It is the 21st century. Women have the same rights as men. This also applies to the area of self-defense and weapons handling. It is estimated that there are more than 20 million female gun owners in the United States.
More and more women are getting concealed carry weapon (CCW) licenses every year. CCW licenses are popular with women because of daily safety issues.
Handling and practicing at the range are important. But owning a gun also requires proper storage. That is especially true when you carry your sidearm with you.
For that, you need a holster. A proper holster holds the firearm in a consistent, accessible location. It also enables safe and effective concealed carry.
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Men and Women – Similarities and Differences
Are there any differences between men’s and women’s holsters?
Most holsters were initially designed with men in mind. However, they are generally universal for both sexes. Similar to modern clothing, many concealed carry holster manufacturers embrace a gender-fluid style. You will also find distinct women’s holsters, though.
The on-body holsters that work best for women attach to the bra or thigh. You can also find a corset style. If you carry a weapon while running, a great option is leggings with a hip holster sewn into them.
As for off-body holsters, there are many attractive options. Women can purchase concealed carry purse or leather holster that is sewn inside concealed carry purses.
There are clearly a variety of different carry option positions for women. There are also many holster designs that cater directly to women. It is possible to carry as many as nine handguns hidden on a lady’s body.
What to Look for in a Holster
Before looking for the best holster, look in your very own closet and then the mirror.
If you prefer skirts or dresses, your choice of carrying rigs will be limited to specialty holsters. On the contrary, if you like jeans and t-shirts, a belt-mounted holster will be the most practical solution.
There are a few standard features to consider when searching for the right holster for women.
Safety
You need a holster with the most modern safety features. They should prevent your gun from discharging in the holster accidentally. Look for a safe holster that covers the trigger guard completely. It should safely protect your trigger when you’re not using the pistol.
Generic or Gun-Specific
The holster needs to fit your body and feel comfortable. Always opt for a holster that is custom-made for your firearm.
Holster Retention, Passive or Active
Retention is a desirable trait. It is the feature that keeps your sidearm inside the holster.
- Passive retention is an essential feature. It is usually described as friction between the holster and your firearm. Tightly molded leather holsters are an old-school example. Most Kydex holsters these days offer adjustable passive retention via screws.
- Active retention will keep your pistol from moving around too much inside the holster. They will also restrict unauthorized people from grabbing your gun. Examples of active retention devices include thumb breaks, manual straps, or covers on top of the holster.
Types Of Holsters
The most common type of CCW holster is the standard belt slide holster. Most products are designed to attach to the belt in many different ways. Other popular methods of concealed carry are shoulder holsters, pocket holsters, and ankle holsters.
IWB and Appendix IWB (AIWB – appendix-inside-the-waistband) holsters are the most favored carrying styles. Still, women who have CCW licenses have a few more options for concealed carry. The garter/thigh holster or bra holsters represent an excellent choice for ladies.
Holster Materials
Holster manufacturers have come up with new and innovative materials, like Kydex. Traditional leather holsters are still widely popular too. Over time leather products stretch, bend, and conform to your body just enough to hold your gun securely.
The downside of leather is that it needs a break-in period. New, manmade materials work perfectly out of the box.
Kydex and other plastic-like materials usually are most often molded to fit a specific weapon. Kydex holsters are durable and affordable. They will be less comfortable than leather, though. Kydex’s ability to stay rigid and remain resistant to the elements is one of its main advantages.
Nylon & Cordura
Most experts don’t recommend ballistic nylon holsters. However, if you need a cheap holster or want to try something different, a nylon holster could work.
Some nylon holsters are very popular in the gun community. There are more nylon/fabric holsters available for women because of their ability to mold to women’s specific body types.
Women can choose clothing with Cordura holsters sewn in. There are also nylon holsters that fit on their bra.
Unlike harder, custom-molded holsters made of leather or Kydex, nylon rigs feature stretchy fabric. The fabric doesn’t protect your gun’s trigger very well. Also, the holster won’t stay open when you draw the pistol. Re-holstering can be a major problem.
Hybrid holsters
None of the materials described above are entirely perfect. Therefore, holsters manufacturers started combining classic materials. They thus developed the hybrid holster. These holsters mostly use a comfortable backing made of leather or Neoprene for comfort. They have a hard shell custom-molded from Kydex or similar plastic material as the main holster.
Choosing a holster
Some concealed-carry practitioners tend to use only one holster. They get comfortable with one and stay with it. On the other hand, there is no universal holster. Women need to select the right holster for any scenario or wardrobe style.
