When you’re concealed carrying your pistol, it’s important to be discreet. In many states, the law actually stipulates that if you’re printing — showing a gun outline on the outside of your clothes — you’re carrying openly, which can get you in hot water with the law. Besides which, carrying discreetly is just common sense.
One popular way of carrying a pistol is by using a gun vest. These vests keep your gun close to your body, reducing printing. And many even include built-in gun holsters. That’s why we decided to find the best-concealed carry vest available.
In making our selections, we looked at the quality of material used in a vest’s construction, the durability of the zippers, how much extra pocket space you’ll have, appearance, and overall value. We also tried to give a good account of any sizing issues.
Ready to find your perfect concealed weapon vest? Let’s dig in!
12 Best Concealed Carry Vests
1. Xelement
Features
- ✅ Made of 100 % Cotton Denim Material
- ✅ Conceal Your Piece with Dual Inside Left and Right Gun/Ammo Pockets (Can Be Used as Regular Large Storage Pockets If You Don’t Carry)
- ✅ Front Snap-Button Closure
- ✅ Pockets: 2 Front Hand Pockets and 2 Chest Flap Pockets
- ✅ Vented Inside Mesh Liner
The Xelement has a classic denim “biker” look.
Key Features
- Denim shell with mesh liner
- Left and right-handed concealed carry pockets
- 4 additional pockets for phone, keys, etc.
- Available in 13 sizes
The ClubVest is a rugged denim vest that’s made to last, with a chunky YKK zipper and double-stitched seams that won’t pop the first time you snag your vest on a tree branch or shop bench. It’s well designed for bikers, with plenty of room for patches or embroidery.
The mesh liner adds enough bulk to keep you warm in fall or spring, while still remaining breathable enough for summer use.
This vest is designed to be inconspicuous, so it doesn’t have any obvious “tactical” features like MOLLE webbing. The concealed carry pockets are designed for left and right-hand use and held shut with an easy-to-open metal snap.
Southpaws beware: the left-handed pocket is better suited for extra magazines than for a gun since it’s oriented vertically, which makes it awkward to draw your pistol.
Pros
- Rugged denim construction
- Strong, double-stitched seams
- Plenty of real estate for patches
- Ambidextrous design
Cons
- No restraining straps
- The left-hand pocket is awkwardly positioned
Why It’s Recommended
This Xelement is warm enough to be comfortable through the fall and the spring and is discreet enough to blend in with the crowd in many settings.
2. Wrangler
Features
- Dual conceal carry pockets with holster
- Fleece lined
- Water resistant
- Zip pockets at chest and lower front
- Adjustable cuffs
The Wrangler has a water-repellent shell that’s perfect for working outdoors.
Key Features
- Polyester shell with cotton/polyester blend liner
- Right-handed concealed carry pocket
- 2 large outer pockets
- Includes hook & loop holster
- Available in 5 sizes and 5 colors
The Wrangler Riggs is designed for use in the outdoors, whether you’re working or playing. It’s built primarily for comfort and warmth, with a water-repellant shell that will keep you dry if you’re hunting or working in the rain. Unlike a lot of concealed carry vests for men, it’s discreet and looks like a normal piece of cold-weather gear.
This vest has a right-handed concealed carry pocket that snaps open quickly and easily. The pocket includes a hook & loop holster, so you’ll be all ready to go without the need for any added accessories. The entire jacket is well crafted, with double stitching on all the major seams.
And not only is it well made, but it’s also machine washable, so you’ll never have to take it to the dry cleaner after a long day in the field.
Pros
- Water-repellant shell
- Strong, double-stitched seams
- Warm enough for cold weather
- Machine washable
Cons
- No left-handed pocket
Why It’s Recommended
This Wrangler is very warm, perfect for winter wear.
3. Rothco Plainclothes
Rothco Plainclothes
Features
- Cotton/Polyester Construction Provides A Comfortable And Lightweight Design For Everyday Carry
- The Multi-Functional Utility Cargo Vest Features Over 20 Different Pockets Including 2 Concealed Carry Pockets, 4 Magazine Pouches, 2 Front Slash Pockets, Multiple Zippered And Cargo Pockets, Internal Zippered Back Pocket And External Back Pocket
- Two-Way Zipper With Center Button Closure Tab Allows Easy Access To Your Firearm And/or Other Internal Gear
- Mesh Lining And Three Back Slits Keep You Cool Under The Most Heated Situations
- Adjustable Waist Tabs And Small Side Hem Slits Allow For The Perfect Non-Restrictive Fit
The Rothco Plainclothes features a truly ambidextrous design, making it an ideal choice for left-handed shooters.
