How To Comfortably Conceal Carry While Sitting For Long Periods of Time
Concealed carrying is a lot of things, but comfortable is not always one of them.
You probably already have an everyday carry setup that works great when you’re on your feet, but maybe not so much when you sit for long periods throughout the day. You are strapping a hunk of steel to your body, after all.
But don’t worry. There are a few things you can do to make concealed carrying while sitting more comfortable. Adjusting your carry position, paying attention to what size gun you are carrying, choosing the right holster design, and being conscious of what you wear can all play a part in finding the most comfortable concealed carry setup for you.
Sitting for long periods of time is uncomfortable enough without a gun on your hip, and without a proper EDC system, it can be intolerable. With that being said, let’s dive deeper into things you can do to help make concealed carrying while sitting more comfortable.
Adjust The Position You Carry In
There are quite a few positions you can concealed carry in, and the holster you use may play a part in that. We talked to our customers and found the most comfortable concealed carry position is on the hip, in a 3 or 9 o’clock position, or just behind the hip in a 4-5 or 7-8 o’clock position.
When deciding which position to carry in while seated for an extended period of time, consider how easily accessible your gun is from that position. If you are at work, it might be easy to shift in your seat or stand up to access your weapon if you need it. On the other hand, if you are driving, it may be more difficult to access your gun from behind your hip if it’s sandwiched between you and your seat.
One of the most popular concealed carry positions is appendix carry. But if you try appendix carry sitting, your gun and holster may dig into your stomach. This can be very uncomfortable if you are seated for more than a few minutes.
So, if you are starting a new job where you will be seated for long periods or are taking a road trip with your family and will be concealed carrying, you might want to try a few positions out before committing to one. You may find one position more comfortable than another.
Pay Attention To Your Gun Size
No matter what anyone says, sometimes size does matter. This rings true when it comes to dogs, bank accounts, and the gun you carry while sitting for long periods of time.
Not only is it easier to conceal a smaller gun, but it might be more comfortable too. With a larger gun often comes a larger grip and longer barrel. Too large of a grip can push into your body, making carrying very uncomfortable if you are sitting for long periods of time.
Depending on where you decide to carry, a long barrel can push into your leg or side while you are sitting. With a smaller pistol, the grip and barrel are less likely to be uncomfortable. So, instead of carrying your full-size 1911 while you sit in your office all day, try a smaller gun like the Sig Sauer P365.
Invest In A Comfortable Concealed Carry Holster
When shopping for a pair of pants, you’re probably loyal to a certain brand. Most likely, that brand or style is the most comfortable for you. The manufacturer designed those pants to sit a certain way on your waist and to taper the legs just right.
Manufacturers of the best concealed carry holster for sitting do the same thing. Holsters are designed to be comfortable, but you might find some materials or styles are more comfortable for sitting than others. Here at Vedder Holsters, we have a team that tests out our holster designs firsthand to see if they are comfortable or if they put pressure somewhere they shouldn’t. This system ensures holsters have optimal comfort by the time they reach your hands.
Beyond the manufacturing of a holster, the type of holster you use can play a role in comfort too. Whether it’s OWB, IWB, Kydex, or leather, all are things to consider when choosing the most comfortable concealed carry holster for prolonged sitting.
Consider What You Are Wearing
We’ve already covered a lot of things that impact your comfort level while concealed carrying, but one factor that may be surprising is what you wear.
First and foremost, making sure you have a proper belt is essential in ensuring you are comfortable while carrying and sitting for long periods. Gun belts are made with tougher, higher-grade materials, making them stiffer and better able to maintain shape, fit, and function when carrying.
Wearing a belt that supports the weight of your gun can add comfort while sitting because it distributes the weight more easily and doesn’t create unwanted pressure.
Something else to consider when choosing what you wear while carrying and sitting is your pant size. If you are carrying inside the waistband, you may need to increase your pant size.
While some people found they can continue to wear the same size pants as before, others may need to go up a size or two to compensate for the extra width the gun and holster add. The best way to find what pants work best for you is to try them on with your carry system.
Overview
Sitting for long periods of time can be uncomfortable without adding a holster and gun on your waistband, and even more so when you have a gun strapped to your body. Luckily, there are a few things you can do to help make concealed carry while sitting for long periods more comfortable.
To find the most comfortable concealed carry setup for you, try different positions to find what works best for you. When we talked to our customers, we found they like to carry on the hip, in a 3 or 9 o’clock position, or just behind the hip in a 4-5 or 7-8 o’clock position. Second, consider what size gun you are carrying. Not only is it easier to conceal a smaller gun, but it might also be more comfortable too. Last, consider the design of your holster and what you are wearing when trying to comfortably concealed carry while sitting for long periods of time.
But ultimately, how you carry while sitting for long periods of time comes down to what you prefer and what meets your needs. We recommend visiting our Holsters by Gun Model page if you are looking for custom-made holsters for your weapon of choice. For all of our belt and holster options and for more information to help you choose the carry system that works best for you, visit our Vedder Holsters website.
Looking for items beyond holsters and belts? Check out our Resources Page for popular product links like lights, lasers, first aid, maintenance, and more.
Check out our video - "Make IWB Carry Comfortable."