Concealed carry in the summer doesn’t have to be difficult with this go-to guide. In this Summer Concealed Carry Style Guide for women you will find simple and practice concealed carry tips and summer style tips to make this season of concealed carry a breeze.
In our pre-carry lives, the transition from our winter wardrobe to our summer wardrobe was a breeze. There was a feeling of happiness, an extra pep in our step as the sun began to shine for longer and we were no longer weighed down by the thick and heavy layers of winter clothing. We felt free. But as we shifted to a lifestyle of wanting to be able to defend ourselves, did you still have that same pep in your step when the temps started to rise? Or were you like so many other women left wondering how you were going to carry a self-defense tool now that you ditched the layers, not to mention how you would handle the heat?
It's good you're here because this Summer Concealed Carry Style Guide is for you. These simple, yet effective, style changes and tips will take the stress out of summer concealed carry by addressing how to choose the right clothing, how to pair those items, and what holster options are available that might fit your lifestyle.
Keep in mind too that being a woman is one of our greatest assets, especially in this lifestyle. We have so many clothing choices to suit our look or mood for the day. The way we present ourselves visually through our style gives us the freedom to express ourselves without words. And to the outside world, no one needs to know what we may or may not be concealing underneath it.
But it’s the mindset that it's not expected. Being a woman, most people would never expect you to be carrying a firearm. So use that to your advantage.
You should never feel that you can’t carry because of how you dress. It’s not seamless like a new pair of shoes. It takes a little bit of time and patience to find what works for you. However, don't be discouraged because being a woman is your best asset against that feeling that we all have when we first start carrying that "everyone knows or can see the firearm."
Sweating in the summer is inevitable. While the heat, humidity, and sweating can’t entirely be avoided there are ways to make summer dressing for concealed carry more comfortable. If you’re comfortable then you’ll be more likely to carry consistently. The summer style vibe is more relaxed which is perfect for embracing flowy tops and looser fit bottoms. You can add a few on-trend pieces to your closet to freshen up your summer wardrobe and complement what you already own. You can elevate your personal style by balancing fashion statements with simplicity.
Before even thinking about carrying a concealed firearm, finding ways to beat the heat and stay cool can be a yearly quest. But there’s more to staying cool in the summer when you add a firearm. Summer clothing fabrics tend to be thinner and more breathable which is great for keeping you cool in the heat and humidity, but could introduce some challenges when you want to concealed carry. When it comes to summer carry, one of the main areas you’ll want to focus on and consider is the weight and type of fabric of your clothing choices.
Look for heat and humidity-friendly fabrics that will keep you cool and comfortable. Natural fabrics are always the way to go no matter the season. In the summer, cotton and linen fabrics are popular choices for concealed carry, but you can look to introduce new fabric types such as chambray, rayon, or blends.
Cotton: The soft, natural fiber of cotton is the most popular choice for both dry heat and humid conditions. This versatile fabric allows air to circulate, is durable, and is easy to care for.
Chambray: This is a great option if you don’t want to ditch your denim. Since chambray is also cotton, it will keep you cool during the summer. It typically comes in a higher thread count, which means it’s a finer weave & more breathable fabric.
Rayon: While not a natural fiber, Rayon is a great summer choice that works best in dry heat. It’s lightweight and drapes well to conceal your firearm. This delicate fabric is not as durable as cotton and will require extra care like dry-cleaning.
Linen: Linen is the coolest of fabrics and made for summer. Durable, breathable, and comfortable, it checks all the boxes. Plus, linen only gets softer as you wash it, but opt for the gentle cycle. Keep some anti-wrinkle spray handy to keep wrinkles at bay.
Blends: Blends have come a long way and are very popular in athleisure. Most blends will feel soft and stretchy but also wick moisture and dry quickly. You won’t have to worry about blended fabrics losing their shape, and they require little maintenance.
For tops and bottoms, soft and natural fibers work best to circulate airflow. If you like your tops to be a little looser, you’ll find it easier to conceal but if you want a more form-fitting look while carrying you may need to style your outfit with a lightweight summer layer or opt for off-body carry. Opaque tops work best to conceal your firearm. Sheer and semi-sheer tops, while highly breathable, may require some trial and error to determine concealability.
