Belly Carry: A Search for Comfort, Convenience, and Concealment

“How do you conceal your gun in tight clothing?” “What do you use while working out or jogging?” “What’s the best holster for XYZ?” These are questions I get all the time as a female firearms instructor. My answer is usually, “It depends.” And then I give some examples of what works for me and my body type, shape, clothing, etc., with the caveat that it really might not work for you. For the past 10 years that I’ve been concealed carrying, I have been on the search for the perfect belly carry holster, and while that product is still elusive, I think I’ve found a product that is pretty darn close for me. 

Sponsored by Walther Arms

For us ladies, we are aware of the challenge of trying to overcome the joys of curves, stretchy clothing and soft squishy body parts. While I do appreciate and often use the appendix-carry-in-Kydex-holster-on-the-belt-inside-the-pants option, it doesn’t work well when you’re wearing dresses or leggings, so I need to use a belly band. If you’ve done any amount of research, you will know that finding a well-constructed and reliable belly band option is a challenge. Finding one where you can work out (aka bending, stretching, and bouncing without the gun falling out) and that has some sort of retention is really hard (most have a Velcro strap that I don’t love).

I’ve used belly bands for nearly a decade, since they are often marketed to the ladies. Some work better than others. My criteria have changed over the years, so if I’m going to recommend one, it will need the following two non-negotiable qualities: the trigger guard must be covered by something hard and it must be made as molded Kydex holster or at the least, a hard insert that prevents the accidental pull of the trigger. 

Furthermore, my own preferences would be the following:

• Must be comfortable – because who wears something that feels like a torture chamber?
• Must be adjustable to my plus or minus 15 pounds my body seems to play with. 
• Conceal both my small sub-compact firearm, as well as my larger compact. 

For the past few months, I’ve been cycling through quite a few options (we all have that drawer/bin where holsters go to die), so I’ll mention a few more current options using my everyday carry, the Walther PDP-F series in 3.5 or 4 inch with some honest pros and cons. 

The first one comes from Crossbreed. They came out with a Modular Belly Band that meets the four criteria above. It is designed to be worn around the waist, belly or torso. According to Crossbreed’s website, the Modular Belly Band Holster 2.0 band “features an antimicrobial (up to 25 hand washes) polyester jersey outer shell to allow for a soft and smooth form-fitting feeling against your skin that is still very breathable to allow for cooling. The band also features anti-slip panels to keep it in place, a pocket for your phone or other devices, and two small pockets for additional magazines.” 

I’m glad they created a Velcro-backed Modular Holster specific to my firearm model that attaches to the band that is then wrapped around for a secure hold. (Bonus: I prefer to use this in my purse or safe!) The fabric is comfortable and is relatively breathable in the Colorado summer. Unfortunately, I could not get my Walther PDP-F to stop printing significantly, no matter what position I placed it in. I could not get it tight enough for the heavy grip to not tip out and become obvious. It might work better for those who don’t mind wearing loose-fitting clothes or jackets, but it was a challenge for me with lightweight summer clothing.

I had similar issues with the Dene Adams Virtue Black Modular Waistband. I wear it under my leggings while walking or hiking, but the stock is very obviously sticking out. I think it is more comfortable to wear than the Crossbreed, as it was originally designed as a part of concealed carry leggings. As usual, the product is very well made of poly foam and “with five concealable compartments to accommodate your firearm and accessories and the ability to be worn around the waistline or hips” and it doesn’t tip forward as much. 

I can wear a hoodie with a pocket or oversized shirt and it’s not as obvious, but it is noticeable no matter what position I place it in. It is still my go-to for evening walking when I need something quick and comfortable without too much bulk, because it is easy to tuck into my compression leggings and go. They do have a modular Kydex holster that attaches as well, and the band is sturdy enough to sustain the weight. 

Now for the MAGIC. I’m sure you’ve heard the hype in the past year surrounding the new Enigma by Phlster. Years ago, I had a prototype and was intrigued by the design, but it needed a lot of engineering and work to make it more comfortable and versatile. Phlster took over the design and created the Enigma. Since I was already familiar and didn’t love the comfort of the prototype design and I was waiting for the kinks to be worked out, I was slow to place an order. 

When the new sport belt option came out, I purchased the Express for my Walther PDP-F with a sport belt, skeleton holster and reduced belt buckle. Ladies, this is it. For me, I’ve hit holster gold. I’ve been so excited as I can wear tighter clothing, dresses, and even workout outfits without fear of printing.

