Personal Style and Concealed Carry
Concealed carry is not just about carrying a gun. Most of you already know this, but it still needs to be said. When you carry a gun every day, you need to really be aware of your surroundings and your Every Day Carry (EDC). How do you go from life pre-carry to a daily carry life? Part of the change has to be your style! Well… not really your style but your clothes. You don’t have to start wearing shapeless jackets to cover your holster or and worry about wearing belts all the time. You can still wear what you like! There are just a few adjustments you may need to make so you can make your personal style work.
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You Don’t Need a Belt
Really, you don’t need a belt! Some women love to wear belts and some find it hard to find outfits that work with a belt… There are so many options now. Concealment wear and holsters that don’t require belts are great for dresses, skirts and carrying in the summer.
Learn more:
Shirt – Shoes – Skirt – Necklace – Holster – Gun
Learn more:
Shirt – Shoes – Shorts – Purse – Holster – Gun
Work With Your Personal Style
You can carry with any style! It takes some time to figure out what works, but don’t give up. If you like light and flowy shirts, yoga pants, dresses, skirts, you name it, you can work it. It’s all about figuring out what holster works with your style, not what style works with your holster.
Learn more:
Romper – Shoes – Necklace – Purse – Belly Band Holster – Gun
Learn more:
Shirt – Leggings – Shoes – Headband – Socks
Make Small Changes
Your holster has been with you through thick and thin and you are not willing to let it go… I get it. Make minor changes that will work with your holster. If you love tight fitting shirts but your gun prints add a kimono or wrap to your outfit. There are great options that are light enough for summer that will cover your EDC. If you love skirts or other outfits that don’t work with belts, add an Ulticlip to your IWB so you don’t need a belt. Almost any style top can hide your gun if it has a busy print so you can get the shape you want without worry.
Learn more:
Shirt – Shorts – Kimono – Shoes – Belt – Holster – Gun
Learn more:
Shirt – Blazer – Skirt – Shoes – Jewelry – Holster – Ulticlip – Gun
Formal Wear, Don’t Care
Spring and summer bring a lot of formal occasions, weddings, and parties galore. Sometimes it’s HARD to carry when you’re wearing a dress. But, again, there are options for you! You can either buy a dress with easy access to your holster, for example, a dress with a slit to the knee for a thigh holster. Or use a holster that can be accessed no matter the dress style, for example, an ankle holster for a long dress or a bra holster for a sleeveless or lower cut dress.
Learn more:
Dress – Shawl – Shoes – Purse – Thigh Short Holster
Learn more:
Dress – Shoes – Purse – Watch – Necklace – Holster – Gun
Personal Carry Style Based on What You Do
Maybe the issue you’re having has nothing to do with your style but you can’t figure out how to carry comfortably because you’re sitting at a desk all day or always doing something active. I can’t help you there… Just kidding! If you’re sitting all day and your holster digs into you, switch it out for something like a belly band that you can adjust depending on your position. What if your job requires you to move around all day? What if you exercise often but can’t figure out how to carry? Check out a wrap holster with a retention strap like the Pistol Wear Sport that you can wear with almost any outfit. Maybe you’re around kids all the time and you want a holster that will keep them safe and the gun out of reach. Tank holsters, corsets and belly bands (again) could be your best friend!
Learn more:
Shirt – Pants – Boots – Watch – Scarf – Belly Band – Gun
Final Thoughts on Your Personal Style
You don’t need to completely change your personal style so you can protect yourself. Making small adjustments and switching up your holsters can make all the difference. Feel free to comment with your fashion tips! Help out your fellow Well Armed Women by filling out the How to Dress for Concealed Carry: Photos & Tips form and showing us your EDC fashion!
I carry at the moment in my handbag. I’m an over weight women and a lot of the conceal wear products look like they would be uncomfortable on someone my size. Do you have any thoughts to help.
Thank you
Hi Terri, Here is an article that might be helpful to you. https://thewellarmedwoman.com/concealed-carry/concealed-carry-for-larger-women/
Informative article, totally what I needed.
Exactly! Its the same as making sure your outfit has pockets, just small changes can help with function while still having fashion
I LOVED this very practical article. Extremely helpful with how to look stylish and carry. Also, loved the links posted along with each item. Thank you so much!
I also agree with MJL that it is very important to practice drawing from where you have your weapon placed and with the clothing you will be wearing.
Carrie is a popular national speaker and frequent guest of the national media including TIME Magazine, CNN, NBC Nightly News, USA Today, FOX News, Blaze TV and NRA News. She is the author of the book “The Well Armed Woman’s Concise Guide to Concealed Carry” and her articles are frequently published in leading industry magazines.
Hi! Would you mind if I share your blog with my facebook
group? There’s a lot of people that I think would really enjoy your content.
Please let me know. Cheers
Hello, please share if it will help your readers!
Hi I am an older woman in the plus size range. I need a concealed carry course that teaches about gun care . I want to be able to break it down and clean it thoroughly, then put it back together ( so it will still work) . My husband has taken me to a gun range and I am a pretty good shot, but I am not altogether comfortable handling a gun. Any suggestions in my area? Asheboro ,NC. Thanks Sandra Cole
Hi Sandra,
Have you checked to see if there is a TWAW Shooting Chapter near you? Please check out their website to find the closest chapter that you could attend. Click here for the TWAW Shooting Chapters website.
Also, wearing a slip like top or a slippery workout type tank under your shirt helps your shirt not to stick to your gun when you move.
I love this so much! Thank you for all the options for various outfits/occasions.
I LOVE that we have options. The only concern is whether or not folks will practice with each of them as opposed to sticking with one, ‘permanent’ system. Absolutely – having the firearm in the first place is required, but if you cannot safely access it ……..
I usually have no problem concealing, but with the advent of summer wear and T shirts, I find that my gun is not as easily concealed as it was during the winter. I use a belly band all the time, having not yet found a holster that works well for me, and that fits nicely under my clothes. It hasn’t stopped me, though. I would rather the gun be somewhat noticed than not to have it on me at all.
Thank you! Awesome post, and encouraging!
How about Conceal Carry VESTS? Leather, Denim, Fur, Suede??? This way it’s on my person all the time
BLAZERS would be nice, too!!!
Undertech undercover has a cc women’s vest.
Nice to see I have choices and don’t have to stray too far from “me.”
I love this!