Why “Dressing Around the Gun” Is a Flawed Concept in Handgun Concealment
Article by: AP @Tradecraft USA
In the world of concealed carry, the phrase “dress around the gun” has long been treated as gospel. It suggests that individuals should choose clothing that accommodates and obscures the shape of their firearm—such as loose-fitting garments, patterned shirts, heavier-weight fabrics, reinforced belts, and so on. But this approach, while well-intentioned, overlooks a critical truth: human beings are hardwired to notice contrast. In the real world, concealment isn’t just about hiding a weapon—it’s about blending in. And dressing around the gun often does the exact opposite.
Understanding Contrast: The Human Brain’s Alarm System
Contrast is the noticeable difference between an element and its surroundings—a shift in color, pattern, movement, or behavior. The human brain is programmed to detect contrast. It’s one of the primary ways we identify and respond to potential hazards in our environment. When something stands out, the brain flags it for attention. This happens automatically—often before we’re even consciously aware of it. It’s a survival mechanism that helps us detect threats, changes, or anything unusual in our field of vision.
So, what does this mean for someone trying to keep their handgun hidden? It means that if your clothing creates even subtle contrast—because you're dressing around your firearm rather than blending into the environment—you’re more likely to draw attention. And attention is the enemy of concealment.
The Baseline and the Break
What’s considered normal for an environment—the baseline—is shaped by time, location, climate, weather, setting, as well as how people behave, dress, and interact within that context. These environmental factors create both conscious and subconscious expectations of what "fits" and what doesn’t. When someone "dresses around the gun," they often end up breaking from that baseline, inadvertently creating contrast. Some common examples of this include:
Strategic Layering
Extra layers like overshirts or jackets may help mask printing (the visible outline of the weapon), but if those layers are out of place for the weather or setting, they create visual discord.Loose or Baggy Clothing
Oversized garments intended to obscure a gun can look awkward or frumpy—especially when others are wearing more form-fitting attire. It introduces an inconsistency that sharp eyes will notice.Patterned Fabrics or Dark Colors
While the goal is to break up outlines and reduce shadows, these choices—especially if bold or out of sync with the group—can attract more attention than they deflect.Purpose-Built Clothing and Accessories
Over-engineered clothing or branded accessories may function well for carrying, but they often signal "gear” rather than normal attire—again, creating contrast.Military or Tactical-Inspired Appearance
The “contractor look”—beard, wraparound sunglasses, flannel or plaid shirt, cargo pants—has become a stereotype. When overdone, it loudly suggests "armed presence."Indicative Hardware
Sometimes you need to tuck your shirt in. But exposed clips, loops, or straps don’t just clash with style—they hint at something concealed underneath, especially when combined with other visual cues.
The Real Goal of Concealed Carry: Don't Get Noticed at All
The core flaw in “dressing around the gun” is the assumption that concealment is about hiding the shape and outline of a firearm—when in fact, it’s about avoiding contrast. True concealment means disappearing into your environment, not dressing in a way that makes you stand out.
The most effective way to carry concealed isn’t to change how you dress—it’s to match the baseline of your setting. If everyone’s in sweatshirts, so should you be. If the situation calls for a T-shirt and athletic shorts, wear them. And if your carry method can’t adapt to that baseline, it’s the method—not your clothes—that needs to change.
Final Thoughts
Anyone skilled in observation—from military and law enforcement professionals to street criminals—understands the power of contrast. They look for people and things that don't quite fit. Ironically, by trying to dress around a gun, many concealed carriers end up dressing around the problem—and walking straight into visibility.
True concealment is about normalcy. It’s not what you wear. It’s how well you blend in.
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