Women's Style Guide: How to Conceal Carry in Cute Summer Clothes
How to Conceal Carry in Summer
Summer is my absolute favorite season! It brings more outdoor activities and a boost in my energy. Plus, what’s not to love with the extended daylight hours, BBQs, and adorable summer dresses? I always look forward to bringing out my summer wardrobe, though I’ll admit, that the lighter, more minimal clothes can make it challenging to conceal a firearm.
Still, concealed carry in the summer is achievable with the right techniques and a little pre-planning. And I promise, you don’t have to resort to wearing unflattering or baggy clothes.
My approach:
My approach to dressing for concealed carry is to build a concealed carry capsule wardrobe for each season. This involves selecting clothing that you can mix and match to prepare a group of outfits that are sure to conceal your firearm.
What to expect:
Of course, everyone is unique so your capsule will look different from mine. The purpose of this blog is to help you select wardrobe essentials that will work for you.
In this article, I’ll share some of the challenges of “summer carry,” a few tips and tricks I’ve learned, a list of summer wardrobe essentials, types of holsters to include in your capsule, and how to make concealed carry work with current fashion trends.
Challenges
Hot summer weather can pose a challenge when it comes to dressing for concealed carry. Due to the increase in temperature, women tend to wear less clothing made from lightweight material and we typically don’t need as many layers.
The goal is to style an outfit that is comfortable, conceals your firearm, and won’t make you perspire. Finding the right balance can be tricky but it’s not impossible!
Here are a few tips for addressing the most common challenges.
Challenges
Heat
In my experience, the best way to beat the heat is to choosing material that is breathable. When that material is also structured, it will make summer concealed carry a lot easier. The structured fabric helps conceal the firearm, while the tiny holes in the material allow airflow to keep you cool. Linen and cotton in a Poplin weave are my favorite examples of this.
Sweat
The salt in sweat will corrode metal, which is the last thing you want for your firearm. (Trust me, I know from first-hand experience).
In my first year of carrying, I would go running with my Ruger LCP tucked into my Undertech Undercover running shorts or my Alexo Athletica leggings. Sweat made its way through the material to my firearm and my half-hearted effort to wipe the gun down with a dry rag wasn’t enough. The salt from the sweat ended up rusting the barrel of my gun.
It may not be practical to do a full clean where you’re taking the firearm apart every day, but at least wipe the gun down with a clean cloth AND rub some lubricant on it to prevent it from rusting.
At times sweat is unavoidable, but there are a few things that can help protect the firearm like choosing a holster with a sweat guard, tucking a tank top in between your skin and the gun, avoiding clingy tops, and selecting breathable material.
Printing
In cool seasons, we can often fall back on bulky material and layers to conceal our firearm, but when the weather is hot, concealment efficiency and proper placement of the gun become much more important. Making a few tweaks to your holster can help you conceal more efficiently.
Concealment Efficiency – To reduce imprinting as much as possible, all four sides of the gun should be close to your body. However, it’s not uncommon for parts of the gun to angle away from your body. Thankfully, there are helpful tools to prevent two of the most common versions of this. A holster wing presses against your belt to tuck the grip closer and a holster wedge angles the top of the gun closer to your body.
Proper Placement – Holster placement is important for concealment and won’t be the same for everyone since we’re all unique. Consider a kydex holster attached to a belt. I recommend sliding the holster along your beltline to discover the placement that allows all four sides of the gun to touch your body.
For some women, that may closer to the bellybutton, while others have more luck placing it further from their center, or even on the hip. You might also find that different waist heights affect your ability to conceal. For example, a pair of high-waisted jeans are a lot easier (and more comfortable) to conceal my firearm than a pair of low-rise jeans due to the placement of my hip bones.
*If you have difficulty concealing with a certain holster, try tweaking the placement to see what you learn.
Essentials for your Summer Capsule Wardrobe
Creating a concealed carry capsule wardrobe will save you money and precious time when getting ready in the morning, all while providing a sure way to conceal your firearm. Here are a few essentials you may want to include in yours.
Tops
White T-Shirts
The basic white T-shirt is a must for summer because it keeps you cool and can be dressed up or down. Try to find a fit that is flattering on your body and is roomy enough to conceal your firearm.
For example, an oversized t-shirt gives plenty of room for your firearm and looks cool on certain body types, but on a petite frame, it could end up looking sloppy. If oversized isn’t your thing, an A-line t-shirt that is fitted in the shoulder and slightly flares out toward the hem could be a better option.
You’ll also want to make sure the material is thick enough that your firearm can’t be seen through it.
Patterned Shirts
A pattern helps conceal your firearm by distracting the eye from any printing that may occur. Not only that, but it’s also a great way to express your style and add color to your wardrobe. Have some fun with this and select a pattern that best expresses your style essence.
When you find a pattern you love, take note of the colors included. This can help you determine the color palette for the capsule wardrobe. Finding other items in similar tones allows you to mix and match more items.
