The Tactical Tuxedo
5.11 has been one of the top names in tactical apparel and discreet concealment for decades now. From being the go-to pants for the FBI Academy at Quantico to the ubiquitous “photographer vest” used by SOF & military contractors in the early GWOT, 5.11 Tactical is synonymous with the armed professional.
But none of those dudes are on duty and/or running overt missions 24/7/365. Whether it’s a surveillance operation or a trip to the grocery store, some situations call for less overt attire.
Through the late aughts and 2010s, 5.11 made attempts at “street clothing” that certainly didn’t qualify as “uniform” clothing but had an appearance that fully suggested the wearer was armed and likely on the job. The “5.11 Tuxedo” became a bit of a punchline within the concealed carry space.
Over the last few years, however, 5.11 has made a concerted effort to make truly discreet clothing that doesn’t skyline the wearer as potentially being armed.
They graciously sent me some of their lineup, and I’ve been wearing it regularly over the last few months. So what sets 5.11’s discreet clothing apart from the run-of-the-mill stuff you get at your local big-box retailer?
Center front RapiDraw™ snap placket (aka Pearl Snaps for Gun Dudes)
Many of the “button-up” shirts that 5.11 offers come with this feature. For those unfamiliar, the placket is the strip up the front of the shirt where the buttons and buttonholes overlap. This facilitates your draw-stroke in a couple of ways.
The front of your shirt is now “breakaway,” so if you typically carry on the hip at 3 o’clock under an open cover garment (like a jacket), you can use essentially the same “claw & rip” draw as you normally would.
For appendix carry, this breakaway feature is a failsafe if your shirt gets hung up on the draw. With normal button-up shirts, especially cotton ones that don’t stretch, it’s possible for the hem of the shirt to snag on your beltline (or the curve of the buttocks), and restrict how high you’re able to clear the shirttail.
Virtually all pants in the 5.11 lineup have extra pockets. Most of them, being duty-oriented, have those pockets on the legs or otherwise visible. In less rugged environments, those pockets can stand out and be a tell. With the Defender-Flex Jeans & Chinos, they’ve found a way to give the wearer extra pockets while still maintaining a clean aesthetic that doesn’t stand out or draw unwanted attention.
Following the seam of the yoke, there’s an extra pocket that sits outboard of the cheek. This offers a couple of major benefits.
First, you’re not sitting on whatever’s in your back pocket. If you spend a lot of time seated, this is way better for your hips and back.
Second, it opens up some pocket carry options. Since most people keep their wallet and/or phone in a back pocket, you can keep these valuables in the yoke pocket, which then frees up real estate for a flat little semi-auto in the back pocket.
It’s also a great spot for a spare mag, tourniquet, or sap/blackjack (provided they’re legal where you live).
5.11 has been making strides to improve its discreet clothing to blend into a wider range of settings, and I look forward to seeing what the company has planned for the future.
For more information, please visit 511Tactical.com.
Disclaimer: While the clothing used for this article was provided at no cost by 5.11 Tactical, there was no requirement or expectation of a positive review in exchange.
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