When I first got my Heckler & Koch VP9SK I was so excited because it meant that I would be able to start carrying a sub-compact version of my favorite handgun, the HK VP9. I was curious to see how well the VP9SK would fit with my wardrobe compared to my Glock 43 especially going into the summer months when fabrics are lighter and layers are minimal.

When it came to summer outfits, sadly my VP9SK wouldn’t work with most of them. My summer shorts couldn’t withstand the weight of the gun with my normal belt. It could with my legitimate carry belt but that was not cute at all. I mean any traditional carry belt wouldn’t work with that outfit or many outfits but that is for another post. Additionally, the lightweight summer t-shirts were not working with the grip of the gun. Overall my VP9SK was just too big compared to my Glock 43 for those summer outfits.

What did work for easily concealing my VP9SK were tops & blouses that had a bit more structure or had a ruffled or peplum style hem as well as pairing those tops with jeans. This white blouse is a bit thicker so it drapes nicely over the VP9SK or Glock 43 without settling into the lines of a firearm. Something that t-shirts or silk blouses can do. I found that for my summer “night out” looks it was easier to conceal my VP9SK and I definitely opted for that when I could. You might wonder why I would want to choose to carry my VP9SK over my Glock 43 and it’s not because I don’t like my Glock 43. I just love my VP9 and additionally it has a higher magazine capacity. The VP9SK can hold 10 rounds versus 6 rounds in my Glock 43. Since I don’t carry a spare mag, having those additional rounds available, should I need it, is a nice option and something to consider.

This is definitely a case where a smaller sized gun works much better for carrying. However, that doesn’t mean you have two different guns for different outfits. Prior to the VP9SK I only had my full-size VP9 and my Glock 43; a home defense gun and a carry gun. What I do have is a variety of holsters that make carrying in different outfits easier. Some people live in the mindset that you need to carry the smallest size gun in order to conceal it. But ideally, you want to choose a carry gun that you can comfortably manipulate, shoot, and conceal based on the clothing that fits your lifestyle.

The combination of a high-waist jean and more structured top makes concealing so much easier especially if you choose to carry something that has a bigger frame like the HKVP9SK. Another “trick” I like to use when carrying is wearing a tank top underneath. While I didn’t need it with this top, it’s a great option to help minimize printing as I discuss in this post or if the top you’re wearing is rather sheer.

When choosing to wear a white top, I never considered before carrying the opaqueness of it. Meaning how see-through was the white. A lot of blouses especially ones that come in white tend to be more on the sheer side. If that’s the case you run the risk of possibly seeing a dark object underneath but that is where a nude tank top would be handy and/or a nude-colored holster. I know some women even have tan colored guns to help with this but considering I wear dark colors mostly, it’s not a priority for me.

Pictured Above: Glock 43 w/ StealthGearUSA Holster
Pictured Below: Heckler & Koch VP9SK w/ StealthGearUSA Holster