Concealed Carry Roadmap - Choosing A Holster
Concealed Carry Roadmap - Choosing A Holster
When people ask me what holster I recommend, my answer usually varies. Finding the right fit depends on several factors such as, what you like to wear, your body type, the gun you use, your lifestyle, etc. I would also ask, are you looking for one holster to meet most of your needs, or like me, do you prefer options to wear with various clothing styles?
There is no “one fits all” solution, but when trying a holster, make sure it does the following:
Protects the trigger – Hard material covering trigger prevents accidental discharge. If your holster does not have this (more on that below), make sure to use a manual safety.
Remains secure – Both the holster and gun should stay in place. We don’t need guns falling out in public.
Is Comfortable –Your holster should be comfortable enough that you’ll actually wear it. Don’t worry if it’s not comfortable right away. Spend a few days getting accustomed to the holster and see if it meets your comfort standards.
Allows you to easily draw (or pull the gun from the holster).
Allows you to re-holster the gun – It should be easy to put your gun back in the holster and without pointing the gun at your body.
In general, I suggest kydex first-time holster buyers, or another type of on-body holster with a hard trigger cover. Kydex will normally check all the boxes above and help you step gracefully into the concealed carry lifestyle.
In my opinion, other options like carrying in a purse or “soft” holster come with a few more risks. As your skills increase, you can weigh the pros and cons of a soft holster to see if it makes sense for you. Keep in mind that adding a hard trigger cover to a soft holster is often possible.
It’s good to know what options are available so here are 7 types of holsters that women like you are wearing, their pros and cons, and my personal favorites in each category.
KYDEX
Eclipse Holsters | Use code: Elegant15 for 15% off
Holster: Torsion IWB by Bravo Concealment
Use code: ELEGANTANDARMED10 FOR 10% OFF
The safety pins on my shirt serve to diffuse static electricity so the blouse does not cling to my gun.
Kydex is a brand of thermoplastic, which is molded to fit your specific gun model. However, other brands and types of plastic holsters may fall under the category of “Kydex.” (It’s like calling a tissue a Kleenex.)
Kydex holsters come in many different styles and can be worn IWB (in waistband) or OWB (on waistband/ outside waistband). Some may attach to a belt while others connect to fabric; no belt needed. With this type of holster, hard material covers your trigger and protects from accidental discharged. When connected to a belt they are sturdy, stay in place and allow for a consistent draw.
I often try different holsters but the one I’ve been wearing the most recently, is the IWB Torsion made by Bravo Concealment. The style of the clip helps tuck the grip of the gun close to my body, which helps conceal the firearm. If you’re interested in a holster like this, feel free to use my affiliate code: ELEGANTANDARMED10 for 10% off!
Ankle Holsters
Sticky Holster Ankle Biter with Kydex Insert
An Ankle holster is worn around your ankle or lower calve and allows you to carry under a maxi dress or pair of flared pants. Sure, you could also wear a thigh holster with a dress, but if the dress is floor-length, you may be able to reach it quicker if the gun is closer to the hem of the skirt. This method works best with a smaller gun so you’re less likely to hit it with your other leg when walking.
I used the Ankle Biter made by Sticky Holsters (pictured above) in a recent experiment which I wrote about in USCCA’s Concealed Carry Magazine. With this holster, I not only ran drills in an evening gown but had my fastest times of the day.
SOFT HOLSTERS
“Soft Holsters” are typically made from stiff elastic, fabric, or some other type of soft material. When compared to a kydex holster, there could be more risk of pulling the trigger through the material. At the same time, there are many viable soft holster options and ways to make them safe, such as adding a hard trigger cover or using a gun with a manual safety (Should I use a Gun Safety? HERE).
As women, we need solutions for carrying that works with our wardrobes and our curves. This is where a soft holster comes in handy! They mold to your unique shape and provide compression to minimize printing. Personally, I do see the benefit of using this type of holster and so I’ve chosen to use a manual safety.
BELLYBANDS
Top: Can Can Concealment Hip Hugger Elite | Bottom: Dene Adams Corset Holster CCLIFESTYLE10 for 10% off
These are typically made from soft and stretchy material and are worn around your torso, either at your natural waist or hips. When they fit snugly, the compression makes it easier to carry with tight fitting or tailored clothing. You may even be able to use them while running or working out. If your belly band doesn’t come with a hard trigger guard, you’ll want to either add one or use a manual safety.
The bellyband I use most often is the Hip Hugger Elite, made by Can Can Concealment. If my Kydex holster prints in a certain outfit, I throw on my bellyband and the compression allows me to wear the same outfit without printing.
CLOTHING WITH A HOLSTER POCKET
Upper left: Undertech Undercover Carry Original Leggings | Alexo Athletica Shorts
Lower left to right: Undertech Undercover Bootcut Leggings | Dene Adams concealed carry leggings ( code: CCLIFESTYLE10 for 10% off).
Clothing with built in holsters is becoming a lot more popular. Whether it be dress pants, workout leggings or jeans, these items help you comfortably conceal in a variety of environments. Having a holster readily available within your clothing can make it easier to determine how you will carry your self-defense tool for the day. As with any “soft holster” always make sure your trigger cannot be pulled through the material.
A few of my favorites brands include: Dene Adams (Code: CCLIFESTYLE10 for 10% off) , Alexo Athletica, Undertech Undercover and Dark Alley Denim.
BRA HOLSTERS
Undertech Undercover midriff tank
A bra holster is something I have less experience with because I find them to be uncomfortable. However, I know some women swear by them. Here’s an example of a bra with a built-in holster that I have used. In the picture above, I paired it with a wide neckline so I could retrieve the firearm through that neckline.
THIGH HOLSTERS
Dene Adams Thigh Holster Shorts code: CCLIFESTYLE10 for 10% off
Thigh Holsters are perfect to wear under dresses and skirts. Some consist of a band worn around the thigh, while others might be a pair of shorts with a holster pocket on the inside or outside of the leg. The band works well with a full skirt or loose skirt. The shorts however, are a great solution to carrying in a tight pencil skirt. Plus, they prevent my legs from chafing!
I love this pair of Shorts made by Dene Adams with a built in trigger guard. (Code: CCLIFESTYLE10 for 10% off their site).
Concealed Carry PURSES
Hephaestus Apollo Concealed Carry Purse
Purses specifically designed for concealed carry may come in a variety of styles and colors but will always include a special pocket to keep the gun away from other items in your bag. They’re sometimes associated with more risk because they can increase your draw time (amount of time it takes to access the gun) and the purse could be taken away from you. However, I do think they have their place.
The most obvious benefit of a concealed carry purse is that it allows you to carry when your clothing does not. However, even when carrying on my body, there’s comfort in having the purse as a backup. In a public restroom, you sometimes have to remove your gun from your on-body soft holster. A concealed carry purse allows you to holster the gun safely in the purse for duration of the short break.
On other occasions I’ve used a holster purse to safely transfer a firearm to the range.
There have also been a few times when I was in public and had to disarm before going into a no-carry zone. I was able to safely holster my gun in my purse and leave it in the car.
To learn how to use a concealed carry purse safely, check out my blog “4 Ways to Make Purse Carry More Secure.” I quite enjoy concealed carry purses and have several favorites, which you can find in my online store!
Thankfully, there are a variety of holsters designed to keep us safe, looking our best and feeling confident! I hope this article helps you find the right fit!
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“Chime-In!”
Which type of holster are you most interested in wearing?
If you’ve tried any of the types above, which is your favorite?
*This post contains affiliate links