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Concealed Carry for Women

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.

personal style navy skirt

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ShirtShoesSkirtNecklace

personal style tan shorts

 

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ShirtShoesShortsPurse 

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.

personal style black romper

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RomperShoesNecklacePurseBelly Band Holster

 

personal style leggings

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Shirt – ShoesHeadbandSocks

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.

personal style black kimono

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ShirtShortsKimonoShoesBeltHolster

personal style pink skirt

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ShirtBlazerSkirtShoesJewelryHolster 

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.

personal style burgundy dress

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DressShawlShoesPurse 

personal style floral dress

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DressShoesPurseWatchNecklace 

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! Also, look into a good pair of women’s tactical pants. These pants are so comfortable nowadays and will give you good support for the days you wear an in-the-waistband holster. Not to mention other pockets for phones and other small accessories.

personal style brown boots

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ShirtWomen’s Tactical PantsBootsWatchScarfBelly Band

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!

 

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20 thoughts on “Personal Style and Concealed Carry

  1. Terri C says:

    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

    1. Carrie Lightfoot says:

      Hi Terri, Here is an article that might be helpful to you. https://thewellarmedwoman.com/concealed-carry/concealed-carry-for-larger-women/

  2. bugünkü banko maçlar says:

    Informative article, totally what I needed.

  3. Jen says:

    Exactly! Its the same as making sure your outfit has pockets, just small changes can help with function while still having fashion

  4. Yvonne says:

    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!

    1. Yvonne says:

      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.

  5. Robertreage says:

    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.

  6. nicolitalia.Com says:

    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

    1. Carrie Lightfoot says:

      Hello, please share if it will help your readers!

  7. Sandra Cole says:

    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

    1. Carrie Lightfoot says:

      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.

  8. Alisha says:

    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.

  9. Sherri says:

    I love this so much! Thank you for all the options for various outfits/occasions.

  10. MJL says:

    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 ……..

  11. 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.

  12. Liz says:

    Thank you! Awesome post, and encouraging!

  13. Evon Szajerski-Shires says:

    How about Conceal Carry VESTS? Leather, Denim, Fur, Suede??? This way it’s on my person all the time

    BLAZERS would be nice, too!!!

    1. Alisha says:

      Undertech undercover has a cc women’s vest.

  14. Patti says:

    Nice to see I have choices and don’t have to stray too far from “me.”

  15. Melanie Hubbard says:

    I love this!

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