Recently, I had the honor of being a guest on Tactical Pay Radio to share my story and discuss what goes into clothing that is both fashionable and functional for concealed carry.
Designing clothing that looks great, and also allows everyday people to hide their firearms in plain sight isn’t easy, but the results speak for themselves.
Printing 101? What does it mean “to
print”? If you’re new to concealed carry or shooting, this may be a new
term to you.
It’s not about graphics or
marketing; rather, it’s about a lack of print. When you concealed carry
you do not want to print.
The whole idea behind concealing a
firearm has many facets. You may NOT want
to be singled out or become a target.
The topic alone or word “firearm”
can bring a hurricane of opinions. That’s why the concept of printing – making
sure the firearm silhouette isn’t visible to others – is so important. This one
concern alone can cause so much fear it can paralyze you in your concealed
carry journey.
I get that it’s scary – terrifying,
in fact, to consider walking around with a loaded firearm on your body and more
so if you have small children who want mommy to pick them up and hold them.
We understand a firearm can be a
deadly weapon and why firearm safety is so strongly enforced. There are two
main ideas to focus on with concealed carrying. One, finger discipline (keeping
your finger off the trigger). Second, muzzle control/direction (never point the
gun at anything you’re not willing to destroy).
This reason alone, is why you don’t
want to constantly fiddle with your set up – your rig, holster, gun, belt, or
tug at your shirt or clothing. But, let’s face it, we’ve all done it. This act
of tugging on your top, adjusting your holster or gun position can bring
attention that you don’t want.
Knowing how to dress around this
life saving tool is a journey of its own. Concealed carry does change your
wardrobe, so, yes, it’s possible you have a closet with nothing to wear.
But don’t despair! Incognito Wear
IX has your back! Our
clothing will remove the stress of trying to find something to wear so
you can be armed and incognito.
After the decision to carry on your
body, you’ll need to determine what position is most comfortable for you.
Everyone is different. I’m barely over 5 feet tall with an average build.
I like to appendix carry. This is the easiest way for me to conceal my
firearm. And, as a woman, my weight fluctuates so sometimes I prefer my right/strong
side and sometimes my left/weak side.
Carrying on my side, at a three o’clock
position (or strong side) makes me look wider and shows the gun frame more.
This isn’t comfortable for me or my hips .
I don’t endorse the small of the
back carry for several reasons. One, it’s a bit of a reach and a little harder
to get to quickly. Second, I saw the following first-hand during a training
class. Mr. Sketchy Bad-Guy gives you a push you weren’t expecting, you lose
your balance and fall. There you are, the gun stuck between your back and the
ground. Landing on a firearm and your spine only needs to happen one time, and
you’ll always remember the experience.
I haven’t tried the flash bang
holster which allows a woman to carry beneath her breast. The holster attaches
to your bra, which might work well if you happen to be “blessed”. I’ve heard
stories of discharges when drawing (which is more of a yank down out of the
holster).
This would be my least desired
position to carry. I know some women love this but it’s just not for me. And
that’s ok! We all have different tastes and different bodies.
Finding out what works for you and
your body is what’s important. We want to make this part of your morning
routine, part of getting dressed, with your firearm added as your last
accessory.
Now you look great and are ready to
face the day and defend your life!
Great job!
If you don’t think you’re quite
there, begin carrying your unloaded firearm around your home. Ask someone you
trust if they can tell whether you’re carrying your pistol. The more you do
this, the more you will build your confidence and become accustomed to how your
holster feels.
The last point I’d like to leave you with is to just try it and begin the process.
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NRA Annual meetings are happening, censorship of guns and conservative conversations on social platforms & on college campuses, “Red Flag” laws being passed and in some states, confiscation of firearms is actually happening in the Land of the FREE….
There’s so much of ignoring the FACTS and instead they just “repeat it till they believe it” going on in the news and with our millennial’s, I thought I’d share this conversation I came across… I wish to give them credit but don’t remember from where I found it but it’s a great perspective worthy of sharing.
To those who argue gun control here’s in interesting dialog to have –
A Vets unique perspective – Learn from my mistake – How talk about guns
“A couple years ago I was working security at a bar in northern Virginia. I overheard a table of college kids arguing about gun rights and gun control and it was getting far too emotional so I did what any sane combat veteran would do and attempted to exfiltrate. I must not have withdrawn as surreptitiously as I intended, because I was stopped in my tracks when a 5-foot-nothing brunette seemingly leapt in front of me and blurted out “excuse me, can you help us?”
I’m sure I must have looked irritated as I cycled through the possible quips and excuses, I considered available to me but being uncertain that she wasn’t some Senator’s daughter, I caved: “What’s up?”
She basically leads me to this table of 2 other females (probably both named Karen) and a very soft looking male.
Becky: “So, we were just talking about current events and, you know. So, you look like you’re probably in the military, right? Like the Army?”
(When you accuse someone of being in the military you probably don’t need to give an example)
Me: “Similar.. yea”
Becky: “Right. Okay. So, do you think civilians should be allowed to own guns?”
Me: “Most of us. Yes.”
Becky: (clearly not happy with my answer) “Okay, so, why do you think you need a gun?”
(At this point it’s almost 2am and I’ve just given up on patience. Hold my beer)
(With intentionally overt condescension): “Oh, honey, I don’t. I don’t need a gun.”
Becky stares at me blankly, so I continue, but with a more serious tone:
“I could follow you home, walk up your driveway, and beat you to death with the daily newspaper.
