When it comes to concealed carry during the summer months we can all agree on one thing…it’s a little bit harder. The weather, along with the clothing options, can present a bit of a challenge. We tend to wear less clothes, lightweight fabrics, and brighter colors. It requires a little more outfit planning than the cooler months and, additionally, the summer heat & humidity add in another factor…so much sweat. The sweat struggle is real on those triple digit days. While sweat can’t be avoided (if you’ve figured that out, let me in on your secret) and neither can the heat, there are ways to make dressing for concealed carry a lot easier during the summer months. Just keep in mind that the peace of mind that comes with carrying a self-defense tool also means that some concessions need to be made.

1. CLOTHING FABRIC WEIGHT & TYPE

One of the first things to consider when it comes to summer carry is the weight and type of fabric of your summer clothing choices. Summer fabrics become thinner and more breathable, so look for cotton and linen. These natural fabrics will keep you cool. For shorts or skirts you will need to also consider if the fabric can withstand the weight of the firearm and holster. Even with the use of a Fabriclip or Ulticip (which doesn’t require a belt) there is no way your bottom will adequately be able to support the weight. They will sag, droop, and potentially fall down. Don’t be afraid to switch up your clothing color palette. As much as I would love to wear black all day long, it’s not that practical in the summer. Dark colors absorb sunlight, so I go more for light-colored garments but bright colors work too!

2. PLAY WITH PRINTS & PATTERNS

One of the great things about warmer weather is that when it comes to fashion there is an influx of prints and patterns that make their way onto cute tops, shorts, and dresses. While you may have shied away from prints in favor of solid colors in the past, now is the time to start giving them a look. Patterns and prints do a great job of distracting the eye from any potential printing from your firearm.

3. DETAILS & ACCESSORIES ARE A GIRL'S BEST FRIEND

Not all our tops from our pre-carry life need to be ditched. I personally love a good quality simple t-shirt but some of you may feel too “exposed” by just this thin layer of fabric between your self-defense tool and the rest of the world. However, there may not be a need to say goodbye to your favorite tee. You can add an accessory like a scarf or a statement necklace to draw the eye of a passerby up towards your face rather than to your mid-section. Lightweight fabric scarves can be styled in several ways and can be done so you won’t feel overheated. There are so many stylish designs, prints, and colors to add a fun summer look that isn’t bulky. Another great feature in summer tops is in the hemline. While I typically stayed away from peplum style or ruffled hem shirts in my pre-carry life they are now one of my favorite options during summer. They allow for ease of access, but also make for easy carrying, and isn’t that what we want? They are such a perfect option for concealing, and the best part is that tops with these types of details help you to maintain that femininity in your style which is huge when it comes to carrying because no one would expect you to be carrying. There are many lightweight layers you can add to help make this lifestyle as effortless as possible. Plus, while it might be 100 degrees outside chances are that inside the A/C is cranking and it’s cold. If you’re anything like me (always cold) I always have a layer with me even in the dead of summer.

4. CONSIDER CARRY POSITION

Another way to help make carrying in the summer easier is to think about changing up your carry position. While I personally don’t like to change my carry position, sometimes it’s needed depending on what you’re wearing and doing. It’s important to be open to making adjustments, but also accounting for those changes by training and practicing.

While your preferred carry position might be appendix, like mine, carrying in the small of the back/kidney carry might provide a little bit more versatility depending on your summer wardrobe. You could easily kidney carry with a fitted top and loose summer layer as a cover garment.

Alternatively, carrying in a dress may be more of a challenge. The good news is there are a bunch of options when it comes to carrying and wearing a dress that you can opt for: like a thigh holster, concealment shorts, ankle holsters, bra holsters, or a belly band. Other holster options to consider depending on your style of dress or jumpsuit are thigh holster shorts from Dene Adams, Undertech Undercover, bra holsters from Dene Adams, ankle holster from BugBite Holsters, or even this Lethal Lace universal holster wrap. The Lethal Lace holster also works with a Sticky Holster allowing you to place it in many different areas on your body to suit your need. Depending on what you’re wearing, this added layer might be too much in the summer heat, but they do allow for options.

Another carry position to consider is off-body carry, while it’s not my personal preference it is a viable option especially if your alternative is to not have a self-defense tool at all. Just be sure you are using a handbag or purse that is made specifically for concealed carry. Concealed carry purses have specific internal compartments and built-in holsters for your firearm. You don’t want your firearm floating around aimlessly in your bag. And if you do opt for off-body carry, it’s important that you never lose sight of your bag or leave it unsecured.

5. CONSIDER ALTERNATIVE HOLSTER OPTIONS

When it comes to holsters it’s really a personal preference. A holster that one person may rave about another person may not share the same feelings. What we all do in this lifestyle is to help make recommendations based on what we like and don’t like. Having the right holster helps to make dressing easier. Having options when it comes to holsters will ensure that you can still carry and look cute even in the summer. Don't be restricted to only using one style holster, and experiment with different holster types to find what works for you and your wardrobe.

Concealed Carry Details: Blacksmith Tactical AIWB with Fabriclip option | Can Can Concealment Classic Hip Hugger | StealthGearUSA Ventcore Appendix Holster
{check out the discount codes page for holster discounts}

final thoughts

While carrying in the summer can pose its own set of challenges it’s important to play around with your carry positions and holsters that you are comfortable with, but that also work for your lifestyle. You might find that you need to make adjustments, but you shouldn't be opposed to them since they will give you more options with your wardrobe. However, along with these options there needs to be an increased commitment to training. You must practice and train when you start changing things up with your everyday carry routine. Everything changes with your EDC when the change of season happens. Just the change of fabric in your clothing choices will change how a garment will clear. During an attack is not the time to not know where your firearm is, nor is it the time to learn how to draw it. You want as few obstacles as possible during a threat, and getting in quality training reps is how to do that.

My piece of advice when you want to move into this lifestyle is to have patience and take the time to find what works for you, with your wardrobe, and your lifestyle. A carry method, holster choice, and firearm are personal choices that only you can make for yourself and what works for one person may not work for you. That doesn’t mean you should give up. That just means you haven’t found the right combination for you. This isn’t a one size fits all lifestyle.