The Pros and Cons of Concealed Carry Holster Types for Women

Although the number of concealed-carrying permits have sharply increased nationwide, women make up one of the fastest-rising demographics. According to a comprehensive study by the John Lott Crime Prevention Research Center, 2020 concealed-carry weapon (CCW) permit numbers grew over 100% faster for women than for men in all seven states that provided gender data.

Despite the rising number of CCW-holding women, recommendations, advice, and information regarding concealed carry holsters are still overwhelmingly aimed at a male audience.

Here is a list of common types of concealed carry holsters for women and the pros and cons of carrying each holster type to consider as a female shooter.

Inside-the-Waistband Holsters

Inside-the-Waistband (IWB) holsters are designed to ride on a gun belt inside the wearer’s pants. This holster type has long been considered the gold standard for concealed carrying.

When appropriately worn with the classic pants-and-shirt as cover garments, the shell of an IWB holster covers the trigger guard while the pants conceal the holster up to the back of the trigger guard. The rest of the handgun (grip, rear of the slide) is then tucked under a shirt, providing deep concealment.

Pros of OWB holsters for women:

• Maximum concealment: IWB holsters provide the highest level of concealment, especially when paired with a good holster designed for concealed carry, such as the Incognito Concealment T3
• High retention: IWB holsters are belt-mounted, granting the best retention. Once worn, it’s virtually impossible to lose; the belt loops maintain the holster in place.
• Customizable: IWB holsters can be configured to adjust the holster’s position relative to the belt, the ride height, and the cant angle, offering plenty of ways to fit and adjust the holster to the curves of your body.

Cons of OWB holsters for women:

• Limited clothing options: IWB holsters require you to wear a gun belt and a sufficiently long shirt or cover garment to conceal the handgun effectively, which can limit the wardrobe options. You’ll also need to wear pants or shorts one size larger than usual to avoid discomfort when wearing the holster.
• Comfort and handgun choices: The larger the handgun, the more it will dig into your body, and the less comfortable IWB carry risks becoming, especially if your holster’s position is on or near the hip. If you are more comfortable shooting a larger pistol, you may have more trouble concealing an IWB holster.

Outside-the-Waistband (OWB) Holsters

Outside-the-Waistband (OWB) holsters are the counterpart to IWB holsters. Although less commonly used today for concealed carry, it offers advantages worth considering.

As belt holsters, OWB holsters require a gun belt to wear, just like their IWB equivalents. The primary difference is the holster shell’s position: it rides on the outside of the pants, just like a traditional police or military holster. A shooter looking to conceal an OWB holster must use an extra layer of clothing or cover garments.

Pros of OWB holsters for women:

• Comfort: OWB holsters let you carry a handgun without it digging into your body. Consequently, they are the most comfortable type of holster to wear.
• Ease of access: Although it is possible to draw quickly from an IWB holster with practice, a gun presented in a quality OWB holster, such as the Incognito Concealment Venture, is typically easier to reach and, therefore, faster to draw.
• Handgun choices: OWB holsters are better suited for comfortably carrying larger handguns. If your preferred carry gun is a larger mid-size or full-size model, OWB is the way to go.

Cons of OWB holsters for women:

• Concealment is more challenging: The natural disadvantage of OWB holsters is that since you cannot use the inside of your pants to conceal the holster shell, you must use another garment, such as a sufficiently long shirt or jacket.
• Higher risk of accidental exposure: You must also be mindful of your cover garments in various positions (standing, sitting, reaching up, etc.). The larger the handgun, the longer the holster, increasing the risk of printing or accidentally displaying it.

Appendix Holsters

Appendix (AIWB) holsters are a specific type of inside-the-waistband holster explicitly designed for carrying in the 12-o’clock position: with the holster shell riding directly in front of the shooter’s body.

AIWB has become one of the fastest-rising carry methods because it combines many advantages of traditional IWB and OWB carry. Appendix carry is also considered one of the best carry positions for women due to differences in anatomy and pant construction.

Pros of AIWB holsters for women:

• Can conceal large handguns: Appendix carry allows you to use the front profile of your body to hide a pistol instead of the side (e.g., hip carry). Using this position with a robust AIWB holster makes it possible to comfortably conceal-carry larger handguns, up to full-size pistols.
• Fastest access: AIWB carry presents the grip of your handgun directly in front of your body, requiring less effort to clear your cover garments, reach, and draw.
• Least restrictive for clothing: AIWB holsters take advantage of your body’s natural curves to provide better concealment. This construction means even very light summer clothes can provide adequate concealment, significantly increasing your clothing options.

Cons of AIWB holsters for women:

• Requires a dedicated holster: Only a dedicated AIWB can provide adequate safety, comfort, and grip orientation for appendix carry. Avoid reusing an IWB holster intended for standard hip carry positions, as they may increase the risk of printing and make it less safe or comfortable to carry.
• Negligent discharge risks: Carrying a handgun in an appendix holster requires diligent training and safety mindfulness due to the potential dangers of a negligent discharge. Accidentally or negligently firing from the appendix position risks sending a bullet into your thigh or the groin area.

Build the Ideal Concealed Carrying Setup with Incognito Concealment Holster

No matter your preferred handgun model or carry position, it is crucial to ensure your concealed-carrying setup includes a dependable gun holster. Dedicated Second Amendment enthusiasts founded Incognito Concealment to ensure all American men and women have access to the best holsters and CCW accessories.

We don’t just stand by our products; we want you to be 100% satisfied using Incognito holsters and accessories. We offer a Limited Lifetime Warranty on all of our products. Contact us today at (586) 333-4240.