For bottoms, whether that is shorts, pants, or skirts, they often come in lightweight fabrics to accommodate the summer heat. However, lightweight fabrics will not support the weight of your holster and firearm alone. Additionally, summer shorts, pants, and skirts often don’t have belt loops and instead the waistband is elastic. You’ll want to look into some other holster options, like a belly band, that don't require the use of a belt.
Another detail you’ll want to consider when selecting your summer bottoms, especially when it comes to shorts, is the rise. Meaning are they low rise, mid-rise, or high rise? Carrying in low-rise style shorts that are meant to show your midsection will introduce challenges to carrying concealed. The holster will sit below your waist, allowing for printing, not to mention will probably be uncomfortable sitting.
READ MORE: Learn more about pant rise & how it impacts your concealed carry setup
Watch these videos for summer concealed carry outfit inspiration and tips in the summer edition of the Concealed Carry Outfit Guides.
Summer fashion not only kicks off the start of wearing brighter colors, it also means the arrival of prints and patterns onto cute tops, shorts, and dresses. While patterns and prints may attract attention, they also do a great job of distracting the eye from any potential printing from your firearm. When wearing a pattern, think ahead about where you want to draw the eye of others and, more importantly, what you don’t want others to notice. In most cases, the goal is to attract attention toward the upper body and away from your waistline. This can be accomplished by the style of top or pattern of top. The right kind of pattern will draw attention to your best features and away from any thoughts that you’d be carrying a firearm. Prints and patterns provide the same type of benefits in the bottom style you choose as well.
reduce printing with a wing
concealed carry terms
RULES OF GUN SAFETY
Summer carry doesn’t mean you need to buy an all new wardrobe. Simple t-shirts are a summer closet staple. But if you don’t feel comfortable with only a thin layer of fabric between your self-defense tool and the rest of the world, the good news is you’ve got options. Adding a simple accessory like a scarf, neckerchief, or statement necklace is a great option as these types of accessories draw the eye up towards your face rather than to your waistline. And you won’t need to say goodbye to your favorite tee! As a bonus, accessories can also be a subtle way to incorporate an on-trend summer style into your look.
Other details you may have previously overlooked in your pre-carry life is your shirt style. When shopping, keep an eye on the hemline of the tops you are picking out. Peplum style or ruffled hem shirts allow for ease of access and make carrying easy. Peplum creates the illusion of a cinched waist and emphasizes your natural curves. Some of these style tops can be semi-fitted so choose a fabric that will keep you cool. Other details to look for in tops are twist front knots, ruching across the torso, peplum hems, and tiered ruffles. Even if there might be a little bit of printing, it's easily waved off because of visual distractions created by the shirt style.
Silk or linen scarves can be styled multiple ways and won’t leave you feeling overheated. Additionally, these affordable but stylish accessories can be found in countless prints, colors, and are a great way to add a bit of style to your look that isn’t bulky.
Peplum style and ruffled hem shirts have become an SMT favorite for summer concealed carry. This style shirt tends to be more fitted through the upper body and flares out as it hits your waistline. This makes for easy accessibility to your self-defense tool and minimal printing.
A front knot/tie creates a small "pocket" around the front of the waist that your self-defense tool can sit behind. You'll have to do some adjusting with how tight or high you want the knot, but you can still achieve this same effect, which is a great concealed carry option.
Summer styling TIP
With a button-down shirt, leave the last button unbuttoned and tie the two tails of the shirt together. You can also knot the excess material in the front of a t-shirt to create a center or side knot.
The last thing we want during the heat of the summer months is to add any layers. However, there are many lightweight layers you can add to help make this concealed carry lifestyle as effortless as possible. Plus, while it might be 100 degrees outside, chances are that inside the A/C is on and cold. It's never a bad idea to have this extra layer. It’s similar to the thought process of carrying your firearm: better to have it and not need it than need it and not have it.
As with any additional layer in the summer, pay close attention to the fabric.
You’ll want something lightweight such as a silk kimono-style wrap, light cardigan, or even a button-down linen shirt which are all great light-weight layering options.
Summer-style dresses and skirts come in so many different patterns, prints, cuts, and lengths. Floral prints, stripes, bright colors, maxi, midi, shirt dress, and sundresses are always popular summer styles. If dresses aren’t your first style choice don’t rule them out. You're bound to find a dress you love that will also keep you cool.
