Choosing a suit with an eye to CCW

[Herknav]

I may have to get some suits for a "grown-up" job. I won't be able to carry at this job, but I want to choose a style most conducive to carry in the event conditions change. I apologize if this has been discussed here before. If it has, the word "suit" did not appear in the thread title.

Thanks in advance,
Herk

 

[Old cop]

You did not say what you carry. It's rare that I have to wear a suit anymore (retired) but when I do my 442 goes in a pocket.

 

[venomballistics]

too bad the trenchcoat does not put forth the image you wish to convey.
I don't think there's much limit on the types of arms it'll conceal

 

[JJEH]

Doesn't matter what kind of suit you wear. If you don't leave your jacket on at all times you have to cc in your pocket or ankle.
Unless you want to open carry...

 

[Herknav]

Thanks for the replies so far. I'm a CCO (Commander slide on an Officer's ACP frame) type of guy.

I get that I need to leave the jacket on. My questions are more along the lines of 1) single vent of double vent, 2) 2 buttons or 3, and 3) anything else I'm not thinking of?

 

[JJEH]

My suits are single vent with 3 buttons. They allow good concealability of a shoulder rig or belt holster as well as easy and fast access if you go with the shoulder rig.

 

[LoboGunLeather]

Here was my criteria back in my days working plainclothes:

1. Jackets should be about one size larger than you usually wear. This may require some alterations such as shoulder seams, shortening sleeves, etc. Full cut is better than a tailored cut. Single center vent is best, assuming strong-side holster placement.

2. Have a band of light canvas about 10" wide sewn into the jacket linings around the torso area. This will do a lot to prevent "printing" while also protecting the linings from sharp edges of the gun, and also allows for an easier draw.

3. At the bottom corners of the jacket have a couple of heavy fender washers stitched into the linings. This allows you to sweep the jacket out of the way and helps it stay open during the draw, while also making the jacket hang straight and neat so as not to expose your hardware.

4. Suit trousers will seldom allow for a sturdy gunbelt, loops are just too narrow. Have them save the material cut off when cuffing the trousers and use it to make larger belt loops and have those stitched on at locations that will not interfere with holster placement, mag pouch, etc.

This can get a bit expensive, since you are having the suit altered considerably. The good news is that since your suits have been extensively altered solely for business use the entire cost can be tax-deductible. Save all your receipts.

 

[Doug M.]

I have a heck of a time getting suits - 38" waist on a bad day, with a 50 or 52 Reg coat, but I have to shorten the sleeves a bit. I use a Kramer leather pocket holster with a G33 almost all the time, because I can have it without being perceived as being armed by most people. I have my jacket pockets reinforced because of the magazine and flashlight I carry. Due to my odd size (the usual size difference between pants and coats is 6 - 8 inches), I have to get a lot of additional work done, so the extra cost for the gun stuff is modest. This place also gets a lot of cops and so they are used to the issues. While dressing around the gun is the general rule, for some environments and clothes needs that does not work very well.

 

[BaaBaa]

LoboGunLeather, This is EXACTLY the sort of info I was looking for in my Sewing for CCC thread. So, any comments on adapting women's styles for better carry options?

 

[Cheyenne WYO]

It helps to already own the gunbelt you plan on wearing. Bring the gun and holster into the fitting room so you can see how it works before you get into the alterations situation. Button the jacket and check for printing. I pretty much go for pocket carry in that application if getting made is going to be a big problem.

 

[Road Rat]

Explain your issue with the person fitting you with the suit.

The Mens Warehouse works with CC all the time and will be glad to make the jacket fit the gun.

I'm sure most tailors work with this issue all the time.

 

[Wyo]

I wear a suit every day and often take my jacket off when circumstances permit. I also sit a lot, especially when I'm in the courtroom. So that eliminates belt carry and shoulder holsters, and pocket holsters are difficult to draw from when seated. So I generally go with a 642 in an ankle holster. The trouser leg hides the gun well, it's easy to get when seated and it's so light that I practically forget it's there. I've tried all sorts of rigs over the years but I keep coming back to the ankle carry as best for my situation.

 

[chief38]

I don't wear a suit that often these days however when I do and I am packin' my M60 I use a OWB holster and a stiff belt to carry the gun. Since 99% of the time the jacket remains un-buttoned a bigger size suit was not necessary for me. When the suit was tailored, I had just asked the taylor to leave a little more room than normal and I have not had any issues yet.

IF you in tend on carrying a large frame gun like an L Frame, N Frame, 1911, Glock, etc. then yes I would agree that a larger or roomier jacket is in need. Unless I was a LEO though, I would seek out a smaller package to carry while wearing suits rather than buying suits that don't fit you right. However - that's just me..........

 

[WR Moore]

Your suit purchase should include some tailoring with the cost. Certain additional work will cost extra. Note: your build and the difference between chest and waist measurements affect how easily you can hide gear.

I'll enthusiastically endorse Lobos suggestions 1 & 4. I'm against #3 because I've never needed the washers and they cause additional wear in addition to draping issues and if they get wet can cause awful stains. A slight sway of the hips away from the gun will allow your hand to sweep toward the gun without weighting the pockets/hem. I'm kinda doubtful about #2, but some type of additional material in the hammer & grip area of a 1911 may be a good idea to minimize lining wear.

There are some holster patterns that feature a shield/fender/extension on the inner side to protect your shirts from the weapon. Very good idea. Other holsers of the pancake style feature and extended body that can shield the coat lining from the hammer area.

A good tailor can do wonders. I have one suit that hides armor, ammo, comm gear and weapons, yet looks very good. I just look a bit bulkier than normal.