In this guide, we highlight our experience carrying a concealed handgun while wearing shorts and offer our tips on picking the best pair.
I have found that trying to carry a handgun concealed with just any shorts doesn’t work so well sometimes. They are either uncomfortable or do not support my normal belt and holster. This is especially true with athletic gym shorts.
We have over 30 years of experience carrying concealed in the hot summers of the southern US. From Florida to Tennessee, we have tried about everything, from special holsters to fanny packs.
Keep reading to find our picks for the best concealed carry shorts, including some you probably haven’t heard of before. After you read this, be sure to check out our full Concealed Carry Guide and our Best Concealed Carry Pants guide for a lot more.
Quick Summary of Our Favorite CCW Shorts
Best Shorts for Concealed Carry
Off The Grid Surplus Havok 2.0 Shorts – Best Overall
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- Material: Stretch Cotton Canvas
- Pockets: 9
- Colors Available: 4
- Lengths Available: 10” and 12”
- MSRP: $57.00
The Off The Grid Surplus Havok 2.0 Shorts are my favorite concealed carry shorts.
There are two things that set these shorts apart from just typical cargo shorts.
The first is the pocket layout. These shorts do not have large cargo pockets on the sides that swing back and forth when I walk. Instead, they have a unique layout with nine different pockets.
Just above both back pockets are smaller pockets with discrete openings that blend in with the seams. I use these for carrying a spare magazine in the left one (I am right-handed) and a multitool or my phone in the right one. The depth and width of the pockets are just right for full-size magazines like Glock 19 or Walther PDP mags, but smaller ones work as well.
On the left leg about halfway down there is a zippered pocket where I like to keep my wallet. This is more secure and safer than keeping it in my back pocket, plus it is more comfortable.
The two front pockets are nice and deep and have a wide opening. I also like how they are reinforced in the corner for my pocketknife clip.
On the right leg are two deep, vertical pockets where I carry my EDC flashlight, a pen, or other tools, depending on what I am working on. These are much better than just a big cargo pocket.
The second thing I really like about these is the material. It is a 300g stretch canvas and is durable yet comfortable at the same time. There is just enough flex and stretch in them and the crotch is gusseted. Plus, they are lightweight and breathe well in hot weather.
The only real negative is that the waistband has no built-in stretch or elastic. I find that carrying appendix (which is my typical carry position in the summer) is more comfortable with a waistband that has a little more give to it. When I tighten my belt the waistband on these shorts tends to bunch up in areas slightly.
Arrowhead Tactical Carrier Shorts – Best CCW Gym Shorts
Save 10% off at Arrowhead Tactical Apparel with code “Survivalstoic”
- Material: Soft Nylon
- Pockets: 3
- Colors Available: 5
- Lengths Available: 5”, 8”, 11”
- MSRP: $65.99
I have always struggled to find ways to carry concealed in athletic gym shorts. Once I tried a pair of the Arrowhead Tactical Carrier Shorts, I found I could carry the same holster in the same position as I do with my regular shorts.
These shorts have a unique belt system that I have not found anywhere else (because it is patented). Inside the waistband, there is a series of belt loops. The shorts include a “carrier retention belt” that I can thread through the belt loops and adjust to support my regular appendix holster securely.
The belt is infinitely adjustable and has a magnetic clasp, so I don’t lose my adjustment position when I remove it.
I can run, jump, knee a punching bag, and lift weights in these shorts without worrying about dropping my handgun or it flopping around.
They are also great for jogging. Since I sometimes run down a rural road, it is nice to be able to carry my CCW pistol with me without worrying about safety or it falling out of my pants. Plus, it doesn’t bounce up and down when I run.
I also like the pockets in these shorts. The back pockets is zippered, so I can securely carry my wallet. Inside the back pocket is a small pocket specifically for carrying a spare pistol magazine. I found that the pocket material stretches, so it works great for full-size double-stack and compact magazines like those for a Sig P365. It holds them both secure while I run, and they don’t bounce around terribly.
The only issue is the back pocket is on my right side, and there is only one of them. I would also like to have a back pocket on my right side.
I like these shorts so much that I wear them when lounging around the house. They are very comfortable, and I can remove the belt when I am not carrying my gun at home.
The biggest negative with these is there is no fly (gym shorts usually don’t have one anyway). So, when I go to the restroom I have to remove my holster. I found it is not an issue in public as I just use a stall or keep my holster under my shirt and hold it under my arm.
5.11 Tactical Taclite Pro Ripstop Shorts – Most Comfortable CCW Shorts
- Material: Polyester/cotton Taclite Ripstop + Teflon Coating
- Pockets: 8
- Colors Available: 6
- Lengths Available: 9.5” and 11”
- MSRP: $52.00
I have worn various versions of 5.11’s tactical shorts for over ten years.
The Taclite Pro shorts are my favorites. While they do have a tactical look, they really don’t stand out. Shorts don’t scream, “I am carrying a gun,” as much as tactical pants do.
I like the material the most. These shorts are made from 5.11’s own Taclite Ripstop, a lightweight and durable material. It is also Teflon coated, and I have noticed that water runs right off. I have dropped food on them, and it also wipes off without staining.
While these do not have rear magazine pockets, they have a front utility pocket on the left side that works great for a spare magazine or a multitool. The front pockets are nice and deep, and there is a utility pocket on the front right side intended for an EDC knife with a clip or a multitool. I also barely fits my iPhone, but I typically put my phone in the front pockets.
