If there’s one piece of gear—second to your concealed-carry pistol—that should be chosen based on what is “right for you,” it’s your holster. Unfortunately, there’s no way for someone else—not NRA Women or your best friend or even your trainer—to tell you definitively that a certain holster style is best or worst. Whether it’s Inside-the-Waistband, Outside-the-Waistband or something else (like a bellyband), you will most likely have to experiment with multiple styles of holsters and the various positions to determine your ideal carry rig for your body type and your CCW. And of course, these days you will also have to consider any optic you plan to apply. Once you’ve found “the one” (or more, as your holster will change if you swap out your carry gun), it is essential to engage in dry-fire practice—lots of it. If your range doesn’t permit shooting from a holster, set up a dry-fire routine at home, with no live ammo in the room, and hone your holster skills. With that in mind, we’ve compiled a few we like of the thousands on the market—which may or not be right for you—but will help you narrow down this important piece of everyday carry gear.
JM4 Tactical
JM4 Tactical’s Original Magnetic Holster is designed for deeper concealment that works great for athletic wear and yoga pants. Also, if the stall door of a public restroom is metal, this holster’s magnet grasps nicely to the inside—so you can do your business and be less likely to leave it behind. $90. JM4tactical.com
CrossBreed Holsters “Rose” Reckoning
If your EDC gun is a SIG Sauer P365 (specifically the signature “Rose” model), this iteration of the Reckoning holster embraces the elegance of the Rose print, offering a sophistication to one of today’s most popular carry pistols. $89.95. CrossBreedHolsters.com
Sticky Holsters
Featuring a tacky—or “sticky”—backing that grips to skin or fabric, this holster relies on compression in the waistband or friction from the pocket as the retention method during a draw. Lightweight and ambidextrous, this Sticky Holster ($30.95) is super easy to get in and out of a pocket. It is also compatible with the Sticky Holster Bellyband ($40.95). StickyHolsters.com
Dene Adams Collection
The Dene Adams brand offers one of the largest selections of CCW gear for women, with designs ranging from floral and feminine to rugged but stylish. Shown here are the Modular IWB Buddy ($69.99) and Universal Clam-Shell Trigger Guard & IWB Dark Spring Floral ($69.99). DeneAdams.com
PHLster Enigma
Arguably the most unique holster on the market, PHLster’s Enigma is fascinating. Although it takes a little education on how to wear it, the Enigma keeps your pistol in place when you are on the move performing the most physical of tasks, like running a marathon, or just wrestling around with your toddlers before dinner. The inner belt keeps your gun anchored securely around your waist, and the leg leash keeps the holster from riding up when you draw. Starts at $154. phlsterholsters.com
DeSantis Slim Tuk
Want to hear that Kydex click? One of NRA Women contributor Jo Deering’s favorites, the Slim-Tuk is a minimalist slim fitting, ambidextrous IWB holster fashioned from a Kydex sheet. This IWB holster uses DeSantis’ tuck-able 360 C-Clip, which affords you unlimited mounting options. The hardware can easily be swapped from right to left hand. $52.99. DeSantisHolster.com
