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CCW clothing has come a long way in recent years, and the best concealed carry shirt is a viable alternative if you’re having trouble finding a comfortable IWB holster. In reality, the convenience of not having anything poking into your waist is a luxury in itself. Also, big guys will find value in the best CCW shirt if a holster isn’t doing the trick. In this guide, we share tips on how to choose a good CCW shirt and our current top picks.
No matter the occasion or whether you’re a man or woman operator, you’ll find value here. Generally, there are two types of CCW shirts. First, there’s the EDC variety that features hidden internal pockets with velcro or snap closures. This type of shirt allows you to carry fairly securely without anyone noticing that you’re carrying.
Second, there’s the compression concealed carry shirt with a built-in holster aka holster shirt. Clearly, this variety secures your firearm better than the pockets in an EDC shirt. Though, it really depends on what you’re carrying. Overall, we prefer the best holster shirt since it allows you to wear just above any shirt over it. However, the disadvantage of a holster shirt can be a slower draw speed depending on the type of shirt you wear above it.
Now that you’re up to speed, let’s check out the threads.
Best Concealed Carry Shirt Reviews
Each of our reviews describes how the shirt functions, highlights, and the pros & cons of ownership. Also, we do our best to help you match your needs to a shirt in as little time as possible.
#1) UnderTech UnderCover Concealed Carry V-Neck Tee
The best concealed carry t-shirt that will stand the test of time is UnderTech’s V-Neck. Yes, you might be able to find a similar holster shirt for cheaper by another company, but chances are it won’t last nearly as long or deliver the same elite performance. Make no mistake, this is the brand trusted by government officials, airport employees, and law enforcement.
As for the design, the CCW v-neck has a snug fit for wearing below a collared shirt or other loose-fitting clothing. We prefer the v-neck over a crewneck to hide the shirt altogether. Plus, it allows our chest hair to get some much-needed air along the way. Beyond fit, the shirt features holsters on both sides of the shirt for ambidextrous access. As a result, you have the option to carry two firearms or one firearm with a spare magazine.
Plus, if you decide to skip the magazine, it’s not a bad place to store your phone if you decide to show off your physique in skinny jeans that night. However, don’t let that scare you away, big guys. This shirt is made to keep your body cool and hug all body types like a glove. Finally, you can rest easy knowing that this is one of those rare garments that’s actually made in the USA.
Pros
- Holsters on both sides for ambidextrous access
- Holds two firearms or one & a spare mag
- Form-fitting to keep your firearm secure and close to your body
- Quick-draw capability when worn with a buttondown shirt, regular t-shirt, or pullover
- No problem accessing your firearm while seated
- A great alternative to a holster for big bellies
- Durable
- Made in the USA
Cons
- Not cheap
- Can’t be worn alone or with tight shirts above if you want to keep your firearm completely hidden
#2) 5.11 Tactical Holster Shirt
Alright, we didn’t want to hang fans of the crewneck out to dry, so here’s your perfect crewneck concealed carry shirt. Compared to Undertech’s holster shirt, there are some interesting differences to consider. First, 5.11 decided to add an inner layer of soft neoprene for added comfort. While we do like this for comfort, neoprene can trap heat. However, 5.11 accounted for this by implementing moisture-wicking reinforced seams. Essentially, this is an Under Armour-style CCW shirt.
Second, you’ll notice that the holsters are more open in this shirt rather than having velcro straps. To ensure your firearms stay in the pockets, 5.11 opted for hook and loop fasteners along with a couple of velcro squares. As a result, you’ll have no trouble drawing rapidly if you wear this shirt below a button-down concealed carry shirt. Another feature we like is the integrated shoulder yoke to provide even weight distribution and to prevent sagging.
Additionally, the outer mesh layer above the holsters helps to prevent the outline of your firearm from poking through your top shirt. One final consideration is that, unlike UnderTech UnderCover, 5.11 CCW shirts are not made in the USA. All in all, no holster shirt is perfect, but as the company name suggests, this model is about as tactically advantageous as it gets.
Pros
- Shoulder yoke for even weight distribution
- Internal hook & loop fasteners
- The outer mesh layer disrupts the outline of your firearm
- Rapid draw times with buttondown shirts
- Snug fit
- Reinforced moisture-wicking seams
- It’s comfortable, there’s no denying it
Cons
- Neoprene can trap heat
- Made overseas
#3) AC Undercover Women’s Elite Edition Concealment Tank Top
Now it’s time for the men to move aside for the ladies. First, we want to note that both of our top picks are available in women’s. So, we wanted to mix it up by giving women another choice from a different company. Currently, the AC Undercover tank top is even more popular than the competing UnderTech and 5.11 versions, making it a must-see concealed carry shirt for women.
