IDPA Cover Garment Question

[movingshrub]

My understanding is that when participating in IDPA, the shooter must wear a cover garment.

Does the item have to be 100% covered, as in, non visible, or is it permissible to wear a cover garment that must be swept out of the way in order to draw, even if it allows part of the holster or firearm to be seen?

I am looking to participate in my first IDPA event this weekend and have a safariland belt holster for a full size M&P that extends out below the fleece jacket I wear regularly. I would much rather participate using my normal jacket instead of getting a shooting vest.

Please advise. Thank you.

[DefensiveCarry.com]

[RugerMike]

All equipment should be so placed that, when wearing an open
concealment garment with your arms extended at your sides and
parallel to the ground, it can NOT been seen from the front, rear or
sides. Your concealment garment should be practical for your
environment and loose enough to allow easy movement.
Competition only garments are prohibited. Competition only
garments are defined as: vented or mesh vests that allow the
firearm, holster, spare ammo or ammo carriers to be visible when
standing normally, chest pockets, specially-made pockets or any
material inserted in pockets or around pockets to keep the pocket
open for stowage of partial magazines after a reload.

Straight from the IDPA rulebook: http://www.idpa.com/Documents/IDPARuleBook2005.pdf

[HandgunWorld]

I often wear a baggy T-shirt or sweatshirt depending on the weather. It complies with the rules and it's similar to what I wear in real life, when I'm carrying. I treat IDPA as a means to practice with what I carry and how I dress while carrying.

[JBPDXOR]

I bought an inexpensive vest from Sportsman Guide plus I have 2 different colored vests from Columbia Sport wear. The best
concealment is with the Columbia products. If the weather is bad then I wear a polyester vest.

[jescurius]

I know, the thread is a couple months old but I picked up a heavy cotton hawaiian style shirt by Puritan at Walleyworld for about $10. It's not the normal thin material, covers pretty decent [no print] and is a lot cheaper than any vest I've found. Plus, I would actually wear it on the street so is more realistic in competition.

[Stubborn]

I know, the thread is a couple months old but I picked up a heavy cotton hawaiian style shirt by Puritan at Walleyworld for about $10. It's not the normal thin material, covers pretty decent [no print] and is a lot cheaper than any vest I've found. Plus, I would actually wear it on the street so is more realistic in competition.

Starch it with heavy starch or have it laundered with heavy starch.
It will "stiffen" the material so it "sweeps" easily and won't try to wrap around your hand/arm as you sweep.

[Yoda]

I know, the thread is a couple months old but I picked up a heavy cotton hawaiian style shirt by Puritan at Walleyworld for about $10. It's not the normal thin material, covers pretty decent [no print] and is a lot cheaper than any vest I've found. Plus, I would actually wear it on the street so is more realistic in competition.

Thanks for the tip, I have been searching for shirts like that and they cost a bundle, this is way cheaper than most shirts like that. I don't usually shop for clothes at Wallyworld but will have to go check it out.

[DRM]

I always wore the same cover garments that I wear on the street. Not the gamer vests some guys wear. But I made sure they were functional.

[Toorop]

I use an old M65 jacket that I had the sleeves removed from. It is nice and heavy as well as not quite as tactical as the vests but I like the look.

[Yoda]

I use an old M65 jacket that I had the sleeves removed from. It is nice and heavy as well as not quite as tactical as the vests but I like the look.

Is that the "Larry the Cable Guy" look? (no sleeves)

[rambosky]

All equipment should be so placed that, when wearing an open
concealment garment with your arms extended at your sides and
parallel to the ground, it can NOT been seen from the front, rear or
sides. Your concealment garment should be practical for your
environment and loose enough to allow easy movement.
Competition only garments are prohibited. Competition only
garments are defined as: vented or mesh vests that allow the
firearm, holster, spare ammo or ammo carriers to be visible when
standing normally, chest pockets, specially-made pockets or any
material inserted in pockets or around pockets to keep the pocket
open for stowage of partial magazines after a reload.

Straight from the IDPA rulebook: http://www.idpa.com/Documents/IDPARuleBook2005.pdf

That's exactly right. Movingshrub, download a copy of the IDPA rules. There are many that need reviewing before you start.

[Toorop]

Is that the "Larry the Cable Guy" look? (no sleeves)

I wear a T-shirt underneath. It looks more like a vest.

[Stubborn]

SHOOT ME FIRST.jpg