The Nine Best Concealed Carry Holsters for Women

Carrying protection discreetly demands the right holster. The challenge, of course, is that not all concealed carry holsters are created equal. 

With so many options available, from everyday carry to special occasions, finding the right CCW holsters for women can feel overwhelming. Women’s bodies are different from men’s, which means fit, comfort, and concealment all play important roles in choosing a holster. 

The right women’s CCW holsters will provide secure firearm retention but also work with your wardrobe and lifestyle. This guide walks through the nine most common carry methods for women and how to choose between them.

The Best Concealed Carry Holsters for Women (By Carry Method)

There’s no one-size-fits-all solution when it comes to women’s concealed carry holsters. Your choice depends on body type, wardrobe, gun type, and personal comfort.

Whether you’re heading to work, hitting the gym, or running errands, these best CCW holsters for women make sure you can carry safely without sacrificing comfort or style. Each method outlined below offers distinct advantages, so before deciding on one, think about your daily routine, clothing choices, and level of activity.

IWB & Appendix (AIWB): Everyday Carry Workhorses

IWB (Inside-the-Waistband) and appendix carry (AIWB) holsters are popular for everyday carry because they give you a secure fit and good concealment. An IWB holster sits comfortably inside your waistband, while an AIWB holster positions your firearm at the front for quick access.

Look for slim profiles with adjustable retention, because that keeps your gun snug but easy to draw. An IWB holster for women or appendix carry for women will be a good choice for anyone who wants reliable protection that stays hidden under professional attire or casual clothing. A lightweight, adjustable holster lets you sit, bend, and move without printing or discomfort.

Best for: Women who want true everyday carry with fast access. Works well if you wear jeans, slacks, or structured pants with a decent belt and can commit to practicing your draw stroke.

Avoid if: Your waistband is very tight, you’re short-waisted and the gun digs into your ribs or thigh when you sit, or you can’t comfortably wear a belt or sturdy waistband.

Works well with outfits like: High-rise jeans, business slacks, untucked tees, button-downs, blouses, open cardigans, and blazers that break up printing at the waistline.

OWB: Maximum Comfort with Smart Cover Garments

OWB (Outside-the-Waistband) holsters are great if you’re looking for comfort over maximum concealment. When paired with jackets, tunics, or layered clothing, they can still be discreet while giving you an easy draw. Note that “discreet” does not mean “invisible” the way your weapon would be if it were worn entirely under your clothing. However, this can still be a good option if you have the right outerwear.

An OWB holster for women can benefit from reinforced clips or belt loops that keep the holster secure during your daily activities. This method works especially well as concealment under jackets and other outer garments, letting you carry safely without sacrificing movement or comfort.

Best for: Women who prioritize comfort and a clean draw. Great for range days, cooler weather, or jobs where you can keep a jacket or outer layer on all day.

Avoid if: You need deep concealment in warm weather, live in fitted tops without cover garments, or can’t reliably keep your outer layer on and closed.

Works well with outfits like: Hoodies, flannels, moto jackets, long cardigans, vests, and other layers that naturally break up the outline of the gun and holster.

Belly Band: Versatile Carry Method for Leggings & Athleisure

A belly band holster for women is good if you’re wearing leggings, workout gear, or athleisure outfits. It wraps around your torso, keeping your firearm snug against your body. 

However, this is one of the more visible concealed carry methods if you’re not layering your clothes. For instance, if you’re wearing a tight-fitting pair of leggings with something like a tank top, there’s a pretty good chance that printing’s going to be an issue.

Choose designs with a rigid trigger guard insert or pair them with an appropriate Kydex holster - soft elastic alone can allow objects or fabric into the trigger guard.

This style provides flexible placement options and is compatible with multiple gun sizes, making it good for active days or workouts. It’s discreet, adjustable, and works with women’s CCW holsters that demand versatility without bulk.

Best for: Leggings and athleisure days, quick dog walks, school drop-off, or light workouts where you’re moving a lot but don’t want to wear a belt.