There are multiple things I love about the Enigma.

• The Facebook community. They have a huge user group that shares ideas, helps each other “dial it in,” and give feedback on the design, which the lead designers Jon and Sarah Hauptmann listen to. You get feedback in a group of 30,000+ members directly from them, which is mind-blowing to me. You see all sorts of body types and how they carry. 
• Versatility. The reason why this is such a unique holster system is that it has a chassis and belt system that attaches to many Kydex holsters. You can look on their website for options or see if what you already have would work. 

• Adjustability. You find your “sweet spot,” which for me is much more central (around 12 o’clock) and much higher than usual. When you appendix-carry, you are captive to wherever your waistband is or where your belt sits, but with the Enigma you’re able to adjust to the flattest area and you adjust from there. To further make your gun disappear, you “poke and check” and fine tune as necessary. Y’all, when done right, my gun practically disappears.

• Education. Ok, so this isn’t about the design, but it is worth mentioning. Not only has Phlster created a fine product, but they also continue to have the best videos on the market on holsters and concealed carry in general. Check them out here, regardless of what system you use to keep your best friend around. Their videos range from demonstrating how to holster and draw safely to how to modify your own set up to make it work for you. 

Since it sits differently than my usual carry position, I wanted to make sure I could draw from it safely and consistently. On top of my regular dry fire, I used it during my 8-hour training with the fabulous Tatiana Whitlock this weekend and it performed beautifully. I thought it was funny that she spoke extensively about the Enigma in her Carry with Confidence class. She had a great idea for those who might need more back support and who have skin sensitivity. After her cesarean section, she modified how she wore her Enigma with her post-surgical wrap even to this day. Try it and see if this might work for you! 

I personally wear a thin tank underneath to prevent chafing and direct contact but that’s usual for me. In hotter temps that might be a problem. Hot spots can be taken care of with moleskin. I make mine tight-tight and have no issues with bending or sitting at all. I am so happy that there’s retention as I’ve heard of more than one story when an enthusiastic move resulted in a disastrous displacement of the firearm with subpar holsters. The only thing I noticed is that sometimes I will get movement up when I draw. The leg leash prevents it from moving too far up but that is something to consider. The crisper the draw or an exterior belt greatly reduces the wiggle, and I didn’t have any problems during training. 

Overall, I am very pleased to find an option that not only fits all my criteria, especially for safety, it also marries the best of both appendix and belly band carry in a unique and comfortable package. I can’t help but be extremely enthusiastic about it because there is absolutely a need for this type of product. I do believe that this is incredibly clever and will change concealed carry practices. Try these out and see what you think! 

Crossbreed Modular Belly Band Package 2.0 (Retail $74.95) and Modular Holster (Retail starts at $44.95)

Dene Adams Virtue Modular Waistband Holster (Retails $104.99) and Dene Adams Trigger Guards and Holsters (Starts at $69.99)

Phlster Enigma (Retail price varies, starts at $93 for standard) 

See all the guns Walther Arms offers at WaltherArms.com.

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  About Julie Park

  Julie Park was born in South Korea, raised in Canada, and is now living in her beloved Rockies in beautiful Colorado Springs with her husband and 5 kids. An attempted break-in transformed this stay-at-home, unassuming woman into a pistol-packin’ mama serious about the safety of herself and her loved ones. She is a certified NRA pistol instructor and Chief Range Safety Officer, and has been teaching and training women (and men!) just like her for the past several years. She has been a chapter and state leader in women’s shooting organizations and an instructor at her local range. She loves discovering new guns and products for women and sharing her passion with others. If she’s not shooting and training, she is homeschooling her kids, enjoying travels and connecting with her favorite books and people. View all posts by Julie Park →

   

The Conversation

4 Comments

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  Janice Hunt says: October 5, 2023 at 10:01 am

  Where can I try one on? I am in Englewood , CO
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  Michelle Cerino says: October 6, 2023 at 7:25 am

  Hi Janice! Contact Phlstr directly and they may be able to give you information on a dealer nearby. https://www.phlsterholsters.com
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  Karen Schrader says: October 1, 2023 at 8:40 am

  Phlster’s website says “Walther PDP-F 3.5” only”. Does it work for the 4”?
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  Michelle Cerino says: October 6, 2023 at 7:22 am

  Good morning Karen! You may want to contact Phlster directly for that question.
  https://www.phlsterholsters.com