Women and Concealed Carry: Holster Options That Actually Work

The number of women choosing to exercise their right to carry a concealed firearm is rising—and fast. According to recent statistics, women now make up nearly 30% of concealed carry permit holders in the United States, with even more participating in firearms training, self-defense classes, and EDC (everyday carry) culture. [SSRN]

But while the market is growing, the gear hasn’t always kept pace. Women face unique challenges when it comes to concealed carry, from body shape and wardrobe to comfort, accessibility, and safety. Too many holsters are still designed with a “shrink it and pink it” approach rather than functionality.

This guide will break down what actually works for women carrying concealed, focusing on holster options that prioritize comfort, concealment, retention, and real-world usability—without compromising on safety or performance.

The Unique Challenges of Women and Concealed Carry

Before diving into holster options, let’s acknowledge the real-world factors that affect how women carry:

1. Body Shape and Clothing

Women’s bodies often have more pronounced curves than men’s, which can make traditional IWB (inside-the-waistband) holsters ride uncomfortably or print more easily. Add to that fitted clothing, leggings, dresses, or business attire, and concealment becomes a real puzzle.

2. Lifestyle and Activity

Whether you’re running errands, picking up kids, working a full-time job, or hitting the gym, women tend to have more wardrobe transitions throughout the day. Your holster has to work with your lifestyle—not against it.

3. Comfort and Confidence

Let’s face it—if it’s not comfortable, you’re not going to wear it. And if you’re not confident your firearm is secure and accessible, you won’t carry consistently. The gear needs to inspire confidence and trust.

What to Look for in a Concealed Carry Holster for Women

Here are some key features to look for when choosing a holster as a woman:

• Minimal bulk to avoid printing
• Retention you can trust (audible “click” or adjustable retention preferred)
• Adjustability for cant (angle) and ride height
• Comfort—especially for long wear times
• Compatibility with wardrobe (high-rise pants, dresses, yoga pants, etc.)
• Safety-first design that covers the trigger guard completely

Top Concealed Carry Holster Options That Work for Women

Let’s explore holster styles that have gained popularity among female carriers—not just because they’re designed for women, but because they actually work.

1. IWB Kydex Holsters (Inside the Waistband)

Why It Works:

These are the go-to for many concealed carriers. Modern Kydex IWB holsters are slim, secure, and can be worn at the appendix or behind the hip depending on comfort and concealment needs.

Best For:

• Women who wear pants or jeans with belt loops
• Those who want fast access and close retention

Considerations:

• May require a quality 1.5” wide belt
• Could be uncomfortable with tighter or thinner clothing unless positioned carefully

Tip: Look for adjustable cant and ride height to better fit your waistline and torso shape. Holsters with a concealment wing attachment help push the grip of the firearm inward, reducing printing under fitted shirts.

2. Appendix Carry Holsters with Metal Fabric Clips

Why It Works:

Appendix carry is growing in popularity, especially for women, because it allows for natural concealment using the curve of the lower stomach. Holsters with Metal Fabric Clips can be clipped directly to leggings or skirts—no belt required.

Best For:

• Active women who wear leggings, joggers, or yoga pants
• Anyone who doesn’t want to change how they dress

Considerations:

• May take some getting used to, especially when sitting
• Positioning is key to comfort and safety

Metal Fabric Clip-equipped Kydex holsters are a game-changer—strong retention, zero printing, and great for high-waisted pants or skirts worn without belts.

3. Off-Body Carry (With Caution)

Why It Works:

Sometimes, carrying on your body isn’t practical. Concealed carry purses or bags with built-in Kydex holster compartments provide a way to stay armed.

Best For:

• Situational carry (events, errands, etc.)
• Those who dress in clothing that makes on-body carry nearly impossible (wearing dresses, overalls, rompers, crop tops, or jumpsuits)

Considerations:

• Slower draw time
• Increased risk of theft or separation from your firearm
• Must maintain control of the bag at all times

If you choose off-body carry, invest in a dedicated CCW purse with a lockable compartment and rigid holster insert. Never toss a gun into a regular handbag.

