How to choose your best concealed carry clothing for your body
When it comes to fashion, and specifically concealed carry for women, finding the right clothing isn’t just about style—it’s about comfort, access, concealment, and confidence. Every body is different, and understanding how to dress for your specific body type can affect how (and where) you carry and what you wear. Let’s start with understanding what are the basic body types are so you can better understand how to dress for concealment without compromising your look
What’s Your Body Type?
Typically, they’re are 4 or 5 body types, and we need to know our body shape. Most women fall into one of these categories:
- Apple: Carries weight around the midsection
- Pear: Wider hips with a smaller waist and bust
- Hourglass: Balanced bust and hips with a defined waist
- Rectangle: Straight up and down with minimal curves
- Inverted Triangle: Broad shoulders and narrower hips
If you’re not sure which one body shape is right for you, measure your breast, waist and hips to determine the relationship and pick which one feels most aligned with your measurements. If all three of your measurements are about the same, you’re likely rectangle shape. Understanding your body shape will help you pick the most flattering styles for you, thus creating an air of confidence. When a woman knows how to dress for her body and her clothing fits right, she’s going to be viewed as classy and chic.
While carrying at the waist is ideal, and that can be where most women hold their weight, it poses one more challenge for women to overcome in concealed carrying. How you decide carry is a personal choice – of course, on body is preferred, but what works for you and having the necessary defense tools available if you need them, and when you need them is whats important for your safety.
Concealed Carry Tips for Each Body Type
Apple Shape
- Challenge: Carrying at the waist may feel uncomfortable.
- Solution: Opt for belly bands, or underarm holsters.
- Clothing tips: Flowy tops, structured jackets, and darker colors around the midsection can help with concealment.
- Try: Incognito Wear IX’s Trinity Tunic Top
Pear Shape
- Challenge: Carrying at the hip can be tricky due to curves.
- Solution: Try appendix carry or thigh holster. Three o’clock position isn’t your friend
- Clothing tips: A-line tunics and peplum tops can create balance.
- Try: Incognito Wear IX’s 505 Tank top holster, or Abigail concealed carry dress
Hourglass Shape
- Challenge: Can print easily around waist and hips, especially with fitted clothing
- Solution: Consider more structured clothing, appendix carry
- Clothing tips: Use belts and high-waist pants to define your silhouette.
- Try: Incognito Wear IX’s Crossover Concealment (our Signature top)
Rectangle Shape
- Challenge: Holsters may shift due to less waist definition.
- Solution: Opt for belly bands
- Clothing tips: Add dimension with ruffles, draping, and layers.
- Try: Incognito Wear IX’s Strix Bellyband with silicone stay put grippers
Inverted Triangle
- Challenge: Minimizing shoulders, not under the arm carry
- Solution: Try waistband or thigh carry.
- Clothing tips: Balance broader shoulders with flared skirts or wide-leg pants.
- Try: Our newest upcoming design, Kerry concealed jumpsuit (Pre Order only)
Best tips for minimizing imprinting are:
- Layers: Cardigans, vests, or light jackets or even an opened button up shirt can add dimension and help mask printing and add color.
- Ruffles and/or gathers: Adds interest and creates an uneven surface to mask printing
- Color Blocking: Use color to your advantage and uplift your mood too. This distracts the eye
- Textures: Mixing textures is another way to create an uneven surface so your firearm goes undetected
Additionally,
- Practice your draw: Practice drawing from your outfit in front of a mirror or loved one. You want to make sure you know what its going to take to clear your garment(s)
- Holsters: Not all holsters will work with every outfit. Rotate either holster or carry location / position based on what you’re wearing. If your sitting all day, you may want to carry under the arm or lower leg or perhaps off body. Whatever you decide, always use a holster that covers the trigger completely. If you carry off body, Please use a concealed carry purse with a special pocket for only your firearm.
We believe by choosing clothing that lets you move freely and feel powerful is a key to successful concealment because when you feel confident, you move differently.
At Incognito Wear IX, we design fashion-forward concealed carry clothing for every body.
Never be a victim because of style.
