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Monday, June 3, 2013

Summer Concealed Carry for Women


In Arizona, our temperatures have already hit 100!  The hot weather of summer can make concealed carry quite a challenge. For many of you, you also have humidity to deal with! Unfortunately, for many women this results in leaving their gun at home. Our need to protect ourselves does not go down in the summer, we must find ways to carry in every season.

I wish I had the one true simple fix for you, but I don't. Here however are some things that can help you better and more comfortably conceal as the temperatures increase and your clothing decreases!!

Remember though, there are times, as an armed woman, you will have to make some adjustments and sacrifices to accomplish carrying effectively and safely all of the time. There is no perfect solution and the bottom line may be you must make some changes. The only other option is to not carry, likely not what you want.  

Go Looser and Longer
Thankfully, light, loose and whispy doesn't ever go out of style. Looser, lighter clothing is not only more comfortable, it is cooler too as it allows the air to circulate and keep things cool! Wear a long cotton shirt with your summer shorts/skirts to easily conceal your in the waist or on the belt holstered gun. Wear patterned shirts and dresses. The pattern helps to help to minimize the appearance any "bulge".  The Betty is a great in the pants holster in any season. Its minimal design means less stuff in your pants. The Magnetic is a very popular holster for the simple reason it requires no belt or heavy waist band to secure itself to the waistband. If wearing summer dresses, the bra holsters (mentioned above) are a good bet along with  the Pistol Wear Under arm and the Ultra Under arm, both made with great breathable fabrics and are another great choice.

Betty Holster shown   betty karh in use 3cropped resized 600
Betty holster shown above

Go Deeper
Summer weight pants, shorts and skirts means lighter and weaker waistbands which can make on the waist or in the pants carry very difficult. Try a holster that isn't dependent on the waistband such as the Pistol Pouch which "buries" the firearm down on the pelvic area. This is a cotton holster with a thin band that is worn around your hips.  Your belly band worn low and on your hips can also be a solution, but tend to be a bit warmer because of the elastic. Both bra holsters, the Flashbang and the Marilyn are also good choices. The Pistol Wear Under Arm  and Ultra Under Arm holsters also are great "deep" choices. Keep in mind however that going deeper brings with it some challenges, mainly accessing your gun quickly and safely. Practice these draws regularly with your unloaded gun. Carrying your firearm off body should be your last choice. Carrying in a concealed carry purse introduces much greater levels of risk and provides access to your gun that no one should have. The utmost care MUST be taken when doing so. 

pwunder arm front 3photo  pw in use 2 web
Pistol Wear Under Arm Holster shown above

Go Smaller
Although not the ideal solution, as we don't want to give up firepower if we don't have to, carrying a smaller gun in the summer months is an option and is better than not carrying any gun at all. if you can afford a second gun, the very small and compact semi-automatics and lightweight revolvers are very easy to hide. Some are now so slim that they don't create a bulge, and who needs more of those?? You may want to research the available holsters for these models prior to purchasing to make sure the type of holster you want/need to wear is available for it. One important thing to be aware of is that the smaller, lighter guns will have quite a bit more recoil to contend with. They simply don't have the weight and size necessary to absorb it, so that means your hand an arm do!!!

Beretta Nano
Pico 0057


Perhaps you have some things that have worked for you that are not covered here. Please feel free to post them.

Stay cool ladies and stay safe!

46 comments:

  1. Now try it on some women of size.
    Then on a woman who has had a double mastectomy.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yes, some real challenges.. Here is an article on CC for larger women that might have something helpful. http://www.thewellarmedwoman.com/Concealed-Carry-For-Larger-Women

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    2. This really helped me decide on which ones to seriously look at. Thank you!

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  2. Thanks for all the info. I will be investing soon in this type of accessory.

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  3. No worries!! I have girth, and almost nothing on top. Trust me, no one is sizing up my muffin top enough to notice that it conceals a full size 1911. I use a Remora inside a Belly Band. It's familiar, comfortable, and adjustable all at the same time.

