Concealed carry has become a part of many people’s daily lives today. Increasingly dangerous scenarios necessitate the need for concealed carry. With the firearm carry needs of people in mind, a ton of different CC accessories sprouted over the market. One very useful accessory among them is the concealed carry vest.
Here we’ll be talking about what a concealed carry vest is, and its ideal uses. We will also discuss the qualities an ideal CC vest must have, in case you decide to purchase one.
Furthermore, we have also classified and reviewed the best concealed carry vests on the market, to assist you in your purchase.
At a Glance: Our Top Picks for Concealed Carry Vest
- OUR TOP PICK: Rothco Plainclothes Concealed Carry Vest
- RUNNER-UP: 5.11 Tactical TacLite Pro Vest
- BEST BUDGET OPTION: Men's SOA Anarchy Style Denim Vest
Comparison of the Best Concealed Carry Vests
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Ideal Uses For a Concealed Carry Vest
As the name suggests, a concealed carry vest assists you while you carry your firearm. It helps you conceal your weapon, and provides you with some extra space to also carry other accessories and other items.
Some concealed carry vests have built-in holsters which protect your gun, help maintain its position, and make it comfortable to carry.
Apart from concealed carry (CC), there are several other uses for concealed carry vests. Each of them has their advantages and disadvantages.
Gun vest with some pockets for ammo (Source)
Concealed carry vests can be used for everyday use, especially during winters. CC vests are designed from typical concealed carry jacket fabric, so are similar in appearance and function to any other jacket. However, such vests are not very commonly worn and might reveal your concealed carry cover.
Another very obvious and intuitive use of concealed carry vests is during outdoor adventures.
Activities like hunting, camping, and hiking require a person to carry a lot of stuff. Such vests come in handy in these situations. There’s a reason you see similar vests in many rural areas.
Concealed carry vests are also useful on road trips, especially when riding a motorcycle. Apart from keeping you warm, they help you carry other items all in one place.
These vests also eliminate the need to carry fanny packs or handbags which might interfere with comfort and style.
Best Qualities of Our Top Picks
As with any impeccable product or design, a concealed carry vest must also possess certain qualities to stand out from the crowd. We have handpicked and reviewed our top picks based on a mix of these qualities, which make them excellent concealed carry vests.
Comfort
Just like any other clothing item, the foremost quality of a concealed carry vest must be comfort. Since the vest is going to carry your weapon, along with some other stuff, it should not strain your neck.
Vests with shoulder backing and reinforced design are good for this. Plausibly, all the products reviewed below perform reliably in the area of comfort.
Casual comfort is a must
Holster Backing
A good concealed carry vest must have some sort of backing for the holster. A Velcro attachment, snap buttons, or an elastic lining will prevent the firearm from flopping around.
Carrying Capacity
A good vest must have ample carrying capacity to allow you to carry your most important stuff at all times.
Certain vests have a ton of pockets which can come in handy while on an outdoor activity like hunting. Whereas, others just help you carry extra mags, phone, credit cards, and gloves.
Looks
The purpose of a concealed carry vest is to conceal your weapon, but that’s not always possible. That’s because some designs have too many pockets and make it obvious to others that you are carrying concealed.
On the other hand, some vests have a normal design and don’t reveal to others that you are carrying a weapon, (like #5 and #8 reviewed below).
Eventually, it is your personal decision depending upon your discretion, use, environment, and situation.
Review of the Best Concealed Carry Vests
Based upon the qualities mentioned above, we have handpicked and reviewed the best concealed carry vests on the market.
Some of these are specifically for bikers, some for adventure sports lovers, and some for casual everyday users. So read through these reviews and find out the best one for yourself.
Best Overall:
Rothco Plainclothes Concealed Carry Vest
Pros
Cons
What Recent Buyers Report
A lot of new users were really happy with the comfortable fit with the vest. And they could not get enough of using the extra pockets that came along with it. According to one user, he said that he was able to store a compact pistol with a pocket holster inside along with a few EDC items that he needed while he was either out and about or out in the woods. No matter where he was, he had peace of mind in knowing that he was prepared to evacuate in the event of a dangerous situation or defend himself if needed.
Why it Stands Out to Us
This concealed carry vest is something that blends in quite nicely with all your casual clothes. Yes, these are pretty fashionable and in style when the weather gets cooler. On a day where wearing a vest is appropriate, this is one that you may consider sporting while you are out and about or spending the day at the range. With a two-way zipper, this allows for ample storage both inside and outside of the vest. You’ll have more pockets than you know what to do with if you have a vest like this. This is a good thing when you need to store all sorts of items like magazines, EDC tools, or what have you.