{TOP 5}Best Holster For Women FINAL Reviews
1. Crossbreed’s The Reckoning
CrossBreed is famous for its revolutionary SuperTuck series of hybrid holsters. Their later model, dubbed MiniTuck IWB, has found popularity among male concealed carriers. The Reckoning has become equally popular with women due to its moderate size.
Like previous models, the new Reckoning holster from CrossBreed also uses hybrid technology. It is comfortable, secure, and has easy reholstering. Many people like its reduced size and versatility.
The innovative CrossBreed Reckoning Holster is made of typical hybrid holster materials. It is constructed of a leather backing and polymer shell. The polymer shell is molded for a specific gun. That combination of materials provides comfort and an easy draw.
By default, the Reckoning can be worn Inside the Waistband (IWB) on the strong side. It can also be easily configured for appendix or cross-draw positions.
The multi-use design of the Reckoning holster will allow you to switch up your method of carrying. You can also convert it to an outside the waistband holster (OWB holster). The Reckoning allows you to use one holster for every diverse situation.
The attachment hardware is made of spring steel stamped metal. It has a slim fit to attach to thinner and trendier fashion belts.
Another standout feature and the key innovation of the Reckoning holster is its multiple points of retention adjustment. You use the included hex key. It allows you to adjust the retention of the trigger guard and Kydex shell.
Pros
- It can conveniently accommodate appendix, strong side carry, and crossdraw
- This gun holster comes with a tension adjustment system
- It makes drawing incredibly smooth
Cons
- The leather of this gun holster is not flexible.
2.Can Can Concealment, Hip Hugger Holster
The Hip Hugger holster series from Can Can Concealment is designed for maximum versatility and comfort. There are several models available. These include Classic, Sport Belt Hero, and SheBang. The Hip Hugger Elite holster is the pinnacle of close-fitting, compression holsters.
All the company’s Hip Huggers are made from 5″ high military-grade elastic. They are wide and firm enough to hold multiple firearms and magazines.
The Hip Hugger holster lineup offers a comfortable deep conceal platform. It can accommodate compact and even service-issued handguns like the Glock 19 or Springfield XD. For example, the Hip Hugger Classic 6″ wide holsters can pack up to four firearms. That’s not very practical, though.
Hip Hugger Classic features 4 pocket holsters placed at four predefined positions. Those are 2 o’clock, 4 o’clock, 8 o’clock, and 10 o’clock. Additionally, you have three spare magazine pockets arranged at 3, 6, and 9 o’clock.
Some versions from Can Can Concealment offer extra pockets. In them, you can put folding knives and cell phones. There are even zippered compartments for valuables.
The holster basically represents a stretch band that wraps around the hips. However, it is constructed with two rows of hypoallergenic non-slip Tacti-Grip to prevent slipping.
These holsters are specifically tailored for female users. That means there are details like a sewn ribbon crisscross pattern at the back and three rows of hooks and eyes. These details are more typically women’s preferences.
Like all belly bend holsters, the Hip Hugger holster isn’t very comfortable in a warm climate.
Pros
- Designed by a woman for women
- You can carry it to different parts of your body
- Can carry more than one gun
- It can be concealed in various clothing.
- Significantly slimming
- Flattering and sexy style.
Cons
- This gun holster can be very warm in hot weather
- It also has limited sizing options. So, armed woman of all body types can’t own one.
- It requires practice and adjustment
3.The ComfortTac Ultimate Belly Band Holster
Sometimes, there are situations where a regular hip holster may not work. One of the suggested carrying rigs for these scenarios is the belly band. It is simply a band of elastic that can be worn high on the torso. You can also wear it low around your hips. It is secured in place by Velcro.
ComfortTac Ultimate Belly Band is a universal style holster for both sexes. However, it is more popular for ladies. It is particularly popular with those who wear dresses or skirts.
The belly band from ComfortTac can accommodate any model handgun, from subcompact to large frame pistols.
ComfortTac Ultimate Belly Band is made of an elastic material called Neoprene. It is soft on the skin. It also gives you great comfort and aeration.
The ComforTac Ultimate belly band holster is so comfortable that you can wear it touching your skin. However, you can also wear it over clothes.
Neoprene is much softer than elastic. It is also thicker. In the ComfortTac rig, the material is about 1/8th of an inch thick, so it can easily support the heavier guns.
The belly band holster from ComfortTac is four inches wide. It comes with a two-inch strip of Velcro that is as wide as the belt.
Besides the main holster, this Ultimate belly band sports a special compartment. It will hold an extra magazine, wallet, or spare cash.
