YOU CAN STILL BE STYLISH WHEN CHOOSING EDC CLOTHING FOR CONCEALMENT AND FREEDOM OF MOVEMENT

STORY BY WENDY WILSON | PHOTOS COURTESY OF MANUFACTURERS

When you get dressed every morning, do you consider how the clothes you choose could affect your mobility, especially when your safety might depend on your ability to move freely?

And if you carry a weapon as part of your EDC, is that weapon secure and sufficiently concealed, yet quickly accessible? Your life-or someone else’s-could be on the line.

Being dressed for everyday carry means you’re ready to be agile, to move quickly and easily, as well as kneel, crouch and squat. When you’re wearing fashionable skinny jeans or a pair of heels, that might not be so easy.

You can find all sorts of apparel designed especially for everyday carry. When you’re deciding which items to add to your closet, consider these features:

SHIRTS & SWEATERS

During the fall and winter months, cold-weather apparel makes it easier to carry and conceal a weapon. When choosing tops, stick with heavier, patterned fabrics that obscure the shape of your gun and buy a size or so larger to ensure there’s enough material to drape loosely around your weapon. Look for features, too, like snaps and hidden pockets, that give you easier access to your holstered firearm.

JACKETS & COATS

When choosing a winter coat, select a loose-fitting garment over a slim fit. Not only will it prevent printing, but it will also allow you easier access to your firearm if you’re carrying it in your waistband-all it’ll take is a pull up on the jacket with your support hand and you’ll be able to grab the firearm with your shooting hand. Also look for coats that have plenty of internal and external pockets for a flashlight, knife, keys, phone and all your other gear.

PANTS & SKIRTS

You can find plenty of tactical pants on the market, but they’re not always appropriate attire in every situation. Thank goodness clothing designers have created pants and skirts that enable you to carry safely, move freely, be comfortable and blend in with the crowd. Shop for pants and skirts with looser or stretchy waistbands, hidden access points and discreet pockets for must-haves.

FOOTWEAR

Though we’d all love to wear flip-flops all year long, the truth is that in the colder months, we need to keep our toes covered. And when you’re carrying a firearm, it’s even more important to be ready to be on the move, if needed. Thick-soled boots are always a good choice as are a sturdy pair of sneakers, along with moisture-wicking socks that keep your feet warm and dry.