The Rothco Plainclothes concealed carry vest stands at the top of our list for the best concealed carry vests. This vest has gained this distinction due to its impeccable quality and astounding features. The vest is made of polyester which makes it lightweight and somewhat resistant to water.
It has 16 pockets in all, combining large ones, small ones, zippered ones, and the Velcro ones. The vest is well made with plenty of air vents and features appropriate pockets for carrying compact to large-sized handguns. The vest is good for outdoor use, especially on hiking and hunting trips. Too many pockets might make it look bulky and will reveal your intent to others familiar with concealed carry options. This may not be a concern depending on your situation.
Who Will Use This Most
If you are looking for a vest that will get you through the survival situations that will challenge you to act, this could be the go-to option for you. Whether you carry a pistol or if you are wearing this while hiking (and carrying all your EDC items at the same time), this vest can and will save your life depending on the situation you find yourself in. And it delivers a comfortable fit like nothing else. Not bad for a concealed carry vest, right?
Bottom Line
If you want a vest that will be a snug, comfortable fit and will be fully loaded with a good number of pockets that will fit a pistol, magazines, and who knows what else you need in order to survive disaster or danger, the Rothco Plainclothes Concealed Carry Vest could be exactly the thing you need to wear on a regular basis without anyone knowing that you carry.
This concealed carry vest from Rothco is exceptional for outdoor activities as it lets you carry an unimaginable amount of stuff. It is properly ventilated and comfortable.
However, it reveals to firearm acquainted people that you are carrying concealed. Overall, the jacket is good, especially if you want to get rid of fanny packs and handbags.
Runner-up:
5.11 Tactical TacLite Pro Vest
Pros
Cons
What Recent Buyers Report
New users were excited about the fact that they had as many as 17 pockets to work with (including one that would carry a pistol of their choice). They said that while providing an excellent fit and keeping them warm on cooler days, it also provided them enough ample space to store any EDC items that would work in their favor in the event of any disaster or dangerous situation that would either allow them to “fight or fly”.
Why it Stands Out to Us
This vest might be something you tend to wear on a regular basis (or perhaps during spring or fall weather). It comes quite in handy on those days where you need all the shooting stuff you need to get through a day at the range. Alternatively, you’ll need a vest like this for the purpose of concealed carry so you are ready to defend yourself in a dangerous situation where you have no choice but to defend yourself. With 17 pockets at your disposal, there is no way you could be ill-prepared.
The polyester-cotton mix, tactical concealed carry vest has so much space, that it can be compared to a rucksack. It has 17 big and small pockets which can accommodate AR mags, maps, sunglasses, phone, snacks, water bottles, binoculars, and nearly anything a handbag can carry.
The jacket has quad-stitched, 55 bar tacks at all stress points, plus the added trust of the renowned 5.11 brand. The jacket is cut long to help you conceal IWB and OWB sidearms. The vest also has a backup belt system which allows you to carry even more accessories. The back of the vest has a couple of elastic band pockets which can accommodate water bottles up to 32 ounces in capacity.
Who Will Use This Most
This is the ultimate survivalist’s vest. With pockets with plenty of ample room to store all of your stuff and even a pistol or two, it’s the kind of vest that isn’t afraid to get down and dirty. And it won’t be easily damaged or rip apart. So if you want a vest that can handle the outdoors or the high-stress situations and you want to be prepared for them, this is the go-to choice for those who thing 17 pockets is not too much.
Bottom Line
The 5.11 Tactical Taclite Pro Vest could be your best friend in any given situation depending on what you are carrying. We can hope that one of the things you are carrying a pistol (and maybe a few additional mags to go along with it). Overall, the vest is lightweight and puts you at an advantage in a self-defense or survival situation.
This tactical vest from 5.11 has many pockets, which let you carry almost everything from rifle mags to key chains. The material is good and the jacket is quite well made.
The backup belt system lets you carry even more accessories. It is long cut to let you conceal your OWB and IWB holsters. Overall, it delivers exceptional value for money.
Best for the Money:
Men's SOA Anarchy Style Denim Vest
[amazon fields="B0178HL1IM" image="1" value="thumb" image_size="large" image_align="center" image_link="none"]
Pros
Cons
What Recent Buyers Report
This was a vest that new users relied on when they had not one, but two pistols that they wanted to conceal carry. They loved the material of the vest and said that it wasn’t easy to wear or tear. In fact, they said they were able to carry not only pistols but also additional magazines and small EDC tools. They said it was best fit for cooler days and also days where the weather could take a turn for the worse. Either way, they said it provided a good comfortable fit for all-day wearing.