Pros
- It comes with a plastic trigger guard that provides extra safety
- It can comfortably hold different guns. These include full-size pistols.
- It comes in various sizes for every body type.
- This gun holster features a mobile spare magazine punch and an accessory pocket.
Cons
- Its snap strap can randomly burst out while running.
- The stitching also wears out with time.
4. Galco Stinger Belt Holster
Galco Gunleather is a well-known manufacturer of quality leather and synthetic rigs. Galco offers a broad range of styles and designs. They have something for everyone.
Galco is famous for its shoulder rigs. They also offer a variety of models designed for men and women. They even offer non-standard options, including women’s handbags and purses.
The Galco Stinger Belt Holster is made of premium saddle leather. It has been made with the KISS principle in mind (Keep It Small And Simple).
As you would expect from a renowned holster maker, the Stinger comes with a covered trigger guard. There is also a tunnel-style belt loop. The belt loop keeps the holster very stable.
The simple but strong, integral belt loop holds the holster very close to the body. It sits securely on any belt up to 1.5-inches.
The holster rides low. It features an open-top design with a forward cant. This OWB (Outside Waistband) holster is ideal for a fast and easy draw.
This sleek and minimalistic leather rig isn’t a model-specific holster. The high-quality steer hide does have a deep molding. It will perfectly adapt to your gun after a short break-in period.
Pros
- It has an easy draw and retains the gun well.
- This gun holster is well made and sturdy
- Durability guaranteed
Cons
- It can’t carry all types of firearms
5.Tactical Belly Band Holster
Another great belly band holster comes from Tactica Defense Fashion. They are a company specializing in manufacturing shooting products that meet women’s demands.
Concealed carry belly bands are popular and affordable. However, Tactica Belly Band is a discreet carry choice. It promotes safety and the ability to wear clothes that lack the security of belt loops.
Like classic hybrid hip holsters, the Tactica Belly Band combines a hard-shell molded design. It has a slim neoprene backing.
The shell is custom-molded. Currently, it is available for about twenty makes and models of pistols. This model-specific kydex holster provides complete trigger protection. It also features adjustable retention.
The rigid plastic holster is canted to a natural draw position. That is slightly different than other belly band models.
The elastic belly band is made of Neoprene. It comes with a patented spring steel core reinforcement. The reinforcement adds structure and stability.
Tactica attaches to the bellyband using heavy-duty Velcro. The Velcro is held in place with a hook-and-loop fastener.
Pros
- Relatively affordable
- Neoprene material
- Easily fits all concealed carry weapons.
Cons
- No one-size-fits-all. You have to decide the size you want carefully.
The Best Holster For Women: IWB Vs OWB
Inside the Waist Band (IWB) and Outside the Waist Band (OWB) are two of the most popular concealed carry holsters procedures. However, they are used for different functions. Knowing how you want to use your gun holster will help you determine whether you are going for an OWB or IWB holster.
IWB
An IWB holster is ideal as a concealed carry holsters. You can place your gun between your trousers and your underwear with an IWB holster. This makes it the best CCW holster. It also has numerous mounting options you can choose from. IWB will also keep your gun safe. This is because it is closer to the body than OWB. However, a smooth draw is not guaranteed with an IWB holster. A quick and smooth draw can be a problem depending on your clothing. Also, physical activities and sitting down are slightly difficult with an IWB holster.
OWB
An OWB holster is the best for open carry and larger pistols. They are commonly used by police officers because they provide quick access. You can easily mount an OWB holster between your body and your belt and on your belt. A smooth draw is also guaranteed with an OWB holster. However, it is very hard to conceal. You will need to wear a coat or hoodie to achieve a concealed carry.
In summary, go for an IWB holster if you want the best concealed carry holster. Other than that, an OWB holster is recommended.
Final thoughts
Ladies definitely need holsters exclusively designed for them. They have different body shapes, sizes, and types of clothing.
Besides safety, another vital criterion for a holster is comfort. Women need to be able to conceal their firearms comfortably in the clothes they love.
Choose a holster that properly fits your gun and suits your wardrobe choices. And remember, the best products have a trial period during which you can return the holster for a full refund.
Brian Belko is a freelance writer and blogger. His primary areas of focus include the outdoors and shooting sports. In addition to his freelance work, Brian also writes for Wide Open Spaces and is on the Pro Staff at Military Hunting and Fishing. When he isn’t busy writing, Brian enjoys fishing farm ponds for bass and hitting the spring woods during turkey season.