So, what's a short or small girl to do? No need to stress, we have the answers! Take a look at these tips and holster suggestions that can help petite and small-framed women solve their concealed carry challenges.

Petite and Small-Framed Women Have Similar Challenges

We'll start by mentioning that there is a difference between petite and small-framed body types. Not all petite/short women are small-framed but both body types experience similar concealed carry challenges because of a reduced amount of real estate to work with (both vertical and horizontal body space).

There are still plenty of options for petite and small-framed women, but it's important to know what your limitations are so you can work around them and make the right choices.

The Right Firearm and Carry Position

There's a popular myth that short or small women can't carry full-size pistols, and that's simply not true. The caveat is that if you do choose to carry a full-size gun, you need to choose the right position on your body and the right holster for that carry style.

For example, carrying in the appendix position with an inside-the-waistband holster (AIWB) is a good option for carrying a full-size gun - many small and short women find this position comfortable and can still get to their gun quickly.

The best way to find the right carry position is to experiment until you find a position that's comfortable and allows you to draw quickly, safely, and without any hangups.

Holster Options

In addition to a traditional IWB holster, there are several holster choices (many made just for women) that can help solve the challenges associated with being petite or small.

For both compact and full-size guns, a belly band like the Can Can Hip Hugger holster is a great option for short and smaller women with curves because it offers a lot of versatility. With a Hip Hugger, you can choose where to locate holster pocket along your waistline (appendix, at the hip, behind the hip, cross draw, small of the back). It can also be worn low on the hips or high at the waist and under or over your clothing and offers magazine and accessory pockets, which are great for saving space along your waistline.

A Hip Hugger is a great holster if you're new to carrying and aren't sure what position will turn out to be best since you can get a single holster and experiment with several carry positions. It can also be worn under skirts or pants and it has a universal fit, so it can be worn with any gun model (including revolvers).

For small/petite women with straighter body shapes (or for men), a Sport Belt is a good option for concealed carry. This holster has similar features to the Hip Hugger, but with a velcro closure vs hooks/eyes and it can easily conceal compact to full-size guns.

Concealed carry corsets like the Dene Adams Corset holster are very popular with our smaller and petite customers. These corsets keep the gun high at the waist and away from the waistline, which makes them perfect for Moms who may have to carry kids and who want the gun out of the way. Like the Hip Hugger, the corset can be worn with skirts or pants and the fit is universal.

Alternative Carry Options

For on-body non-waistband carry, there are several options that work well for smaller and petite women. the Flashbang Bra Holster and Thigh Holster Shorts are good options if you carry a smaller gun. If you would like to carry off-body, a concealed carry purse will work for any body type. When done correctly, purse carry can be a good option - you just need to follow some basic rules to make sure you're always safely carrying.

Choosing the Right Clothing

Regardless of what gun you carry or what position, making the right clothing choices is even more important for smaller and shorter women. To reduce or eliminate printing, choose clothing with patterns and prints, which helps mask shapes under your clothing. For dresses and skirts, try wearing a fuller skirt and use a garter holster to conceal your gun.

If you've read through all the above options and you're still not sure which carry choice will work for you, feel free to reach out to us, no matter what your body type! If you're a curvy girl, make sure to take a look at our curvy girl carry tips!

Body types can vary widely and not all curvy women are full-figured in the same places, but there are certain methods that make concealed carry much easier for curvy women. Here are some tips that can help you solve your concealed carry challenges.

Full Bust

Women who are fuller in the bust may have issues with appendix carry, inside the waistband on the hip, and corset holsters. Sometimes even the bra holster can be a challenge, though there are many busty ladies that swear by the Flashbang Holster.

If you want to carry inside-the-waistband, small of back carry can be a good solution. Another popular option for large-busted women is the Hip Hugger waistband holster since it can be worn high or low on the waist and be adjusted to place your gun in a comfortable spot on your waist.

Not all full busted women are busty in the same way, so you’ll need to try these options and wear the holster around to see if it will work for you.