Similar to the first two shirts, this tank is designed to fit snugly to keep your carry firearm up and against your body. Next, its fit is very similar to what you’ll find offered by UnderTech UnderCover, as is the holster design. On either side of the tank, you’ll find holster pockets with velcro openings to allow for ambidextrous access. According to AC Undercover, the latest version is more comfortable and provides better retention.
Additionally, there’s the option to use the holster with or without the holster strap, which you may find advantageous depending on what you carry. Plus, you have rapid access to your firearm when this shirt is worn below a buttondown or other shirts. Lastly, it’s important to know that this shirt is not made in the USA, so if you prefer a made-in-the-USA CCW tank top, stick with UnderTech UnderCover.
Pros
- Available in 3-packs to cut costs
- Snug fit and no sagging when armed
- Removable holster straps
- Identical holsters for two firearms and ambidextrous access
- Comfy fit
Cons
- Not made in the USA
- Materials aren’t the highest quality
#4) 5.11 Covert Flex Long Sleeve Shirt
Now, if you’re in the market for a casual concealed carry shirt, the Covert Flex is an awesome one. Unlike holster shirts, this shirt is a CCW cover shirt that gives you rapid access to your holster or holster shirt. Plus, no one will know you’re carrying, which is the whole point of a good CCW shirt. At first glance, it’s hard to see the internal mesh pockets sewn into the shirt at your chest level.
Beyond the internal pockets, the main feature of this shirt is the RAPIDraw breakaway placket. From the outside, the shirt appears to have buttons, but in reality, the shirt snaps shut. When combined with the 2-way mechanical stretch fabric, the breakaway system gives you lightning-quick access to your holster.
Lastly, a couple of final highlights are the moisture-wicking & quick-drying fabric and there are several colors available to match your taste. Overall, the Covert Flex is the perfect companion to a holster shirt or shoulder holster, and because of its professional appearance, it won’t draw unwanted attention.
Pros
- Flexible materials to prevent restrictions when you’re ready to draw
- Breakaway faux button snaps
- Moisture-wicking, quick-drying fabric
- Hidden velcro chest pockets
- Casual-looking to avoid drawing attention
Cons
- Tends to run large
- No built-in holster
#5) Rothco Concealed Carry Flannel Shirt
Our final pick gives you an all-in-one option as a concealed carry shirt. During the winter months, Rothco’s flannel CCW shirt will keep you warm and armed. It functions as a CCW by supplying you with an internal pocket system to house your carry firearm plus mags & accessories. In total, there are three interior concealed carry pockets and then the two outer breast pockets with button openings.
To clarify, there are two interior mag pockets positioned horizontally and one large carry pocket for your firearm. Comparatively, this type of shirt is not as secure as a holster shirt since it doesn’t keep your firearm snug against your body. Although, unlike a holster shirt, it does allow you to immediately access your firearm without having to reach below another shirt if you have the flannel unzipped.
Beyond those qualities, it’s important to note that there aren’t many of these types of concealed carry shirts available, and this one is prone to quality control issues. Plus, since it’s 100% cotton, it’s prone to shrinking. All things considered, Rothco’s flannel CCW shirt is worthy of a spot in this guide, but we prefer a holster shirt before this type of all-in-one concealed carry shirt. Plus, you might want to consider moving up to a CCW jacket for superior options.
Pros
- Two internal mag holders
- Large interior carry pocket with velcro
- Comfy heavyweight cotton
- Dual zipper for quick access to your firearm
- A good cold-weather CCW shirt
Cons
- Prone to shrinking
- Could be more durable
- Sizing can be tricky
Bottom Line
Overall, the best concealed carry shirt is definitely a holster shirt. Considering that they’re available in a tank top, v-neck, crewneck, and midriffs for women, you have plenty of options. Plus, they give you the flexibility of wearing whatever you want over them unless it’s too tight. On top of that, they hold your carry firearm more securely than a CCW shirt with pockets, which gives them the ability to replace a holster.
Outside of holster shirts, CCW-friendly shirts such as the 5.11 Covert Flex are excellent companions to holster shirts and actual holsters. If you’re not a fan of the Covert Flex design, there are a ton of concealed carry 5.11 shirts for both men & women. Lastly, Rothco’s flannel concealed carry shirt is an interesting option, though, if we had to choose between it or a CCW jacket, we’d shop for a jacket instead. The bottom line is that a t-shirt can only be so supportive, so compressions holster shirts are as good as it gets.