Key Features
- Polyester shell with cotton/polyester blend liner
- Left and right-handed concealed carry pockets
- 23 total pockets
- 4 magazine pockets
- Available in 7 sizes and 3 colors
The Rothco Plainclothes is a lightweight cotton/poly vest with zippered vents on the back. This makes it exceptionally breathable, so you should strongly consider this option if you plan on using your concealed carry vest primarily in the summer.
In addition to the ambidextrous concealed carry pockets, you’ll also find 4 magazine pockets on the inside of the vest, as well as an additional 19 storage pockets, inside and outside.
With this many pockets, the Rothco is more of a tactical harness than it is a vest, and it’s not very discreet. Consider this choice for hunting trips or law enforcement work only.
You’ll need a pocket holster to carry your pistol safely in this vest. The pockets are lined with hook & loop fabric to accommodate one, and the velcro strap isn’t designed to retain a pistol without the aid of a holster.
Pros
- Lightweight, breathable construction
- Plenty of storage
- Machine washable
- Ambidextrous design
Cons
- Holster sold separately
- Not very discreet
Why It’s Recommended
The Rothco offers an impressive amount of carrying capacity, perfect for a weekend hunting trip.
4. M-Boss Apparel
Features
- 14.5oz 100% Cotton Denim Material
- Snap Front Closure w/ Open Collar
- Two Chest Pockets & Two Lower Hand Pockets
- Single Panel Back Ideal for Club Patches
- Built in Concealed Weapon & Ammo Pocket
The M-Boss is exceptionally rugged, which is an important safety consideration for bikers.
Key Features
- Denim shell and liner
- Right-handed concealed carry pocket
- 4 outer and 1 inner pocket
- Available in 12 sizes and 2 colors
The M-Boss Apparel Snap Front Denim Club-Style Vest is the second biker vest on our list, but this one is significantly more durable, with heavy-gauge denim constructions, and reinforced double-stitched seams that will stand up to even the worst abuse.
This heavy design makes it a poor choice for summer use, although bikers in some climates may still appreciate some warmth on the highway.
The front of this vest snaps opens easily, providing access to a large concealed carry pocket, which opens quickly with another reliable metal snap. There’s no holster built into the pocket, though. You’ll also need to look elsewhere if you’re left-handed since the M-Boss is designed for right-handed users only.
Pros
- Heavy-gauge denim construction
- Reinforced double-stitching
- Plenty of space for patches
Cons
- Holster sold separately
- For right-handed use only
Why It’s Recommended
The M-Boss is exceptionally warm, which is perfect for bikers even on a relatively warm day.
5. Blue Stone Safety
Features
- SIZING: Black Olive Tan CCW vest available medium to 6XL View sizing chart in photos before ordering
- CONCEALMENT POCKETS: 2 water resistant inner gun pockets carry any size handgun without printing
- INCOGNITO DESIGN: Traveler look, concealed benefits. 6 mag pouches, bullet loops and storage space
- BUILT TO LAST: Concealed carry heavy duty vest has reliable YKK zippers, preventing rips and tears
- 1 YEAR WARRANTY: We back our products with a 1 year manufacturer warranty for craftsmanship.
The Blue Stone Safety has sleeves for 6 extra magazines. Wow!
Key Features
- Polyester shell with cotton/polyester blend liner
- Left and right-handed concealed carry pockets
- 10 external and 2 internal pockets
- 6 elastic magazine sleeves
- Available in 8 sizes and 3 colors
The Blue Stone is a true tactical vest, with storage for 6 extra magazines, and a dozen other pockets for carrying any gear imaginable. It features all-metal hardware, with large D-rings on the chest and sturdy YKK zippers.
The ambidextrous concealed carry pockets are velvet-lined to protect your pistol and open quickly with a tug of the metal snap.
On the one hand, this is an exceptionally well-designed vest, with tons of carrying capacity. It will even keep you dry, at least for as long as it takes to get to shelter.
On the other hand, this vest just screams “tactical”, right down to the big American flag patch on the breast pocket. If you’re hunting or working in law enforcement, it’s a great choice. If you’re truly trying to be discreet, not so much.
Pros
- Water-repellant shell
- Lots of carrying capacity
- All-metal hardware
- Ambidextrous design
Cons
- Not very discreet
Why It’s Recommended
The Blue Stone will keep you, your guns, and your gear reasonably dry for a reasonable period of time.
