Top 10 Concealed Carry Vests Reviewed for Quality


Standout Picks




















Criteria Used for Evaluation
Materials
Fabrics matter when it comes to concealed carry vests, and they largely depend upon the situation that the vest is being used in. Obviously, there’s the biker style vest, and these are most often going to be made from a high grade of genuine cowhide, or at the very least, very sturdy denim. Any other materials, such as cotton or polyester, would not be able to hold up to the rigors of the road, nor would they be a good deterrent for the elements. The leather used in biker style vests are also quite a bit stronger and more durable than others, and as a requirement, the stitching is often stronger as well. This has made these vests a popular choice for a wide variety of purposes, from law enforcement to those who just want to look cool while out and about, with the added bonus of having a concealed weapon on their person.
When the biker style concealed carry vests are not a viable option, such as in warmer climates or when a higher level of physical exertion is needed, gun enthusiasts then turn to lighter, more breathable fabrics for their purposes. In this case, a softshell vest made from polyester is a major attraction, because it’s not only breathable but water-resistant as well. Also, these lighter vests tend to be more forgiving as far as the range of motion is concerned, and won’t be as constricting as the heavier biker vests.
Another great choice thanks to its durability, is cotton. Cotton is a natural fiber, so it is going to be very breathable, though it is more rigid, so movement is a bit tighter. Also, it’s not naturally waterproof, so if you do opt to go with cotton, it’s a good idea to coat it with a waterproof substance prior to use.
Fit
Of course, it's important that your vest fits you properly or you can have some real issues down the road. Keep in mind how you will be using your vest when you look at different styles. Do you need something that allows easy mobility? Do you need something that will keep you warm or cool? Will you be wearing your vest underneath other clothing? These are all factors that you need to consider. We also looked at how accurate the sizing chart it. If you can't try on the vest yourself, check out reviews to see what they say about the sizing and comfort. When it comes to sizing you want to read the reviews and see what other buyers are saying about the price point. Most buyers will share their experience so reading about their thoughts will help you make a better judgment on which size will work best for you and your body fit.
Capacity
If you are buying a concealed carry vest, then it's important that your firearm fit in the pockets provided. Knowing how much space you need ahead of time will also help you make the right decision. If you are going hunting and plan on staying out for a while, you will need a lot of storage space for extra bullets and other accessories or necessities. If you need something that you can wear during your everyday activities, then perhaps you may not need as much storage space in your vest. We not only looked at the number of pockets when rating this criterion, but we also looked at the size and placement of those pockets.
Value
That dreaded word. Price. It figures into everyone’s criteria when deciding what to buy. Choosing the right product for your particular needs, should not come down to cost, but unfortunately, it does, and that can restrict your options. That is unless companies are able to control their costs enough that they can offer all the features needed while still being fairly priced.
Luckily, in the case of concealed carry vests, there isn’t a whole lot that can be added to them that would inflate the price all that much. Universally, the vests need to be durable enough to carry the weapon effectively, and they also need to have enough storage to hold a few other pieces such as additional ammo.
The only real factor that alters the cost of these vests in any significant way, is material, and even then only in the case of leather. All other fabrics, be they natural fibers or synthetic creations, are readily available and cheap to produce. Leather, though, is harder to procure, taking quite a bit more effort and preparation. For these reasons, 100% genuine cowhide leather is going to be very expensive to come by. If you do opt to go with leather, you will be getting an exceptionally sturdy vest that should serve you well for several years to come.
Style
The style is a lot more than just how good a vest looks on you. It's about how practical and functional the vest is designed to be. The style you choose should match your lifestyle and activities you plan on wearing the vest for. If you just need something for everyday wear, then you probably won't be looking at the big, heavy-duty vests meant for more volatile situations. If you plan on wearing your vest underneath other clothing, then you'll want a style that is more lightweight and compact. We rated this criterion based on looks and how versatile the style is. For example, can a vest be worn for different situations?
10 Best Concealed Carry Vests
1. Rothco Plainclothes


The Rothco Plainclothes vest is made from polyester, is stylish and comes in various colors. It has 16 zipped front pockets and benefits from velcro fasteners, it has a very useful D ring on the breast pocket for handy personal attachments.
Cavenous Interior Pockets
A bonus with this jacket is undoubtedly the large interior front pockets which offer a greater choice for differently sized concealment requirements.
Extra Security and peace of mind
Another bonus with this vest is the four interior magazine pockets, designed specifically for those who are out and about and need peace of mind and personal security.
Cost and Value
The value and cost of this vest are equally justified and represent its true worth. The extra features and design make this a great but with guaranteed quality.