I like how the cargo pockets on the side are not big and bulky. They have plenty of room but are slim as well. This helps keep items like my wallet or multitool from bouncing around in them while I walk. They also have Velcro flaps to keep items secure.
I really like the waistband on these shorts. The sides are elastic, which makes it easier for me to take my holster on and off. They also help to hold my holster in place and are more comfortable than a regular waistband.
I don’t really care for the wide belt loops though. But it is only an issue when I carry OWB, which I don’t usually do with shorts anyway. But, if I want to carry something else from my belt, the loops do tend to get in the way.
The crotch is gusseted, so I can squat and move around in them comfortably. While the material isn’t exactly stretchable, they do have plenty of room in them.
Tips for Choosing the Best Concealed Carry Shorts
The tips below are based on my experience choosing my concealed carry shorts. These shorts allow me to carry the same way I do with pants, using the same gun, carry position, and holster.
Since I carry every day, I want something I can wear in all conditions. This could be driving, hiking, camping, training at the range, working out, or going out.
Sizing
While it is obvious that my shorts need to fit, this becomes more important with an IWB holster. If the waist of my pants is just the right size, I have found wearing an IWB holster uncomfortable. I need extra space for my holster.
A good rule of thumb is to get the next size up above shorts that fit “just right.” I measure my waist based on the sizing guide the manufacturer provides and go for the next size up from what that recommends. This usually results in shorts that will fall off without a belt. However, once I put my IWB holster and belt on, they are just right.
Waist Band
I look for waistbands that either have elastic or at least some sort of stretch to them.
Flexible waistbands are just more comfortable, especially when wearing an IWB holster. I have also found that they sometimes allow space for my holster without going up a size.
When I have to go up a size, I find that some shorts that don’t have a flexible waistband tend to bunch up somewhere along my waist (usually in the front). I can adjust them to gradually take up the slack around my waist, but depending on the material, it can be uncomfortable.
The waistband should also be semi-rigid. Waistbands that are too thick will have issues fitting into some IWB holster clips. When I wear shorts with waistbands that are too thick, they tend to get pushed down between my holster and my belt, which is uncomfortable and looks goofy as well.
Waistbands that are too thin and not rigid enough also tend to get bunched up between my holster and belt, causing the same issues.
Stretch Fabric and Gussets
While this is more important in pants, shorts need to be able to move as I move. I should be able to squat and bend as needed. I never know when I will face a defensive situation and need to get behind cover or move quickly away from a threat.
Look for gussets in the crotch area and fabric with stretch properties. While I am not talking about spandex biker shorts here, they shouldn’t be “slim fit” or tight denim shorts either. I like to have some room to move in them when I need to.
Pocket Layout
There are a few pockets that I look for in my concealed carry shorts.
I like to have a spare mag pocket somewhere on the left side of my body (I am right-handed). My favorite is the concealed pockets just above my back left pocket as the Off the Grid Supply shorts have. Another option is the front utility pocket on the 5.11 shorts.
I also like to have a second utility pocket for my EDC flashlight and/or multitool. Carrying these in my front pocket is not very comfortable, and they are hard to access when I am sitting.
A few years ago, I went away from carrying a traditional back pocket wallet. They are a pain (literally) to sit on and are easy for a pickpocket to steal. Now, I carry a smaller front pocket-style wallet.
Instead of putting it in my front pocket, I like shorts that have a zipper pocket or a Velcro closure pocket that I can secure it in. This is more comfortable and it frees up my front pockets for other items.
Belt Loops
Using a concealed carry holster requires a proper belt (see our guide on the best concealed carry belts). Of course, for the belt to function properly, I need belt loops that will allow my belt to pass through them.
I also find that some shorts have thick or wide belt loops that can limit where I can carry my holster. This tends to be more of a problem with OWB holsters but can also be an issue with certain IWB holsters.
I like belt loops about ¾ of an inch wide and evenly spaced. I find that about five to six loops are plenty. More just get in the way.
Athletic Shorts
For me, the ultimate goal for athletic shorts is to carry the same gun and holster in the same position as my regular casual shorts. I find it best to always carry how I train and not switch up carry positions and methods.
I know I will default to how I have been training in an emergency. If I normally carry an appendix holster, but now I have a fanny pack, for example, I will fumble around trying to get to my handgun. This will make my attacker aware that I am going for something and just make matters worse.
The Arrowhead Tactical shorts are the perfect choice here since they are athletic shorts that allow me to carry the same holster and position as my other shorts and pants.
Find your Favorite Concealed Carry Shorts
In warm weather I go for one of these pairs of shorts. You can literally always find me wearing one of these, I have multiple pairs of them.
The Off-Grid Supply Havoc 2.0 shorts are my favorite overall. I can wear them when working outside, and they still look nice enough to go out in.
If I need something more athletic for jogging or working out, the Arrowhead Tactical Carrier Shorts are what I reach for. I can carry and draw my handgun the same way I would any other shorts. I don’t have to carry a fanny pack or something else that is special and unfamiliar to me.
The 5.11 Tactical Taclite Pro RipStop shorts are great as well if you are looking for comfort. I think I have four pairs of these!
Also check out our guide on the Best Concealed Carry Shirts. I included a few of my favorite warm weather options that go great with these shorts. For those times when carrying off body makes more sense, check out our full guide on the Best Concealed Carry Bags.
Now that you have your shorts, read our Concealed Carry Guide for everything from helpful mindset tips to holsters. It is the most complete reference guide based on real experiences.