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  4. Is the Betty available for XDM models? I don't see it on the list.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. No, sorry, not the Betty, but the Ava is available for it. In the pants, but typically worn off the back hip.. http://www.thewellarmedwoman.com/apps/store/web/view/profile/itemid/39926/default.asp

      Delete
  5. Thanks I will check out Ava!

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  6. I'm having a hard time with the Marylin. I can't seem to hide it. My bust is on the large side for my frame, which I think is the problem, but I'm pregnant, so most other holsters seem unlikely to work. Any suggestions?

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    Replies
    1. I live in a bellyband, and as a mother-of-many I'm often pregnant. :) The bellyband just rides below my baby bump, with the gun behind my strong hip.

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    2. Thanks Kim, I've been looking at the Belly Band but didn't think I could wear it during pregnancy. I think I'll go ahead and get it now.

      Delete
  7. Pregnancy certainly brings it own set of unique problems :) Here is an article that might be helpful to you. Not sure what the problem with the Marilyn is, what kind of gun is it?

    https://www.usconcealedcarry.com/ccm-columns/features/carrying-while-carrying/

    I hope this is helpful..

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Carrie it's a SigP398, but even the holster alone sticks out too much. I think my breasts are just too wide.

      Delete
  8. Hi - I checked the Ava under the products and it didn't show any XDM models, how would I specify that I have an XDM Compact .40 caliber when I order it?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I just checked and it is there under Springfield XDM 3.8 and compact 9/40
      If you have any problems ordering, you can put Springfield XDM 3.8 and compact 9/40 in the notes section of the cart.

      Delete
  9. Sorry, please disregard, I see it now under Springfield Armory :)

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  10. Ridiculous, why do some peeps have to make everything dirty? The above comment needs deleted. Seriously this is an information site about concealed carrry.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yes, the spam posts are driving me crazy. Just deleted...

      Delete
  11. I have a Thunderwear pistol pouch and have been wearing it off to the side more (so my 38-special snub-nose revolver is not in my pelvic area, but more as an IWB holster, with the gun more at my waist/hip). It works & is more comfortable. If I wear it as it's meant, I have a weird bulge down there (and won't repeat what teenage sons said about that!).

    I'm small-framed: 5-2 and 118, with no "bumps/bulges" & am finding that CC is difficult b/c it seems almost anything I wear reveals a tell-tale print or unnatural bump. I'm buying more empire waist & baby-doll style tops & flowy skirts and can't wait until my just-shipped Well Armed Woman thigh holster arrives!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I can only imagine what your teenagers comments were!!! Yes, being small and slim creates some real challenges to effective concealed carry. I love your creative use of the pistol pouch - and the adjustments you have made to your clothing. Great job! Let us know how you like the thigh holster!

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  12. I would love to see more reviews by real women wearing the Pistol Wear holster. Is it comfortable when you sit? Does it stay snug against your body, or tend to "flap out"? Do you need to wear it with tight jeans to keep the firearm snug against you?
    Is the inevitable bulge apparent to people around you, or is it only obvious from the wearer's vantage point?
    And what is the return policy? I'd love to give it a shot. :)

    ReplyDelete
  13. Hi KimC,
    Recently on the TWAW Facebook page there were multiple comments from women who wear it - all were very positive. It does stay snug and not flap out, because of the design, the strap and holster are all one piece so the bottom and the top lay flat. The bulge size will depend on your body and the size of the firearm you are carrying, but because of it's enclosed design, the grip doesn't stick out. All items are returnable/exchange able because I know how hard it is to shop for holsters online. So give it a shot and let us know what you think.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. How well does the Pistol Wear holster work with a small size revolver? All the images show a semi-auto.

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    2. Revolvers are a bit wider than most semi-autos - so depending on the size of the gun and "your" size it should work just fine. I hope to gather some photos from customers - which will help to see it with different guns on different women.

      Delete
  14. I'm a huge fan of the FlashBang holster...allows me to conceal in just about anything and I don't feel like I have to think about it like when I wear my IWB (using the ladies room, etc.). It takes some practice to get used to how to wear it - jump up and down, etc. Make sure you're wearing it correctly. I also have a belly band, you almost HAVE to wear a tanktop underneath it because it gets so darn hot!

