When choosing the right holster, there’s no one-size-fits-all solution. Each person needs to experiment with various holster styles and positions until they find one that works for them.
For women, that can mean wearing a holster around the waist with an IWB or a belly band holster. It can also suggest carrying a weapon under the arm or on the thigh.
OWB
When a woman chooses to carry her handgun, she must consider holsters that fit her firearm and her daily lifestyle. OWB (Outside the Waistband) holsters are usually considered a good choice for concealed carry, as they allow the weapon to be carried with a light shirt or coat and still provide enough concealment.
The OWB design also allows for more accessibility, an essential factor in gun safety. When it is necessary to access a pistol quickly, reaching it without having to untuck a piece of clothing can make all the difference. This is one of the reasons why many women choose an OWB holster to begin with and later switch to an IWB (Inside the Waistband) holster if they want more comfort or concealment options.
Depending on the individual and body type, OWB holsters are also generally considered more comfortable than IWB holsters. This is because the holster sits on the outside of the waistband rather than being pressed against the person’s skin. This makes it easier to carry for long periods, which is often a consideration for women who have.
If a holster pinches or rubs against a person in an uncomfortable way, it will not be worn, defeating the purpose of concealed carry. Finding a holster that fits snugly and comfortably under the pants is important without printing through the material. Ideally, the holster should also be adjustable for ride height to set higher or lower on the hip, depending on the wearer’s torso length. The holster should be sturdy and well-made so that it does not bend or collapse under the pressure of a handgun. A holster that catches on a garment or other clothing can be pulled open and cause an accidental discharge, which is something to avoid at all costs.
AIWB
Women are the fastest-growing category of gun owners. And because each woman has a different body type and wears other clothes, they have specific needs when carrying a firearm. For example, women might need a holster that fits on their waistband or thigh or is built into the clothing to take concealed while out hunting.
That’s why holsters for women come in so many styles. There’s a wide range of options, including belly bands, thigh holsters, and even a holster that attaches to the inside of your purse.
For women, a great way to conceal a weapon is by carrying it in the appendix position. This method, or AIWB, requires a holster designed for this purpose. A signature feature on gun holsters for women is the foam wedge on the lower portion facing the wearer. This serves three purposes:
- It adds comfort by cushioning the holster against your skin.
- It levers the gun’s muzzle out a bit away from the wearer, helping mitigate the danger of an unintended discharge striking the genitalia or femoral artery.
- It helps with drawing and reholstering.
Choosing the best AIWB holster for your body type and clothing can take trial and error. In general, longer shirts work better than short ones when wearing this holster style. The added length helps cover the beltline and makes it harder to see the gun and holster. You may also want to experiment with various angles when wearing this holster.
Remember that no matter what anyone says, only you can select the right gun holster for your style and needs. That’s because only you know how you dress and your lifestyle. So, while seasoned pros can offer sound advice, it’s ultimately up to you to decide what works best.
Stanley Rivers