6. Wyoming Traders Texas
Wyoming Traders Texas
$62.99 in stock
Features
- Made from our 12 ounce top quality cotton canvas with reinforced stitching throughout the vest
- This vest has a front western yoke shoulder design giving it a striking look and it is great for warm weather
- Has two inside adjustable holsters, four magazine clip holders and two wallet pockets with zipper closures
- Has two inside adjustable holsters, four magazine clip holders and two wallet pockets with zipper closures
- Polyester Satin lining
The Wyoming Traders has a canvas design with a timeless style, perfect for wearing under a jacket.
Key Features
- Canvas shell and liner
- Left and right-handed concealed carry holsters
- 4 external pockets
- 4 elastic magazine sleeves
- Available in 5 sizes
The Wyoming Traders is a classic canvas vest that can be worn on its own or dressed up with a jacket. We recommend a jacket for better concealment since the canvas shell prints easily.
This vest looks like an ordinary vest you’d wear around the office, so you’ll never need to worry that someone has noticed your tactical gear.
Both sides of this vest feature a concealed carry holster that’s well-sized for compact and full-frame pistols. Each holster is stitched from nylon, with an open bottom to accommodate longer barrels, and two elastic retaining straps secure your pistol’s grip.
On each side of the vest, you’ll also find a pair of elastic magazine sleeves, so you’ll be able to carry plenty of ammo with you.
Pros
- Water-resistant
- Discreet and stylish
- Secure holsters
- Plenty of ammo capacity
- Ambidextrous design
Cons
- Limited concealment
Why It’s Recommended
The Wyoming Traders is the complete package: discretion, security, and a southpaw-friendly design.
7. Gihuo
Gihuo
Features
- Casual outdoors, travel, sports, fishing, hiking cotton vest, plus size
- Zipper closure, V neck, totally 16 pockets:12 outside pockets + 4 inside pockets
- Mid-length, the total length between 64-68cm
- Attention: standard US size, you can buy according to your usual size or refer to size chart of our product homepage if you have no idea
The Gihuo has a tough design that will last you for years.
Key Features
- Denim shell and liner
- 12 outer and 4 inner pockets
- Available in 7 sizes and 10 colors
The Gihuo isn’t technically a concealed carry vest, but it can easily become one if you buy a pocket holster. Considering how many concealed carry vests already require a holster, we’d say the Gihuo makes our cut.
In addition to being constructed from heavy gauge denim, it also sports an impressive amount of storage capacity. Assuming you’re using one of the internal pockets for your gun, you’ll have access to 3 interior pockets and 12 additional exterior pockets to store extra magazines and any other supplies you may need.
This vest is too warm to wear in the summer, but it’s a good choice for fall, winter, or spring use. It’s available in 10 different colors, and has integrated tactical D-rings that don’t stand out or look “military”.
Pros
- Durable construction
- Lots of carrying capacity
- All-metal hardware
- Ambidextrous design
Cons
- Requires an aftermarket holster
Why It’s Recommended
The Gihuo is an ideal choice for discreetly carrying a compact or subcompact pistol.
8. SOA
Features
- PREMIUM NATURAL COWHIDE LEATHER: Top quality premium natural 1.2 - 1.3 mm cowhide leather motorcycle vest for men. Cow leather offers maximum durability and flexibility. Genuine natural cowhide leather is resistant to normal wear and tear and designed to last lifetime.
- TWO CONCEALED & CARRY INSIDE GUN POCKETS: Our stylish SOA vest has two inside concealed and carry pockets with tapered holster. Inside secure cell phone pocket. Two buttoned slash pockets.
- DUAL ACTION CLOSURE: This leather biker vest has dual action snap buttons on front and the front metal zipper closure. Buttons are of steel and rust free. Non allergic polyester liner.
- CLUB STYLE VEST: We designed this motorcycle vest to provide best experiences for motorcycle riders. With one single panel back you can easily customize it with motorcycle club patch. Enough room for multiple bike patches in the front. Very trendy and fashionable, perfect gift for dad, brother, husband, or boyfriend.
- MEASUREMENT FOR SIZE LARGE: Chest is 47 inches & length is 27 inches.
The SOA offers a classic leather look at a price that won’t break the bank.
Key Features
- Leather shell and polyester liner
- Right-handed concealed carry pocket
- 4 outer pockets
- 1 nylon magazine pouch
- Available in 6 sizes
The SOA is a sharp, stylish recreation of the vests on Sons of Anarchy. It has a slick leather shell, with plenty of bare space on the back for patches or other customizations.
The main zipper and all pocket zippers are made of sturdy steel, not plastic, so they should last for years. Be careful of the shell, though. It’s made of bonded leather, which isn’t as tough as other grades of leather.
