You’ll want a jacket that looks like a regular coat and works over your other clothing without looking out of place. It should also fit loose enough to allow you to move freely and not bind or restrict your body. A shoulder holster is a popular option for law enforcement. This holster will enable you to access your pistol easily with one hand.
Visibility
Choosing the proper high-visibility concealment jackets is critical whether your workers work in hazardous environments or need to be seen in winter weather. Hi-vis apparel is crafted to stand out, often featuring fluorescent colors and reflective materials that help your workers stay visible in low-light conditions. Look for a jacket that meets ANSI standards for visibility and features ambidextrous pocket holsters that can hold a handgun, backup magazines, and other essential gear. It should also be designed to keep your workers warm, comfortable, and safe in cold conditions. The fabric should be soft and breathable to resist moisture, plus the jacket should fit well without being too tight or loose, which can hinder movement or cause printing (showing the weapon’s outline through the fabric). Also, consider that some jackets may require multiple buttons to clear for drawing a firearm; this is not ideal. If so, opt for a blazer or sports coat with vents to quickly remove your jacket and draw your gun.
Comfort
A concealment jacket should be comfortable for daily wear and when drawing a gun in a crisis. It should also be able to accommodate a handgun with its holster, have ambidextrous pocket holsters that are deep enough for backup magazines, keys, pens, wallet, and other essential gear, and feature adjustable cuffs that won’t interfere with your draw. Depending on your climate, it should be thick enough to keep you warm and resist moisture. One way to address printing is by layering. Wearing a lightweight fleece coat over a zip-up sweatshirt will hide your weapon, spare mags, and other necessities without looking like you’re wearing tactical apparel. It’s an excellent option for cold weather, but you can also use it in warmer areas. Specific carry clothing can be expensive, but many existing jackets can do the trick much cheaper. It’s true for insulated jackets that are designed to withstand winter weather.
Concealment
A concealment jacket should offer sufficient space for a handgun, spare magazines, and accessories and fit comfortably. It should also be thick enough to keep you warm and resist moisture from rain or snow. Look for ambidextrous pocket holsters and large pockets that accommodate your accessories and gear. You should also make sure the hem of the jacket rises less when you move your arms and that the jacket fits loosely enough to access your sidearm quickly without looking clunky or sagging. Premium fabrics like herringbone, birdseye, and rough tweed help break up lines that could highlight bulges. If you wear a duty belt, pick a jacket with a square edge front that won’t flap open and reveal your concealed carry. You can also prevent your suit jacket from sagging and flipping out of the way when you draw your weapon by attaching tiny fishing weights to the bottom front corners.
Accessibility
The outerwear you choose for your concealed carry needs should comfortably support your sidearm and offer rapid access in a hurry. It can be challenging with off-the-rack winter jackets with features like front pockets or closures that get in the way of quick firearm draws. Some purpose-made concealed carry jackets are shaped like cardigans or blazers that work efficiently over your other clothing and have holster pockets big enough for most full-size handguns and backup magazines. Look for jackets with hook and loop closure techniques that make securing your gun inside the pocket easier. Also, look for pockets that are set higher so you can reach them while wearing a pack hip belt without requiring bulky flaps or zippers that can get in the way. Lastly, consider a jacket with a square front for more resistance against flapping up and revealing your firearm.