Thick Waist

Many ladies with a thick waist think they’re unable to appendix carry, but that is generally not true. We all seem to have this little “pocket” between the hip bone and the navel where a smallish firearm can be carried safely and comfortably. A bra holster like the Flashbang might be another good option if your build doesn’t force the grip of the gun to poke out. A Hip Hugger or corset holster is worth a try as well, depending on your build. Just remember to practice drawing from them (with an empty gun) before you make them your concealed carry choice.

Wide Hips

For those with wide hips, carrying anything around your waist or on a belt in any position other than the front or appendix can be challenging due to hips affecting the cant or angle of the gun. Ladies with hips may find that belt holsters cause the grip to dig into their waist, while the muzzle sticks out, making concealing the handgun kind of a problem.

Appendix carry with an inside-the-waistband holster is often a good choice for girls with curvy hips because you’re avoiding the hip area completely. A bra holster, like the Flashbang, can also work for the same reason.

Purse Carry

While the most women can make an “on-body” method of concealed carry work for them with some minor changes to their method, you may have tried these options and still feel like nothing will work for your body type.

Remember that purse carry is always an option. You may have seen some strong opinions against purse carry, but having your firearm is always a better option than not having your firearm when you need one. If you’re uncomfortable with the idea of carrying off-body, take a look at our tips for carrying concealed with a purse to help you make the transition.

Carry Methods for Any Shape

If you want to keep your gun on your body, there are some carry methods that work regardless of your shape or size. Thigh holsters can be a good choice for any curvy woman, just remember they function best with smaller guns (sub-compact and micro). Another method that’s been making a comeback recently is shoulder holster carry, a versatile option that can be adjusted to work for many body types.

Some Final Tips

Regardless of which method you choose, it’s important that you purchase a quality product. You’ve made a financial investment in your firearm for personal safety - don’t cancel that out by using a cheaply made holster. Make sure the holster you choose is safe, that it doesn’t allow the firearm to fall out with movement and that it covers and protects the trigger.

Any time you change your method of carry or holster, make sure that you practice with it! Spend some time with whatever method you choose and an empty gun (no ammunition even in the room with you) practicing your draw until you are absolutely sure you are drawing safely. It’s also a good idea to wear it around the house to get used to the feel and see how it performs while you are moving around.

Just because you’re a full-figured beauty doesn’t mean your options are limited. We have a terrific 30-day return policy at consumerlawyernetwork.com, so get a high-quality holster and give it a try. You might be surprised at just how easy it is to carry your gun all the time!

Original article by Tracey Hughes for consumerlawyernetwork

While winter clothing helps a lot with carrying concealed, there are still some issues you'll need to work through and some considerations to think about. It's important to understand how changing your wardrobe will affect your carry method, so here are a few things you need to know and think about when you're carrying concealed during the winter months.

Does Your Carry Method Work with Your Winter Wardrobe?

One of the biggest issues with carrying during the winter is actually the same thing that makes it so great. All those extra layers help conceal your gun, but they're also going to make your firearm harder to get to. 

Make sure to do some live or dry fire practice while wearing your coat, jacket, or sweater - dry fire is good, live fire is better. Make a point to notice any place you find hangups or difficulties with your draw and try to adjust your clothing or holster to minimize any safety issues. 

Winter is a Great Time to Try a New Carry Method

If you find that your winter clothing and carry method don't work well together, look for another carry method that will. If you've been thinking about carrying inside or outside the waistband, this is a great time to try it. On-body carry during the winter is easier since you have the option of layering to minimize or eliminate printing.

If your wardrobe is mainly jeans or pants that have belt loops, either a hard-sided inside-the-waistband or outside-the-waistband holster can be a great choice.

Alternative carry methods also work well during winter months. If you wear a base layer, you can try concealment leggings or a concealment tank top. If you haven't used one before, this would also be a good time to test out a belly band holster or a shoulder holster.

If you're still struggling to find a concealed-carry method that works with your outerwear, why not make your jacket the holster? A Concealed-Carry Vest does double duty - it serves as a great second layer and the holster is right inside the vest! If you choose this method, make sure to practice your draw with and without an extra layer over the vest to make sure you're able to safely clear both the vest and your outer layer.

