Pocket Carry: 7 Tips and Considerations

Pocket carry isn’t talked about much, in fact, it’s rather neglected. Pocket carry is a good option when you do so safely. If you take the time to understand the advantages and disadvantages, you may find that this is a viable way for you to carry. Everyone is different but with the right gun, the right holster, and the right clothing, pocket carry could be your new favorite option! Here are some tips and suggestions that to help you understand pocket carry a little more.

1. Find the right gun for pocket carry.

You need a gun small enough to fit in a holster and into your pocket. What you don’t want to do is find the tiniest gun out there and assume that it is the right one. Yes, small is good in this instance, but small guns also pose a set of challenges that you must not only understand but must overcome too. Small guns can be very difficult to shoot. The felt recoil of a smaller gun is greater and with its shorter sight radius (short length between the rear and front sights) it is difficult to shoot accurately.  Look for a minimum of .380 caliber and carry it loaded with a self-defense ammunition. Practice with a smaller, pocket carry sized gun often.

Here are some good options: 

(click the images to read reviews)

2. ALWAYS use a holster when you pocket carry.

Let’s get this out of the way… a pocket is NOT a holster. Pants or jacket pockets are not made to protect the trigger and the material is not going to be thick or strong enough to prevent a negiligent discharge. When you decide to pocket carry, the gun MUST be in a holster. You must follow all normal safety precautions if you are going to do this right, which includes using a holster like The Sticky Holster. This holster will allow you to draw your gun from your pocket with the holster staying put. The Magnetic holsters can be good options as well.

Here are some great options that can be used as pocket carry holsters or IWB holsters if you find pocket carry doesn’t work for you!

3. You have to find the right clothes too!

I know, I know. Women’s clothing is a little ridiculous when it comes to pockets. Women’s pants often have pockets that are either too shallow or non-existant. However, there are options out there with large enough pockets for concealed carry. You may have to do some digging, but I assure you, there are options out there!

Your pockets must be large enough to hold the gun and allow you enough room to grab and draw your gun. Sweatshirts, sweaters, and jackets also can allow for pocket carry. They have pockets roomy enough for your holstered gun and provide quick and easy access to your gun. The disadvantage of carrying in a sweatshirt or jacket comes when you take it off. Your gun must always be under your control. Once you remove your sweatshirt or jacket, your gun is no longer on you and this may allow others to access it. This is similar to off-body concealed carry methods such as a purse. The utmost care must be taken to secure the gun onto your body or in a secure location.

4. Speaking of drawing…

As with any holster and carry option, you have to practice. Pocket carry is no different in this regard and it can take a lot of practice to get used to this new mode of carry. Practice your draw with an unloaded gun until you are comfortable with your ability to get your gun out quickly. You need to practice with each and every jacket or pair of pants you plan on carrying in; each pocket will be different and you need to be confident with each of them.

5. Logistics of pocket carry.

Pocket carry works best when you follow safety rules and all the previous tips AND when you carry the same gun with the same holster in the same pocket. If you do this, it will feel more and more natural. You will be able to draw and get into a defensive position much easier when you instinctively know where your gun is. Don’t carry any other items in the pocket in which you carry your holstered gun. The pocket must be dedicated to your gun. No keys, lipstick, cell phone; nothing should share this space.

6. Leave it alone!

No really! Don’t touch your gun. Don’t adjust or fiddle with your pants, sweatshirt or jacket pocket. The more you pay attention to it the more others will notice it. Pocket carry can cause some printing but most people are too wrapped up in their own business to notice and with all of the gadgets people carry around with them these days, everyone has a bulge!!

7. Does pocket carry really make sense for your situation?

Determining whether or not you should pocket carry requires you to look at all the facts. Do you have a gun that will fit, holstered, in your pocket? Is it comfortable? What about the weather? If you are wearing layers upon layers, carrying in your pants pocket may make it difficult to access your gun. If you sit all day at a desk or in your car, again, carrying in your pants pocket carry may not be the answer.

Final Thoughts

So… is pocket carry right for you? It might be comfortable, it might be easy, but you have to dedicate time to practice carrying this way. You must also practice drawing from concealment. Carrying your gun in a pocket is an option in the right circumstances. Like anything you do related to concealed carry it will take time, practice, and precaution.

Here are the most popular concealed carry holsters in 2018.

Not sure what guns will work for you? Check out The Well Armed Woman Gun Finder

If you want to know what guns other women are carrying read my Most Popular Guns for Women – 2019 article HERE

Want to shop our Pocket Holsters? Check out our products HERE