FABRIC SELECTION For Concealment SUCCESS

[@its_clean]

Thank you for addressing the social camouflage aspect. I've worked hard to dress and carry in a way that it looks like I can't possibly be armed- from my hair to my shoes to the style of my clothes, the tailored fit, selecting a smaller and thinner gun, and concealment that prints as little as possible, I simply don't give off the appearance of an armed person. The average stranger would likely assume I'm a liberal, overly-stylish type who probably works in advertising or fashion, which is exactly what I would like them to think. In contrast, a lot of my friends are carrying larger guns and doing a good job of avoiding printing- but even though they avoid wearing "gun guy brands" like 5.11 or Vertx, their oversized flannels and Carhartt jackets and ripstop pants and trail runners are a dead giveaway for "I have a gun" in my part of the country. This is why you **don't** dress around the gun, because doing so is an obvious giveaway that there's a gun there in the first place. On the rare occasions when I might print through a too-slim cashmere sweater or tropical wool suit jacket, people assume it's a phone, pager, insulin pump- anything but a gun. Not looking like the type of person who would carry a gun is a lot more effective at hiding your business than simply sizing up and wearing blatantly functional clothes in order to dress around the gun.

[@deebee4575]

As a guy living in South Florida, I've become pretty adept at concealing while wearing minimalist shorts and tee shirts/ polo shirts. It can be done.

[@LightAsh01]

Ayye fellow floridian

[@jacegallagher8589]

Tessah's videos have helped me a lot. I am currently staying out of a hotel that forbids firearms so concealment is essential. I walk past and even talk to office staff everyday and they never notice my little friend.

[@JulyFourth1776]

This is a very important subject because I don't like to change my wardrobe that much. I also hate wearing belts.

[@mirandacandice9626]

Met a middle aged lady in Sturgis one year who carried a Beretta Bobcat .380 in a holster that was clipped onto the inside of her leather chaps on the back of her left leg. Coolest thing I've ever seen lmao. 😎

[@stanthebamafan]

In my 10 years or so of carrying, I’ve definitely transitioned more to the camp of thinking that printing is not a big deal because almost no one will ever notice. But I really like your suggestion of trying merino wool for an undershirt. Im not happy with normal cotton or blend undershirts.

[@tessahbooth]

Really glad this topic was helpful! In response to your printing comment, I'm not carrying a gun because I'm concerned abut the people who aren't paying attention. I'm concerned about the people who ARE paying attention, and have very specific intentions for which the presence of a firearm would not deter them.

[@codyosborn4244]

I’ve been watching you for almost 3 yrs and have fully enjoyed watching your content

[@tessahbooth]

Thank you for sticking around!

[@jennydrumm7223]

Thank you for this! Yours is the first video I've seen to actually show how the concealment is while you're moving! My particular worry is when reaching up, like when you're at the store - for example - and need to get something off a higher shelf, and there are no tall people around that you can ask for help. 😉

[@therealtimedynamics]

Great video and love to topic! Even as a guy, it clarifies good things to know. Can't always wear a hoodie everywhere 🤷🏻‍♂️

[@mrdanielwon]

Men want fashion too 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼

[@traciaxtell4553]

Thanks again Tess. I have been carrying for a month. I know my gun is pushing the boundaries, but will give up a little concealment for the best gun for me. The one question I have has to do with sitting. I have an Enigma express for the Sig Macro and pretty good when standing but when I sit the top of the gun leans forward. Understand its part of the keel properties but I don't want to over fix for the standing part. Any suggestions for this issue? Have a great day and thanks for making us that are still learning like a sponge better at what you do effortlessly.

[@gunsgonewilder5058]

This goes for the guys also. I have a buddy that only carries when his clothing allows, while I only wear clothing that allows me to carry. My life is way more important than my fashion.

[@HighCRI]

Your point about wearing colors/patterns/textures that don’t show shadows easily is huge. A lot of other videos like this don’t talk about it that much. I have a one shirt in particular that’s dark blue/purple and covered in a small pattern. It shows no shadows at all even if I pull my shirt tight against the gun to try to make it print. Another helpful thing is wearing something long enough to clear your belt line by a couple inches. Sometimes people print because the extra couple inches of thickness from the holster pushes the bottom of their shirt out, making it evident something’s going on under there. You don’t need to dress like a 511 poster boy to conceal a modern pistol.

[@bwofficial1776]

Merino wool is a fantastic fabric if fragile. I agree that natural fibers are best in general. It would be interesting to hear more of your take on patterns.

[@qqq1701]

I pocket carry. Does it fit in the pocket of these pants? Done.

[@linneaphillis6128]

Same❤

[@tessaolson6405]

Such an important issue that isn't talked about enough! Do you have any particular brands for merino wool camis and unders that you recommend that won't break the bank?

[@tessahbooth]

I've been reaching for Ridge Merino for about a year now. They have the lowest prices I've been able to find, and I've been happy with the performance of their products.