2. Legendary Whitetails Concealed


This high quality concealed carry vest is manufactured from the soft, heavy-duty canvas. It boasts a diamond-stitched poly lining and has a heavy-duty signature Buck metal zipper. A useful part of this vest is the reinforced shoulder and two extra magazine pockets.
Ambidextrous design
An advantageous aspect with this vest is the special design for left and right handed concealed carry that comfortably fits full size semi-auto’s.
Insulated Lining
Also, an advantage with this vest is the soft washed 100% canvas that not only has an insulated lining but is also an easy-care garment for effortless cleaning.
Cost and Value
The cost and value of this product are equally matched, the overall quality, workmanship, and the extra features make it excellent value for money.

3. Alipolo Vest


This vest benefits from being breathable and it can also reduce sweat, it gives good protection from the wind and rain. It is designed for comfort and has a high strength finish. It has 16 pockets and the hem and collar benefit from a double line, this is stylish and is appropriate for all-season wear.
Polyester Mesh
An advantage with this vest is that it is fully lined with polyester mesh for added comfort when wearing, this also helps to maintain body temperature at a comfortable level.
Various Pockets
The second advantage with this vest is the versatility of the multitude of pockets. The varying sizes provide ample room for many necessary accessories for practicality.
Cost and Value
The cost and value of this garment are relevant and, at the lower end of the market, this is a valued product for the cost.

4. Legendary Longhorn


For the end of this list, I opted to go with a professional-looking model that was clearly built with heavy-duty use in mind. Intended for repeated use outdoors in any weather, the construction of this vest is going to ensure that it has the toughness to hold up to anything you can think of to put it through.
Protection against the cold
This is a bit of a surprise feature, and not just because it’s hidden in the collar. The addition of a hood that unzips from the full collar is a great idea that helps keep the wearer warm and dry.
Water resistance
Combing the hood with the polyester fabric gives a good level of water resistance for those prolonged outings in the wild, or even just out running errands.
Cost and Value
This vest has a professional quality build that provides all the performance that you could ever need, and it does it all at a very affordable cost that comes in quite a bit lower than other comparable options.

5. True Element


This quality vest is made from heavyweight cowhide. It boasts two pockets on the outside of the garment which have hidden snap closures. Internally, there are two extra pockets with extremely useful built-in holsters, also with snap closures. This is a valuable addition to this already, high-quality vest.
Inconspicuous
This vest has the advantage of being fully inconspicuous, this is a priceless feature because it serves not only to give the wearer an edge but also provides personal security.
Heavy Duty Lining
This True Element vest benefits from having side laces for a truly, comfortable and personalized fit. It is manufactured with high quality, heavy-duty lining which is tough enough to last.
Cost and Value
The cost and value of this item place it in the medium range on the market. This does not detract from the excellent quality of it and guarantees good value for its cost.

6. 5.11 Covert


This 5.11 covert vest is styled and made to provide a quality and inconspicuous garment. It is made from a polyester softshell fabric that boasts being water-resistant and provides a good barrier from the wind and the rain. It has hidden document pockets on the chest and has lined hand-warmer pockets.
Dual Zipper
It benefits from having dual zippered pass-through pockets that ensure a clean and quick grasp on a sidearm. This provides extra security and peace of mind in an emergency.
Stylish and Professional
Its covert appearance is both stylish and looks every inch a professional vest. This is carried through for a modern, convenient and casual style.
Cost and Value
The cost and value of this garment are backed by the overall superiority and trustworthiness of the 5.11 brand.

