Off the Hook or Tailored

[C-dub]

So far, I have just got my concealment clothing off the hook. Have any of you actually had a jacket or suit tailored to have better concealment? How did you handle such a thing with the tailor? Was it in a public store or private? So far, the suits I have were tailored, but not for concealment and I don't think they could be altered now. I'm just thinking about suits I'll get in the future if I ever find myself in a job where I could carry.

[AEA]

My 1 suit and 2 sport coats have been in the closet for the last 15 years! No one has died in that time so they have had no use. Sorry I can't help with concealment fitting but I would think it would be a non issue.

If I were buying a new suit I would just walk in, pick out what I wanted off the rack and tell the tailor to work around the gun......it will be concealed when he is working, just tell him to make it right around there.

[speedsix]

...I once took a pair of khakis and cut them up and sewed pockets into a hip-length leather jacket to accommodate a revolver...but never had anything professionally altered...don't own a suit or sport coat...they can bury me in a pocket T and a smile...

[RHenriksen]

I've not had, or heard of, any experiences w a tailor getting freaked out by a gun. At least, not in Texas.

[CC Italian]

Funny you should bring up CC clothing. I recently bought some of those Vertex pants as they were on sale at LA police gear. I wanted something that looked non tactical but I could easily draw and hide my snub nose. They where worth every penny!

Also, I mentioned in a PM to another member and I just ordered two of those 5.11 tactical undershirts for when I work out in a public park. They came highly recommended by my LEO buddy. He says he uses them all the time when working out . Also got those from LA Police gear but they are expensive but if they work it will be worth it to me.

Mainly everything else is off the rack and I can always find something that works when hip carrying. Only with pocket carry or deep concealment have I gone the extra mile.

I wear a Van Heusen shirt, tie but no jacket with nice slacks. I am not required to wear a jacket and couldn't carry at work unless they change the laws.

[RPB]

Reminds me of an old Bat Masterson show
He visited a tailor who was making a suit for him with "the extra pocket in the coat for bullets"


Honestly, most of my suits were *very expensive* suits when I used to work at the law office
... I found a Goodwill Store that had unworn "new" suits, store never sold them, suits never were worn, still had store tags on them, from when stores went out of business or donated "new" stock. (Like when Sakowitz closed, Needless Markup got in new stock, or small tailor shops closed or got rid of unsold suits they made someone.) So most were altered, and I might have had a mag pocket added etc. ... I often got compliments on my $800.00-$2,000.00 suits I paid $20.00 for and paid $40.00 to alter.

[The Annoyed Man]

...I once took a pair of khakis and cut them up and sewed pockets into a hip-length leather jacket to accommodate a revolver...but never had anything professionally altered...don't own a suit or sport coat...they can bury me in a pocket T and a smile...

Not even a pair of whitey-tighties?

[Jumping Frog]

I've worn my IWB holstered handgun when buying suits at Men's Warehouse. Tailor was very matter-of-fact; complete non-issue.

[gigag04]

I think all suitewear should be tailored to the wearer. Few people fit off the rack well. This is not even considering a gun.

[WildBill]

I think all suitewear should be tailored to the wearer. Few people fit off the rack well. This is not even considering a gun.

As far as jackets are concerned I guess I am one of the lucky ones. I am a perfect 44R. My OWB is perfectly concealed without looking baggy.

Of course the pants are a different story. They are meant to be tailored.

[CC Italian]

As far as jackets are concerned I guess I am one of the lucky ones. I am a perfect 44R.

Lucky is right. I hate getting suites!! I went to get fitted because I am a groomsmen in an upcoming wedding and I need a 46 short with 10 inch of drop! It sucks being like a little barrel! The tailor even made fun of me and said "oh great another turtle"

[C-dub]

I've worn my IWB holstered handgun when buying suits at Men's Warehouse. Tailor was very matter-of-fact; complete non-issue.

The tailor knew it was there from seeing or feeling it? This is where I've gotten five of my last six suits.

[michael e]

Don't wear suits. But when getting fitted for a Tux for my friends wedding the guy put his hand on my gun when measuring, paused a second, and asked if "that" would be with me on that day. Said yes, he worked around it. He didn't act like it was the first time he had to work around one .

[mgood]

I haven't done it yet, but I've brought up the question, two different times with two different salespeople at Men's Warehouse. Both told me it was no problem. I was obviously not the first customer to ask about such things.
And while looking at a list of prices for standard modifications, one of the services listed is moving or adding or removing belt loops. I'm not sure of the original purpose, but that could be handy to get that pesky belt loop out of the way of a holster (you know the one that's always in the wrong place).

[flechero]

Without question, any alterations you need done should be done with the holster and gun... out of courtesy, I bring a 2nd, unloaded gun and holster for taking on and off while fitting. Just phone ahead if you are worried about it, and let the tailor know what you need. I have been to a few without issue. In fact I have never heard of an issue with a tailor. I honestly think any decent tailor has seen way more ccw's than you and i have.