I could choke you to death with that purse.
I could take a credit card, break it in half, and cut your throat open with it.
With enough time and effort I could beat your boyfriend here with a rolled up pair of socks.
I could probably dream up six dozen other ways I could easily end your life if you gave me an hour or so.
If I wanted to, I could wrap my hand around that beer mug and kill all four of you before you could make it to the exit. The worst part is, in your utopian little fantasyland, there ain’t a thing any of you could do about it.
I don’t need a gun.
You need a gun.
You need a gun because of men like me.”
Call me a jerk, but if you want to keep your guns, these are the conversations we all need to start having.”
Sure, carrying a firearm is invaluable when you need it. Preventive measures are perhaps more important. After all, we want to prevent ever being victimized.
The right to bear arms is a right, as Americans, we all get to choose if that’s how we want to protect ourselves and loved ones. You’re feelings don’t decide for me and my family. Its a dangerous place. Take the measures to be safe. Be aware that there are bad guys who want to cause harm to others.
We’ve designed casual clothing that minimizes printing of a concealed firearm, gives you discreet access to it and fits whatever firearm you want to carry!
Check out our dresses and tops for Mother’s Day! And take Mom to the range 🙂
What is this #IWIX thing? I don’t really get it? Why do I need special clothing to Concealed Carry?
For me, it was my first time carrying on body. But first, how did I arrive at this idea?
I took the basic courses and joined a lady’s group at my range to learn more about shooting and carrying concealed. There are options for women who want to carry a concealed handgun, only what I found were mostly for in-purse carry; or for first responders, and the typical tactical clothing or “shooting” clothes.
I already felt like there was a neon sign above my head flashing “she’s got a gun”! I didn’t want my clothes to say it either! The whole idea about concealed carry is that you’re hiding in plain sight, right? i.e. to be “INCOGNITO”. Wala!
Oh, I’d carry a gun in a purse, but that got heavy. And I would have to be very careful about where I set my purse down and worry about someone else going through it, finding it and discovering a gun. Fortunately, my children were young adults and I didn’t have to worry about that aspect. But many do, and should be concerned about what they do or where they leave their purse if they are carrying a gun in it. Or for that matter, if it gets stolen!
So, I spent several hours looking through my closet, finding nothing to wear.
What do you wear to hide a gun or how do you dress around a firearm? This was so new to me and no one really talked about what kind of clothes you needed to shop for in order to keep this ‘thing’ hidden but readily accessible.
So, off I went to the mall. But this time, I really didn’t need the excuse that I don’t have “anything to wear”. Not that my husband would have minded. Women love to shop, it’s really a social thing for us. My goal was to find clothing that was fashionable, but would also discreetly concealed a handgun. There just wasn’t anything suitable. I shopped online – Again, not much there in the way of clothing.
In my women’s shooting group class, I heard several women talking about having to work late or travel and some scary scenarios they might encounter – and what to do; how to respond – just in case. Of course, first and foremost is learning how to be situational aware of your surrounding environment.
I wonder, just how do you carry a gun in a dress?
I mean, you’re a working professional, executive, business women with a need to be fashionable and well dressed…And to be able to protect/defend yourself if something horrible arose.
I contemplated about what kind of clothes that would fit this need. The need to have work clothes for one, and two, clothing perfect for concealment of a firearm that (I) would feel that my gun wouldn’t print (through). You know, to make choosing something to wear easy; to pick out clothing to go with my gun. The goal in all of this would be to provide some type of clothing to remove any hassle of dressing for concealment, to empower you for every day carry. Surely, picking out something to wear shouldn’t take 30 or more minutes.
So, I think of it in terms of finding that perfect necklace, pair of earrings, or shoes that make the outfit – complete. That thing that makes you feel as good as you look! We are all want to feel beautiful, and be stylish with or without our gun.
This adds a whole new dimension to making a fashion statement.
Concealed carry is more than just being able to defend your life or that of another human being. We recognize the danger and power of carrying a loaded firearm, and what could happen if we are forced to defend our self, draw it, or even fire it. The rights given to us by the 2nd Amendment aren’t taken lightly, but with the utmost of respect.
For those who don’t get this whole gun tote’n thing, it’s not the law-abiding folks that you ought to be concerned about, but the one who don’t respect the law and authority.
Just because some people don’t swim, they don’t know how to, or were never taught, doesn’t mean that swimmers shouldn’t have specialized clothing. Bathing suits or swimsuits are specialized garments. Just because you may not want to swim doesn’t mean a swimsuit shouldn’t be made available for those who do.
There are an awful lot of people who love to swim and need swimsuits!
The same is true for those who believe in the 2nd Amendment, and want to concealed carry. They need specialized clothing too.
So, this is how Incognito Wear IXcame about. I set out to make some specializedclothes – casual tops, Maxi dress (that’s perfect for spring) and a professional work-wear dress giving 3 optional carry positions, a patterned tunic top, and soon to be developing pants and jeans. Even though men’s regularly available clothing is easier to conceal in, they too need specialized clothing. We are providing new clothing options for the concealed carrier that hasn’t been available- and especially for a growing group of women who are getting their concealed carry permits and carry on a regular basis.
We’d love to hear from you and how you carry or what obstacles you have overcome in order to protect yourself and loved ones in exercising your 2nd Amendment rights. Connect with us on social media:facebook, instagram, twitter, pintrest
