The fashion world often prides itself on being progressive as a form of art and a source of emerging trends. Many of us watch aghast as more and more bizarre designs are becoming acceptable to wear in public. However, another aspect of fashion is its function. In the case of Woolrich, their newest chino pants are lauded for their function, which is being designed to conceal a handgun. The 182-year-old company has designed a pair of pants that has another pocket specially created to conceal a weapon, along with back pockets that can hold flashlights and knives.
According to an article published in The New York Times on Monday, the clothing brand is not the only one to tap into this lucrative market. There has been a consistent increase in permits allowing individuals to carry concealed weapons. Other brands are designing similar clothing items, giving consumers options on how best to covertly carry weapons. Shirts and jackets are also adding to the clothing range, giving consumers more of a variety.
If an individual is legally permitted to carry a weapon, then this step in making carrying a gun more aesthetically pleasing is not harmful. The idea was not conceived out of thin air; the demand in an existing market presented itself, and consequently it is rational that these clothing brands rose to fill the gap in the market. For many who go through the process to obtain a concealed weapon permit, they do so out of wanting to feel safe and in control. These new clothing options will allow them to do so without unnecessarily intimidating those around them. To obtain a permit of this nature, one cannot be a felon, as well as meet other legal requirements.
While a wider discussion of how America approaches gun control rages on, this particular facet of the issue does not directly feed into who should have guns, but rather provides additional options to those who are legally permitted to do so. Aesthetically, the products have a few more re-design attempts to go before they can be considered the height of fashion, but functionally they provide an interesting alternative for the market they target.
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