In This Article-
- Introduction
- Popular Carry Positions for leather holsters among women
- What to Pay Attention to When Selecting a Leather Holster that Offers Maximum Comfort?
- What to Look for When Choosing a Leather Holster for Better Concealment?
- Final Remarks
Women are increasingly becoming a significant part of the gun owner population in the United States. Notably, they are not only growing in numbers but also represent a larger portion of first-time gun owners and those who carry firearms for self-defence.
While finding the perfect Leather Holster for Women, it’s important to remember that each woman’s needs and lifestyle are unique. Therefore, it’s essential for every woman who carries to carefully evaluate which leather holster works best for her. Consider your daily activities and the people you are often around. For mothers, this is particularly crucial, as it’s vital to ensure that the holster you choose keeps your weapon inaccessible to your children.
We will start with the most Popular Carry Positions for leather holsters among women and continue with the ones that are most preferred by women especially for comfort and concealment.
Popular Carry Positions for Leather Holsters among Women
The best carry position for a woman using a leather holster depends on several factors including body type, clothing choice, comfort, concealment, etc. Here are some popular carry positions for women and considerations for each:
Inside the Waistband (IWB):
This position offers good concealment, especially with fitted clothing. It provides a secure and close-to-the-body carry. It could be less comfortable for some women, especially if they have curves or wear tighter clothing. It can also require a sturdy belt for support.
- IWB leather holsters offer quick and easy access to your firearm. The holster is positioned close to your dominant hand, allowing for a smooth and natural draw when needed.
- IWB Leather holsters provide a secure fit for your firearm, helping to prevent accidental loss or unauthorized access.
- IWB holsters allows you to the most comfortable and concealable position for your body type and clothing style.
Outside the Waistband (OWB):
Outside-the-Waistband (OWB) leather holsters offer several benefits for women:
- OWB holsters can be more comfortable for some women, especially those who find IWB holsters too tight or constricting. The holster sits outside the waistband, reducing pressure against the body and providing better airflow.
- OWB holsters offer easy access to your firearm, as it is positioned outside the waistband and away from the body. This can facilitate a smooth and natural draw, especially for women who prefer a more traditional holster position.
- While OWB holsters are generally less concealable than IWB holsters, they can still be concealed effectively with the right clothing choices and cover garments. For example, a loose-fitting shirt or jacket can help conceal the firearm while still providing access when needed.
Appendix Carry:
This position is popular among women gun owners for concealment, especially when seated. It offers quick and easy access to the firearm. The positioning of the holster in the front of the body allows for better concealment under a variety of clothing styles.
- The appendix position provides quick and easy access to the firearm. In a self-defence situation, being able to quickly draw the weapon can be critical, and the front placement of the holster allows for a fast and natural draw motion.
- While comfort can vary depending on body type and holster design, many women find that appendix carry holsters are comfortable for extended periods of wear. The placement of the holster in the front of the body can feel more natural and less obtrusive than other positions, particularly for women with curvier figures.
- Some appendix-carry holsters offer adjustable retention, allowing the user to customize the level of retention to their preference. This can be particularly beneficial for women who want to ensure their firearm stays securely in place during physical activity or movement.
Overall, appendix carry holsters can provide women with a discreet, accessible, and comfortable way to carry their firearms for self-defence purposes. As with any leather holster, it’s important to choose one that fits properly and is compatible with both the firearm and the individual’s body type and clothing style.
Belly Band Holsters:
We are including this in the list considering a comfortable carry position for women. Belly Band holsters are usually made from soft, stretchy materials that conform to the body’s contours, providing a comfortable fit for extended wear. This is particularly appealing to women who may find traditional holsters uncomfortable or bulky.
Belly Band holsters are increasingly becoming popular among women for several reasons:
- Belly band holsters are designed to be worn around the midsection, allowing women to effectively conceal their firearms under various types of clothing, including skirts, dresses, and form-fitting attire.
- They offer versatility in terms of positioning. Women can adjust the placement of the holster to find the most comfortable and accessible position for their firearm, whether it’s at the front, side, or back of the body.
- Belly band holsters typically allow for quick and easy access to the firearm, which is crucial in self-defence situations. The ability to quickly draw the weapon can provide a sense of security and confidence.
- Belly band holsters can accommodate different body types more easily than some other types of holsters. This inclusivity makes them appealing to a wide range of women.
- Some belly band holsters come with additional pockets or compartments for carrying other essentials like keys, phones, or spare magazines, adding to their practicality and convenience.
Overall, the combination of concealment, comfort, versatility, and accessibility makes belly band holsters a popular choice among women for carrying firearms for self-defence.Top of Form
Off Body/Purse Carry:
Carrying a firearm off your person, known as “off body” carry, involves using a purse, backpack, fanny pack, briefcase, or other bag to hold the weapon. Many women, in particular, are drawn to this method as they already carry a bag regularly. It eliminates the need to awkwardly conceal a firearm under clothing. However, experts generally caution against off-body carry due to its significant drawbacks.
While off-body carry may be the most comfortable and convenient option for concealing a weapon, it is also the riskiest. Accessing your pistol is much more difficult and slower in an emergency situation. In critical moments, this delay could be the deciding factor between life and death.
It is important to keep in mind that if your bag is stolen, your firearm will also be taken. Additionally, controlling who can access your purse and potentially your gun can be quite challenging. This is especially concerning if you have children.
If you decide to carry your firearm in your purse, ensure that you invest in a high-quality concealed carry purse with a built-in leather holster and a dedicated compartment. Alternatively, secure a proper leather holster, such as a pocket leather holster, inside your bag to ensure proper retention and prevent your gun from moving around freely.
