Many women wear yoga pants for daily routines, such as a morning jog or a trip to the bodega. They are comfortable and stylish, but can they be used for concealed carry? Off-body carry offers greater convenience than on-body holsters for tight clothing like yoga pants. The key is finding the right pants and holsters to fit your needs.
Style
Stylish concealed carry yoga pants allow you to enjoy your firearm’s benefits without wearing a belt and holster. Some are designed with holster pockets in the waistband, while others come in a camo-style fabric and feature a pocket for magazines and other self-defense accessories.
Some pants may require sizing up to accommodate your holster. This can make them feel too tight, especially if you’re carrying a heavy handgun or large magazine. It can also cause the fabric to move around, creating printing issues for your gun.
Concealed carry leggings are form-fitting, elastic yoga-type pants optimized for EDC and concealed carry of a firearm or other weapon. They typically have a little Lycra woven into the fabric to add stretch and flexibility. They work well with IWB holsters that clip to your belt or outside-the-waistband (OWB) holsters that sit on the hip. They also pair nicely with tactical-style jackets with holster pockets in the front for off-body carrying.
Convenience
For women who are comfortable with off-body carry but still want to enjoy the convenience of yoga pants, leggings with integrated holster pockets are also available. These holsters clip to a gun belt and allow you to keep your firearm comfortably hidden in the waistband.
Another benefit of the pockets is that they can be used for other essentials like keys when running errands after yoga class or a wallet while traveling. These holster-friendly yoga pants are also great for hiking and other outdoor activities.
The material used in tactical yoga pants is thicker than standard leggings, making them more durable. They also feature gusset inserts, which are triangular or diamond-shaped to disperse pressure around the crotch seams. This prevents a single point of stress from wearing through the fabric and can extend the life of the pair of pants. They also offer a comfortable fit that allows you to move freely in your yoga poses.
Comfort
Most leggings and yoga pants are functional as sportswear, but they don’t offer durability for carrying EDC gear like knives, multitools, spare magazines, or guns. Standard leggings and yoga pants can chafe or scrape against the complex rectangular metal objects in waistband holsters. This can cause discomfort in the hip area and may result in your weapon creeping out of the holster.
A belly band holster is an effective alternative that doesn’t require belt loops and offers concealment in two carry methods: kidney or appendix. It also works well with slim outfits such as yoga pants and tees.
Finding the right holster for your firearm is the secret to comfortable concealed carry while exercising. It must have trigger protection, retention, quick draw and reholster, and support your firearm as you move. Most importantly, it must be durable enough to handle the wear and tear of your active lifestyle. A good holster is made of a rigid material that won’t tear or stretch.
Safety
For those who carry concealed firearms, having the right gear helps ensure their safety. The type of leggings they wear also matters to their safety. For instance, leggings that feature an integrated holster are ideal. They offer a safe and comfortable way to conceal their weapon, making them suitable for any outfit, including yoga pants.
Other ways to hide a gun during yoga classes include using a bra holster. Still, these aren’t less safe than a dedicated holster that fits their weapons and provides trigger protection, retention, quick draw & reholster, and comfort. Some holsters also come with pockets and compartments holding other defensive tools, such as pepper spray, flashlights, tourniquets, and more.
Some ladies prefer appendix carry, where they keep their weapon a few inches to the side of their belly button, which allows them to access it easily. This method is ideal for gym, running, and other public activities.
