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In our second iteration of our Holster Hacks for Her series, we dive into the perfect pairing of a concealed carry holster and women’s concealed carry clothing.
In today’s world, concealed carry is a lifestyle choice that combines comfort, style, and utility beyond simple safety precautions. For women who concealed carry on a daily basis, the trick is to strike the ideal balance between fashion and preparedness.
Today, we will comb through some of the best possible advice we can put together on matching CC holsters to clothes intended for concealed carry so that all women can feel confident, safe, and fashionable all in one.
Before getting into what holsters pair well with your concealed carry clothing of choice, you first need to find the holster that best works for you.
To do that, you must understand the core principles behind why women carry concealed firearms.
When it comes to carrying a concealed firearm, there are certainly difficulties for both men and women. A person’s degree of comfort and confidence when carrying a concealed weapon can be hindered by various factors such as body type, fashion choices, and general social norms.
Now, when it comes to the ladies, certain aspects of women’s clothing typically lack the robust waistbands found in men’s clothing, which makes it challenging to fasten a holster. Certain social norms may also cause people to feel self-conscious about the print or the silhouette of a pistol showing through clothing.
Finding solutions that work for you starts with understanding these difficulties and how you can best navigate them.
Next comes your choice of concealed carry holster.
Your holster and clothing run hand in hand, really with what you value most, the type of carry or how you look carrying.
Below are the most popular types of carry for women:
Women have a wide variety of options to choose from when it comes to a holster to accommodate their varied preferences of carry and clothing styles:
A popular option for their easy access and secure fit, especially with jeans or pants.
Perfect for skirts and dresses, these holsters provide a discreet yet easily accessible CC option.
A great choice that is concealable under a variety of clothes, all while offering comfort and accessibility.
These offer a low-profile carrying option that is appropriate for certain circumstances and looks, such as formal events. The one caveat with ankle carry is it is hard to cover without a long dress or bell bottom jeans.
Designed with specific sections for safety and easy access, these bags are convenient for people who typically carry a purse and want to use them for their concealed firearms.
Selecting the right holster for women is about more than just choosing a style; it’s about ensuring that the holster meets your specific needs.
Comfort is key; if a holster isn’t comfortable, there is a good chance it will find a permanent home in the back of the closet.
Concealment is also crucial, as the holster should fit snugly against your body to minimize any and all printing.
Durability and material are other important factors, as a good holster should last for years and withstand regular use.
Finally, consider the accessibility you need. Your holster should allow for a quick and easy draw, making sure that your firearm is always within reach when you need it most.
Now, we can get into pairing holsters with the clothing side of the coin.
Integrating concealed carry into your daily wardrobe allows you to maintain both style and security on a daily basis.
Whether dressing casually or for more formal occasions, there are several ways to incorporate a holster seamlessly into your outfit of choice:
If you take your time and really work out the most important aspects of a holster that fits your needs, you can easily maintain a stylish appearance while ensuring your firearm is not super obvious to those around you.
Activewear presents its own unique challenges for women who wish to carry a concealed firearm, but with the right approach, women can stay both active and armed.
Here are some effective strategies:
By choosing the right gear and testing it thoroughly, you can effectively incorporate concealed carry into your active lifestyle while maintaining comfort and security.
Jeans are a great choice for concealed carry because they let you fasten your gun to a belt, which keeps it in place all day. It will be easier and more comfortable to fit a weapon into your waistband if you choose jeans with some stretch or a latex waistband. To determine which waist height is most comfortable for your holster, experiment with low-rise, mid-rise, and high-rise.
You can also elect to use a holster that carries the firearm inside the waist band, keeping the firearm hidden.
Belly bands are a great choice for women who like to wear dresses and skirts since they keep the gun secured close to the body with extremely easy access. Another excellent option is thigh holsters, particularly when worn with chafe-resistant shorts. It’s always a good idea to practice drawing your firearm before utilizing a thigh holster to be sure that no clothing styles, including skirt linings, ruffles, or additional detailing, block or get in the way.
Jackets, vests, and blazers are examples of outerwear that lets you show off your particular style while providing more reasonable ways to carry concealed. This outerwear can help hide your gun’s silhouette, making it easier to carry covertly with a wider variety of holsters.
Whether you use a waistline holster under a cardigan or a shoulder holster under a coat, layering is always a good way to add extra coverage. It is also a good idea to consider the size of your pistol before making any decisions on clothing, as it might just not work.
Now, let’s get into some clothing specifics
Making sure your choice of holster and clothing is comfortable is extremely important because as we mentioned earlier, the last thing you want is the holster getting stuffed in the back of the closet because it’s not comfortable.
Accessibility is just as crucial as proficiency with a pistol, as simply owning a gun is not enough. At the range, practice drawing your weapon rapidly using dry fire or live fire drills. To improve your accuracy and speed, think about utilizing a shot clock.
The key to maximizing concealment is determining the ideal holster location and outfit combination.
To lessen printing, make sure your gun touches your body on all four sides. Holster modifications like wings or wedges can help with this. The concealment of your pistol can be fixed by shifting it merely an inch. Try a variety of postures and outfits until you choose what suits you the best.
The appropriate attachments can also impact the comfort and functionality of concealed carry.
Making sure you have the right accessories can help to improve your entire carry experience in addition to assisting with the safe and covert transportation of your firearm.
Here are some ways that particular attachments can enhance your concealed carry setup:
A well-chosen belt is absolutely crucial for concealed carry. Unlike standard fashion belts, which may lack the necessary support, concealed carry belts are designed to hold your firearm securely without sagging or tilting.
Important aspects include:
Adding a clip to your holster can enhance its stability and prevent shifting on the belt. Double-check that the clip is compatible with your belt and holster for optimal performance.
Pouches can provide extra storage for accessories or spare magazines on your belt. Elect to go with a pouch that securely attaches to your belt without movement and complements your holster setup.
For those who prefer off-body carry, a concealed carry bag or purse offers more flexibility and convenience some women prefer. These accessories are designed to safely and discreetly store your firearm while maintaining a stylish appearance.
Some things to keep in mind:
Look for bags with specific compartments for firearms. These pockets keep your gun separate from other items, reducing the risk of accidental discharge or damage.
Some of the nicer purses come with integrated holsters that secure your firearm and allow for extremely easy access. Make sure the holster is well-positioned, which will allow you to draw your gun smoothly and without interference.
A bag or purse with a quick-access design allows the carrier to reach their firearm swiftly if needed. Keep in mind what you plan on using the pistol for and go for a design that allows you to find and draw your weapon without fumbling.
Choosing the best accessories for your intended use makes sure you have the best possible concealed carry experience. Whether opting for a specialized belt or a chic concealed carry purse, its important that your choices align with your needs and preferences for optimal safety and convenience.
As much as it is tedious and takes time, trial and error, and practice to find the right holster to wear with your concealed carry attire.
Selecting a holster is not as simple as just picking the option that looks best or fits one of your requirements. The ideal holster you want is set to fit your specific needs, tastes, and way of life.
Experimenting and fine-tuning until you find the perfect holster and outfit combination is a normal step in the process and is nothing you should get frustrated with. The goal should be to strike a balance between utility and style, regardless of whether you like a belly band for energetic sports, a thigh holster for special events, or a waistline holster for everyday usage.
