Concealed Carry For Women
The concealed carry industry can sometimes be male focused. However, a huge amount of concealed carriers are women. Some studies show that the number could even be over 50%! Below is some information on concealed carry options focusing on women.
The decision to obtain your Concealed Weapon Permit can be made easy. The benefits of safety, confidence, and self-defense justify the small investment of time, modest training cost, and the application process.
Once you have the permit in your possession, however, you have another decision to make. How are you going to carry your firearm? Here we will show how concealed carry for women can be easy and fun!
Concealed Carry Handguns For Women
The first thing to consider is the firearm itself. While there are many options, not all options are suitable for everyone. Often times I hear people recommend to women the smallest gun they can find. This is NOT a good idea.
The smaller the firearm, the more recoil you typically have (when looking at the same caliber). I recommend the largest pistol you feel comfortable carrying. If that is a Ruger LCP, go with that…if it is a Sig Sauer P226 Legion, rock it girl!
I recommend you check out our article on the Best Concealed Carry Guns. There are not different guns for men and women. Find some on the list and try them out at a gun range or borrow a friends.
Concealed Carry Accessories For Women
Being a modern woman who keeps up with modern fashion trends can quickly become exhausting, especially if you are simultaneously concerned with safety. If you are a gun enthusiast who also keeps up with the fashion bloggers of the day, then you may wonder how you can properly conceal carry your weapon without giving up your style.
Luckily, in today’s world, there is a growing selection specifically made for women. Below are some that are just the tip of the iceberg. Fashion and firearms are always changing, so these categories are subject to change or be added to in the coming years.
Do not be afraid to switch up how you dress or what you carry. Things change as you do, and there will always be a way to keep up.
1. Concealed Carry Purses and Bags
When you are always on the go, there is almost always a need to have an extra bag or purse in tow along with you. There are many manufacturers who create bags with special holsters to accommodate your needs in the fashion and weapon realms.
Whether you are looking for a purse, a backpack, a satchel, or even a fanny pack, there is one for you. Most have a special pocket built into the fabric where you can keep your weapon safely stored, tucked away from the other items you carry and out of sight from those around you.
It is important to get a purse that is designed for concealed carry!
These are available in a huge array of colors and materials. It’s always best to choose a sturdy construction since durability is important.
Most bags feature a zipper-secured side slot or pouch which keeps the gun separated from your belongings in the interior of the purse, and provides immediate accessibility with no fumbling or searching.
Often, a holster comes along with the handbag, sometimes mounted or attached inside, or with a snap allowing for its removal. Should you decide to carry your gun in a purse not specifically designed for this purpose, it’s wise to secure the gun in a holster first.
Another practical option is a backpack. Depending on the dimensions and model, there may be a dedicated compartment for your gun. Due to its location on your body, you’ll have the comfort of knowing you have quick access. Many are made to swing around to the front fast for easy draw-time.
However, when it comes to off body carry such as backpacks and purses, your draw time is always going to be slower than on body carry.
To help you find one that works best, read our article on the Best Concealed Carry Purses. It is a great resource to help in your selection.
2. Concealed Carry Belts
Sometimes, concealed carry is much easier to do when you have the weapon directly on your person. However, attaching a holster to your belt day in and day out can quickly create wear and tear.
Having a heavy duty concealed carry belt will avoid this problem altogether and allow you to conceal carry with confidence and ease. There are many mainstream companies who devote time, energy, and resources to creating belts that help women carry the tools needed to protect themselves. Brands like Tactical Defense Fashion have many options on hand to support your conceal carry and fashionista needs.
Conceal carry belts can cost upwards of $50 or more, but this is because they are made with top quality materials. Do not skimp on the quality when seeking out a belt you can attach a holster to. Having something that will last through the thick and thin of concealed carry protection is what you need to protect yourself and your loved ones.
Our article on the Best Concealed Carry Belts helps to explain what to look for as well as some great options.
3. Concealed Carry Holsters
Gun holsters come in all shapes and sizes, ready to fulfill a variety of wants and needs. Whether you prefer to carry your gun on your belly, your hip, your leg, or your back, there is a holster for you. Some companies create holsters that work the same for both men and women and simply add new colors for you to choose from.
Others take it a step farther and create breathable fabrics that are specifically engineered to work with a woman’s body. This can assist you in finding a holster that works for you and is comfortable in all climates and conditions. Some holsters force you to wear oversized clothing to help conceal the weapon. Others, specifically tailored for women, work with the shape of a woman’s body and make it to where you do not have to change your wardrobe to be prepared to protect yourself and your family.
If you are seeking a holster, try out all different kinds. Take note of what you like and dislike about each one until you find the one that fits you best. There will certainly be one that fits you best whether it be a belly band, a corset, an ankle holster, or your standard hip holster. There will be one that will suit your needs.
Our article on the Best Holsters for Concealed Carry will get you on your way to finding the holster that works best for you.
- Made in the USA
- Undercut Trigger Guard
- Adjustable Retention
- Adjustable Cant: 0-30 degrees
4. Concealed Carry Clothing
Finally, there are many clothing options for women that have built in compartments to help you conceal your weapon. The most popular clothing options include undershirts and coats. The undershirts are typically tight fitting, helping your weapon stay flush with your body so that you are able to wear what you want without redoing your entire wardrobe.
There are also sports bras with compartments specifically for conceal carry. These can be very helpful when going to the gym or going for a run at your local park. These types of clothing open up many options for you to choose from without breaking the bank or making you feel you cannot express yourself through your clothing.
If someone tells you that you cannot carry and be fashionable, let them know they need to do some research and that you are entirely capable of doing both and enjoying it.
Society likes to make it sound like conceal carry for women is much more complicated than it is for men. However, it is no more challenging for either sex. The process of getting a conceal carry license is the same for women as it is for men, you just have to follow the guidelines set forth by your state.
Familiarize yourself with the laws of your state and surrounding states that you may travel through. Knowledge is power, especially when protecting your rights. The process of concealing the weapon is the same across sexes, as well. You simply have to find the best holster, belt, clothing, or other way of concealing the weapon that works for you and your lifestyle.
Do not let someone force you into thinking you have to compromise yourself if you want to protect yourself. Find what works for you, tailor it to your lifestyle, and move forward.
Primary Arms offers some great options for women’s concealed carry clothing. You can also check out anything from Vertx as well.
The Future of Women’s Concealed Carry
The various options discussed here are not exhaustive, but tend to be among the most popular, cost effective, and easily obtainable.
New and improved products are hitting the market frequently. Materials and designs get better and better. Manufacturers have begun to recognize that their customers value not only quality, but also fashion, and as a result, selection expands daily.
With the number of concealed carriers who are female on the rise, we should see many more options in the near future.
Conclusion
View our Beginners Guide To Concealed Carry
You want to take into account the gun you’ll carry, your lifestyle, and the type of activity you’re involved in… or even the occasion at hand.
Your preferred clothing style and body type also contribute to the perfect set up. Generally, an everyday purse or handbag will easily and comfortably conceal almost any handgun, and won’t limit you to just one option.
However, today many women are turning to the same IWB holsters that many men carry. I know many women who carry both AIWB and IWB. Find what works for you…and go with it!
Thankfully, an ideal method for concealed carry exists for women of every background and every situation!
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