How to Make Homemade Attire for Concealed Carry

For those of you that like to carry a firearm for your protection at all times, you know how difficult it can be to lug it around in a hidden place. So most likely, you don’t carry it as much as you want, even though you never know when you are going to need it.

Holsters are not practical with everyday attire, especially if you are a woman. So with that in mind, with a little research, we have found a solution to this problem. Here’s how-to construct a vest or jacket that comfortably holds your weapon.

Step 1: Find a cost effective vest or jacket. When you are doing this for the first time, particularly if you are not a professional on the sewing machine, we recommend using a vest or jacket that won’t cost you an arm or a leg. Make sure it is not too tight. Also, that it has several pockets and seaming topstitching. This will draw the attention away from any unusual bumps.

Step 2: Find a similar fabric to the material of the vest or jacket. We recommend using a medium-heavy weight cotton.

Step 3: Set up your sewing machine. You may have to research the size needle you will be using, depending on the material of the garment.

Step 4: Depending on the hand you shoot with, select the opposite side of the vestment to store the gun. It will be easier to pull out. For example, if you are right handed, mark the inside of the left side for the pocket. We recommend this pocket be located below the chest line toward the side seam.

Step 5: Make a paper pattern of the pocket and pin it on the area where it will be. Determine the size needed for your firearm. Put the firearm on the paper and add at least an inch around. There should be a flat side. This will be the opening. The rest of it should be curved in traditional pocket shape. Make sure that the pocket is a few inches back from where to vest or jacket opens. You don’t want it to be seen. Also, add at least an inch around the border for seam allowances.

Step 6: Cut two pocket pieces out of your selected material. Double check that the weapon will fit by pinning the fabric in the place of the paper and placing the gun on top of it. If it is good to go, use a zig zag stitch to sew the pockets together, except for the flat side. Turn it inside out, clip the corners and make sure it is secure.

Step 7: Pin the pocket to the garment and sew it on. It may be tricky to conceal the thread. Mimic the original sewing and try to conceal the thread by sewing over the original topstitching.

Step 8: Once it seems to be locked in place in the inside of the apparel, try it on with your gun in the pocket as a final fitting.

So there you have it, how to make an inexpensive piece of clothing that will conceal your weapon. Pro tip: if you don’t want to go through the process of being creative with your concealed carry vest or jacket, you can buy one for a higher price at a store like Cabela’s. However, these may not be your style and won’t be as fun to make.