Rothco Plainclothes Concealed Carry Vest

Product is a simple cost effective way to add conceal ability, could be a bit better quality but if you looking for an inexpensive way to conceal with lots of pockets this is it...

Had to send the first one back as it was a bit to small at size "S". I am 5'10, 195lbs., 41" Chest, 34" waist.I upgraded to "M" and it was a much better fit. I think a little bigger is better for warm/hot weather were I'll probably be wearing most often. Carrying a 1#13oz pistol worked without noticeable vest sag or printing. BTW the outside pockets were a bit larger as well allowing me to get my hand in more easily. Just got this vest so I won't know for awhile about durability, but from initial impression I expect to be alright.

I bought this in 3X and it was too big. I reordered in 2X and it fit fine. I am 6'2" and weigh about 275. I read many reviews on this vest and others. One Hundred out of 120 is a strong endorsement. This is not my first concealed carry vest. I have worn leather vests with gun pockets, denim vests with inside pouches and a canvas concealed carry vest with huge gun pockets which was very hot. This is my first vest of this type. I wish the sellers would give more pictures of the inside pockets. From all the reviews I read, it seems the Bluestone, 5.11 and Rothco get the best write ups. They each appear to have strong and weak points. First, I am not law enforcement and haven't been military for quite some time. I am not an expert and others opinions may differ. I do consider myself reasonably knowledgeable and proficient with firearms, and I bought this primarily for concealed carry.Second, I agree with one reviewer that stated none of these vests are all that great for carrying a handgun. These carry vests serve a purpose, but they are not my first choice. I like these vests, and similar to shoulder holsters, they are another form of cross draw. In my opinion, for immediate access and presentation, the concealed carry vests cannot compare to a hip holster. This Rothco vest is long enough to conceal a hip holster if you choose to wear one. The Rothco vest is very light and is not uncomfortable in the heat. It has plenty of pockets and side adjustments if you want to pull it in a little tighter. You do want this vest to fit loose. The side adjustments seem to slip sometimes, but it is an easy fix. From the cut, the Rothco seems to be a knock off of the 5.11, which is a little more expensive. It is comfortable looks good and can carry about whatever you need (within reason) in addition to your firearm. Keep in mind, on any of these you will feel the weight. The pistol pocket is 8 inches wide at the top and 10 inches long at the back side. The front is 5 inches and the it angles back for about 5.5 inches. (shaped sort of like the State of Nevada) The front 5 inches is open and secured at the top corner by a small patch of velcro. It is somewhat stiff and doesn't print the weapon outline. I am not concerned about a resonably sized pistol, in a pocket holster or other type, falling out. I used a square shaped IWB holster as a pocket holster. It holds any handgun I would carry, and will hold a 1911 Government to a .38 snubbie. I would be more concerned about smaller handguns. But, you have plenty of outside pockets, that are secure and easily accessible for your hideout piece. I have tried a 4" .38, a 3" .357 and a Sig 229. IMO, Glocks are a little lighter and may be more comfortable. Haven't tried one yet.I have had pistol pockets that closed up tighter (full length velcro), but it takes both hands to pull it open. (The 5.11 may be like this) I have had vests with bigger pockets, but sometimes you grope for the weapon. The Rothco has an open front, small velcro patch, but you can access the weapon with one hand. The front of the pocket could be stitched shut. It could be lined with Velcro for a pocket holster or universal strap. It is personal taste and there is a give and take for most features. If I am that concerned about quick access, the handgun will be in a hip holster on my belt. There are many informative reviews here. None of these vests are perfect.I like the Rothco. It is a good vest for the price. It will serve my purpose. If I get another later, I may go with one of the other brands, or get another Rothco.Hope this helps.UPDATE:I've been wearing this vest all weekend in the Texas heat. It is comfortable and breathes well (3 slits in the back). For me, reaching for a handgun from an interior vest pouch is awkward at best. (any vest) I guess practice will improve anything, but imo there are better alternatives. The weight of a heavier handgun will be felt on any concealment vest. If I am going to use the interior gun pocket, I will stitch up the front edge. I rather it be a simple pouch.This is an easy task; not a deal breaker and I like the vest. It will conceal about any type of appropiate holster. I wouldn't hesitate to buy the Rothco again.I am looking at the Rothco tactical jacket for the winter.

