Women of The Well Armed Woman Tell How They Carried in 2020

It looks like real estate and concealed carry pistols have something in common—location, location, location. While deciding how to carry is a personal decision, it helps to know what nearly 6,000 other women were doing!

by posted on May 6, 2021
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **
TWAW Carry Locations Pie Chart
The Well Armed Woman image

Whether you’re ready to change up your concealed carry location for summer or you’ve just decided to start carrying, The Well Armed Woman’s (TWAW) most popular concealed carry locations in 2020 can give you an idea of where to start. While different holsters and positions are better for different circumstances and outfits, it’s no surprise that the top holster for women last year was an inside the waistband (IWB).

IWB feels like the most natural and secure place to keep a firearm you could need at a moment’s notice. Thirty-five percent of the more than 5,000 women surveyed carry their firearm in an IWB holster. This is great news, because IWB is an easy place to draw from and it keeps your firearm properly concealed.

Coming in a close second was purse carry at 32 percent. Although this method of carry has certain security considerations, if you have these 3 Things, you can manage it safely. Summertime brings unique challenges to carrying concealed with fewer layers and lighter clothing, so a purse might be your only option to stay armed and safe.

The third most common place Well Armed Women carried their guns in 2020 was on their waist by means of a belly band or wrap holster. At 18 percent, it’s a drop from the top two positions but still up 6.6 percent from two years ago. Belly bands require some extra practice, but with special concealed carry tops and other flowy options, it can be ideal for summer.

Next in popularity was an outside the waistband (OWB) holster—another great spot, just harder to conceal. A concealed carry tank top or underarm holster only makes up two percent, but this position can be a very comfortable option. Just remember to practice your draw in whatever outfit you wear over it!

The bra, pocket, leggings, thigh and undershorts holsters each represented one percent in this survey. These are niche carrying locations that you might use in a specific situation or with a certain outfit. They all take some getting used to, but can be ultra-concealable options.

The ankle and fanny pack holsters both have less than one percent, but the more concealed carry options, the better! Every person has their own comfort, skill and commitment levels to carrying concealed. Remember to practice your draw at the range and in each specific outfit you wear. The most important thing to remember is that although these 5,000+ women have different carrying setups, they’re all well-armed and staying safe.

Check out The Well Armed Woman site for additional "deeper dive" information on the women who participated in the 2020 survey.

Latest

Deering Survival Myths
Deering Survival Myths

Busting Outdoor Survival Myths

Some of these prevalent “tips” can actually make a survival situation much worse.

 

New Guns 2026: Smith & Wesson America 250 Limited-Edition Model 642 and Model 66 Revolvers

Exclusive America 250 details include a USA 250 laser-engraved side plate, an enhanced blue synthetic boot grip, and a distinctive red thumb piece.

Team Beretta’s Kim Rhode Captures Gold at ISSF World Cup Hangzhou 2026

Rhode's latest victory adds to her extraordinary legacy, which includes multiple Olympic medals, World Championship titles and decades of success on the international stage.

New Guns 2026: Charter Arms Walker Revolver Series Ultra-Compact Rimfire Revolver

Designed for concealed carry, the Walker is available with either a .22 LR or .22 WMR chambering; both have eight-round capacities.

Team Ruger's Lauryl Akenhead Earns High Lady at 2026 Sheepdog Showdown

The national two-day PRS Pro Series point match emphasized precise execution, strong positional fundamentals and effective stage management.

7 Accessories for Your Semi-Automatic Rifle

These optional accessories might make your AR more comfortable or more effective.

Women's Interests



Get the best of NRA Women delivered to your inbox.