Avoid if: You run hot, have sensitive skin, plan to carry a heavier pistol, or are using a band without a built-in rigid trigger guard or Kydex shell for safe trigger coverage.

Works well with outfits like: High-waisted leggings, joggers, athletic shorts, oversized tees, hoodies, and zip-ups that add a little drape over your midsection.

Bra Holsters: Dress-Friendly Deep Concealment

Want a concealed carry option that really keeps your weapon out of sight? Bra holsters offer deep concealment for dresses, blouses, or fitted tops. These holsters fit snugly under the chest or to the side of the chest, keeping your firearm stable and secure.

A concealed bra holster for women works best with lightweight pistols for comfort and accessibility. When paired with the right outfit, you can carry safely without worrying that the gun’s outline will ruin your silhouette or clash with your professional clothes.

Bra holsters are best for experienced carriers who are willing to train heavily. A safe draw stroke is critical with this type of holster - if your draw is sloppy, you could flag others.

Best for: Very small, lightweight pistols and women who already have some experience carrying and are willing to train the draw regularly - especially when dresses or fitted tops make waistband carry tough.

Avoid if: You’re brand-new to concealed carry, have limited shoulder mobility, or favor low-cut, loose, or wide necklines that could expose the holster when you move.

Works well with outfits like: Higher-neck blouses, structured dresses, fitted sweaters, and professional tops that stay put when you bend or reach.

Leggings, Corsets & Concealment Clothing: Built-In vs. Holster-Ready Loops

Modern concealed carry clothing for women often includes built-in holster loops or specially designed pockets. Leggings, corsets, and other tight-fitting clothing can hold your firearm discreetly, but only if it’s designed to do so (hint: that means don’t try to use your everyday leggings for concealed carry).

For leggings holster options, look for reinforced panels or dedicated compartments that prevent shifting while you’re moving. Clothing with built-in holster loops can simplify your setup while keeping your gun accessible, secure, and well-concealed.

Best for: Women who live in leggings or fitted tops and want a single garment that handles both support and concealment, without adding a separate belt and holster.

Avoid if: You wear “normal” fashion leggings with no dedicated holster pocket or trigger guard, the fabric is thin or flimsy, or you plan to swap between several gun sizes often.

Works well with outfits like: Thick athletic leggings with longline tops, tunics, casual dresses with built-in holster panels, and corset-style concealment tops under cardigans or jackets.

Thigh Holsters & Holster Shorts: Skirts & Dresses

Sometimes, leggings and even pants are out of the question. Maybe you’re going to a function that requires it, or you could just want to look as feminine as possible. Thigh holsters and holster shorts let you carry comfortably with skirts or dresses. They secure your firearm to your upper thigh, giving a stable platform for seated or active positions.

When it comes to a thigh holster, women's options often come with adjustable straps and retention systems to prevent shifting. Holster shorts combine concealment with storage for small essentials, making them ideal for outfits where traditional waistband carry isn’t possible.

Best for: Skirts and dresses when a belt is not happening - great for weddings, church, date nights, and summer days when you still want on-body carry.

Avoid if: Your hemlines are very short, you dislike snug compression around the thighs or hips, or you need very fast access while driving or sitting in a car for long periods.

Works well with outfits like: Knee-length or midi dresses, flowy skirts, wrap dresses, and looser dress pants worn over holster shorts with built-in pockets.

Pocket Holsters: Micro-Carry Done Safely

Not everyone wants to carry a full-size gun. Discrete personal protection doesn’t have to come with a big caliber. However, smaller guns are sometimes harder to fit when it comes to concealed carry. 

For smaller firearms, a pocket holster for women is an excellent choice. These holsters keep your gun upright, protect the trigger, and make carrying in a pocket safe and practical. 

Look for a reinforced design that prevents printing and gives you quick access when there’s a need. The pocket used for a gun should also not carry keys, phones, or other objects.

Pocket holsters are discreet, lightweight, and good for casual or professional situations (and clothing) where other carry methods might be too bulky.

