Design of Concealed Carry (CCW) Shirts: Quick‑Access Pockets, Magnetic Snaps, and Underarm Ease

May 29, 2026

1. Introduction: Market Demand and Design Challenges for CCW Shirts

Concealed Carry Weapon (CCW) has become a way of life in the United States and other regions where legal carry is permitted. Not only law enforcement officers but also many ordinary citizens choose to carry a defensive handgun daily. However, traditional waistband holsters require an outer cover garment - something that is difficult when wearing only a T-shirt or dress shirt in summer.

The CCW shirt was born to solve this problem: it integrates the holster into the shirt itself (typically under the armpit or on the chest), allowing the wearer to carry without a separate belt holster while maintaining the appearance of a normal shirt.

But designing a CCW shirt faces three core contradictions:

1. Quick access vs. concealment - too deep a pocket slows the draw; too shallow risks exposing the gun.

2. Comfort vs. stability- the weight of the gun can pull the fabric down, and swaying can attract attention.

3. Loose fit vs. Aesthetics-insufficient ease causes "printing" (the gun's outline shows through the fabric); excessive ease makes the shirt look oversized.

This article focuses on three key design elements: quick-access pocket location and structure, magnetic snap closure, and pattern ease allowances, with actionable dimensions and process recommendations.

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2. Core Design Element 1: Quick-Access Pocket (Hidden Carry Pocket)

2.1 Pocket location options

Position	Advantages	Disadvantages	Suitable for
Strong‑side underarm (at side seam)	Natural draw motion, not easily noticed	Pocket depth limited; may press against gun when sitting	Compact and subcompact pistols
Inner chest (Napoleon pocket)	Very fast draw, less detectable	Large arm movement; pocket visible externally	Very small pistols (e.g., LCP size)
Angled waist pocket (simulating trouser pocket)	Familiar motion, deep concealment	May need to look down to locate pocket	Medium‑sized pistols

Most recommended: Strong-side underarm, with the opening integrated into the side seam. This is the most mature CCW shirt design. The opening is located on the side seam (15-20 cm vertically below the armpit) and visually appears as an extension of the side seam, making it very discreet.

2.2 Pocket construction parameters

Parameter	Recommended value	Explanation
Opening width	18‑22 cm	Accommodates the grip width of most compact pistols (Glock 19 grip is ~18 cm)
Pocket depth	25‑30 cm	Full‑size pistol (e.g., M1911) barrel + magazine is ~23 cm; leave margin
Pocket width	15‑18 cm	Sufficient horizontal space to prevent binding
Inner lining fabric	Stretch knit (nylon/spandex) or non‑slip fabric (silicone dot)	Prevents gun movement and accidental fall‑out
Reinforcement requirement	Bartack at top of pocket (3 passes each end)	Supports gun weight (0.5‑1.5 kg)

2.3 Concealment techniques

Place the pocket opening inside the side seam; externally only a seam line is visible.

Add a fake pocket flap or pen slot on the outside of the shirt at the corresponding location to distract visual attention.

Use an angled opening (15-20 degrees from vertical), which is more ergonomic for drawing.

2.4 Gun retention methods

To prevent the gun from falling out during running or vigorous movement, add a retention feature:

Elastic retention strap: Sew an elastic webbing strap inside the pocket that presses against the barrel or grip.

Hook-and-loop closure: Use a flap with hook-and-loop (but this adds draw time).

Magnetic closure (see section on magnetic snaps below).

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3. Core Design Element 2: Magnetic Snaps for Rapid Opening/Closing

Traditional snaps require alignment and pressing - actions that can fail under stress. Magnetic snaps automatically align and close using magnetic attraction, allowing one-handed blind operation and reducing draw time by more than 50%.

3.1 Why use magnetic snaps?

Self-aligning: Attracts automatically when within 1-2 cm - no need to look.

Moderate release force: A firm pull opens the snap; it will not jam.

Concealable: Can be wrapped in fabric, leaving no visible metal parts externally.

3.2 Magnetic snap size selection

Type	Diameter	Pull force (kg)	Application	Price (RMB/pair)
Small	8 mm	0.5‑1	Light shirt, lightweight pocket flap	2‑3
Medium	12 mm	1.5‑2.5	Standard CCW pocket flap	4‑6
Large	15 mm+	3‑5	Heavy pistol or backpack flap	8‑12

Recommendation: Use medium fabric-covered magnetic snaps (12 mm, about 2 kg pull force). They hold securely but can be opened without excessive effort.

3.3 Installation process

Position: Sew one half of the snap onto the pocket flap and the other half onto the pocket body, aligned.

Fabric covering: Wrap the magnet in the same fabric as the shirt (adding 2-3 mm to diameter) to hide the metal.

Polarity: Ensure opposite poles face each other (attract). Mark polarity with red stickers.

