THIGH HOLSTERS FOR WOMEN: The Best Holster for Skirts and Dresses

When I first started carrying in a dress, I assumed a thigh holster would be the perfect solution. My first one was a simple band around my leg; but while it held my firearm securely, it wasn’t comfortable. It rubbed against my other leg as I walked and pinched my skin when I sat down. I could make it work, but only at the expense of comfort, which is not ideal for everyday carry.

That’s when I switched to shorts style thigh holster, and it made all the difference. I could move freely and sit comfortably, without the pinching or chafing I’d experienced before. In a fuller skirt, I didn’t have to worry about printing at all, which gave me so much more confidence.

I’ve been wearing the Dene Adams thigh holster for years, and it’s become such a staple in my wardrobe that I’m adding it to the Elegant & Armed store. If you’ve ever considered concealed carry in a dress or skirt, I think you’ll find this post helpful. I’ve gathered the most common questions about women’s thigh holsters, along with my own experience, to give you a clear picture of how they work. My hope is that this helps you decide whether a thigh holster is the right option for you.

Concealed Carry in Dresses & Skirts: Common Thigh Holster Questions

How can I conceal carry in a dress or skirt without a belt?

One of the biggest challenges with dresses and skirts is the lack of a waistband to secure a traditional belt-mounted holster. Fortunately, there are excellent alternatives. Thigh holsters, belly bands, and concealed carry purses all work well with feminine outfits, but many women consider the best holster for skirts and dresses to be a thigh holster. It makes use of the extra fabric for deeper concealment while still keeping your firearm securely on your body. 

Does the style of dress or skirt matter?

Yes — the cut and fabric make a big difference. A flowy A-line or full skirt gives you the most freedom to carry without printing, while a bodycon or pencil skirt is trickier. That doesn’t mean it’s impossible, just pay attention to where your thigh holster places the gun (on the inside or outside of the leg).

I’ve been using an inner thigh holster which offers the best concealment, even with form-fitting dresses or slinky satin material.

(Pictured: thigh holster without and with the firearm. No gap necessary)

Do you need a thigh gap to wear a thigh holster?

No — a thigh gap isn’t necessary. Thigh holsters fit women of all shapes and sizes, and many women without one carry comfortably. The natural softness of the inner thigh allows the holster and firearm to rest securely without causing discomfort. With the shorts-style design, your skin is also protected from chafing, so the fabric moves smoothly over the firearm instead of the gun rubbing directly against your leg as you walk. (To see this in action, watch the video on the product page.)

(Left: compact SIG P365 | Right: full sized Walther PDP F-Series)

What firearm sizes are most practical for skirts and dresses?

In general, subcompact pistols and smaller firearms tend to be the most comfortable to carry in a thigh holster. That said, it really comes down to your body and how the shorts fit you. For women with longer legs, a larger gun may fit and carry more comfortably than it would on someone with shorter legs.

In case it’s helpful- I’m 5’2” with a 27” inseam and I can comfortably carry the Sig P365 (5.8” x 4.3”). I can also get away with the Smith & Wesson M&P Shield (6.1” x 4.6”) which is a little bit larger. However, the Walther PDP F-Series (6.5" x 5.4")  pictured above, is too large for the space on my leg. 

Can I carry comfortably in hot weather without being sweaty or uncomfortable?

Yes, but this question is subjective. Of course, the coolest option will always be wearing no holster at all. But many thigh holster shorts are designed to be lightweight, made with breathable fabric that doesn’t trap heat against your body. Instead of feeling heavy or stifling, they’re closer to the comfort of shapewear or thicker athletic wear. Overall, they’re smooth, flexible, and easy to wear for summer concealed carry.

(While the shorts FIT like shapewear, be aware that the seams can sometimes show through silky material.)

Will a thigh holster stay in place all day?

One of the biggest concerns women have is whether a thigh holster will slip or shift as they move. I think it really comes down to the design. A simple elastic band can slide down the leg under the weight of a firearm. Garter straps can help add stability, but many women find they’re unnecessary once they switch to a shorts-style holster. In my experience, the Dene Adams shorts-style design is a truly secure thigh holster. Even with a heavier pistol, the weight is supported by your hips, so it doesn’t fall down.

How secure is the retention — will my firearm shift or fall?

The Dene Adams thigh holster includes a Velcro retention strap designed to keep your firearm securely in place. Using the strap provides an extra layer of security, though it may add time to your draw. Personally, I found the holster held my firearm snugly even without the strap, so I chose to remove it after first testing extensively with a dummy gun to ensure it couldn’t work loose. That was the balance of security and accessibility that felt right for me, but every woman should decide what setup gives her the most confidence and peace of mind.

(It even works with short dresses, I'm just careful when sitting down now to let it show)

Which side of the thigh should I wear it on?

Thigh holster placement really depends on your outfit and your personal preference. Inner-thigh carry typically offers the most concealment and works well with a wide variety of skirt styles. It’s especially helpful under tighter skirts or lightweight fabrics where printing is more likely. Outer-thigh placement, by contrast, often pairs better with fuller skirts and can feel more natural when walking or crossing your legs.

Hand dominance also plays a role. For inner-thigh carry, right-handed women usually place the firearm on the inside of the left leg, while left-handed women place it on the inside of the right leg. For outer-thigh carry, wear the firearm on the same side as your dominant hand.

Is it realistic to draw from concealment in a dress?

It’s unlikely that you would have a quicker draw from a thigh holster than the classic set-up of a belt and kydex holster. However, drawing smoothly from a thigh holster is possible. It takes practice and you’ll want to rehearse drawing while standing and while seated, so it becomes second nature. The key is making sure your dress has enough give for you to clear the fabric away from the gun quickly and without fumbling.

Tell me about the trigger guard. Is it safe to carry with one in the chamber in a thigh holster?

Let’s talk about thigh holster safety. The Dene Adams thigh holster is built with a sheet of hard plastic sewn between the layers of fabric. While this serves as a trigger guard, I would still categorize it as a “soft holster.” Some women may be comfortable carrying with a round in the chamber, but personally, I prefer to engage my firearm’s manual safety with this setup.

Another option is loading the magazine but leaving the chamber empty. This does eliminate the concern about the trigger, but it also means you’ll need to rack the slide after drawing, which takes extra time and fine motor skills in a high-stress moment. The key is to understand the trade-offs and train accordingly.

Can I carry a spare magazine in a thigh holster?

Yes. The Dene Adams thigh holster shorts include an extra pocket on the outside of the leg that can hold a spare magazine. In a fuller skirt, this works well, but in a tighter dress you may notice some printing.

When would I choose a thigh holster over an IWB or belly band?

A thigh holster is the perfect solution when your outfit doesn’t work with a traditional belt and Kydex holster or even a belly band. For example, dresses with a defined waistline or skirts paired with a fitted top. In these situations, a thigh holster allows you to dress up while still keeping your firearm securely on your body.

Closing: Why the Dene Adams Thigh Holster is My Go-To

Concealed carry doesn’t have to mean giving up your style or feeling out of place at a special event. For me, moving from a simple leg band to a shorts-style thigh holster was a game-changer and is now one of the more comfortable ways I carry. It gave me the freedom to wear what I love while still being prepared.

If you’ve been curious about trying a thigh holsters, the Dene Adams version is the one I’ve trusted for years and it’s now available in the Elegant & Armed store.