Best for: Very small pistols or revolvers, backup guns, and casual or business-casual days where your pants, jacket, or vest have real pockets with enough depth.

Avoid if: Your pockets are shallow or tight, you tend to toss keys or other items in the same pocket, or your gun is closer to mid-size or full-size than “micro.”

Works well with outfits like: Relaxed-fit jeans, cargo joggers, work pants, chinos, and blazers or shirt jackets with sturdy pockets that don’t cling.

Shoulder & Cross-Draw Options: Niche Use Cases

Shoulder holsters and cross-draw setups are useful for seated carry, driving, or professional environments where you’re most likely to be sitting down most of the time. They distribute weight across the shoulders, making extended carry more comfortable than some of the other rigs we’ve talked about.

When it comes to a shoulder holster for women, setups can be adapted to left- or right-handed draws, and cross-draw holsters are good if you’re accessing a firearm from under a jacket or tactical garment. This method is niche but pretty effective when designed for your body shape.

That said, this is another carry type that doesn’t work across the vast majority of activities. Sure, you might benefit from a shoulder holster or a cross-draw option, but you’ll likely need one or more of the other concealed carry options we’ve talked about in this guide to fit the rest of your life.

Best for: Long drives, desk work, or professional roles where you live in a jacket or blazer and spend most of the day seated, as well as colder climates with heavier outerwear.

Avoid if: You rarely wear a true cover garment, work in very crowded spaces where muzzle direction during the draw is a concern, or you carry a heavy gun that will print under light layers.

Works well with outfits like: Blazers, suit jackets, zip hoodies, field jackets, winter coats, and other structured outer layers that stay on your body, not draped over a chair.

Off-Body Carry (Purse, Sling, Fanny Pack): Pros, Cons & Safety

Off-body carry, like concealed carry purses, slings, or fanny packs, offers flexibility but requires more than a little bit of caution. These bags let you keep your firearm close without wearing it on your body. However, that comes with some considerations.

The Vertx Everyday Fanny Pack is one of the most popular options and comes in two sizes, with a hook-and-loop interior to mount a holster. Bonus - grab the bundle and get a custom-fit armor insert that perfectly fits the fanny pack without losing any functionality.

The main consideration is security: if the bag is stolen, so is your gun. It also means that anyone who gets into your bag will also have access to your gun (like your toddler looking for a piece of candy). For safety, choose bags with dedicated holster compartments, lockable zippers, and reinforced padding. 

Best for: Situations where on-body carry truly is not possible - very fitted formalwear, certain work environments, or active days where a crossbody bag or sling never leaves your body.

Avoid if: You have young kids who get into your bag, you tend to set purses on chairs or in shopping carts, or you know you’re forgetful about where your bag is at any given moment.

Works well with outfits like: Anything from jeans and tees to dresses, as long as you can commit to a purpose-built concealed carry purse, crossbody, sling, or fanny pack that stays physically attached to you.

Carry method	Best outfits	Activity level	Typical gun size	Training level
IWB & Appendix (AIWB)	Jeans, slacks, structured pants with a real belt, untucked tops, blazers	Moderate to high. everyday carry	Compact and subcompact pistols	Beginner to advanced, with regular practice from concealment
OWB	Jackets, hoodies, flannels, long cardigans, vests	Low to high, especially range and outdoor days	Compact to full-size pistols	Beginner friendly with a consistent cover garment
Belly band	Leggings, joggers, athleisure, casual tops and hoodies	Moderate to high. walking, errands, light workouts	Micro, subcompact, some compact pistols depending on design	Beginner to intermediate, with extra attention to trigger coverage
Bra holster	Dresses, fitted tops, higher-neck blouses, structured knitwear	Low to moderate. normal daily movement	Very small, lightweight pistols	Intermediate to advanced, strong focus on safe draw stroke
Leggings, corsets & concealment clothing	Purpose-built leggings, corset tops, dresses with holster pockets	Moderate. everyday life and light activity	Micro to compact, depending on garment design	Beginner to intermediate, as long as the garment has a true holster compartment
Thigh holsters & holster shorts	Skirts and dresses at or below the knee, looser dress pants	Low to moderate. standing, walking, social events	Micro and subcompact pistols	Beginner to intermediate, with practice drawing while seated
Pocket holsters	Relaxed-fit jeans, chinos, cargo pants, jackets with real pockets	Low to moderate. daily errands and office wear	Micro pistols and small revolvers only	Beginner to intermediate, with strict pocket-only use for the gun
Shoulder & cross-draw	Blazers, suit jackets, field jackets, winter coats	Low to moderate. long drives, desk work, colder climates	Compact to full-size pistols	Intermediate to advanced, strong muzzle-awareness during the draw
Off-body carry	Any outfit paired with a dedicated purse, crossbody, sling, or fanny pack	Low to moderate, as long as the bag stays attached to your body	Micro to compact pistols, sometimes larger depending on the bag	Intermediate. requires strict habits to keep the bag in your control