    ReplyDelete
  15. I don't own a belt. I hate jeans. I wear dress pants to work, khaki's out and stretch/yoga pants on the weekends. I see a lot of options here that look good. Can you tell me which holster is in the picture here on the left? Thank you

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Carolyn, the two holsters shown are the Betty at the top and the Pistol wear under arm on the bottom. You might also want to look at the Magnetic holster, that would work well with your clothing.
      http://www.thewellarmedwoman.com/apps/store/default.asp?view=search&groupid=1257

      Delete
  16. I have one low belly band not purchased on this site. My question is since as a female I am new to conceal carry-is when I sit down with the Glock 26 it is pointing directing into my groin. Do all pouch styles do this? I have tried moving it around but it always points into my body. I am uncomfortable with this (as in it is pointing at me). Comment????

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Because belly bands are a wrap and keep the gun so "snug" and tight to the body, it is difficult for it to not point at anything. It is critical that the trigger guard is completely covered, leaving no access to the trigger exposed. An on the belt holster is an option to not have the gun pointing at any part of the body, ankle, thigh and the under arm holsters also are an option.

      Delete
  17. I want to carry my Springfield XDm 9mm 4.5 barrel. Is there a holster that isn't OWB that will hold the full size XDm?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. That's a good sized gun Wendy, but you could use the Pistol Wear Under Arm shown above or the 5" belly band would also work. The Thigh and Ankle holsters in the large size could work as well. I hope this helps some..

      Delete
    2. Yes, my gun is big. I love her. I will be carrying the XDm until I can get my hands on an XDs to carry. I have been carrying a .380 Bodyguard, but I like the XDm much more. I carry the .380 BG in an IWB holster, the undertech compression shorts, or the Thunderwear holster, depending on which one works best for my clothing.

      Thanks! Love the blog and website!

      Delete
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  23. Great Article Carrie, I'm glad I have you to help me help the women I teach. I should mention that the "Sticky" holster is a great item when you need to go lighter in dress. It has no clips or loops to keep it in place, just stick in your waist band and it stays there

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  24. This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete
  25. Curious about your use of the "Betty" holster (even though I'm not a woman). Is it uncomfortable to wear a gun at the 2 oclock position when driving, sitting for long periods of time, etc?

    ReplyDelete
  26. I have found the belly band which I purchased from this site to be a great option for summer concealed carry. I own a lot of empire waist sundresses that I like to wear this time of year. I found myself using my ccw purse whenever I wore these as I don't really like my thigh holster too much. I ordered the belly band and it has been working out great with these style dresses. I carry my s&w 380 bodyguard because its so slim and its invisible under the dress. The band stays in place all day running errands and getting in and out of the car. Some other holsters I have need adjusting to sit comfortably while driving but not this one. I do need to lift my dress to draw my weapon but I figure that if it comes to that, flashing my underware will be the least of my worries. So if your looking for options concealing comfortably in the summer heat try the belly band.

    ReplyDelete
  27. This is really creative!
    I think this will prove to be useful to a number of people.
    Good job!

    ReplyDelete
  28. I have a SmartCarry Holster(in front of the groin) and the Flashbang bra holster. I use them both depending on what I'm doing that day.I sweat pretty bad in the summer here in AZ and my flashbang was slipping down and poking out. so with some experimenting, I now wear a Hanes tanktop under my bra,which helps with the sweat.I put velcro on the outside of my holster, and hand sewed some to the inside of my bra. That has really helped with keeping it from slipping and sticking out.My SmartCarry is great when I go to the dog park.Stays put even being active. Takes more time to draw than my bra holster, but it is better than dropping the gun. No one knows that I carry, even my husband has to feel which one I am using. You definately have to dress around your gun.You are not going to be able to wear skin tight, see through clothes and hide a gun.But you can still be fashionable and cool with some thought behind it.

    ReplyDelete
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