This concealed carry vest is a good choice for people who do not like jackets with too many pockets or to reveal that they are carrying concealed. This model is made of pure denim and has a total of six pockets, four on the outside and two holster pockets on the inside.
The vest looks simple and doesn’t make it obvious that you are carrying a weapon. The five-snap front closure is easy to use. The vest can be used for normal everyday wear and also while riding, working, or camping. The vest’s material is thick and will feel warm during winters.
Why it Stands Out to Us
This vest is bad as it wants to be. We’re not talking about quality. We’re talking about a kind of bad boy vibe that it exudes. If that isn’t enough to get a would-be attacker to go the other way, then perhaps an attacker will find out the hard way (in the form of seeing that you are carrying a pistol for self-defense). The vest is made from high-quality denim. On top of that, it has a few pockets that you can use to carry pistols and other EDC items like additional magazines. When you are prepared, you will be confident and will be able to respond to any threats. Better to be prepared than never at all, right?
Who Will Use This Most
If you want a vest that is simple and doesn’t have too many pockets (and yes, to some that can be overwhelming) you can put this sucker to good use. Yes, you’ll have fewer pockets than most concealed carry vests, but most won’t have a problem with it. All you need is a pistol or two along with the additional magazines that will come in handy if you need a new load or if one for some reason decides to jam.
Bottom Line
The Men’s SOA Anarchy Style Denim Vest might be rugged in fashion. But it will certainly give you the bad boy vibe once you load this sucker up with a pistol or two and extra shots to go along with it. It’s a good survival vest for anyone looking to make concealed carry a bit more discreet compared to some regular holsters.
The SOA men’s concealed carry vest is a good option for everyday carry. The vest has an understated and casual appearance so it won’t reveal that you are carrying a weapon.
The material is long lasting and the build is good. The vest is also aptly priced, however, the limited number of pockets make the jacket less suitable for hunting, camping, and tactical use.
Best Concealed Carry Leather Vest:
First Manufacturing Men's Buffalo Nickel Vest
[amazon fields="B00546EG1Y" image="1" value="thumb" image_size="large" image_align="center" image_link="none"]
Pros
Cons
What Recent Buyers Report
This vest is super tough in quality according to some new users. They were also happy to report that this was able to handle not one, but two concealed carry pistols along with a few extra magazines (and some EDC tools). One user said that he was able to use this while riding his motorcycle during the summer months and it kept him warm, but well-prepared in case he ended up in a self-defense situation. To add, he said that each of the pockets had plenty of space to store all his pistols and provisional items.
Why it Stands Out to Us
This is made from high-quality leather, so it will be a workhorse in weather conditions where the temperatures are on the cool side. But it can keep you warm if you are riding a bike on a good day. Yes, it can get cold if you are riding in the open air. Aside from its ability to keep you warm while you’re riding, it will provide excellent storage space for all your pistols, magazines, and all the little EDC items in between. It’s a simple vest that isn’t fully loaded like some others, but it will get you by in any given situation.
This vest is especially for leather lovers. It is made of genuine leather and features a simple design. The vest has two inside concealed gun pockets and is secured by four antique buffalo-nickel head snaps on front. The single panel back is ideal for patches, embroidery or airbrushed artwork. But be careful when choosing the size. This item fits small, so choose a size somewhat larger than your regular fit.
Who Will Use This Most
If you are a concealed carry user looking for a good vest to wear while you are traveling from point A to point B (especially on a bike), this is the kind of concealed carry vest that will work to your advantage in a self-defense or survival situation. No matter what, you’ll be prepped and ready with whatever tools you need in order to prevent yourself from making a dangerous situation even more grave.
Bottom Line
If you want a vest that is stylish and will make concealed carry a lot easier if you are riding a bike or when the weather is on the cool side, you’ll probably consider a vest like the First MFG Co. Gun Runner vest might be the best go-to option for you. You’ll look good and be well-prepared at the same time for anything that might pose a threat to you or those around you.
The leather vest is a durable and long-lasting option for concealed carrying a weapon. The vest has a couple of deep pockets which can be used to hold handguns of all sizes.
The vest is good for flat-sized pistol frames but might print with large revolvers, so take that into consideration.