[@maybeso1547]

Hybrid holster with leather against your skin and kydex for the piece works the best I believe .

[@jbg7676]

What holster is she using? thanks!

[@faithhayes8600]

How do you find the wear and tear of your wool base layers with cc? Some of my wool pieces wind up getting holes in places where there’s friction.

[@tessahbooth]

I haven't had an holes or pilling form on my merino wool under layers as of yet (been using them daily for a little over a months), but I'm certain they would be suffering if I had a more aggressive finish on my grip. My husband has ruined merino wool undershirts by wearing a gun with aggressive grip texture. I personally wrap mind with hockey tape. That gives me plenty of grip without damaging my clothing. All of over-shirts eventually get holes in them though, it's an appendix carry curse unfortunately. The only shirt material that has lasted me four full years of carrying have been 100% linen shirts.

[@JRxxx]

2:53 I've never seen someone carry that deep before, I've never even considered it. I've always given myself clearance to get my fingers on the grip. Interesting.

[@Reala_Rilla]

What holster is that and where can I find it? And do they have it for the Springfield armory hellcat pro?

[@awsomedude9111]

Top end video, hope it gets more views

[@flip5683]

I have been carrying a 365xl in an enigma but I am more comfortable with a H&K VP9 and VP9SK. Do you know where I can find a holster for the SK, to mount on an enigma? Thanks for the video, I am constantly working on different clothing to wear when I carry.

[@tessahbooth]

You should be able to find a recommendation in the PHLster Concealment Workshop on Facebook for that gun specifically! Otherwise, it looks like JM Custom Kydex has Enigma compatible offerings for that gun!

[@mchawaii2024]

what is your concealment holster of choice? I'm new to this and need your recommendation

[@tessahbooth]

Here is my holster recommendations video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/qXa1nKqEmtaZos0si=2pcrA2j-b2jwpyak :)

[@flip5683]

Thank you!!

[@halfaron]

The biggest problem I've found with concealment is that the overall thickness of the gun and holster make my proportions look weird. No matter what I do, there's a giant lump in my waistline that makes me look unnatural in the midsection and my gun isn't that big (S&W Shield Plus).

[@tessahbooth]

Most often when I see people struggling with this in person its a combination of the gun being placed on the body's natural peak, combined with a clip that's thick, and a belt with a large buckle. The large bulge can also occur if the user isn't tightening their belt enough. It's tough to diagnose the root cause without getting to see it unfortunately.

[@Froby2378]

This struggle is real. Im 5’7” 140lbs no boobs. The only way I have found to comfortably cc is in my jeans with men’s (size medium) printed T-shirts. Long lined prints work best for me, I carry 13 rounds (quite a bulge). I wear 100% cotton t-shirts and tank tops with built in shelf bras for my underwear. I wear a leather belt because I am active and can’t bend around CC belts I’ve tried, and I need a belt to keep my pants on 😂. I usually have my buckle off to the side anyway so I don’t get the buckle bulge👍

[@kspin996]

I've had this same problem. The gun puts mass and attention at the one place on my body I want to be narrowest. If the concealment looks good from the front, from the side I'm back to looking pregnant. I've tried raising the gun higher, but when I sit it digs too much into my ribs. It's been a 3 year battle and I'm never happy with the results.

[@3ndoku5h]

5:30 -Massad approved

[@wheeler71]

Good information, thx , carry on 🔫🇺🇲

[@jasminelopez7740]

Ok I’m going to be that girl bc I scanned the comments and no one asked haha. Where are your jeans from? 😂 they are so cute- not the white ones the medium wash jeans

[@tessahbooth]

The medium wash ones are from a company that went out of business last year! I still buy them used off of postmark and eBay though, I love their fit. The company was called McGuire Denim, and they run true to size.

[@danielrogers997]

I can still tell. Unless you dress in super baggy clothes it still shows. Every video like this they show how not to do it then show you how to do it, I can see it both ways.

[@DLH_21]

Most people are completely oblivious.

[@HighCRI]

Congrats on being able to tell someone’s carrying in a video about them carrying that’s constantly putting their carry location front and center.

[@deebee4575]

@@DLH_21This is true.

[@tessahbooth]

Like someone else mentioned in this thread, you will always be able to tell to some extent with videos like this. We don't stare at the average persons waist for 7 minutes straight in 4k while they also show us exactly where the firearm is throughout the course of the interaction. The standard of concealment I'm aiming for is being undetectable to the average social norm of about 3 seconds. If someone see's a 5' 100lb female dressed in white jeans, sneakers, and a linen t-shirt, their first thought typically isn't to look for a gun (social camouflage), and if for some reason it is, they shouldn't be able to detect it by staring at me within a socially normal period of time.

[@tessahbooth]

Although I agree that most people are oblivious, I don't carry a gun because of those people. I'm more concerned about the person who is very aware of what concealed guns look like and decides that they would like to take mine away from me.