Concealed Carry 101: Accessories and Clothing

Learning to effectively carry a concealed firearm is a process, and newcomers shouldn’t expect to find an ideal configuration right away. There are a lot of factors that go into effective concealment, and while you might figure out something that works within the law and keeps the gun out of sight, you won’t know what your ideal carry looks like until you experience the benefits and the tradeoffs that come with your choices. That takes time and experience. You can set yourself up for success and help speed up the process, though. One of the best ways to do that is to invest in tactical clothing and other accessories that help your loadout feel more natural while making it readily accessible.

Tactical Clothing Options

One of the benefits of tac clothing is that most of the time, you don’t need to invest in an additional holster. Some opt to, but the holster is built into tactical clothing, so any additional sleeve for your firearm is unnecessary and purely a matter of personal taste. Some garments include low-profile pocket slots for additional magazines as well. No matter how you plan to carry, there are a lot of tactical clothing options for first time gun owners, including leggings, tank tops, and other selections that mirror contemporary women’s fashions.

Stand-Alone Holster Options

If you’re not interested in an all in one solution but you do know how your regular manner of dress gives you options for concealment, stand alone holsters provide you with a number of ways to put your gun within reach while keeping it out of sight and out of the way. There are choices that put it at your side, ankle, or waist without calling attention to the firearm or making you feel encumbered as you move through your day. You can also try protective sheathes you can use to keep a gun scratch-free and secure in a handbag or purse without making them hard to reach. Some designs work on a pressure point system that releases the pistol as soon as your hand puts weight on the side of the sheath.

Tactical Handbags and Purses

There are purse options out there that, like tactical clothing, provide spots for you to easily conceal your daily carry, even while you’re getting into your bag for other items. The compartments and dimensions of the bags are built to make it easy to keep items separate and keep your firearm within reach, without leaving a visible outline. Sizes range from small clutches to totes.