Best Ways for Women to Conceal Carry

Woman with shirt slightly raised to show gun holster on hip


The fastest-growing segment for concealed carry is women. According to the Pew Research Center, 27% of women claim that protection is the main reason they own guns, compared to 8% of men.

 

Gun holsters were initially designed for males only. However, manufacturers have created holsters that can be used by both male and female bodies. As a result, there are now more options for concealed carry for females than ever before.

 

Women's Concealed Carry Options

Women's gun holders need to be considered due to differences in anatomy, dress styles, and other factors. If you are carrying your gun in a strong side position (women tend to have wider hips) than men, placing the holster behind your right hip is better than over it - plus, it can make carrying a gun for long periods more comfortable. In addition, natural curves can make it easier to conceal the weapon, which will prevent it from printing.

 

Waistband Holsters

Most holsters made for concealed carry are worn inside or out of the waistband in one of these positions: strong side, appendix, small of the back, and cross draw. The most common of the four carry positions are appendix and strong side. In strong side carry, you place your firearm on the side of your pelvis that corresponds with your dominant or strong hand. For example, if you are right-handed, carry your gun on your right side. Appendix carry refers to wearing your gun in the front or outside of your pants between the navel and hip bone.

 

The two options for carrying are IWB (inside your waistband) or OWB (outside your waistband). 

  • IWB Holster. An IWB holster is made for concealment. It places the weapon between your waistband and your body. Women's pants are typically more form-fitting and have less room for accessories and IWB holsters. Thus, you may need to adapt your outfit to the holster or vice versa. For concealing an IWB gun, you will need to wear jeans or pants with a mid-rise. For an IWB holster, it is recommended to buy pants that are one to two sizes larger than your usual wear.

  • OWB Holster. An OWB holster is an alternative if you cannot wear an IWB holster with a particular outfit. OWB holsters allow you to carry your weapon out of sight. Many gun owners carry OWB holsters openly. However, an OWB holster can be concealed with the right covering garments, such as a long sweater or jacket. 

 

To find the right IWB or OWB holster for you, experiment with different hostlers for comfort and concealability,

 

Non-Waistband Holsters

While the best women's concealed carry holsters are made with the waistband in mind, you can use other options under certain circumstances. For example, concealed carry poses unique challenges when wearing a skirt or dress. Some options include:

  • Shoulder Holster. A shoulder holster is helpful for pregnant women and those unable to comfortably wear a waistband or holster (i.e., those who sit or drive for long periods, those who wear dresses often). However, the shoulder holster can make it challenging to reholster one-handed. Many designs also cause the muzzle to sit horizontally rather than vertically. In addition, women's jackets are often made of thinner material, making it easier to see the harness.

  • Thigh Holster. The thigh holster attaches to the nondominant leg. This holster is useful for women who wear free-flowing skirts or dresses, but it limits the firearm's size and accessibility. 

  • Belly-Band Holster. The belly-band holsters wrap around your abdomen and eliminate the need to wear a belt or waistband. A belly-band is an excellent option for women who want to holster their firearm when running. However, a waistband holster is better for everyday use.

  • Off-Body Carry. Off-body carry is a tempting option for concealed-carry accessories. However, unless you need to conceal your firearm off-body because of your job or health, it's preferable to keep your weapon on your person. Access is the most crucial reason; unzipping a bag or purse can be tedious and time-consuming, especially when responding to a threat. Purse carry is also a liability, as it is the likely target of a mugger because it's where you keep your valuables. If your firearm is in your purse, you are fighting for your means of self-defense.

 

Everybody is unique and requires a holster that fits their needs. You can experiment with different holster designs and materials to find the best one. 

 

Concealed Carry Criteria

Every concealed carry holster for women must meet the following criteria: 

  • Retention. A holster must have the ability to hold your firearm securely, meaning the holster must prevent your weapon from being lost or stolen.

  • Accessibility. A concealed carry firearm's purpose is to protect in a life-threatening emergency. A women's holster should offer comfort and convenience, allowing the user to easily access the weapon if needed. Your hand should be strong enough to hold the weapon and wrap your middle and ring fingers around the front strap. To achieve the best draw stroke, you will need to balance accessibility and retention.

  • Concealability. As the name says, concealed carry holsters must be concealable. Although concealability is affected by clothing or firearm choice, the holster should improve the concealability. IWB holsters are designed to drive the IWB holster into your body and away from your waistband. When you carry a concealed weapon, be aware of how you move and how your clothes fall. 

  • Safety. A safe holster is essential. In addition to a fully covered trigger guard, no release mechanisms should require you to use your index finger. Safety means that your weapon's holster mouth does not collapse when you draw it, allowing you to reholster your firearm using one hand.

  • Durability. Durability refers to the ability of the holster to resist moisture, chemical solvents, and temperature changes. Regular use or sweat should not cause the holster to deteriorate.

  • Adjustability. You will be able to adjust the ride height, retention, and cant of your holster to ensure that your firearm is carried comfortably and securely.

 

Choose Northern Illinois Carry LLC

USCCA Concealed Carry and Home Defense Course is a 16-hour course and meets the Illinois State Police requirements for the Illinois Concealed Carry Permit. Upon completing the course, students will receive a certificate required when renewing their Illinois Concealed Carry Permit. Visit Northern Illinois Carry LLC online to learn more, or call us at 815-501-9421 with any questions.

 

 

Sources

https://www.outdoorhub.com/5-best-concealed-carry-options-women-woman/ 

https://www.womensoutdoornews.com/2016/09/conceal-carry-firearm-holster-women/ 

https://tacticafashion.com/best-concealed-carry-positions-for-women /
Location: Northern Illinois Carry LLC

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