However, carrying a firearm in dresses and skirts presents its own set of challenges such as accessibility and carry position. These challenges don’t mean you can’t put on your favorite dress; all it means is you have to take a few key things into consideration.
Carry position is a personal preference and should be chosen based on what works for you and your lifestyle. While some prefer carrying in a specific position on their waist, someone else might prefer thigh carry, or off-body carry. That does not mean those carry positions are wrong, it’s what works for them. The point is you will need to assess and try out what other carry positions would work for you. In a dress or skirt you still have multiple positions to carry: from thigh carry to ankle carry, and even carrying on your waist. The great thing is that there are many holster options available for women to accommodate our needs.
No matter your carry position, your accessibility to your firearm is just as important. What’s the point of carrying a self-defense tool if you can’t access it to defend yourself? Skirts and dresses come in varying length and styles so if you are used to carrying around your waist and now are carrying on your thigh wearing a maxi dress, you have to account for the length of the garment, how long it takes you to clear that garment, and access your firearm. Not that it can’t be done and shouldn’t be considered, but it requires training and practice.
When selecting a dress or skirt, look for details such as one that wraps or is cut with an overlapping diagonal slit. This will allow you an alternative means of accessing your firearm instead of having to pull the dress straight up.
READ MORE: Why You Should Play Dress Up In Your Closet
You will need to accept that sweating while carrying during the summer is inevitable. After all, no one likes sweating, especially when dressed in a cute outfit. Unfortunately, there is no holster that prevents sweat but improvements in design and technology are making summer carry more comfortable. The two most popular holster types are Kydex and soft holsters.
This style of holster is probably what you are most familiar with. Kydex is a polymer composite material that can be formed into the shape of your firearm. Some manufacturers of Kydex holsters will use a combination of Kydex and either a leather, neoprene, or fabric backing to help with the comfort level and breathability which are great for summer. Most Kydex holsters use a clip that goes over a belt to help hold it in place. It's a versatile style holster as you can play around with the cant and the carry position. To make it your own, you can often get them in fun colors and prints.
There are several types of soft holsters, but belly bands offer more versatility in your wardrobe. They are made of a durable and heavy fabric that zip, velcro, or hook closed. They have slip pockets for your self-defense tool and typically do not have a hard trigger guard. They can wrap around your torso, hips, thigh, or ankle. These soft-style holsters are a great option because the position isn't limited to where your belt sits on your waist. They can be adjusted higher or lower on the body to a position that is most comfortable for you. Additionally, you can pair this holster with a Kydex holster if you prefer a hard-cover trigger guard.
A Kydex holster pairs well with bottoms that have a heavier fabric to help support the weight of your holster and firearm. Whereas a belly band style holster will allow for concealment in an elastic waistband skirt, or a thigh holster for a flowy maxi dress.
As women it’s important to have options and having the right holster helps to make your firearm a hidden part of your outfit. We have such a wide variety of clothing options that it’s not a one size fits all holster situation and lifestyle. Having a few holster options on hand will make incorporating the concealed carry lifestyle into your wardrobe an easy transition.
Don’t be limited to only using one style holster, and experiment with different holster types to find what works best for you and your wardrobe. You can carry and still look cute even in the summer.
While there are plenty of holster options, consistently carry in the same position when you can. This will help to reduce unnecessary fidgeting or adjusting, and you will have confidence that your firearm will always be in the same spot on your body when you need it.
This single clip and slim Kydex design doesn't add any extra bulk. The UltiClip makes this a great option that doesn't require a belt and the concealment claw helps to reduce printing. Clean, smooth edges add to the quality of this holster and it's adjustable to meet your carry needs. There are also plenty of color options available to make it your own.
The padded and vented backing of this holster not only makes this holster comfortable but also breathable and lightweight which is great during the summer heat. Plus, the backing is moisture wicking to help keep the sweat off you and your firearm. You can easily change the retention and cant to fit your body type and personal carry preferences.
This holster is extremely versatile especially when it comes to summer clothing styles. This can easily be worn with shorts without belt loops and elastic style skirts without having to worry about fabric weight. While this belly band style adds an extra layer which means added sweat, it stays in place, conceals well, and can be machine washed.
Alexo Athletica is a company that is constantly changing the game when it comes to this lifestyle. They have created and continue to innovate with clothing styles that are made to fit seamlessly into your concealed carry wardrobe.
