Carrying a concealed firearm daily presents ongoing challenges that many permit holders struggle to resolve satisfactorily. Traditional belt-mounted holsters create pressure points, cause discomfort during sitting, and often print visibly through lightweight summer clothing. These issues become particularly problematic for individuals with larger body types or those who spend extended periods driving, sitting at desks, or engaging in activities where conventional holsters dig uncomfortably into the body. The result is inconsistent carry habits, with many permit holders leaving their firearms at home during warm weather or certain activities rather than enduring the discomfort of traditional carry methods. PACC Armor has developed concealed carry cargo shorts that address these limitations by integrating secure firearm pockets directly into the garment, eliminating waistband pressure while maintaining accessibility and concealment for everyday carriers.

The Problem with Traditional Concealed Carry

Belt-mounted holsters, whether inside-the-waistband or outside-the-waistband, concentrate the firearm’s weight at a single point on the waistline. This creates persistent pressure that becomes increasingly uncomfortable during extended wear. For those who sit frequently—whether commuting, working, or dining, the firearm presses into the body, causing irritation and fatigue that can become severe enough to discourage consistent carry.

Appendix carry positions the firearm at the front of the body, offering quick access but creating acute discomfort when sitting, especially for individuals with certain body shapes. The firearm digs into the abdomen, making this popular carry position impractical for many daily activities despite its tactical advantages.

Printing, the visible outline of a concealed firearm showing through clothing—presents another significant challenge with traditional holsters. Summer clothing made from thin, lightweight fabrics does little to disguise the shape of belt-mounted firearms. This visibility can cause social discomfort and may create legal concerns in jurisdictions with specific concealment requirements.

These compounding issues lead many carriers to simply leave their firearms at home during warm months or certain activities, undermining the fundamental purpose of maintaining defensive capability. The need for a carry solution that provides genuine comfort without sacrificing security or accessibility becomes clear when examining these widespread problems.

How Integrated Pocket Carry Works

Concealed carry cargo shorts take a fundamentally different approach by building secure firearm pockets directly into the garment structure. Rather than adding holsters to clothing, these specialized shorts feature dedicated carry positions on the front of each thigh, designed specifically for right-hand or left-hand draw preferences.

The bilateral pocket design provides significant flexibility. Carriers can choose their preferred draw side, utilize cross-draw techniques, or even carry backup weapons if their training and licensing permit. This adaptability allows adjusting carry configuration based on daily activities, clothing worn over the shorts, or personal comfort preferences.

Pocket construction represents sophisticated engineering tailored for firearm carry demands. The pockets utilize 1000 Denier Cordura nylon, an exceptionally durable material that far exceeds standard pocket fabric strength. This heavy-duty nylon prevents sagging, tearing, or deformation despite the constant weight and stress of carried firearms, maintaining structural integrity through thousands of draw cycles.

Interior pocket lining uses non-pill synthetic fleece that serves multiple critical functions. The soft material protects the firearm’s finish from scratching during insertion and draw, preserving the weapon’s condition. It also cushions the firearm against the leg, reducing discomfort from hard contact during movement. The non-pilling characteristic ensures the lining maintains smooth texture rather than developing fuzzy degradation that compromises both appearance and function.

Zippered closures provide positive retention that keeps firearms secure during vigorous activity while maintaining quick access when needed. Quality zippers operate smoothly even under tension, allowing one-handed opening while providing sufficient resistance to prevent accidental opening during normal movement.

Critical Safety: Integrated Trigger Guard Protection

Trigger safety represents perhaps the most important consideration in any concealed carry system. Negligent discharges frequently result from foreign objects, fabric, keys, or other pocket contents, entering the trigger guard and applying pressure during holstering or while carried. Traditional pocket carry without proper protection creates unacceptable risk of such incidents.

Quality concealed carry shorts address this through integrated HDPE (high-density polyethylene) flexible plastic trigger guards. These provide rigid barriers that prevent objects from accessing the trigger while maintaining enough flexibility to accommodate body contours comfortably. The material selection balances protection with comfort, hard enough to reliably exclude foreign objects but flexible enough to avoid creating uncomfortable pressure points against the thigh.

This integrated trigger guard ensures that throughout the draw stroke, nothing can reach the trigger mechanism until the shooter’s hand achieves proper firing grip and deliberately engages the trigger. The protection remains consistent and can’t be forgotten, lost, or left behind like separate pocket holsters that can shift or even come out attached to the firearm during draw.

Firearm Compatibility and Sizing

Concealed carry shorts are designed for compact and subcompact automatic handguns and short-barrel revolvers, firearms specifically engineered for concealed carry applications. Compact pistols typically feature 3 to 4-inch barrels with dimensions that balance concealability and shootability. Subcompact models reduce dimensions further, often with barrels around 3 inches or less.

Short-barrel revolvers in defensive calibers also work well in cargo short carry. These typically feature 2 to 3-inch barrels and compact frames that create minimal printing. The rounded contours of revolvers often conceal particularly well in pocket applications.

Full-size service pistols, long-barrel revolvers, or particularly thick double-stack models generally prove impractical for cargo short pocket carry. Their dimensions create excessive printing, their weight causes uncomfortable sagging, and their size may prevent proper pocket closure or comfortable movement.