How to Choose a Women’s CCW Holster (Fit, Safety & Concealment)

When selecting CCW holsters women will actually use, you’ll want to focus on three key areas: fit, safety, and concealment.

Fit depends on your frame. Petite frames may require smaller, low-profile holsters, while curvy frames benefit from adjustable or contoured designs. Make sure that the holster you buy offers enough adjustability to get the right fit.

In many women’s concealed carry classes, instructors see new shooters try to force one holster to work with every outfit. The women who carry confidently long term usually end up with two or three setups that match different parts of their week instead of chasing a single perfect solution.

Safety is non-negotiable: trigger protection, secure retention, and easy draw are essential ingredients of a good CCW holster, regardless of type. Compare those across different holster models before you make a purchase decision.

Concealment should match your wardrobe, the environments you’ll be in, and daily activities, while the draw angle should give you quick, natural access in emergencies. Think about your outfit types and what you'll be wearing, what you’ll be doing, and where you’ll be doing it when choosing your holster.

Training, Safety & Everyday Practicalities

Understanding women’s anatomy and how your body moves with different carry methods is pretty central to making an informed decision here. Practice drawing, holstering, and sitting or bending so that your firearm stays accessible and safe.

Most new carriers are surprised by how much harder it is to clear a cover garment and get a solid grip from concealment compared to an open range holster. A few short dry-practice sessions each week with your actual concealment setup can close that gap quickly and build real confidence.

Here are a few practical ways to train for CCW:

• Practice dry fire while wearing your concealment garment
• Practice clearing cover garments with an unloaded gun
• Check concealment in the mirror through common movements like reaching overhead or picking up kids

Regular training creates good habits, improves your response time, and builds confidence. Combine practical drills with safe handling routines to make concealed carry part of your everyday life without discomfort or anxiety.

Bonus: Discreet Body Armor Options for Women

For women carrying daily, adding female concealable armor can give you more peace of mind and an advantage in unpredictable situations. Consider a soft armor vest women can wear under clothing without compromising mobility or appearance.

Look for vests that meet NIJ standards, ensuring tested ballistic protection. The Female Concealable Armor Vest Level IIIA is designed for comfort and coverage, while maintaining discreet concealment under professional or casual attire. If you’re already carrying IWB or AIWB under a blazer, the Female Concealable Armor Vest can ride under the same outfit without blowing your cover garment.

Learn more about NIJ Standard 0101.07 to understand the protection levels these vests provide, or read our tips for dressing for concealed carry.

Comfort and Protection for All Women

Selecting the right women’s CCW holsters really comes down to understanding your body, lifestyle, usage needs, and wardrobe. From IWB and appendix carry to off-body methods, there’s a safe and comfortable option for every woman. Test different styles, focus on retention, concealment, and draw efficiency, and integrate everyday training to make carrying both practical and secure.

Explore more resources and products from Premier Body Armor to enhance your concealed carry setup. With the right women’s CCW holsters and protective gear, you can carry confidently, comfortably, and safely every day.