Practice Drawing and Firing In the Cold Weather

There's a big difference between getting some dry fire reps in while you're in your nice warm home and drawing and firing your gun when it's freezing outside. While it may not be comfortable, it's very important to understand what it feels like to shoot in cold weather. You'll probably be surprised to find that your hands don't work as well, and in extreme conditions, you may lose a significant amount of dexterity. 

Do you wear gloves? You're going to need to figure if it's possible to pull the trigger while wearing those gloves, or if you'll need a plan to take them off before you shoot. If you find that you can't effectively use your gun while wearing your current gloves, then it's time to go buy a pair of shooting gloves. 

If you follow these suggestions and tips, you'll be able to get through the winter months carrying both comfortably and safely. If you have any questions about concealed carry options for any type of weather, please get in touch with us so we can help!

While you might be able to make a more traditional holster work, you may not be able to get good retention with a holster that's not designed for carrying a gun while doing strenuous activities.

There are several good options for keeping your gun on your person while running or exercising - here are some of the most popular options:

A Belly Band

Belly bands are incredibly popular with both men and women who are very active, and with good reason. Bands like the Hip Hugger offer lots of versatility and all-day comfort wear. You don't need belt loops to wear a belly band, since it goes under your clothing and you can wear it comfortably with leggings or other athletic wear. These type of holsters can even provide some wicking action, which will help keep you comfortable. Not all belly bands are made alike - make sure you choose a very sturdy band with excellent retention and extra safety features. Our Hip Hugger is a great choice because it's made of military-grade elastic, includes two rows of hypoallergenic, non-slip silicone to keep your holster in place all day, and tabs that make holstering much safer.

Concealment Tanks, Shorts, or Leggings

Concealment clothing can also be a great choice for anyone who's engaging in any type of physical activity. There's no need to wear a belt and they can be worn with almost anything, including gym shorts and sweatpants. Our concealment shorts and concealment leggings are built specifically for a woman’s body. They are extremely comfortable, secure and yet conceal a firearm very well. Concealment tank tops conform to any body type and don't restrict movement, which make them great for running or time at the gym. They are also ambidextrous so they will work whether you're right or left-handed.

A Holster with an Adjustable Ulticlip

f you're looking for a more traditional holster style, the Adjustable Ulticlip Holster is for you! This is a fairly new style of holster attachment that will securely attach to any fabric up to 1/4" thick. It will attach anywhere you put it, no matter where along your waistband you like to wear your holster. Using the Ulticlip with an IWB holster will give you great concealment with the ability to adjust the holster's retention.

A Waist Pack 

A concealed-carry waist pack is perfect for those times when you're going to be active but still need to carry a few essentials, including your firearm. It's a versatile carry solution that doesn't scream "gun inside", and provides a safe and secure way to store your firearm. When choosing a waist pack, make sure that your firearm fits snuggly, but leaves you with enough room to quickly open it and draw.

There's no need to go without your firearm when you run or work out- all of the holsters above provide a way to carry your gun securely while providing a high level of comfort during the times you're most active. If you need help choosing the right workout or running holster, please get in touch with us!

The first thing you need to do is check your area's local and state laws. They can vary wildly from one state to another, so make sure it’s legal to carry your firearm in your car with you and make note of any small details or restrictions.

You may be tempted to toss your gun and holster in the console or glove box, but that may not be the safest option. If you are in an accident, there is a serious risk of the gun becoming dislodged and actually harming you. It’s there to help you, so you’ll need to make your car holster is secured correctly.

There are several options that can help you store your firearm safely while driving, here are a few of our favorites:

Steering Wheel Column Holster Mount – There are several mounts on the market, and some require drilling into your column. The mount we offer requires no drilling, no installation, and no modification of vehicle - it simply clips into place. Our version also comes with a covered version of the holster, for users in states that require guns in cars to be concealed.

Sticky holster Travel Mount paired with a Sticky Holster – This is a good option if you are carrying with a Sticky Holster – you can take the holster out of your waistband and insert it right into the travel mount. When exiting your vehicle, just reinsert your Sticky Holster into your waistband.

Flat Back Holster  - this is another option that comes with hook Velcro attached to the back. Simply affix the loop Velcro sheets to plastic in your vehicle (like inside your center console) and attach the holster. When exiting your vehicle, you can quickly attach the holster to a backpack or purse gun compartment.