Why Kydex Holsters Are the Best Option for Women Concealed Carry

With so many holster materials and styles on the market—leather, nylon, hybrid, belly bands—it can be hard to decide what’s truly safe and effective for concealed carry. But time and time again, Kydex holsters stand out as the top choice for women who prioritize safety, reliability, and versatility.

Here’s why:

1. Superior Retention and Safety

Kydex holsters are precision-molded to the exact dimensions of your firearm. This means your gun clicks into place and stays there until you intentionally draw it. No sagging, no shifting, no guessing.

Most importantly, Kydex fully covers the trigger guard, which drastically reduces the risk of negligent discharge during reholstering—a critical factor for on-body carry, especially in waistband or appendix positions.

Why it matters for women: Whether you’re wearing leggings, jeans, or a skirt, you want your firearm to be secure and safe, especially when seated, moving, or bending.

2. Low Maintenance and Sweat Resistance

Let’s be honest—between work, errands, workouts, and daily activities, women’s lives are nonstop. Kydex is sweatproof, waterproof, and oil-resistant, so it’s ideal for long-term, active wear without worrying about smells, stains, or material breakdown.

Unlike leather, it won’t absorb moisture. Unlike fabric holsters, it won’t stretch or lose form. You can literally wipe it clean with a cloth—no special care needed.

Why it matters for women: Whether you’re carrying while working out or running around town, Kydex keeps up without demanding time-consuming upkeep.

3. Minimized Printing with Slim Profiles

Kydex holsters are designed to be thin and low-profile, which means they’re easier to conceal—especially under form-fitting clothes. Many designs now include features like concealment wings, which press the grip of the firearm inward toward your body to reduce printing even further.

Why it matters for women: If you love your wardrobe, you shouldn’t have to change it to carry. Kydex holsters allow you to carry discreetly, even under tight tops or business attire.

4. Custom Fit and Configurable Options

Today’s Kydex holsters are not one-size-fits-all. They’re available for virtually every firearm make and model, and many are compatible with optics, lights, threaded barrels, or suppressor-height sights.

Plus, they often feature adjustable cant and ride height, so you can fine-tune the position to your comfort level, waistline, and draw preference.

Why it matters for women: Every woman’s body is different—your holster should be adjustable to fit you, not the other way around.

5. Belt-Free Carry Compatibility

For those days when you’re wearing yoga pants, skirts, or dresses, Kydex holsters with Metal Fabric Clips allow for beltless carry. You get all the security of hard-shell retention without compromising your clothing options.

Why it matters for women: Kydex isn’t just for jeans and belts—it works with real-life wardrobes, letting you carry confidently in whatever you’re wearing.

6.  Holster Accessibility

When a properly made holster is worn in the correct body position, the handgun will be accessible when needed.  That is the primary reason we carry with a Kydex styled holster.  Check out our other Blog posts on 5 Things to Know about IWB Holster  A Female should feel confident in the world to have a Concealed carry for woman holster that is just right for her.

Bottom Line: Kydex Is Built for Real Life

Women need concealed carry solutions that are safe, stylish, and strong—and Kydex delivers on all three fronts. Whether you’re a first-time carrier or a seasoned CCW holder, a well-designed Kydex holster adapts to your lifestyle, supports your wardrobe, and prioritizes your safety.

Don’t settle for a holster that was never made with your needs in mind. With Kydex, you’re choosing a proven material trusted by professionals—and tailored to work for women who demand function and flexibility.

Final Thoughts: The Right Holster Empowers Consistent Carry

The best concealed carry holster for a woman is the one that fits her body, her wardrobe, and her lifestyle—not one designed for someone else. Comfort, concealability, and confidence are non-negotiable.

Women deserve holsters that are functional, safe, and stylish—without compromise. That’s why more are turning to Kydex-based solutions, which provide:

• Secure firearm retention
• Safe trigger coverage
• Minimal printing
• Configurations for every activity and outfit

Ready to Find a Holster That Actually Works?

At MK-Tek Holsters, we design Kydex holsters that meet the real-world needs for Concealed Carry for woman. Whether you wear jeans, leggings, or pencil skirts, we’ve got options that deliver on comfort, concealment, and confidence.

Need help picking a holster?
Reach out to our customer support team—we’re happy to guide you based on your lifestyle, clothing, and firearm model.