Best Concealed Carry Positions for Different Body Types

Not everyone has an average body shape. Some people are skinny and some are bigger than average. No matter what body type you have, you can still conceal carry and be comfortable. There are a variety of different positions you can carry in such as appendix, 4-5 o’clock, pocket carry, and on the hip. One position may work better for you than others based on your body type.

No matter what body type you have it’s important to make sure you have a quality holster and gun belt. A good holster can help make your gun more easily concealed no matter what body type you have. A gun belt helps keep your pants from sagging with the weight of your gun on your waist, the average belt isn’t made to withstand the additional weight. Equal weight distribution can help make carrying more comfortable. You can check out all our holsters and gun belts here.

Ultimately, what position you carry in is up to you and what you find works best for you. But we are going to cover some positions that typically work well for the different body types.

Concealed Carry Positions for Skinny Guys

Everyone is going to find that carrying their concealed carry weapon will be easier in some positions over others, and your body shape can play a role in this. For skinny guys, you may find that it is easier to carry in appendix than in other positions. While you can probably carry in other positions, like 4-5 o’clock, they may not be as easy to conceal.

Gun size can play a big part in concealability for anyone but especially skinny guys. If you choose to carry a larger gun it is still possible to conceal it, but you might need to throw on a jacket to help hide the printing. A smaller gun on the other hand can be a lot easier to conceal with your everyday attire.

Pocket carry is one position most skinny guys will have difficulty with. Especially if you wear skinny or tighter pants. Smaller pockets mean less space to conceal a gun and an increased likelihood of printing. So, if you are a skinny guy and want to find a carry position that will work best for your body type, start with appendix. If that doesn’t work for you try other positions until you discover what is best for you.

Concealed Carry Positions for the Average Build

If you are someone who considers yourself to be an average build you will probably find you can conceal a gun almost anywhere with the help of the right clothing. Someone with an average build can comfortably carry in a 4-5 o’clock position, in your pocket, or appendix.

There are a few things you can do to make concealed carrying easier and more comfortable no matter what position you carry in. First, make sure you have the right size pants. If your pants are too tight you will not have room for your holster and gun. You may want to size up in your pants to accommodate for your gun being inside your waistband. Next, choose darker colored and looser fitting clothes. No, we don’t mean you have to wear baggy clothes but tight fitting shirts are going to print more. You can learn more about the best clothing for concealed carry here.

If you are an average build person and aren’t sure where to start in selecting your optimal carry position first make sure you have a good holster and gun belt. Then, pick a position to try first and carry in that place for a few weeks. If it isn’t working for you after that period of time try a different position. There is no magic answer to what position will work best, it is going to be up to what you find comfortable and what meets your needs.

Concealed Carry Positions for Big Guys

Are you a bit bigger than the average person? Perhaps you tend to shop in the big and tall section? You may find it harder to comfortably conceal carry and find clothes that help reduce printing. There are a few things you can do to make concealed carry easier and more comfortable.

First make sure you have a quality holster and gun belt. A quality holster will keep your gun secure, the trigger protected, and will be comfortable to carry for long periods of time. A gun belt will help support the weight of your gun and keep your pants from sagging. Next pay attention to what size gun you are using. Some guns may be easier to conceal than others and you may find some are more comfortable to hold than others depending on your hand size.

Choosing the right clothes can be helpful as well. Choose clothes that fit you well but are not too tight. Darker colors and looser fitting shirts will help conceal your gun easier. Last is the position you carry in. You may find that not all carry positions are ideal for you, many guys who are a bit on the heavier side have found that appendix carry and in the 2-3 o’clock position are most comfortable. Pocket carry is also a position some people find works well for them.

What position you carry in can depend on what gun you carry in addition to what you find most comfortable. Try out the various positions for extended periods of time to see what works best for you.

Summary

Some concealed carry positions are better for one body type over others. If you are a skinny guy, appendix carry may be the easiest and most comfortable for you. If you consider yourself to be average build you can carry in whatever position is most comfortable for you. There isn’t one position that is better than others for average built people. Lastly if you are a big guy try carrying appendix or in a 2-3 o’clock position these will probably work better for you over others.

Using a quality concealed carry holster and gun belt can make carrying easier and more comfortable. All of our holsters are made to order and designed to fit you and your gun. You can check out all of our holsters and gun belts here.

Ultimately, it 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 holsters that are custom made 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.

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