.
small of back carry ruled out due to risk if I fall on my gun doing myself injury in the process. Read too many reasons why small of back is bad I guess.

I am considering a shoulder harness but they are expensive and I really want to test one out first. I already have to return one nice Desantis holster because it is incredibly uncomfortable. It looked ok in the store but I wasn't really prepared to try it on there and when I got home there was no way it would fit me at all. It basically made the gun poke everywhere, butt end of the grips into my chest, muzzle into my hip and I couldn't bend or twist. Yet a lot of men find them very comfortable.

I'm also looking at some of the t-shirt with underarm carry pockets as well.

Now there is a business opportunity for some LGS. Get a variety of holsters, even some of the custom ones if possible and let people actually try them on.

Cargo pockets put things like my cell phone and camera in harms way because I use my knees and legs to catch and hold sheep. Rams horns can poke places you really don't want them too. Rams don't butt us more than 2 times before they are history so it's not butting it's using my own body as a head catch.

I also found that stuff in cargo pockets got in the way kneeling. Stuff in any of the pockets shifts and then I can't kneel comfortably. I do fine with stuff on my belt, I routinely carry things on belt pouches and the gun doesn't get in the way of any of my normal activities so far but isn't always invisible.

I'll keep looking. No wonder women end up with many more holsters than most men :sigh:

Judging from the photo you posted in another thread, I can see your dilemma. It looks like you need a holster that rides lower than a conventional concealment holster but still has some forward cant to tuck the gun butt in. I make custom holsters and I could probably come up with something. Or you can check with someone that does custom leather work in your area.

BaaBaa · #25 03-19-2013, 03:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by snubbyfan

Judging from the photo you posted in another thread, I can see your dilemma. It looks like you need a holster that rides lower than a conventional concealment holster but still has some forward cant to tuck the gun butt in.

That's what I was thinking as well. There have got to be some custom holster makers locally, I'll have a look around. Thanks for the evaluation.

Hill_Country · #26 03-19-2013, 08:52 PM

Good thought. I went through a similar process trying to find the perfect (if it exists) IWB holster. I wore a number of them, but none were perfect. I finally got a TT Gunleather Coverup Plus which has a single point "hangar" that could be adjusted for height and cant.

My original thought was that I'd find the height and cant I liked then go back to a two-point IWB with the same dimensions. After I found the sweet spot for my body and that holster I figured out that I liked the little bit of adjustability the single-point hanger gave me as a few degrees of cant makes a difference if you're walking or driving or sitting at a desk.

Another factor I found was that the smooth side out was most comfortable for me - which means a lined holster so you have smooth side in and out. It was wonderful to not have a rough chunk of cow hide abrading my tender toosh. The TT Gunleather holster is very nicely made and works well for me and I've stayed with it and quit looking for something else (for now <G>).

Ivan the Butcher · #27 03-20-2013, 02:01 AM

My F-I-L was a motorcycle cop in the early 60's. He carried a blackjack instead of a night stick. My M-I-L would sew slit pockets (like the rear pockets on dress pants) into the side of his uniform pants. It was right above where his thumb would hang (about 1/2")and was a very quick draw. Maybe such a pocket could be fit to an inside the pocket holster or to your firearm itself. You could then pad this area to keep from bruising your leg (maybe). Also I liked cargo pockets years before they became popular, we would buy the long unhemmed pants, and use the trimmed piece to make a cargo pocket for each leg. An older unfaded pair of pants can provide material for prototypes. If you find a style and position you like you may start a trend!

TAMARISK · #28 03-21-2013, 08:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BaaBaa

Sorry, Model 640 .357 revolver small because it fits me, shoots big enough ammo to deal with a black bear and concealable. About as small as I can get I think and still be reasonable for self defense.

Surf on over to kangaroocarry.com their band style holsters are actually very comfortable. My EDC 637 fits and feels great in their standard II model.

Plinker99 · #29 03-21-2013, 10:04 PM

"Sewing for CCW" - at first I thought it was a new PBS show.

brokenprism · #30 03-25-2013, 01:55 AM

I don't know why you can't just wear ... a shirt, and leave it out. I live where it's wet most of the year, so I get to wear flannels, which I choose one size bigger, and the back fabric creates enough of a natural 'tent' that I neer print unless I bend at the waist, which I rarely do in public, and never at my daughter's school (my permit let's me carry there, but I don't want to test the law). I choose dark colors, normally plaid (flannels are perfect for this). If you can wear a tent, but not heavy fabric, just try to stay dark with pattern to break up the outline of your rig. I also carry IWB, and though I wear a 3" 629 now, I have had my best concealment luck with a Glock 23. That gun has everything including invisibility.

TACC1 · #31 03-25-2013, 06:00 AM

This thread got me thinking about the same problem the
OP has. Sounds like a situation where the gun MUST NOT be
seen. I wonder if there's anyone that makes a ballistic nylon
or cordura (whatever) pocket that can be sewn/attached by
a user, to whatever garment they wish. Kind of a home-made
Thunderwear setup.
I know that all the different holsters on the market are
built the way they are because they work well. There's
likely only a small segment of the public that needs what
we're talking about here.
TACC1