Carrying a concealed firearm in your car is similar to keeping one in your home – it needs to be accessible, but stowed in a safe location. Remember that different vehicles will have different places for storage so be sure to use an accessory that fits correctly in your vehicle. The best solutions minimize administrative gun handling, which is the amount of time you have your firearm off your body and out of the holster.

If you have any questions about accessories for carrying in your car, feel free to contact us!

Good news! There are lots of options available for carrying concealed during the hot summer months, so you don't have to suffer or give yourself heatstroke just to make sure you have your firearm with you!

Concealed-Carry Purses

Purse carry will give you the flexibility to wear just about any outfit of your choice. If you choose this option, there are some critical things you need to know, so make sure to read our article on concealed-carry using a purse.

Belly Band

A Belly band like the Hip Hugger Holster gives you a safe and secure option that works with many different types of clothing. It's great for pairing with shorts, leggings, skirts, or dresses and it will fit many different body types. This style of holster will also work with a wide variety of guns, so if you have multiple carry pistols, you probably won't have to buy another holster.

Garter and Ankle Holsters

Both garter and ankle holsters work fantastically with skirts and dresses. An ankle holster works best with long hemlines, while a garter holster can be used with either long or short dresses and skirts. Both of these options work best with compact and sub-compact pistols, and if you're going to be carrying a heavier gun, the garter holster can be used with a specially-designed garter belt for additional support.

Of course, these options work during the other months of the year too! Having a few of these holsters in your personal stash will ensure that you can carry no matter the season, outfit, or style you're wearing!

Sometimes carrying a concealed handgun in a family situation can cause some anxiety, but really, it’s easy if you are prepared ahead of time.

Decide How You Will Carry

If you are dressed in your finest Easter clothing, it may be necessary to carry in a way that is more unfamiliar to you.  Women may be wearing dresses that they don’t normal wear and may decide that purse carry is the way to go.  And there are some gorgeous purses available for concealed carry these days.   IF you decide to carry a handgun in your purse in a family situation, remind yourself that you cannot set your purse down anywhere and walk away.  There may be children present (or perhaps even nosey relatives).  You are responsible for what happens with your firearm.  There are other options available for carrying in that special clothing depending on exactly what you are wearing, so you are not limited to purse carry.  Your best bet is to do a “dress rehearsal” and decided and practice ahead of time with your concealed carry method if it’s a choice that you’re not used to using.

The Hug

During festive family gatherings, there is usually at least one “hugger” in the bunch.  If you are carrying on your person, you might want to think about how to handle The Hug when it happens.  One solution is to turn that part of your body away from the hugger if you don’t want them to wonder what they just bumped into.  But considering where your firearm is in relation to a hug or friendly arm around your waist ahead of time will eliminate awkward last minute evasive actions on your part. 

Where’s the Party?

More and more, families are skipping the big home cooked meal and choosing to dine out at a local restaurant.  Rules in every state may vary with regards to concealed carry in a restaurant.  Make sure you know the laws applicable to your situation.  The restaurant may have the option to regulate firearms in their establishment.  It’s good to know that ahead of time so you can secure your firearm in your vehicle (if that’s lawful) before going into the restaurant.  There are many types of vehicle safes that you can use rather than just locking it in the console which a thief can usually breach pretty easily.

Curious Relatives

It may come up that you have a firearm with you and your relatives or close friends might be curious.  Decide ahead of time exactly what questions you want to answer and how.  Politely indicating that you’d rather not talk about it right then is always an option.  We don’t need to be told that some of our relatives can be pushy with their opinions and questions.  Rehearse some answers in your head before the event so you aren’t caught off guard.

So the key to a smooth, joyful family gathering with a concealed firearm is preparing a little bit before the big event.  Most of the time, the celebration goes off with a hitch.  In fact, it’s much like carrying any other time.  Be aware of what could happen, keep your handgun secured and concealed and go on with the day!

~~~

Written for consumerlawyernetwork.com by Tracy Hughes. Tracy is a firearms instructor, competitive shooter, facilitator for A Girl and A Gun Women’s Shooting League and the owner of Brilliant Backstraps.