The Best Types of Gun Holsters for Women

Women are the fastest-growing demographic among gun owners and concealed carry permit holders. This reflects the need for women to feel safe and to have the means to defend themselves effectively.

For some women, that means carrying less-lethal weapons, such as an aerosol projector containing CS or a stun gun. While these weapons may deter some criminal assailants, they’re  not as effective as a firearm.

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Types of Gun Holsters

The best type of gun holster for a woman generally overlaps with that for a man; the same essential criteria apply. However, as men and women dress and are often built differently, it’s necessary to consider the best gun holster options for women.

Holster Criteria

The criteria that a holster must meet to be suitable for concealed carry apply regardless of whether you own a Glock or a SIG Sauer. The primary purpose of a gun holster is to retain your firearm so you can carry it safely and reliably. This is retention. Ideally, your holster should have adjustable retention so that you can determine the best fit for you.

Safety, too, cannot be overemphasized. While safety is your responsibility, the design of your holster should not act against your practicing consistent trigger discipline. As a result, any gun holster you buy should cover the trigger guard of your handgun.

If you intend to use this holster for concealed carry, concealability is paramount. Concealability depends on several factors, including your choice of holster.

Holster Materials

The two most common holster materials are leather and Kydex. While leather is the classic option,  Kydex holsters continue to gain a foothold, offering increased durability, longevity, and rigidity. Unlike leather, Kydex is less likely to collapse or wear out.

Waistband Holsters

There are a wide variety of concealed-carry holsters to choose from. If you’re new to firearms and related accessories, this can seem overwhelming at first.

The ideal  type of gun holster for concealing a firearm rests on the outside or inside of your waistband. Waistband carry positions afford the best balance of access, speed, comfort, and concealment. However, there are other methods of carry that may meet your needs.

IWB and OWB Carry

Inside the waistband(IWB) holsters are one of the most popular options for carrying a concealed handgun, placing the pistol between your body and the waistband of your pants. The two best carry positions for IWB or OWB are strong side and appendix.

In a strong-side holster, you wear the pistol on your dominant side, usually on or behind your hip. Women who have wider hips or wear tight-fitting pants may want to place the pistol behind the right hip rather than directly over it. This enhances your comfort considerably.

Off-Body Carry

Unless your circumstances require it, you should generally avoid off-body carry. An off-body carry location would be a concealed-carry purse or a backpack. These carry methods limit your access to your firearm, which can be a significant disadvantage should you need to defend yourself.

However, sometimes you are limited in how or where you can carry. If you must carry off-body, choose a purse designed for concealed carry. Don’t carry your handgun unsecured. The weapon’s position should be consistent and the trigger guard covered.

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Non-Waistband Holsters

For those unable to wear a belt, waistband holsters can pose a challenge. Some belt clips can attach directly to the waistband, but this is not as secure. If you wear loose-fitting or free-flowing clothing, such as skirts, dresses, or sportswear, you shouldn’t have to compromise on personal protection. If, in addition, you’re pregnant, a waistband holster may not be appropriate. Under these circumstances, a non-waistband alternative is in order.

There are a variety of non-waistband holster designs that you can use to compensate for these clothing choices.

Among non-waistband holsters that you may consider, there are the following:

Belly band holsters

The belly band is an elastic band that you wrap around your waist. Belly bands typically close using Velcro and hold the gun snugly against your body.

Corset holsters

Corset holsters are similar in principle to belly-band holsters. The primary difference is that the corset closes in the front like a brassier.

Bra holsters

Some companies manufacture holsters specifically for concealment in a bra. This method is only suitable for subcompact and micro pistols. Whether you should consider a bra holster depends on your body type, cup size, and the firearm you intend to carry.

Thigh holsters

Bypassing the need for a belt, the thigh holster holds your pistol firmly against your upper leg using an elastic band.

Ankle holsters

Typically worn on the inside of the ankle on your non-dominant side, the ankle holster allows you to carry a subcompact pistol or snub-nosed revolver discreetly under a pant leg. While not ideal for a primary weapon due to its limited access, the ankle holster can work with a backup gun (BUG).

Shoulder holsters

If you can’t wear a waistband holster, you may be tempted by the shoulder holster. A film favorite, the shoulder holster uses a harness to suspend the firearm on the non-dominant side, either vertically or horizontally. You’ll need a jacket or coat to effectively hide this type of holster, and women’s jackets tend to be thinner than mens. It’s also harder to draw from than waistband alternatives.

Pocket holsters

Some gun owners carry a pistol inside a pants pocket. While this method, like the bra and ankle holster, allows for deep concealment of compact firearms, it’s important to remember that pocket carry still requires a holster.

Spare Ammunition

You can never predict how many rounds you will need in a defensive shooting. It’s true that most defensive gun uses rely on threat to deter and repel; however, you should always be prepared to fire if necessary.

Regardless of where and how you carry your primary weapon, you should consider carrying spare ammunition. This is as simple as inserting two extra magazines or a speedloader in a separate pocket or compartment in an off-body location. However, for waistband carry, you should have one or two magazine pouches or carriers opposite your holster position. That way, you can drop the empty magazine with your strong hand while reaching for a spare with your weak hand.

Contact Incognito Concealment to Discuss Your Kydex Holster Options

At Incognito Concealment, we believe that men and women should have the right to keep and bear arms equally. To help you exercise your rights, we specialize in high-quality Kydex holsters for concealed and open carry. Give us a call at  (586) 999-5820, and we’ll help you select the best holster for your needs.