Gear Review: Top holsters for concealed carry in skirts, dresses

Though carrying in a dress presents a some unique challenges, it’s not impossible with the right holster. (Photo: Jacki Billings/Guns.com)

Female concealed carriers are presented with more challenges when it comes to packing pistols. Namely, we have a lot more clothing options to work around. One of the most challenging aspects rears its head when we women are called upon to don dressier attire – skirts and dresses.

Here’s our roundup of the best holster options when you’re looking fashionable and fabulous.

1. Crossbreed Modular Belly Band Holster

The Crossbreed Modular Belly Band is an updated take on the belly band style, adding a kydex shell to the design for more secure carrying. (Photo: Jacki Billings/Guns.com)

Crossbreed and I.C.E. Training’s Rob Pincus teamed up to create an updated take on the popular belly band design. Ditching the straight fabric approach, Crossbreed marries a Kydex shell with the elastic belly band. The pairing provides a safety conscious approach to the classic belly band style. The molded Kydex shells use hook-and-loop to attach to the band, allowing users to swap between multiple firearms as needed.

The Modular Belly Band’s strength lies in its adjustability. Sizing is very forgiving, working with a multitude of body shapes. Additionally, the Modular Belly Band can be worn either higher on the abdomen for a true belly band feel or lower around the hips. It’s ability to truly conform to what concealed carriers need while also offering the safety and retention of a molded holster results in an amazing option for skirts or dresses. The Crossbreed Modular Belly Band is priced just under $70.

2. Can Can Concealment Hip Hugger

The Can Can Concealment Hip Hugger is a belly band style holster designed to be worn lower on the hips for added concealment. (Photo: Jacki Billings/Guns.com)

Offered in black or tan with a variety of stitching options, the Hip Hugger is a fashionable looking holster packed with functionality. The Hip Hugger has six pockets overall — two accessory and four firearm compartments. The larger firearm pockets, designated with a satin tab, are seated at the 5 o’clock position. Offsetting the handgun pockets are the smaller sized accessory compartments, perfect for extra magazines, multi-tools, knives, lights, etc.

Better suited for skirt carry, the Can Can expertly balances access, concealment and comfort. Starting at $79, the Hip Hugger allows users easily and efficiently pack their entire EDC, even in heels.

3. UnderTech UnderCover Compression Shorts

The UnderTech UnderCover shorts are a low-profile option for ladies that want to forgo belly bands but still want the ability to conceal without the need for a belt. (Photo: Jacki Billings/Guns.com)

Sometimes belly band style holsters just won’t work and for those occasions, the UnderTech UnderCover Compression Shorts are there to fill the void. Designed with one firearm pocket in the 5 o’clock position, the shorts aren’t nearly as versatile as the Crossbreed or Can Can holsters, but the compression style means the firearm stays in place with little movement. The pocket is constructed from a tough elastic that caters to a variety of firearm sizes while still protecting the trigger and offering retention.

The Compression shorts themselves are comfortable, using a breathable athletic fabric that doesn’t hinder movement. Perfect for a dress or skirt, the UTUC shorts tout two lengths – 2-inches and 4-inches – so ladies can pack their pistols in short skirts or longer dresses. One of the more affordable options on our list, the Compression Shorts are available in tan, white or black with prices starting at $59.

4. Can Can Concealment Garter Holster

The Can Can Concealment Garter Holster securely holds guns against the thigh while wearing shorter skirts and dresses. (Photo: Jacki Billings/Guns.com)

Can Can Concealment sneaks back into the list but this time with its Garter Holster. Sticking with its proven design, the Garter Holster is a scaled down version of the Hip Hugger holster. Slotted inside or outside the thigh carry and with each pocket featuring a retention tab, the Garter holster is one of the most versatile thigh rigs for women.

Slipping under shorter dresses or skirts, the holster balances stowing sub-compact pistols with ease of access. While ladies can choose to sport just the thigh rig portion, for optimal carry, the addition of the garter at the waist provides better security and less movement. For $66, the Garter Holster is a little pricey but worth the extra money for its versatility and functionality.

5. Flashbang Holster

Outside the traditional holster box, the Flashbang allows women to attach their pistol to their bra for deep concealment. (Photo: Jacki Billings/Guns.com)

The Flashbang holster adopts an innovative approach to feminine concealed carry, utilizing the garment women wear nearly every day – a bra. The molded holster uses a leather strap to loop around the centerpiece of a bra; therefore, concealing the pistol against the body using the bra as the anchor.

Ideal for body hugging dresses that rule out belly bands or thigh rigs, the Flashbang, when uses properly, is a deep concealment option when all else fails. The Flashbang is priced at just under $50, making it an affordable option for price conscious consumers.

Honorable Mention: Ankle holsters

Ankle holsters, like the Blackhawk holster, work well with longer dress and skirts. (Photo: Jacki Billings/Guns.com)

We couldn’t round up a list for dressier carry without mentioning ankle holsters. When sporting a longer dress or skirt, ankle holsters prove a decent deep concealment option. With a bevy of brands to choose, this style holster works best with longer skirts and dresses where other options aren’t viable.

Final Thoughts

Though dresses and skirts present a unique challenge for women in the concealed carry arena, it’s not impossible to marry fashion and firearms, especially with the holsters named above.