Avoid “Printing”

One common concern women have with concealed carry is imprinting, which means showing a bump or outline of the gun through your clothes. You have every right to wear a gun if you're carrying it legally, but not everyone needs to be aware of its presence. To maintain the element of surprise and stop the spread of panic, it is imperative that you keep your firearm concealed. But how do you pull this off while still looking chic?

We at Elegant & Armed want you to look your best, so we're sharing our picks for the top concealed carry shirts.

Designed specifically for women’s concealed carry, the Concealment Camisole prevents printing when you carry a gun in a holster on your body. Unlike typical blouses, which can often reveal the outline of your firearm in windy conditions, this innovative design prioritizes discretion. Simply wear overtop of your favorite holster and feel confident that your gun is concealed. Whether it's paired with jeans and sneakers for a relaxed Saturday or under a blazer for a day at the office, it exudes a polished look appropriate for any setting. A must-have for your concealed carry wardrobe!

Patterned shirts can improve your concealment by diverting attention away from potential printing, making it less noticeable than it would be with a plain shirt. Explore a range of patterns, from classic stripes and floral designs to playful polka dots and stylish plaid, and find the perfect pattern that fits your unique style.

There are two key reasons why textured materials are excellent for concealed carry: their structure and stiffness keep the material from molding to your gun, while their pattern-like texture cleverly camouflages any bumps or outlines. One method I like to use is the combination of a fitted tank top, which securely holds the firearm against my body, topped with a stylish lace or eyelet shirt featuring textured pattern.

A peplum is an additional ruffle or draping of fabric that is attached to the bottom of a shirt and is great for concealing a firearm. There are many variations; some are crafted with rigid material and have a structured appearance, while others have more drape and movement. A fitted peplum accentuates the waist and creates an hourglass figure. With a loose peplum, the fabric is worn farther away from the body, creating more space for your gun. When your firearm and the peplum line up correctly, this top makes for great concealment. Click here to learn how to make peplums work for concealed carry.

The empire waistline resembles the peplum style in that it cinches in. Rather than at the natural waist, the seam sits just below the bust. This silhouette gives the impression of a cinched waist is especially flattering if you’re rectangle or apple-shaped. The hemline is very roomy and when made from thick material, does a great job concealing your gun.

In reality, poplin is a type of weave and not a garment. However, this method of weaving cotton produces the stiff fabric that is preferred for a crisp dress shirt. The fabric is more structured than other fabrics, which makes it less likely to "imprint" or reveal an outline of the gun, making it ideal for concealed carry. 

This type of poplin button-down is a timeless piece that can be styled in a variety of ways to suit your individual preferences. Put it in a knot, tuck it in, wear the tails out, or layer it over another top without buttoning it.

A Dolman shirt, also called a "batwing," has additional fabric under the arms. With this loose material, you can carry a gun high on your torso or under your arm. This can give you a waistline but still have enough room to conceal carry. 

A dolman top is helpful for pear shapes or those with smaller chests. For example, the benefit of having a larger chest is that it pushes your shirt farther away from your hips making more room for the gun and holster. For the rest of us, a dolman shirt increases the volume up top for a larger hiding space.

An A-line shirt fits normally around the bust, shoulders, and neck before flaring out toward the hem. Whether the angle is subdued or dramatic, the style can look quite nice and provide you with the space you need to attach your firearm or self-defense tool to your belt.

While a loose shirt may make it easier to conceal your gun, it can also make you feel like a sack of potatoes. Choosing a top with an off-the-shoulder neckline is one way to conceal while still feeling fashionable. This helps you feel attractive while showing off the feminine curve of your shoulders and completely concealing your firearm.

 Great for a capsule wardrobe

You should include shirts like these in your concealed carry capsule wardrobe. Click here to find out start your capsule.