Best Concealed Carry Motorcycle Vest:
SOA Mens Leather Club Style Vest
[amazon fields="B01NCYGSM7" image="1" value="thumb" image_size="large" image_align="center" image_link="none"]
Pros
Cons
What Recent Buyers Report
New buyers reported this vest being really tough in quality. They said it was not only perfect for concealed carry, but it was also used for regular use as well. One user said that he was happy with the number of pockets that this vest had since he had a good number of EDC items that he was able to carry along with his favorite compact pistol. He said the pockets had plenty of space and it didn’t feel like he had to overload them with the things he needed.
Why it Stands Out to Us
This is another leather vest that is indeed perfect for use when the weather is a bit on the cool side. And if you ride a bike, chances are this will keep you warm when the cool air blows through while cruising through the straights and curves. Riding in the open air is fun, but as science can tell you it can be really chilly too regardless of temperature. This vest is made from high-quality leather that will keep firm and won’t sag. So if you want a vest that will last you year after year, this might be the choice that’s a no brainer.
The SOA Men’s Leather Club Style Vest is made of 100% pure cowhide leather and has a simple, classy design to cover up your CCW intentions. The vest has four pockets on the outside, with a sunglasses slit on the top left one and three pockets on the inside.
The internal concealment pockets can hold your handguns perfectly without flopping. An internal Velcro based pocket lets you carry an extra mag or phone inside. This vest is great for use when riding a motorcycle. The thick leather material keeps you warm, whereas the YKK zipper and snap closure offer extra protection. It features a single panel back, ideal for club or biker patches. The jacket is ideal for bikers, particularly those in a motorcycle club.
Who Will Use This Most
If you love going for a ride on your bike and you conceal carry, this vest is a match made in heaven. No, you won’t have consoles or glove boxes to conceal your pistol in. But you do have a nice sized pocket that will store your pistol and maybe a couple of extra magazines (and other tools). This vest is sharp-looking, but it will help you stay sharp in any given concealed carry application.
Bottom Line
The SOA Men’s Leather Club Style Vest might be one of the most stylish concealed carry vests on the market. But make no bones about it, it’s also got the pockets you need to carry what you need with you on the go. Enjoy riding your bike on a nice day, but be prepared for anyone who may be stupid enough to attack you for some odd reason (and threatens your life in the process).
This full leather vest is exceptional for motorcycle riders, particularly those in a biker’s club. The vest has deep front pockets and internal concealed carry pockets complimented with snap buttons and elastic linings.
These features prevent your gun from flopping. The flat, crease-free design will let you paste stickers, badges and other artwork with ease.
Best Lightweight Concealed Carry Vest:
Rothco Lightweight Professional Concealed Carry Vest
Pros
Cons
What Recent Buyers Report
New buyers were quite happy with the lightweight that this vest provided. Even with the inclusion of EDC items and a loaded pistol or two, it still was really comfortable to wear. One user said that it was super comfortable to wear on days of inclement weather and the pockets had all kinds of space for pistols, magazines, or any other tools he felt was necessary to carry. He added that it was a pretty stylish vest that tended to blend in and it didn’t give off that look that he was obviously carrying something.
Why it Stands Out to Us
If you are looking for a vest made from lightweight materials that are really durable, then you may want to consider something like this. On top of that, it has pockets that will accommodate either right-handed or left-handed shooters. So you can quickly draw and re-holster for either pocket without having to deal with any struggles with snagging. Overall, it’s a vest that might just pass off as an ordinary article of clothing.
This CCW vest from Rotho is a lightweight option to the more tactical and widely used heavy vests. It features four pockets on the outside, which can be secured using magnetic snaps and Velcro. The inside of the vest features two concealed carry pockets and 4 mag pockets (two on each side) with hook and loop closure.
The center slit vents on the back of the jacket offer proper ventilation to make the vest even more comfortable in hot conditions. The vest has a simple and casual design, and it can be considered for normal everyday CCW.
Who Will Use This Most
This will be perfect for concealed carry users to wear in the spring or fall months (where the weather is slightly cooler and not cold as ice like in some parts of the country). It’s got the lightweight materials but that doesn’t mean you won’t feel warm and toasty. You have plenty of space for your pockets to store pistols, magazines, and anything else you want.
Bottom Line
If you want a true concealed carry vest that will keep you prepped and ready for action while keeping it stylish and discreet, the Rothco Lightweight Professional Concealed Carry Vest will probably be the go-to option for you or anyone that wants a nice looking vest to store their pistol with. It will look like any other vest you’ve worn on a cool weather day, but the discreet carrying ability will take it all to another level.
This concealed carry vest from Rothco is a lightweight alternative to the heavier and functionally more tactical vests out there on the market.
