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CONCEALED CARRY
  • (Apparel with holster pockets or concealed-carry features)

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  • 10 Myths That Stop Women from Carrying Concealed

    5 min read

    There’s plenty of advice out there about concealed carry. Unfortunately, not all of it is helpful. Friends, the internet, and even strangers sometimes share opinions that, while well-meaning, aren’t always accurate. It’s important to take it all with a grain of salt.

    With so much information floating around, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. But carrying a firearm responsibly doesn’t have to be complicated. Let’s clear up some common myths so you can feel more confident about your decision to carry.

    Myth 1: Concealed Carry is Only for “Tactical” Types

    What People Say: Concealed carry is something only military or law enforcement professionals do.

    The Truth: Concealed carry is for anyone who takes their safety seriously. People from all walks of life carry responsibly every day. You don’t need a “tactical” background - you just need the willingness to learn and prepare.

    Myth 2: Carrying Automatically Makes You Safer

    What People Say: If you have a gun, you’ll always be protected.

    The Truth: A gun is a tool, but it’s not a guarantee of safety. Real personal protection comes from being aware of your surroundings at all times, avoiding danger when you can, and having the training to handle a firearm under pressure. Your gun is there as a last resort, not your first line of defense.

    Prevention and awareness are your best tools for staying safe. Focus on these first, and think of your gun as your backup plan.

    Myth 3: You Have to Spend a Fortune on Gear

    What People Say: If you don’t have the latest and fanciest holsters, belts, and accessories, you’re doing it wrong.

    The Truth: You don’t need to spend hundreds of dollars to carry safely. There are plenty of budget-friendly holsters and accessories that are just as effective. What matters most is that your gear fits comfortably, works for your firearm, and helps you carry discreetly.

    When you start buying gear for carrying, keep it simple. You only need a holster that fits your gun, a belt (if your holster requires one), or a proper concealed carry purse (make sure you're using a holster with it).

    Myth 4: Women Have a Hard Time Concealing a Firearm

    What People Say: Women’s clothing and body shapes make it too hard to conceal a firearm properly.

    The Truth: Women do face unique challenges, but with so many holsters designed specifically for women, it’s easier than ever to find a comfortable option that works for any body type.

    Myth 5: You Need to Make Major Adjustments to Your Wardrobe

    What People Say: You have to completely overhaul your wardrobe to carry concealed. Say goodbye to fitted clothes, dresses, and skirts.

    The Truth: While you might need to make small changes, like choosing looser tops or layering with a jacket, you don’t have to abandon your style. Concealed carry apparel like belly bands, leggings, and tank tops with integrated holsters work well with dresses, skirts, and activewear, making carrying easy no matter what you’re wearing.

    With a little experimentation, you can carry confidently without sacrificing your personal style. Start with your current wardrobe and experiment. You may need a few different types of holsters depending on what items of clothing you choose to wear, and that's ok!

    Myth 6: Women Should Only Carry a Small Gun

    What People Say: Women should stick to small guns because they’re lighter and easier to handle.

    The Truth: While smaller guns might seem more convenient, they often have more recoil and can be less comfortable to shoot than a full-size gun. Every woman’s hands are different, so the right firearm comes down to what fits your hand, what you can control, and what you can shoot confidently and consistently.

    The best thing you can do before buying a carry gun is to head to a range and test a bunch of different firearms before buying. What feels good in your hand in a store may not feel so great when you're actually shooting it. Find the one that feels comfortable and lets you shoot accurately.

    Myth 7: Carrying Is Uncomfortable

    What People Say: Concealed carry is bulky, annoying, and just doesn’t feel good.

    The Truth: With the right holster and placement on your body, carrying can be comfortable. Again, everyone is different, so you'll have to figure out what setup and carry positions work best for you.

    If you're not familiar with all the different carry positions, read our article "Concealed Carry Around the Clock." 

    Myth 8: People Will Know You’re Carrying

    What People Say: Everyone will see your gun “printing” through your clothes, and it’ll be obvious you’re carrying.

    The Truth: Almost no one is paying any attention to you when you're out and about, so any subtle printing almost always goes unnoticed. Plus, with the right holster and clothing choices, printing can be minimized or eliminated altogether.

    If you're concerned about printing, check your setup in the mirror before heading out. Move around and make sure your firearm stays concealed, even when bending or reaching.

    Myth 9: Carrying Will Always Feel Awkward

    What People Say: You’ll never feel fully comfortable or natural carrying a firearm.

    The Truth: Feeling self-conscious or awkward is super common when you first start carrying - we all deal with this. 

    The best way to overcome this feeling is simply by doing it. The more you practice carrying, the more natural and comfortable it becomes.

    If you're just starting out with carrying, wear your empty gun around the house with unloaded magazines to build your confidence. We promise you’ll eventually get close to forgetting it’s there once you've done it for a while.

    Myth 10: You Don’t Need Training Beyond the Basics

    What People Say: Once you have your concealed carry permit, you’re good to go.

    The Truth: Getting your permit is just the beginning of your concealed carry journey. Training is what will prepare you to respond effectively in real-life situations. Learning to draw quickly, shoot under pressure, and manage adrenaline are skills that only come with practice.

    You need to train regularly. Look for local defensive shooting classes and do dry-fire drills at home. The more you train, the more confident you’ll feel if the time ever comes to defend yourself.

    The best overall advice we can give you about getting ready to carry concealed is to start small, stay consistent, and remember that nobody starts out as an expert! The more you practice and train, the more natural carrying will feel. And the more confident and skilled you are, the easier it will be to carry.


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