The concealed carry pocket is designed for right-handed users and will hold compact and subcompact pistols securely with a nylon restraining strap. On the opposite side of your chest, you’ll find a nylon magazine pocket, complete with a velcro cover to keep your mag from popping out by mistake.
Pros
- Classic leather look
- Extra magazine capacity
- Plenty of space for patches
- All-metal hardware
- Good value
Cons
- Bonded leather construction
- For right-handed use only
Why It’s Recommended
The SOA is a replica of the ones worn on Sons of Anarchy.
9. Ultimate Leather Apparel
Ultimate Leather Apparel
Features
- DO NOT GO BY SIZES IN YOUR CLOSET
- MEASURE YOUR CHEST BEFORE ORDERING, STOMACH IS 2 INCHES SMALLER THAN THE CHEST
- IF YOUR STOMACH IS BIGGER THAN YOUR CHEST USE THAT SIZE AND ADD 2 INCHES
The Ultimate Apparel has leather laces on the sides, so you can adjust it for a perfect fit.
Key Features
- Leather shell with a polyester liner
- Right-handed concealed carry pocket
- 2 outer pockets
- Available in 15 sizes
The Ultimate Leather Apparel is designed — not surprisingly — for motorcycle wear. It features a tough, split leather shell, and it’s warm enough to wear on the highway on a cool day.
That said, it’s also warm enough to make you sweat in the summertime, so keep that in mind. The snaps and grommets are all steel and can stand up to years of use.
This vest laces up on both sides, and is available in 15 sizes, so you’ll get a close fit no matter what the shape or size of your torso. And because it’s well-padded, you’ll get excellent concealment. The right-handed holster is also very secure, with an elastic strap for your barrel and a quick-release snap on the pocket.
Pros
- Durable split leather shell
- Customized fit
- Minimal printing
- All-metal hardware
- Great value
Cons
- For right-handed use only
Why It’s Recommended
The Ultimate Leather Apparel gets you a split leather shell at a lower price than any comparable quality cowhide.
10. Wyoming Traders Cody
Wyoming Traders Cody
Features
| Binding | Apparel |
| Brand | Wyoming Traders |
| Clothing Size | Medium |
| Color | Tan |
| Department | mens |
| EAN | 0654367209851 |
| EAN List | EAN List Element: 0654367209851 |
| Item Dimensions | Height: 400; Length: 1300; Weight: 90; Width: 1100 |
| Label | WYOMING TRADERS |
| Manufacturer | WYOMING TRADERS |
| Model | CCTM-TAN |
| MPN | 500880 |
| Package Dimensions | Height: 350; Length: 1420; Weight: 190; Width: 1200 |
| Package Quantity | 1 |
| Part Number | 500880 |
| Product Group | Apparel |
| Product Type Name | OUTERWEAR |
| Publisher | WYOMING TRADERS |
| Size | Medium |
| Studio | WYOMING TRADERS |
| Title | Wyoming Traders Mens Cody Concealed Carry Vest M Tan |
| UPC | 654367209851 |
| UPC List | UPC List Element: 654367209851 |
The Wyoming Traders Cody is warm and comfortable enough for everyday wear in the fall and winter.
Key Features
- Canvas shell with cotton/polyester liner
- Left and right-handed concealed carry holsters
- 4 outer pockets
- 4 nylon magazine pouches
- Available in 2 sizes and 2 colors
The Wyoming Traders Cody is a canvas vest with a warm polyester liner and a soft cotton collar. The triple stitching on the seams is impressive considering the reasonable price, although the plastic zipper and buttons leave something to be desired.
This vest has an ambidextrous design, with concealed carry holsters sewn into both sides of the interior. Both holsters are made of nylon, with leather reinforcements sewn in around the trigger guard.
A pair of elastic straps secure your grip in place, so it won’t print or flap around. There are a pair of nylon magazine pouches stitched into each side, just beneath the holster, so you’ll never be short on ammo.
Pros
- Water-resistant
- Tough, triple-stitched seams
- Discreet
- Ambidextrous design
Cons
- Flimsy hardware
Why It’s Recommended
This Wyoming Traders Cody looks like something you’d wear while walking your dog, which makes it a great choice for concealment.
11. Leather Supreme
Features
- Men's quality genuine retro brown top grain leather buffalo hide 10 pocket concealed carry vest.
- Unique retro brown color has varying shades of brown to black throughout, no two alike. Deep tanned into the leather to last, very hard to make or find.
