For years, I've always worn a tank top under most of my tops. I used to only do it in the winter when wearing sweaters to keep the itchy fabric from bothering my skin but then I soon started doing it with other tops. Some of my shirts are thinner in fabric and in direct sunlight they can look pretty sheer so having that extra layer made me feel more comfortable. It also helps with some shirts to keep them from clinging to your body and also smooths out any areas that you might be feeling self-conscious about. When I started carrying, this base layer proved to work wonders on reducing printing. I know many women that opt to wear a tank top while carrying to add a layer behind their holster and gun because they don't like the feeling of it against their skin.

After giving this a try for carrying I’m loving it and I think you will too. It works great if you are wearing a flowy top or peplum hem where your gun might get exposed if a strong gust of wind blows through. Having that layer between you and your gun adds a nice layer of security when it comes to concealment. The addition of a tank top adds a smooth layer over your concealed carry gun which helps to blur any hard lines that tend to be noticeable when carrying. This smooth layer also helps to prevent your top of choice from settling into the open space between your body and the gun as well as helps to prevent your top from getting caught/catching on the grip. While you might not notice it if you are doing a lot of standing or walking, you'll notice it more when you go from sitting to standing or vice-versa. Depending on your top, it can easily settle into the outline of your gun. It's a great option to help mask any printing. The same technique holds true with thinner material blouses such as silk. These also have a tendency to cling to the body especially if there is any dry static air. If you've got a tank top to cover your gun, you won't have to worry about your blouse clinging to the lines of the gun and/or holster. 

There is one thing to keep in mind if you decided to add this layer, and that's drawing. If you're not used to this extra layer then you need to make sure you take time to practice your draw and how you plan to sweep both layers of clothing out of the way. Most camisoles or tank tops will be more fitted so they will require a change in how you sweep them out of the way so you can easily access your gun should you need it. 

I have two favorite brands that I love to wear - both are from shapewear companies, which can cause alarm as you might think they would be made with lots of compression and not allow easy access to your firearm but that's not the case with these two.  The first is the Spanx Thinstincts Camisole. These are my all year-round go to and what I love about these is that they have minimal compression so it's not like the rest of the Spanx line that's meant to suck everything in. The material is light-weight and best of all the fabric is smooth so my tops don't stick to it. I've found that cotton tanks or ones that are made using hosiery material cause my tops to get stuck on it. The other one I love is the TC Camisole. This one is pretty awesome especially if you like having a tank as a base layer. This is a two layer tank. The inner layer is more fitted with compression and perfect if you don't want your holster and gun touching your body. The second layer is more flowy but still sits nice against the body. I think this tank is made to be worn as a top on it's own but I like it in the winter as the extra layers add an extra layer of warmth.

It’s important to keep in mind that when you alter what you normally wear for carrying such as the style of top, the amount of layers, change in pant rise, or different carry positions that you take the time to practice and do some dry draws before you leave the house. Dry draws follow the same principal of dry fire practice (training with a cleared and unloaded weapon). The purpose is to draw your concealed firearm and take note of potential obstacles (if any) that might prohibit you from accessing your firearm smoothly. If you find it to be too difficult, then you can change your outfit and/or carrying position depending on what you added. Carrying a firearm is only helpful if you can access it and know how to use it.

When you have more time to devote to dry drawing then give that outfit and/or carrying position another go and keep practicing until you are comfortable.

READ MORE: The Women’s Ultimate Guide to Dressing for Concealed Carry

— Concealed Carry Details —

{LOOK ONE} Self-Defense Tool: Heckler & Koch VP9SK | Holster: Blacksmith Tactical | Belt: Rag and Bone
{LOOK TWO} Self-Defense Tool: Heckler & Koch VP9SK | Holster: StealthGear USA Ventcore | Belt: Rag and Bone
{LOOK THREE} Self-Defense Tool: Glock 43 | Holster: Blacksmith Tactical | Belt: Rag and Bone

{check out the discount codes page for holster discounts}

— Outfit Details —

{LOOK ONE} Sweater: Treasure & Bond via Nordstrom | Shirt: Caslon | Jeans: Rag and Bone | Bag: Chanel | Shoes: Christian Louboutin ‘So Kate’ Pump | Lipstick: Tarte Tarteist Matte Lip Paint in 'Cheerleader'
{LOOK TWO} Vest: The North Face | Shirt: Nordstrom | Tank Top: Spanx | Jeans: Blank NYC | Bag: Baggu | Shoes: Converse | Belt: Rag and Bone | Lipstick: Bite Beauty in 'Tannin'
{LOOK THREE} Sweater: Gap | Scarf: Abercrombie & Fitch | Jeans: AG Jeans | Bag: Baggu | Shoes: Vince Camuto ‘Francia’ Boots

Another way to use a tank top for carrying is to layer it under your top and behind your firearm and holster. Concealed carry can easily be accomplished with a feminine top that also happens to be see-through with the use of a tank top.

While you might have shied away from wearing lace when carrying you don't need to. The key is to layer a matching color tank to your top. This tends to work the best with darker fabrics. Although, you can wear a lighter color lace top with a matching or nude colored tank underneath and then wear the tank over the pistol.

You can also select a belt that also has a black buckle or opt for no belt if that is your preferred method. This is the belt I wear when I carry and specifically I wanted to show you that you can easily spot the buckle of the belt through the lace. However, you can't spot the firearm. Just keep in mind if your pistol is silver or has some brighter custom color work done that it will be visible. The husband didn't have any idea that I was even carrying in this outfit, and was quite shocked that he couldn't see it.

Don't be afraid to wear your feminine tops. It might take a little bit of "playing dress up" to figure out what works the best in order to conceal but it can be done.