While this may not be the usual firearms or gear-specific post it is relevant to those of us who carry a gun for self-defense purposes. Whether your EDC is large or small caliber, semi-auto or revolver, five-shot or fifteen, the question remains. Do you select your chosen firearm to suit your wardrobe or do you adjust your wardrobe to fit your firearm? This is a question that arises on a fairly regular basis. It’s one I’m asked by both men and women but, yes, more often by women (or men trying to get their wives interested in concealed carry). And it’s one I always answer the same way.

Carrying at home means I can open carry without any problem.

This is where we diverge from a simple question to an opinion, which is why I am asking openly for you guys to give your opinions in the comments below. Concealed carry is a major responsibility, one that brings with it many choices. Those choices include selecting a caliber, type and model ogun, method of carry (and means to do so) – the list goes on. Don’t even get me started on the importance of selecting the right ammunition, and I don’t mean just that it should be defense ammo over training rounds. Clothing is an issue for men and women alike but I will readily admit it is a bigger deal for some women. Men seem more willing to make changes to accommodate their firearm of choice whereas women have a tendency to shy away from major changes. In my opinion, that’s why the concealed carry purse market is doing so well. Change an entire wardrobe or buy a new purse? Far too many women go for the purse.

Some shirts are fine as long as an open jacket is used as camouflage. I’ve found the thick leather belt I wear with a gun is the only noticeable thing with this particular shirt. (And yes, I am terrible at selfies.)

Tactically speaking, on-body carry is far superior to any method of off-body carry whether purse or fanny pack. But I digress. When I began CC more years ago than I care to admit I also altered how I dress. It took only a few spins in front of a mirror to realize I couldn’t properly conceal my pistol wearing a baby tee and low-riders. Concealing my pistol was more important to me than a cute top, so it was out with the old, in with the new – the new and baggy.

There are some who believe in making the pistol fit their clothes, and that’s where part of the spike in pocket pistol sales has come from. Small-caliber pocket pistols are lighter-weight and smaller overall which allows for far more carry options including ankle holsters, belly bands, corset holsters, even thigh holsters. Of course, there are things small calibers don’t offer, too.

What do you think? Should an EDC be chosen based on caliber and fit to the particular shooter’s hand or should it be chosen based on how well it works with the particular shooter’s favorite shirt?