Does what I bought it for very comfortable to wear.

TWO Part Review:FIRST, this is a spring/summer/fall weight vest (also the Rothco Outback vest is the same but no concealed carry). It is reasonably light, has a vertical vent and an interior mesh liner in the back BUT in very hot weather you may find the vest somewhat uncomfortable.* Batman had his utility belt and now you can have this personal warehouse for all your "stuff". The Amazon photographs do not really do this vest justice. They say it has 16 pockets. LOTS of pockets! Vertical pockets on each side, pockets with zippers, pockets with velcro flaps,a D ring, the pocket with a flap on the outside back is ideal to carry maps, a folding poncho or misc. documents. You can't easily see it but the two flapped side pockets each have TWO open top pockets/pouches behind them for more storage. An unmentioned but IMHO a VERY big plus is the zippered pocket on the INSIDE back of the vest. This pocket can ONLY be accessed with the vest off your body. It is probably the closest thing I have ever seen to a "pickpocket proof" pocket! Ideal place to keep your cash, passport, travellers checks, tickets and such that you only need to access when needed. If you travel, camp, ride a bike, or just to go anywhere this vest allows you to take a ton of misc. Camera, pills, mints, earphones, walkman, cell phone, etc..all readily accessible in your vest! I will never travel again without it. I agree that the only downside is keeping track of WHAT is WHERE with all the pockets. I tried to mentally use this pocket for money and that pocket for credit cards or such but that is up to each person to do what works for them. One of the big challenges is to not load too much into it.....SECOND: The "concealed carry" function is usable but not ideal. It is not meant to carry larger handguns.You are given 1 interior OPEN TOP holster shaped pocket on each side. These are sewn in place on one edge, the bottom and half way up the edge that faces the zipper. Each of these has a slightly stiffened flap with about a 1 inch square of velcro holding the top corner of the "pocket" in place. Be very aware, as sold, THERE IS NO REAL HOLSTER in the CCW "pocket". Put a handgun in these and it will probably flop around and maybe even fall out if you bend forward too far. MY solution & recommendation is to get a small holster with velcro on both external sides. I had a local seamstress sew velcro pads INSIDE the CCW pocket. Now I can insert the holster at the best angle and it is firmly held in place by the velcro pad sewn in the vest. There are several nice inexpensive ones here on Amazon or on Ebay.Like:  Replacement Concealed Carry Leather Holsters with Hook Velcro and Thumb Break- In S, M, L (Medium) Or This one:  5.11 Tactical Holster Pouch, Black The vest maker, Rothco, has a couple of holsters but I haven't tried them. Try to get a holster that encloses the gun not just a loop or such. Mine even has a velcro thumbreak. Without the added holster concealed carry might be problematic. I am very happy with my slightly modified vest. This vest can be worn pretty much anywhere for travel or social events (with or without your handgun as needed). Not everyone needs all the storage available but better too much than not enough.... BE SURE TO USE THE SIZE CHART. For the price, I feel it is a great buy. Hope this helps.Sorry my photos are black on black and thus hard to see MD

Is a very comfortable vest but the flap on the inside's that hold the pistol and the magazines in place do not retain very well and a little bit of movement or even bending over to pick something up. The magazines can fall out of the holders

Pockets! I can carry everything I need for a day on the trails with the pups. Baggies, treats, water bottle, Spare leashes. First Aid kit. The safe-carry dog sling if a pups is injured and unable to walk himself out. All the gear I need without having to carry it in my hands.

Not what I expected . Rugged vest , more like a fisherman’s vest . Lots of pockets , good quality . Seems the only thing lacking was the pouch for the handgun needs to be more snug or a strap to hold it in place better .

Parfait, bonne qualité pour veste de travail tous les joursDeuxième achat doc très satisfait

Good unit

It's a pretty nice vest. I'm a biologist and use it as a field vest. The pockets are pretty handy but I'd rather have fewer pockets with some with more capacity for bigger items. A synthetic fabric would have been better, because once this gets wet it stays wet for the rest of the day. If you are out in the rain or walking through wet brush it will get soaked and become quite heavy.