Tank Tops
In really hot weather, you’ll need a few “go-to” tank tops that you know will conceal your firearm. These might be loose on the body or have some kind of texture to help conceal.
Now, I’m probably biased, but one of my favorite tanks is the Concealment Camisole, which I designed specifically for women’s concealed carry. The experience of wind blowing on my blouse and revealing the outline of my firearm on a first date, led to this design.
The thick underlayer is reinforced with panels all the way around, to shield your gun from printing; whether you carry in a bellyband, a Kydex holster over your appendix, on your side, or in the small of your back. The top layer adds dimension to further camouflage any bumps.
With the racerback cut, it makes dressing for concealed carry in summer a lot easier. Just throw it on and go!
Linen Button-Up
Linen almost has a cooling effect because the fabric is so breathable. The texture is slightly rough and stiff, which helps conceal the firearm, but it does relax and get softer with wear. A button-up linen top makes a great concealment top that can double as a swimsuit cover-up
Lightweight Sweater
A sweater comes in handy when the temperature drops in the evening or when the air conditioning is a tad too chilly. An extra layer is usually helpful for concealed carry as well, whether you’re wearing it or tying it around your waist.
I would add at least a two of these to your wardrobe to create a larger variety of looks, whether they be a button-ups pullovers.
Base layer tank
A tank top can be used in multiple ways to give you more ease with concealed carry.
If you’re most concerned about printing, use it as an extra layer for better concealment (worn under your shirt, and over the gun.)
When comfort is your biggest concern, tuck it behind the gun to prevent chafing. (Worn under your shirt and behind the gun).
You can typically find undershirts like this at most stores. The ones I have came from Anne Taylor, Forever 21 and Old Navy.
Bottoms
Shorts
Depending on your life and style, there are different types you may want to include in your capsule.
Jean Shorts - For casual wear
Tailored shorts - To look more polished
Concealed carry athletic shorts - For working out or the added benefit of sweat-wicking material. A few of my favorite athletic shorts designed specifically for concealed carry include Alexo Athletica and Arrowhead Tactical.
The trouble with Shorts - Depending on your body type, certain clothing may present a pain point. For example, shorts are great for summer but when you’re pear-shaped like me, they can be difficult to wear with a belt and Kydex holster.
As I cinch the belt tighter to keep the gun secure, both belt and shorts ride up to my natural waist which is highly uncomfortable.
Still, shorts are a classic summer staple, so let’s talk about some work arounds. Try selecting high-waisted shorts instead of mid-rise, so they don’t need to ride up any higher. You might also have success carrying your gun in a bellyband under the shorts or at your natural waist instead.
Pants
Linen pants – Easy-going, wide-legged linen pants are on trend this summer, and for good reason. The breathable material and roomy pants give a “barely-there” feeling that helps you keep cool. My recommendation is to find a pair that works with your body type. For example, when this style of pant has a drawstring or elastic band, it can look sloppy on my petite frame, but one with a tailored waist is more slimming and helps me look more put together. With this type of pant, I would use a bellyband or ankle holster.
Jeans- Even in warm weather, let’s not forget about jeans. Jeans are great for concealed carry due to their supportive design and belt loops. Plus, summer denim is made from lighter-weight material than denim woven for fall/winter. Just be aware that stores tend to release their summer jeans in early spring and may sell out by early to mid-June. If you wait until the end of the season, you’re likely to find some great deals, but if there is a specific pair you want, don’t wait too long!
Dresses
Dresses
One of my favorite ways to conceal carry in a dress is to use a thigh holster, but depending on the cut and length of the dress, a bellyband or ankle holster may also work.
Sundress / T-shirt Dress - This category includes your most comfortable dresses, which you can throw on easily and without much fuss. When styled with sneakers an a belt bag, you’re ready to run errands. When paired with leather sandals and gold accessories, you look cute for date night.
Midi/Maxi dress – What I love most about a midi or maxi dress is that they easily cover my thigh holster. While it’s possible to conceal with a shorter dress or skirt, it can require a concerted effort to keep the gun concealed – keeping your legs together when sitting down, making sure not to bend over, etc. In my experience, midi dresses (hemline at the calf) and maxi dresses ( hemline at your feet) allow for more ease.
Occasion Dresses - Are you invited to any weddings, baby showers, birthday parties this summer? Perhaps your anniversary is coming up or maybe you’re speaking at an event this summer. Its nice to have a few dressier options in your closet for occasions such as these.
Shoes
Shoes
You’ll need different shoes for various occasions. To cover your bases, you might consider the types below.
Sneakers - Great for athletics and casual attire.
Flats - for example, ballet flats or loafers. Try to choose a pair with a rubbery/grippy bottom for better quick movement.
Wedges - A great summer alternative to heels.
Sandals - You may want a casual pair for the beach or pool and a dressy pair for a night out.
