Ladies, let’s talk. Do you struggle to carry discretely and comfortably? Do you tend to print badly because of your body shape? Yeah, me too! I’ve struggled for years to find the best place on my body to carry. I’ve found that some carrying positions work better than others due to my body shape. Same goes for holsters. I’ve put together some great choices that tend to work well for most women.
You may have to tweak the carry location to what works best for you. It’s not feasible for me to always carry with the same holster in the same on-body location. My choices depend heavily on how I’m dressing for the day and what activity level I’m expecting. Regardless, if you do carry a holster that requires a belt, be sure you get a quality gun belt designed to hold up to the task.
IWB Hybrid Holsters
Galco’s KingTuk is my everyday carry go-to holster. When I first saw it, my thought was there was no way cramming a piece of leather and Kydex between my body and my belt was going to be comfortable. I was wrong. With 2 attachment points, the KingTuk distributes the weight of my gun along my belt. I can slide it into position easily and carry all day.
If I’m driving, I slide it more to my right hip. If I’m out and about, I’ll place it somewhere around the 2:30 and 4:30 positions on my waist depending on what I’m wearing. It’s also available with a perforated leather backing – Galco’s KingTuk Air – for use in warmer weather and climates. The perforations help keep you comfortable.
Sticky Holster
There’s something to be said about a universal holster. I like the idea of being able to trade out my carry gun and not have to worry about getting out a different holster for it, assuming they’re all similar in size. The Sticky holster, available in several sizes, has no belt clip, ensuring great concealment. These work great when you can’t wear a proper belt as the material is grippy and requires no clip to secure it. You do have to make sure it stays in place with some pressure. But these also work well as a pocket holster, so you get a double bang for your buck.
Belly Band Holsters
Belly bands are incredibly comfortable and secure for when you aren’t wearing pants or have a skirt that won’t accommodate a proper gun belt. Because it secures to itself with Velcro, you can adjust the location and fit by sliding it around before you secure it. They also tend to be sliming because they hug your waist. A great one to look at is the Desantis Gunhides belly band. It’s ambidextrous and can fit multiple things, like your gun, magazines, cell phone, etc. It’s also easy to adjust to your fit.
Concealed Carry Leggings
Yes, they are a thing. Whether you’re going for a run, to the supermarket, gym, or taking a yoga class, you can discretely carry. These leggings have a built-in holster that is both functional and secure, or some allow you to carry your own holster. They often also feature a credit card or cell phone pouch to keep your hands free in case you need to draw.
Belt Holsters
Depending on where you live, you may or may not be able to open carry. If you can, belt holsters are a great option. If you can’t open carry but you can cover it with a shirt or jacket, belt holsters are also a great option. Since they literally attach to your belt on the outside, they’re very comfortable because you’re not storing your gun between your body and your belt. A great option to try is 1791 Gunleather’s 3-Way outside-the-waistband belt holster. They are adjustable, so you can carry with vertical or crossdraw cants, increasing your options. Galco and Versacarry also offer a variety of leather options.
Cross Body Purse
Purse carry has some drawbacks, don’t get me wrong, but sometimes it’s your only option. Ask 10 women what their feelings are on it, and five will routinely carry in a purse. The other five will be dead set against it. But if you learn to carry correctly in a purse, keep it crossbody so that it’s always attached to you, practice your draw, and understand the limitations, you’ll be fine. I’d rather purse carry than not carry.
You’ll want to look for a purse specifically designed to carry a pistol. Having your gun in a separate compartment means you won’t accidentally touch the trigger with your lip gloss. The Bulldog Cross Body purse has separate compartments and a long strap to stay comfortably across your body. Plus, it looks nice.
Conclusion
I directed this to the ladies, but honestly, there is no one-size-fits-all when it comes to holsters regardless of your gender. Guys tend to also have the same issues. Variables on carry location, clothing options, time of year, where you’re going, what you’re doing, and what gun you plan on carrying all matter when it comes to holster choice. Some holsters just work better in certain situations. It can be an expensive exercise of trial and error to find what’s right for you. Looking at all the information ahead of time and thinking about your options can help you make an educated choice on what should work well for you.
