“If you outlaw guns, only outlaws will have guns. The first people who are going to be in line to turn in their guns are law-abiding citizens. Criminals are going to be left with guns. I believe that concealed carry is a way of reducing gun violence.” – Gary Johnson
I ran into a conundrum today. It’s getting warmer as spring is here and summer is right around the corner. So, that means I’m trading in my pants and sweaters for shorts and dresses.
The conundrum happened when I attempted to conceal carry while wearing a sun dress.
I couldn’t. At least not with my holster.
I am legally registered to conceal carry in my state. It is my right and it’s one that I practice.
So, how am I to conceal carry when I’m wearing a dress? There’s nothing less conspicuous than a woman pulling her dress up to her tits to unholster a gun. Yeah, I’m sure I won’t draw any attention to myself what-so-ever. This kind of defeats the purpose of conceal carrying.
What’s a gal to do?
I am now on the hunt for an awesome holster that I can wear that makes carrying easy and inconspicuous. Here’s what I’ve found so far; however, there are a few things to take into consideration before purchasing. How long is the dress? How tight is the dress? What is the material made of? (Important for light colored and/or sheer dresses)
#1. Thigh holsters
This is pretty self explanatory. It’s a holster that you attach around your thigh. This particular type of holster is great if you have on a short and/or tight dress.
Awesome, solves all problems right? No. Not necessarily.
If you’re wearing a long dress it won’t be as inconspicuous and the elastic around the thigh can get uncomfortable after a while, especially if your thighs rub together. Mine do. This would not be ideal for me. I like comfort and the constant rubbing would definitely make my thighs break out in a rash.
#2. Holster shorts.
I absolutely dig these! They are basically running shorts with a holster sewn in. For me, these would be perfect. I’m a sweater/light jacket wearer. I always have a jacket on. My dresses tend to be on the shorter side. Most of the holster type of shorts holster in the back. It would be quick and easy to reach up the back of the dress for the gun. It would still be easy to see, it would be more comfortable.
#3. Bra carry
Oh yeah ladies, we can get holsters FOR OUR BRAS! I don’t know about you, but that sounds really cool. Imagine always having your best sense of security attached to your flotation devices.
Downside, what if you have big tits? Will it still work the same? All of the models I’ve seen wearing one were not as well endowed up top as I am. Would it work as well for me? I would have to test this out to know for sure.
#4. Ankle carry
If you wear maxi dresses/skirts this could work. For the longer dresses and skirts they tend to billow which makes concealment much easier. It’s easily accessible and quick to get to on the ankle. I have a few maxi skirts and dresses I wouldn’t mind having an ankle holster for. It just straps right on and that’s that.
#5. Belly holster
This is what I have for my everyday wear. It reminds me of a waist trainer, but for your gun. Mine fits with Velcro around the waist and when worn with my typical clothing (think t-shirt and running pants) you can’t tell it’s there. If I have my normal jacket/sweater on it’s completely invisible.
If I am wearing a dress, this is a no go for me because, I have to pull the dress up to my tits to get to it. That’s a no go.
However, if I’m wearing a skirt and shirt, it works great.
So those are the suggestions for conceal carry with a dress, ladies. (Or gentlemen if that’s your proclivity…) And, don’t forget to checkout my previous article on what firearms are great for ladies to conceal carry.