Summer concealed carry becomes effortless with the breathable and stylish Alexo Athletica Tuck & Carry Skirt. With it's banded built-in holsters it's perfect for a day out or a day at the office.
Ease into your routine or step up your style game with on-trend Alexo Athletica Carry Biker Shorts made for your favorite self-defense tool.
Don't be left without a self-defense tool while on your morning run. The Alexo Athletica Carry Runner shorts make summer workouts a breeze with their built-in holsters.
There have never been more holster options available to accommodate a woman’s wardrobe and, with female gun ownership continuing to rise, expect to have even more choices in the future. There are a range of holster types available that you might find useful for your wardrobe from thigh holster shorts, bra holsters, and tank top style holsters. Look to strike a balance between comfort, style, and concealability. Adding an extra layer might not be your first choice given the summer heat, but these do provide options so you can still carry in your favorite outfit.
READ MORE: The Best 3 Types of Gun Holsters for Women
If you’re going to soak up the sun, then do it in breathable fabrics like cotton, linen, and chambray.
Perfect to keep you cool while you carry concealed and whether you're headed to the office or out on date night.
With so many ways to be styled, a white sneaker should be one of your summer shoe must-haves.
Try something new this summer and opt for something different when it comes to your style. If you always wear dresses,
then try linen shorts. If you always wear shorts, then try a dress.
Florals, polka dots, and tie-dyes are the summer on-trend prints. Mix it up by adding a bold print in
with your existing wardrobe.
If you carry a firearm or less-lethal defense tool, then training and practice should be part of your routine. Getting to the range once a month might be fine for maintaining general shooting skills, but you want to be constantly learning and pushing yourself out of your comfort zone. Once you decide to start carrying concealed this adds in another level of training. Concealed carry training involves learning how to draw from concealment. Basically, how to draw your firearm from underneath your clothing and getting your sights on target.
There are different techniques on how to best do that. The best way to learn is to take a class, whether it be one-on-one or with a group. It allows you to get hands-on training that you can then start applying in your personal time.
That way if you introduce a new firearm, holster, or carry position you’ll have the knowledge and can start practice clearing any cover garments out of the way so you can access your firearm. Getting training with an instructor is also a great way to show you where you need to improve, provide feedback, and recommend drills you can practice on your own. It’s important to establish good habits early to set you up for success.
Transitioning to a summer wardrobe means you may change how you carry your firearm. Just the change of fabric in your clothing choices can change how a garment will clear or how you need to lift a garment out of the way to draw your firearm. While you want to be consistently carrying your firearm in the same position there might be situations, styles of dress, or holster styles that make you change it up. If you’re introducing a new holster or carry position, there must be an increased commitment to training and practicing your dry draws. You want as few obstacles as possible and getting in quality training repetitions is how to do that.
Dry fire and dry draw are the act of manipulating and drawing your firearm without any live ammunition. Instead you can use snap caps or dummy rounds. Dry fire/draw is a great opportunity to build upon your shooting fundamentals. It’s a good compliment to the drills you are doing at the range but this you can do in the comfort of your own home. The goal of your dry fire/draw practice and drills is all about the repetitions. Spend this time getting good reps in so that when you do go to the range the homework will pay off. You don’t need to spend a lot of time on dry fire/draw, in fact it’s common to limit dry fire/draw to 15 minutes and that’s it. You can adjust for what works for you. You want it to be long enough to get in plenty of reps, but short enough to keep it fun and not feel like it’s a chore.
Remember, that even though live ammunition isn’t being used you should always adhere to the four rules of firearm safety.
READ MORE: What is Dry Fire & Why Is It Important?
Remember that deciding to carry is a lifestyle and with any lifestyle change there is going to be some trial and error. Don’t expect to immediately put on a holster and firearm and think you’ll be good to go. Have patience with yourself in finding holsters that work for you, outfits that work for you, and patience in your training. It’s not always going to be smooth sailing. There will be some days when you’re carrying and it will be annoying. Remember that you made a commitment to this lifestyle so you must continue to learn, adjust, and keep moving forward. Finally, don’t forget to celebrate your wins no matter how small. Take a minute to recognize yourself overcoming an obstacle or getting out of your comfort zone.
READ MORE: The Women’s Ultimate Guide to Dressing for Concealed Carry
