Biomortis

In such an image conscious society that we live in, obviously attire makes a difference in how people treat us. I know that if I have two people walk into my store and one is in a suit and well groomed and the other is all thug'ed out and a mess, I'm going to keep my eye on the thug, but I know for a fact that both are equally capable and likely to rob me. I also consider giving me a bad check robbing me with a smile.

Anyways, I was wondering how do the regular open carriers here feel about their physical appearance in relationship to their carrying? Obviously there aren't any laws regarding that as far as I know, but sometimes you just have to use common sense don't you? I wouldn't drive around drinking out of a Budweiser bottle that I had filled with water if you get my meaning. Yeah its harmless but if a cop sees me I damn well know I'm getting pulled over.

Just curious of your opinions.

retsupt99

Is your purpose surprise self-defense or creating a visual threat? Both could have their time and place. Only you USING common sense could dictate what the situation calls for...OMO.

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archer51

My dress doesn't change. OC or CC I'm usually in jeans and a polo/t-shirt. It's what I'm comfortable wearing and what I work in as well.

varob

Ones looks are often all we have to go by. We OC and CCers tend to have a more keen eye for the details of one who is simply OCing or a thug.

Example: If the OCer has a nice gun belt and holster than I not as worried as the same person with a gun hanging out of there pants mexican style.

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JerryM

I almost never carry OC, but if I were to do so, and dressed like a biker with tatoos all over me and flaunting colors, I would expect to be singled out. I sure would be cautious if I were to encounter someone who dressed like a thug.

Dress and appearance is not unimportant, and many of us make a first judgment based upon appearance. Sometimes it is not correct, but that is a fact of life.

Regards,
Jerry

Jetpilot007

Common Sense prevails to attire.

Ssmo

I usually wear cargo shorts and a nice shirt with a collar. I hardly ever wear pants except at work or hunting. I tuck my shirt in when OCing so I don't look like I am trying to hide my gun.

Just look clean and neat and your good to go. Also facial expression is key. Dont look like a deer stuck in high beams when someone notices your piece.

coriantan

I typically CC, partly because I usually look blue collar (cause I am blue collar) in dirty work clothes, partly because what the boss don't know, he can't make rules about.
When I do OC, I am wearing nice jeans or slacks with a tucked in button up casual to dress shirt. The only reason I OC is to make a 2A statement, so when I want to make a statement I think the statement goes over better when you look and act like a knowledgeable and upstanding citizen.

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chiefjason

I worried more when I first started OC'ing. Used to alway tuck in my shirt and make sure I looked nice. It's not so important to me know. I've OC'd after cutting the grass, still in the grimy yard clothes. It's legal either way. I think your demeanor is just as important. I usually just VA tuck it now. So many people don't even notice the firearm anyway.

MinistrMalic

I OC'ed Thursday after coming back from court (the thread is here: My experience at the Maricopa County court in Surprise, AZ). I was wearing a suit that day, and took the coat off and OCed strong side in my Galco OWB.

I had no problems all day. Maybe the shirt and tie said "not a thug" or whatever, but I had no issues.

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