7. The Bikers Zone


I put this one on the list mainly because of how great it looks. On top of that, it deserves to be here thanks to the high-quality leather, and wealth of pockets, both concealed and visible, to let you easily carry your firearms and plenty of ammo, all conveniently placed within very close reach. Also, the extra level of protection afforded by the leather is a nice bonus.
Show off your patches
Since this vest has a biker aesthetic, it only makes sense that they are able to proudly display their club patches for all to see. The vest offers plenty of room for it, and the patches would only compliment the sleek look.
Top quality materials
Cowhide is the material of choice here, and aside from me gushing about the look of it, I’ve also mentioned the added protection it gives, both from unfortunate accidents and from some of the elements you are bound to face on the road.
Cost and Value
I’m not sure which aspect of this vest makes it such a great value. I mean, the cost is reasonable, but is it the level of protection the leather gives you on the road, or how cool it makes you look and feel while wearing it?

8. Bluestone Safety


When looking for a concealed carrying vest one of the first things you want to take note of how well it will conceal your firearms. Constructed to be effective and versatile the BlueStone Safety Concealment Vest was created to be superior to most concealing vests on the market. Not only is it durable and sleek but it allows you to carry numerous items that will still be fully concealed and sleek.
Numerous Pockets
As stated above, this vest does an excellent job of concealing your firearms. Its sole purpose so to help you carry safely. With that being said, it was designed with numerous pockets built-in. Featuring two gun pockets one on each side that has been designed with elastic retainers that work hard to keep your gun in place. These pockets can hold from compact handguns to full-size pistols without missing a beat. Furthermore, the pockets have brass snap holds to keep the pistols in place. Having this aspect creates less movement ensuring better safety. The top pockets were designed at an angle so you can draw your gun at any moment without having to struggle with the zipper.
Magazine Pouches
Any active carrier will let you, carrying a firearm is one thing and carrying magazines is another. Which can be quite tricky as sometimes you don’t have the room or space to carry both. The BlueStone Safety Concealment Vest changes that by integrating magazine pockets into the vest's overall design. Showcasing six magazine pouches three along each side, you will have space to place your magazines in so any time you need to reload you are ready to go.
Cost and Value
As for the cost and value of this vest, you are getting a pretty decent price. It's a high-quality vest with a multitude of pockets and features. Furthermore, it accommodates quite well with left and right shooters making it quite useful and convenient. It comes in sizes medium- 6XL so there is a very good chance you will find one that works for you.

9. SOA Basic


This vest is styled for motorcyclists and has zipped and snap front closures. It is made from quality cowhide leather and benefits two front slash pockets, as well as two standard front pockets. The back panel is suitable for personalization and has hard-wearing manufacture that can stand the test of regular use.
Dual Concealed Pockets
This vest benefits with advantageous dual concealed weapon pockets which, with added personal security - also maintain an inconspicuous appearance.
Hard Wearing
An excellent benefit of this vest is the hard-wearing leather, ensuring that this garment will last over long and prolonged use, leading to a uniquely personal vest.
Cost and Value
The cost and value of this vest reflect the style and quality more than adequately. The material and the fitting are both practical and comfortable making it a very good value for the cost.

10. Milwaukee Performance


Created to go fully under the radar, the Milwaukee Leather Denim Club Style Vest appears to be a traditional biker vest but with a twist. The twist being it has a durable gun pocket concealed inside. Having a chic aesthetic works exceptionally great as it allows you to wear your vest as often as you would like, as it doesn’t appear to be a full concealment vest. Furthermore, this one doesn’t give you that bulky feel most concealing vests tend to do.
Button Closure
As we have mentioned above this is a “shirt-like” vest; therefore, it is a little bit more dress-up than most. Bringing forth button closure the Milwaukee Leather Denim Club Style Vest ensures little to no window will flow through the vest itself. These buttons are snap on so you can easily take the jacket off if you choose to do so. Having this type of closure is great for those that need a simple vest that gets the job done every time.
Two Pockets
Even though this vest does not have specific firearm areas, it does come with two internal pockets so you have space to play your weapon and one for your magazine. Both pockets are fully concealed and placed safely inside so you can draw your gun when needed without having too much maneuvering to do.
Cost and Value
When it comes to the price point of this product you are getting quite the bargain. It is priced quite cheaply when you take into account just how much you are getting and the quality. Constructed 100% out of cotton this jacket is quite comfortable and versatile. Furthermore, it does come in an abundance of sizes so you can find one that works best for you.

Sources
- USA Carry, Gun Site ,
- Chuckhawks.com, Gun Blog ,
- Off The Grid News, Survivalist Site ,