A gun holster for women is a great addition to any home. They can be used for protection against thieves and predators, or they may serve as an ornamental piece. Women who want to carry a firearm must first pass a background check and get licensed to purchase one. This is why the ideal gun holsters for women are those that fit comfortably yet provide enough pressure on the arm to prevent them from being easily dropped.
The majority of gun holsters for women are designed with a strap or belt that goes around the upper portion of the body just above the waistline. A buckle then connects the two ends of the strap/belt to the top of the gun holster. The design is simple, but effective. It provides a comfortable and secure fit while still allowing some movement in the arms.
What To Consider When Choosing The Best Gun Holster For Women
There are numerous things to think about when buying a new gun holster. The most crucial factors to take into account while choosing the best pistol holster for your needs are covered in the section that follows.
Intended Use
The first thing you should consider is how you want to use your new pistol holster. If it’s for security, you’ll want a high-quality item that can thwart an assault or stop theft. A lightweight and portable version can be more appropriate for your needs if you’re using it for hunting, fishing, or target practice.
- For protection, a heavy leather holster with a metal loop attached through the front and back straps will likely provide maximum security. It will make it difficult for anyone to reach in and grab what they want without getting burned.
- For hunting or shooting practice, a lighter weight plastic holster may work better. It won’t impede movement as much as a full-size leather one would, but it could still cause problems for someone trying to reach into the pocket for a phone or wallet.
Material
Depending on whether a pistol holster is intended for protection or leisure, different materials are employed. To prevent hand blisters after harsh usage, leather holsters may have extra padding around the grip area. Everything is held together by a sturdy thread, ensuring its durability and safety.
Since plastic holsters are frequently lighter and less expensive, they typically have fewer functions. They frequently come in several colors, it makes them ideal for marketing initiatives and other uses that call for customization.
Size and Fit
Next, think about where you intend to wear this gun holster and how much movement you expect. Large-framed individuals who need a lot of space between their waist and the edge of the holster while sitting down or standing up may want to look at larger sizes. Smaller frames might do better with smaller ones.
Also, decide if any particular movements or positions matter most to you. For instance, does moving your hand forward or backward while gripping the handle affect firing? Or maybe twisting your torso side to side hurtfully affects comfort? These details can help determine the size and fit of the holster that suits you best.
Retention
Your weapon needs to be securely held in your holster. Security and safety both depend on retention. The ideal option for concealed carry is typically passive retention, which uses a snug fit between both the holster and the firearm and doesn’t obstruct your draw.
Safety
To avoid accidentally shooting the weapon as you draw it, the trigger guard of any self-defense holster should be covered. The trigger is shielded from outside objects by a covered trigger guard.
Comfort
The hip, abdomen, or ribs shouldn’t be pinched by women’s concealed carry holsters as you walk, sit forward, or lay quietly. The fabric, design, and construction of the holster can affect comfort, in addition to your carrying style (such as IWB) and carry position (such as appendix). Find the holster that works best for you by trying out various styles, if you can.
Concealment
The way you carry your weapon, how you dress, and your carry position all have an impact on how concealable you are, but the holster’s style must also maximize concealment. The total concealability of a holster is increased by a low profile design that keeps close to the skin and lacks protrusions or sharp angles. Find a holster that is compatible with concealment tools like claws if you carry IWB (also known as wings). These are made to press the holster further into your body, which lessens printing.
Pocketing the Pistol
Finally, think about how simple it would be to misplace your weapon. A high-quality lock is necessary to keep items safe inside a car if security is a concern. Losing a gun is bad luck though, even if you leave it at home. Therefore, be sure to include a tracking device with your purchase so that you can locate it in case of need.
Types Of Gun Holsters For Women
Types of women’s gun holsters include the following:
Shoulder Holsters
Worn at the front over your shoulder blades. This is a great option for concealed carry because it keeps things low profile and doesn’t disrupt your range of motion.
Belt Loop
Loops around your waist, typically used with larger handguns like the 1911 or bigger to keep them secure while you move about.
Paddle
Similar to a paddle holster but usually made from leather rather than nylon webbing. The paddle shape helps conceal the handgun while keeping it firmly in place without adding weight to your hip or upper back.
Thumb Break
Designed to help prevent unwanted movement of the pistol due to tension on the draw cable when drawing from a high-draw position.
Kangaroo
An open-loop system where the muzzle of the gun hangs freely off the end of the trigger guard allowing for quick reacquisition after turning your head.
Appendix
This type of holster attaches to your belt just below your normal right pocket.
Outside-the-waistband (OWB)
Also called “carry OWB” or “CCW,” this type of holster has the muzzle of the firearm hanging outside your waistband so that it’s not constantly jabbing into you all day long. It can be very uncomfortable and limits your movements somewhat, but it makes concealing the weapon much easier.
Inside-the-waistband (IWB)
In contrast to an OWB holster, an IWB holster keeps the gun’s muzzle close to your body so that it won’t protrude. As a result, carrying the weapon OWB is less convenient than carrying it concealed in the front pocket. However, the majority of people discover that they prefer having their gun in their front pocket to continuously having to tuck and retuck the barrel every time they draw. This is frequently the greatest solution available for CCW circumstances.
Ankle Holsters
Ankle straps attach to your shoes or boots to hold the bag carrier firmly in place while you put them on.
Waistband
A single strap attached to both ends goes across your body, holding a pouch or holster which contains your firearm. This is often used by police officers or security guards who need to have their hands free to operate equipment or respond to emergencies. A well-designed waistband holster allows for easy access to the firearm through the top opening of the holster while minimizing any potential interference with your range of motions.
Leg Holster
A leg holster is worn to allow for the carrying of a smaller handgun such as a nine-millimeter or smaller.
How We Chose Our Top Picks
We take the time to listen to individuals with firsthand experience to make sure we don’t let you down, searching reviews on specialized journals and enthusiast blogs for the greatest information accessible.
We looked at a variety of factors when choosing our top picks for the greatest gun holster for women. These included price, features, materials, and more. The holsters were evaluated based on how well they concealed various weapons in everyday street clothes. The most popular types among users were the nylon holsters with OWB belt loops, loose-fitting leather holsters, and universal holsters.
Frequently Asked Questions About Gun Holsters For Women
What kind of holster is the most nice and comfortable?
Your body type and way of living have a big impact on which holster is the most comfortable. Some companies describe their items as “ergonomic” or “customizable,” which means they offer a range of options to tailor the item to your particular needs.
How firmly should I buckle my pistol belt?
Your belt should fit snugly but not tightly. Your equipment will fall out when you sit down if it is too loose. Too much compression can chafe and hinder your ability to rapidly draw your weapon in an emergency.
Can I wear a two-piece gun belt with a three-piece skirt?
Absolutely! A two-piece gun belt goes inside a three-piece skirt, just like a one-piece belt would go inside a two-piece suit. Before spending money on a variety of bespoke clothing items that won’t match, make sure you purchase a high-quality two-piece pistol belt.
Do belly bands work well for covert carry?
Belly bands are great for concealing handguns in your waistband while still allowing quick access to them if needed. They’re also excellent for carrying backup guns that don’t quite fit into your pocket (or purse).