Holsters
When building your capsule wardrobe, I recommend prioritizing the holster you perform best with, and then styling as many outfits around that holster as possible. If you’re not sure what holster you perform best with, there is a rule of thumb- generally, people draw quickest from a Kydex or leather holster clipped to a concealed carry belt.
From there, you may discover types of clothes that won’t work with your primary holster. You can fill in the gaps by adding other holster types to your capsule such as a bellyband, thigh holster, ankle holster, or concealed carry purse.
Please note, your primary holster for summer may differ from your primary holster in cooler seasons, but it should always be easily accessible and have a hard trigger cover.
How to make trends work for Concealed carry
Current Trends
Of course, you don’t have to follow trends to be fashionable, however, they are fun to experiment with and play with! Instead of letting the fashion industry dictate your style, I like to recommend trying the trends you’re interested in to see how they fit into your personal style.
When it comes to fashion, there’s a lot of room for interpretation, but here’s my analysis of the Summer 2024 trends.
Wide-leg trousers or Jeans
Wide-Leg Trousers
I’ve been seeing a lot of flowy linen pants this summer. Some are cinched in at the waist with an elastic band or drawstring and others have a more tailored waistline, which I find to be more slimming. A bellyband is a good way to conceal when you’re wearing a loose top. However, some body types can appear sloppy with the combination of a loose top and pants. In this case, try tucking in a form-fitted shirt and use an ankle holster like this one from Sticky Holsters, or a concealed carry purse to conceal your firearm.
Skirts
I’ve seen a mix of mini, midi, and maxi skirts in stores this summer, some including some “tricky to conceal with trends.” My preferred holster when wearing a skirt is a thigh holster, but a bellyband is also an option.
Sheer skirts - We saw a lot of sheer skirts on the runway that revealed underwear, but the more wearable version includes a short liner for modesty, with a sheer or see-through lace portion toward the hemline. When the liner is long enough, a thigh holster will work otherwise, try a bellyband or concealment purse.
Long Denim Skirts – When I think of the denim skirt trend, I picture the midi skirt with a triangle-shaped center slit that has become so popular. This design might not be the best for a thigh holster, but a bellyband is a great option. Alternatively, you can participate in the denim trend by choosing another skirt variation as some of them don’t have slits.
Dresses
White is definitely on theme this year and nothing says summer quite like a white sundress! And a thigh holster or concealed carry purse will ensure you have a method of carry.
Athleisure/ Athletic dresses
Tennis Dress
Athletic-wear is no longer confined to just the gym. Thanks to the adoption of “Athleisure” a combination of athletic wear and casual clothing, Americans have found a way to wear cute and sporty clothes almost everywhere - the grocery store, the park with your kids, brunch with the girls, etc. This year, tennis skirts and dresses have been very popular, but they do pose a challenge when it comes to concealed carry. To conceal a self-defense tool with such form-fitting clothes, try a concealed carry belt-bag or backpack.
Purses
Purse Trends
On the Spring/Summer 2024 runway, we saw a combination of both large and small purses alike. According to Vogue UK, these are a few of the top trends: The giant bag, bags with chains, red purses, and the envelope clutch.
Shoe Trends
According to Vogue UK, here are some of the most popular shoe trends for summer 2024: ballet flats, flats in general, kitten heels, shoes with sharply pointed toes, and platform shoes.
It’s not that high heels are completely “out”, but it appears people are leaning towards comfort when it comes to footwear. Honestly, that’s better when it comes to self-defense because it’s easier to run away!
Draping material
Draping, ruched, gathered, and pleated material showed up once again on fashion runways. While shopping, take notice of where the extra material is positioned. The right placement can help conceal your firearm depending where on your body you like to carry your gun. At home, make sure to practice your draw to ensure the gun doesn’t get caught in the material.
Metallics
For the bold fashionistas, a metallic pair of pants or silver sequined shirt may fit seamlessly into your wardrobe. For those who are more subtle, try incorporating this trend with a pair of metallic flats, a satin shirt with a high sheen, or a purse with a metallic sheen. Make sure the way you incorporate this trend, fits with your personality. When done right it can look classy and serve as an eye-catching piece to draw attention away from your firearm.
When it comes to jewelry, silver has been steadily making a comeback. However that doesn’t mean gold is out. In fact, mixing metals has become more acceptable. What once was a fashion faux pas, is not seen as a fashion statement.
Summer Outfit Inspo: How to CC with belt and Kydex
The following outfits prioritize the concealment method I perform best with - a belt and Kydex holster. When I first started carrying, it was difficult to conceal but I’ve learned a few tips along the way that have significantly helped, such as finding the right placement on my body, adding a concealment wing to my holster, and using a belt designed specifically for concealed carry.
Summer Outfit Inspiration: Other Holster Types
Holster Type: Thigh Holster
Holster Type: Phlster Enigma
Holster Type: Phlster Enigma
“Chime In!”
What challenges do you face with summer concealed carry?