The vest is good for casual and everyday use and is also very comfortable. It is a good alternative for less rugged uses.
Best Women's Concealed Carry Vest:
Smith & Wesson Women's Technical Hybrid Vest
[amazon fields="B07BX2CRTW" image="1" value="thumb" image_size="large" image_align="center" image_link="none"]
Pros
Cons
What Recent Buyers Report
New users were women that were looking for a concealed carry vest that was stylish while giving them a few good pockets to rely on for storing pistols and even a few extra magazines. They were quite satisfied with what they got with the pockets that were included (along with the ample pocket room that went along with it). One user said it was great to wear during the spring and fall months when the days were cooler.
Why it Stands Out to Us
This vest is designed for the woman who is not afraid to use her gun. She is also adventurous and likes to spend time outdoors firing off her pistol at the range. This vest has pockets that can fit up to two pistols and a few extra pockets that can carry magazines, EDC tools, or whatever else she feels like carrying.
Here we have something exclusively designed for women, from a renowned manufacturer. The vest is made of a mix of polyester and spandex, with a water-resistant finish on the shoulders. The vest has been tailored for a feminine fit and is made of a breathable, comfortable material. It has two internal concealment pockets (right and left side) with zipper and snap closures and additional pocket compartments with snap closures.
Who Will Use This Most
If you have a woman in your life or if you are a woman yourself, this vest is worth every penny to those looking for maximum concealed carry and a perfect fit to boot. You might find a concealed carry vest just as good anywhere else.
Bottom Line
If you are a woman or someone looking for a concealed carry vest for the woman who conceal carries, you may want to consider the Smith and Wesson Technical Hybrid Vest for all of her concealed carry needs. It will also make a great vest for the outdoors no matter what the activity is.
The vest has been tailored for a feminine fit and looks good enough to compliment your looks and fashion. The zipper and snap closure concealment pockets are secure and easy to access. Overall, it is an exceptional CCW vest for women.
Best Cinch Concealed Carry Vest:
Cinch Men's Bonded Softshell Vest
[amazon fields="B01BCNWTUM" image="1" value="thumb" image_size="large" image_align="center" image_link="none"]
Pros
Cons
What Recent Buyers Report
As expected, many of the new users were quite happy with the fit this vest provided. Of course, they were quite satisfied with the amount of space each of the pockets had. One user said that fitting his compact pistol was a cinch in one of the larger pockets. He also added that he included his extra magazines in the smaller pockets for his range sessions whenever he needed them.
Why it Stands Out to Us
This vest is the kind of concealed carry vest that is resistant to bad weather and will keep you warm during one of those cooler days. It’s tough enough to handle all kinds of pistols and won’t weigh the vest down even with a fully loaded pistol and additional tools inside most pockets. This concealed carry vest is stylish but it is pretty reliable to have on hand when you are out and about or spending a day outdoors.
The Cinch concealed carry vest is a soft shell lightweight vest made mostly of spandex. The vest has a zippered closure with two zippered pockets on the sides and one zippered pocket on the chest that features a vertical opening.
The vest has two concealed carry pockets on the inside with a Velcro backed holster. It has the name “Cinch” embroidered on the front which might be a point of concern depending upon your style. This vest is lightweight and features a minimalist design. Good for carrying compact handguns.
Who Will Use This Most
This vest will be perfect for those who want a holster that will handle all kinds of weather while handling all your pistols, magazines, or EDC tools. This might also be a wearable survival kit if you decide to spend a day in the woods. If you get lost, you might have all the supplies handy to get you through the ordeal.
Bottom Line
The Cinch Bonded Softshell Vest could be the best you decide to get. But rest assured, it will keep you ahead of the curve if you decide to conceal carry and prepare yourself for any dangerous situation. Alternatively, it can serve its purpose as a vest that you can wear while hiking and carry some survival items that you may need in case of getting lost.
The Cinch concealed carry vest is a lightweight vest with a more simple and casual design, making it good for everyday use. The vest can be machine washed, has zippered pockets and features a velcro backed holster.
The vest is exceptional for sub-compact and compact handguns but isn’t good for larger weapons.
Conclusion
A concealed carry vest allows you to carry your weapon without an extra holster and to stay concealed. These vests are good for everyday carry as well as for hunting, hiking, and other outdoor activities.
A good quality concealed carry vest must be comfortable, should have some sort of backing for holsters, and also have supporting features for added durability.
Overall, it is a great accessory for concealed carry, meanwhile letting you carry extra stuff without hurting your fashion statement.