The shorts themselves accommodate waist sizes from 34 to 54 inches, ensuring availability for larger individuals who often struggle most with traditional holster systems. The 9-inch inseam provides sufficient coverage while remaining appropriate for warm-weather wear, positioning the firearm pocket properly on the thigh without riding too high or extending uncomfortably toward the knee.

Advantages for Big and Tall Carriers

Traditional concealed carry presents particular challenges for larger individuals. Belt-mounted holsters create excessive pressure points, fail to accommodate body contours effectively, and often prove impossible to conceal adequately. The “big and tall” demographic frequently abandons consistent carry due to these compounding discomforts.

Concealed carry cargo shorts offer specific advantages for larger carriers. The thigh-positioned pockets distribute weight along the leg rather than concentrating it at the waistband, eliminating the pressure points that cause acute discomfort. The absence of belt-mounted hardware removes the digging and pinching that occurs when sitting with firearms pressed between belt and body.

Lower carry position also improves concealment for those with larger midsections. Waistband carry on larger individuals often creates pronounced printing as body curvature pushes firearms outward. Thigh pocket carry positions firearms where they hang more naturally against the leg, reducing printing and improving concealment profile.

Extended sizing to 54-inch waists ensures larger individuals can find proper-fitting garments rather than attempting to adapt standard sizes. Proper fit is crucial not just for comfort but for maintaining appropriate pocket position and preventing the shifting or sagging that occurs with improperly sized garments.

Material Construction and Durability

The shorts utilize 100% cotton for the primary garment material, providing superior breathability compared to synthetic alternatives. This allows air circulation that helps manage heat and moisture during warm weather, particularly important when carrying firearms that add weight and create an additional layer between body and environment.

Cotton’s natural moisture-wicking properties help maintain comfort during perspiration, reducing clamminess that occurs with moisture-trapping synthetics. The natural fiber’s feel against skin provides comfort during extended wear without the sometimes-irritating texture of synthetic materials.

The combination of cotton body fabric with 1000 Denier Cordura pocket construction represents thoughtful material selection that balances overall garment comfort with exceptional durability in high-stress areas. This hybrid approach delivers performance that neither material could provide alone.

Additional EDC Features

Beyond firearm carry, the shorts include dedicated concealed knife pockets that provide secure, accessible carry for folding knives used for utility and defensive purposes. These pockets prevent printing while securing knives against loss during movement, with positioning that facilitates single-handed deployment.

This integration transforms the shorts from single-purpose garments into comprehensive EDC platforms. Rather than distributing tools across multiple pockets and belt clips, consolidated carry in purpose-built pockets streamlines load-out and ensures essential tools remain accessible.

Available colors, Coyote Brown, OD Green, and Gray, provide neutral, subdued tones that avoid drawing attention while remaining appropriate for casual wear. These earth tones coordinate with varied clothing while maintaining low-visibility characteristics essential for concealed carry applications.

Training Requirements for Pocket Draw

Carrying firearms in cargo short pockets requires different draw techniques than conventional holster systems, making proper training essential. The draw mechanics, body positioning, and clearing techniques all differ from waistband draws.

The pocket draw begins with hand positioning that accounts for the pocket opening and zipper while establishing proper grip before extraction. Unlike belt holsters where firearm position remains consistent, pocket carry positions firearms lower and may shift slightly during movement, requiring tactile confirmation of location before attempting draw.

Clearing the garment, ensuring fabric doesn’t interfere with the firearm’s path, requires practice to execute smoothly. The zipper must be operated efficiently, the pocket opening navigated without fumbling, and the firearm withdrawn at an angle that avoids catching on edges or fabric.

Safe reholstering demands even more attention. The shooter must ensure the pocket is clear, trigger guard protection properly positioned, and firearm correctly oriented before insertion. This requires visual confirmation and deliberate, controlled movement, never rushed reholstering that risks snags or inadvertent trigger contact.

Responsible carriers should invest time in dry-fire practice under professional instruction when possible, with emphasis on safe handling, consistent draw mechanics, and realistic scenario-based practice that accounts for stress and positioning variables.

Other Considerations

Carrying concealed firearms involves legal responsibilities that vary by jurisdiction. Understanding local, state, and federal laws governing concealed carry remains essential before carrying firearms in any manner, including cargo short pocket carry.

Some jurisdictions specify permitted carry methods, potentially restricting certain techniques. Verifying that pocket carry meets legal requirements prevents inadvertent violations. Printing laws, regulations governing visible firearm outlines, also vary widely, requiring carriers to understand specific requirements in their jurisdictions.

Beyond legal compliance, practical considerations include recognizing contexts where even legal carry may be inappropriate. Responsible carriers continuously assess their surroundings and make informed decisions about carry methods and visibility

For those seeking enhanced comfort and concealment in everyday carry, PACC Armor offers purpose-engineered concealed carry cargo shorts that address traditional holster limitations while maintaining security and accessibility. Their specialized design accommodates warm-weather carry and the unique needs of larger individuals who struggle with conventional methods. Those interested in exploring how concealed carry clothing can improve their daily carry experience or learning more about proper use and training should reach out to PACC Armor to discuss their specific requirements and discover whether this carry solution aligns with their defensive needs and lifestyle.