- This vest has plain sides with NO side laces, two small open front pockets and two vertical zippered pockets on the outside
- The lined inside has two zippered pockets, two slash snap button side pockets big enough for concealed carry and finally two smaller pockets for a total of ten pockets. It has a removable gun holster that attaches to either the left or right inside pocket with velcro.
- For correct size, get one size LARGER than your chest size. So if your chest with a T shirt on is 45-46 inches around, get a size 48. If it measures 47 inches you may want to go up two sizes to a size 50 and so on. I have this same vest with side laces, check out my other listings
The Leather Supreme is a beautiful, top-grain leather vest that will last you for years.
Key Features
- Leather shell with a polyester liner
- Left and right-handed concealed carry pockets
- 4 outer pockets
- 2 nylon magazine pockets
- Includes an ambidextrous velcro holster
- Available in 12 sizes
The Leather Supreme is your best option if you’re looking for the absolute best leather that money can buy. The top grain leather shell is so shiny you could shave while you’re looking into it, and it’s tough enough to handle anything the great outdoors throws at you.
This vest includes concealed carry pockets on both sides, as well as an ambidextrous nylon holster that fastens inside them with velcro. It’s available in 12 different sizes and has lace-up sides with all-metal grommets, so you’re virtually guaranteed to find a close, comfortable fit.
Pros
- Beautiful top grain leather construction
- All-metal hardware
- Custom-fit
- Good concealment
Cons
- Expensive
Why It’s Recommended
Fit, form, function, and a gorgeous finish; what’s not to love about this Leather Supreme?
12. Smith & Wesson
Features
- 3.5 oz, 52% nylon, 48% polyester shell, peach on face, DWR finish, 3 oz synthetic insulation
- 2 internal concealment pockets (right and left side) with zipper and snap closure
- 3 lower pocket compartments on each side with snap closure for pen, small magazine, large magazine or flashlight or knife
- Handgun print lining (taken from actual Smith & Wesson 1930’s gun blue prints)
- Tailored fit, size up for looser fit
Smith & Wesson is a great choice for left-handed gun owners who want to carry in the winter.
Key Features
- Nylon/polyester shell and fleece liner
- Left and right-handed concealed carry pockets
- 4 outer pockets
- Pockets include 6 built-in magazine sleeves
- Available in 5 sizes and 3 colors
The Smith & Wesson is designed to be a three-season vest. It has a thick, nylon/polyester shell that’s extremely warm.
You definitely don’t want to wear it in the summer, but it’s warm enough to wear over a sweatshirt even when the weather is below freezing. The exterior has deep hand warming pockets, as well as three magazine slots in each of the vertical pockets.
The concealed carry pockets are big enough for a large Smith & Wesson or a Glock 19, but they zip shut. This is a strange choice since the vest is designed specifically for concealed carry. It’s also very expensive, although the quality justifies the price.
Pros
- Warm, comfortable construction
- Plenty of carrying capacity
- Discreet
- Machine washable
- Ambidextrous design
Cons
- Expensive
Why It’s Recommended
This is a warm, comfortable winter gun vest that also allows you to carry your pistol.
Bottom Line
Ultimately, any CCW vest should do two things: it should conceal your pistol, and it should carry it securely. It’s really that simple. We’ve already talked about the importance of concealment, but let’s take a look at the other half of concealed carry.
Proper carrying means that your gun won’t pop out by accident. While that’s a problem with some cheap elastic holsters, you won’t find that problem with any of these vests. Instead, your primary concern will be how difficult your gun is to draw.
Even a slim, lightweight concealed carry vest is designed to hold your pistol close to your chest, which can make for limited drawing space. If your vest has zippered pockets, you’ll also need to contend with that. Make sure to take your vest to the range, and practice drawing your gun from it until you’re comfortable.
Check out all the other clothing/outfit related articles put together by the expert team here at Guns & Safety Reviews;
- Ankle-Holsters
- Kydex-Holsters
- Glock-19 Holsters
- Belly-Band-Holsters
- Shoulder-Holsters
- 1911-Shoulder-Holsters
- https://thegunsafes.net/best-holsters-for-running/
- https://thegunsafes.net/best-concealed-carry-belt/
- Ankle-Holsters for Glock-26
- Range Bag
The Review
Best Concealed Carry Vest
Here's our review of the best concealed carry vest on the market today.
Review Breakdown
-
Xelement
-
Wrangler Riggs
-
Rothco Plainclothes
-
M-Boss Apparel
-
Blue Stone Safety
-
Wyoming Traders Texas
-
Gihuo
-
SOA
-
Ultimate Leather Apparel
-
Wyoming Traders Cody
-
Leather Supreme
-
Smith & Wesson
Best Concealed Carry Vest DEALS
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