Pocket Holsters:
The pocket leather holster is another concealed carry option that is not as well-known. If you happen to be a woman with reasonably-sized pant pockets, this could be a comfortable choice for you. It is generally recommended for individuals who prefer not to carry on their waistline but still want their weapon close to their body.
Bra Holsters:
This product is an appealing choice specifically designed for women. It may be necessary to opt for a smaller pistol for better concealment. One drawback of using a bra holster is the risk of flagging your non-shooting arm while drawing. Although this can be minimized with regular practice, it remains a valid concern, particularly for inexperienced shooters. Plus, it might not be a comfortable choice especially considering a leather holster.
Ankle Holsters:
These compact holsters are meant to be secured around your ankle, with some even featuring a calf support and/or additional padding for enhanced comfort. Despite being considered one of the most comfortable and discreet carry choices, depending on your attire (such as boot cut jeans or maxi skirts), ankle holsters may not always be the most practical option. Drawing from an ankle holster can become rather uncomfortable.
Shoulder Holsters:
These holsters may not be the most ideal choice for beginners, as they require some practice to properly fit and learn how to draw from. Furthermore, shoulder holsters can be challenging to conceal under most clothing, particularly tighter-fitting garments commonly worn by women. If you opt to use a shoulder holster, be prepared to wear a cover garment to ensure everything remains discreet.
Thigh Holsters:
Typically constructed from spandex with a rubber lining and a small pocket for your weapon, these holsters are suitable for carrying in dresses or skirts. They offer adjustability in positioning on your thigh, but finding one that fits securely to prevent slipping while walking requires careful consideration. Although thigh holsters may not be the most comfortable option due to potential pinching or chafing, they can suffice for short-term wear.
What to Pay Attention to When Selecting a Leather Holster that Offers Maximum Comfort?
It’s not just the best carry position to easily reach the firearm or the best concealment holster, comfort can be the highest priority to most women when choosing the right leather holster. Pay attention to the following aspects that are crucial for a comfortable Leather Holster:
Material Quality: Look for holsters made from high-quality leather that is supple, yet durable. Premium leather will mold to your body over time, enhancing comfort.
Padding and Sweat Guards: Leather Holsters with padded backing or sweat guards can help prevent discomfort caused by the firearm rubbing against your skin.
Smooth Edges and Finishing: Ensure the holster has smooth edges and well-finished stitching to prevent irritation or chafing against your skin.
Adjustability: Opt for a holster with adjustable features such as ride height, cant (angle), and retention to customize the fit to your body and carry preferences.
Holster Position: Consider the carry position that is most comfortable for you. While this can vary from person to person, many women find inside-the-waistband (IWB) holsters or appendix carry holsters to be comfortable options.
Size and Weight of Firearm: The size and weight of your firearm can significantly impact comfort. Choose a Leather holster that distributes the weight of the firearm evenly and securely against your body.
Body Type: Consider your body shape and how the holster will fit against your curves. Some women may find certain holster designs more comfortable based on their body type.
Trial and Error: Ultimately, finding the most comfortable leather holster may require some trial and error. It’s essential to try out different holsters with an unloaded firearm to determine what works best for you in terms of comfort and functionality.
When choosing a leather holster for maximum comfort, prioritize features that minimize pressure points, provide cushioning, and allow for customization to fit your body and carry preferences. Additionally, investing in a quality leather holster from reputable manufacturers known for their attention to detail and craftsmanship can ensure long-lasting comfort and performance.
What to Look for When Choosing a Leather Holster for Better Concealment?
When choosing a leather holster for concealment, consider the following:
- Opt for high-quality leather holster that is thin yet durable, as thicker leather can add unnecessary bulk and make concealment more challenging.
- Ensure the holster has adequate retention to securely hold your firearm in place but allows for a smooth draw when needed.
- Choose a holster with adjustable cant and ride height to customize the fit to your body to further enhance the concealment.
For women seeking optimal concealment with a leather holster, Inside-the-Waistband (IWB) and Appendix Carry holsters are often considered among the best options. And here’s why that is the case:
IWB leather holsters are worn inside the waistband of your pants, typically at the hip or slightly behind the hip. They offer excellent concealment as they hug close to the body, minimizing printing (visible outline of the firearm through clothing). Quality leather holsters are often more comfortable for extended wear, as the material can mold to the body over time.
IWB holsters distribute the weight of the firearm along the waistline, which can be more comfortable than other carry positions, especially for women with curvier figures. Overall, an IWB leather holster can provide women with comfortable, secure, and discreet carry options for their firearms, making it an excellent choice for everyday carry.
Appendix carry involves wearing the holster in the front of the body, typically around the 1 o’clock to 2 o’clock position for right-handed shooters (11 o’clock to 10 o’clock for left-handed shooters). This position offers excellent concealment, especially with tighter clothing, and allows for quick access to the firearm. However, it may not be as comfortable for all body types, particularly when sitting for extended periods.
Ultimately, the best leather holster for concealment will depend on your body type, clothing choices, and personal preferences. It’s essential to try out different holsters and carry positions with an unloaded firearm to determine what works best for you in terms of comfort, concealment, and accessibility.
Final Remarks:
When it comes to choosing good leather holster for women, it must fulfil the crucial function of keeping the firearm easily accessible for the wearer, in order to be deemed a valuable and practical shooting accessory. This accessibility allows for consistent training in drawing the weapon, ensuring readiness in case the need to draw the firearm arises.
It is highly important to prioritize safety and practicality above all else, as these are the key factors that define the best option for each individual. When evaluating a leather holster, it is important to analyse the advertised features in relation to these components.
Expect to allocate some time for adjustment. It may take anywhere from two days to a week to find the optimal position for your new holster and to become comfortable with carrying it. Therefore, test it out for a few days, and if it does not feel right, consider trying a different position or holster.