Reinforcement: Use a bartack machine or heavy-duty sewing machine to stitch a circle around the snap to hold it in place.

3.4 Precautions

Strong magnets may affect cell phones, watches, and magnetic strips on credit cards. Add a warning label inside the shirt: "Contains magnets - keep away from magnetic cards."

For users who frequently use electronic devices, consider non-magnetic quick-release fasteners (e.g., Fidlock mechanical-magnetic buckles, though more expensive).

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4. Core Design Element 3: Underarm Ease - Pattern Adjustments to Prevent "Printing"

4.1 The mechanism of "printing"

When the shirt fabric is tight against the gun, the contours of the gun (grip, hammer, trigger guard) become visible through the fabric - this is printing. The solution is to add extra ease in the area where the gun is carried (typically the underarm to waist side), creating an air gap between the fabric and the gun that "blurs" the outline.

4.2 Recommended pattern ease (size M as example)

Measurement point	Regular shirt (cm)	CCW shirt (cm)	Increase	Purpose
Half chest	55‑58	60‑65	+5‑7	Provides chest and underarm space
Hem width	58‑62	64‑70	+6‑8	Covers gun and holster completely
Armhole depth	22‑24	25‑27	+2‑3	Prevents pocket from pulling when moving arms
Side seam length	48‑50	52‑55	+3‑5	Increases lower body coverage
Shoulder width	44‑46	45‑48	+1‑2	Leaves room for shoulder holster straps

Note: The above values are for size M (chest approx. 96 cm). Scale proportionally for other sizes (increase/decrease by 2-3 cm per size).

4.3 Fabric selection to aid concealment

Weight: Recommended 180-220 g/m² (medium-heavy). Below 150 g, outlines show; above 250 g, the shirt becomes bulky.

Stretch: Recommend low or no stretch. High-stretch fabrics hug the body, accentuating gun outlines.

Material: Cotton/nylon blends (e.g., 65/35), heavyweight oxford, fine twill. Avoid lightweight poplin or Tencel.

4.4 Lengthened hem

A regular shirt hem usually covers half of the buttocks. A CCW shirt should completely cover the entire buttocks (lengthen by 5‑8 cm). This prevents the gun from becoming visible from the back when bending over.

Measurement method: From the center back neck to the hem end - a regular shirt is about 75 cm (size M); a CCW shirt should be ≥82 cm.

4.5 Move side seam forward

Shift the side seam 2-3 cm toward the front of the body. This places the pocket squarely under the armpit rather than at the waist side, better matching the body's curve and reducing printing.

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5. Other Important Details

5.1 Shoulder ease

If the user carries with a shoulder holster (underarm rig), increase shoulder width by 1-2 cm and deepen the armhole; otherwise, the holster straps will dig into the shoulders, impeding blood circulation.

5.2 Reinforced side seam

The CCW pocket is usually located at the side seam, and the entire weight of the shirt (including the gun) is borne by the side seam. Therefore, the side seam should be double-needle lapped or overlocked + plain seam double-secured, with bartacks at both ends of the pocket.

5.3 Hem slits

Add slits at the bottom of both side seams (about 8-10 cm deep). This allows easier access to a waistband holster if the user chooses that method. Bartack the ends of the slits to prevent tearing.

5.4 Internal divider for spare magazine

Some users wish to carry a spare magazine as well. You can sew a small divider pocket inside the main pocket (approx. 8×12 cm) with an elastic webbing closure.

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6. CCW Shirt Design Checklist

Pocket located on strong‑side underarm (right or left); opening width ≥18 cm, depth ≥25 cm

Pocket lined with stretch knit or non‑slip fabric

Top of pocket and both ends bartacked for reinforcement

Magnetic snap: 12 mm diameter, 1.5‑2.5 kg pull force, fabric‑covered

Magnetic snap securely installed, polarity correct

Half chest ≥60 cm (size M), hem width ≥65 cm (size M)

Fabric weight 180‑220 g/m², low or no stretch

Hem lengthened to completely cover buttocks (center back length ≥82 cm for size M)

Side seam double‑needle reinforced, bartacked at pocket ends

Wear test with a 1 kg dummy gun: no printing, draw smooth (≤2 seconds)

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7. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can a CCW shirt be machine washed?

A: Yes, but remove the dummy gun first. Magnetic snaps are water-resistant, but repeated washing may wear the fabric covering - wash inside out for longer life.

Q: Will magnetic snaps affect a pacemaker?

A: The magnetic field of a 12 mm neodymium magnet is very small (about 5 cm range) and located at the underarm, away from the chest. It is generally safe, but to be prudent, add a label stating "Contains magnets- consult your physician if you have a pacemaker."

Q: How do I test for "printing"?

A: Wear the CCW shirt with a 1:1 plastic training gun (or a metal block of equivalent weight). Stand under strong light or wear a tight outer garment, and have a second person observe from 1 meter away for visible outlines.

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