If you’ve been an SMT reader from the beginning, then you know I’m a ride or die jeans kind of girl. It’s rare you’ll find me in dresses and even more rare you’ll find me rocking leggings unless I’m working out or lounging at home; leather leggings don’t count. I have nothing against women that live in their leggings, it’s just never been me. You won't find me running errands on the weekend in athleisure wear. It’s just not my style—that is until I found a pair of concealed carry leggings that were a major game changer for me.

I bought my first pair when they first launched their signature pant and have basically bought every one they have released. They are that good. The waist area is thicker (this is where the concealed pockets live) but it doesn't dig in. They really suck you in, which is a plus in my book. I'm wearing a size small and I wear a between a small/medium in Lululemon leggings for size reference. What I really love about these leggings are all the pockets. I'm a bit OCD when it comes to pockets in my bags, coats, and pants. I like to be organized where everything has its place, and in these leggings they do. I've carried everything from my card holder, pocketknife, carry gun, phone, pepper spray, TASER, and lipstick in these. I've gone running in them with my carry gun and other essentials and have had no issues.

These are a great option because I can run out to grab a coffee and not need to bring a bag. I have a place to carry a self-defense tool, or multiple tools if I choose. Some places I can't carry my gun so it's nice to be able to carry something else in my waistband without needing a holster. It's all about options, ladies. You know I preach that religiously here and having leggings that are cute and allow you to carry what you choose gives you the options. And I’m not exactly sure how they’ve done it, but all their leggings make my legs look slimmer and I’ll take it.

I’ve carried both my HKVP9SK and Glock 43. When carrying my HKVP9SK in these I noticed that after a few times sitting then standing, that the cant of the gun shifted a little but overall, they held my VP9SK in place securely for what I was doing. I haven’t gone running with my HKVP9SK. I have no issues with my Glock 43 in these leggings wearing them day-to-day or while out running.

One thing to note with these leggings is that there is no hard trigger guard. Meaning there is no hard/kydex style trigger guard. If you are familiar with the Can Can Concealment Hip Hugger waistband holster, then it's like that in the sense that there is no hard trigger guard essentially, it’s like a soft holster. There is a piece of heavy-duty fabric that the gun slides into and in front of it is another pocket with two more thick layers of fabric. You can easily slide your credit cards/ID into this pocket to keep anything from poking into the trigger area but honestly, it’s very hard to get into the trigger area with these leggings. The reinforced waistband means the firearm stays nice and secure against the body. If you wanted to use a kydex holster with these leggings you could opt for a holster with a Fabriclip or Ulitclip as they don’t require a belt.

I didn't have any issues with the weight of the gun being supported. They are supposed to fit snug around the waist in order to help keep your firearm secure.

As with any new holster, be sure you are testing it out at home before going out in public. The last thing you should be doing is fidgeting with your holster setup after you’ve left the house. If concealed carry leggings are new to you, then take the time to ensure you know how they will work carrying your self-defense tool of choice. Alexo Athletica does recommend when carrying a firearm, you opt for one that weighs 23 oz or less when loaded. The HKVP9SK when loaded weighs a little bit more than that and minus shifting mentioned above it’s been all good. However, you might have a different experience and I as always, I would follow Alexo Athletica’s recommendations. Everyone’s bodies, daily activities, and firearm choices are different. The waistband on these leggings are reinforced and have built-in retention to carry your self-defense tool but that is based on it being 23 oz or less so keep that in mind. The point is to make sure you carry in a way that is comfortable for you, your lifestyle, and is safe.

Along with my Glock 43 and HK VP9SK, I've carried my TASER Pulse, my YellowJacket Stun Gun, and this Kimber Pepper Blaster easily (see below) and all in these leggings. Not everyone is comfortable carrying a firearm and sometimes there are places you aren't able to carry a firearm so these leggings provide an easy option so you can defend yourself while working out, running errands, hitting the range, or just chillin’.