Best OWB Holster for Women Concealment: Jackets, Blazers, & Coats

Quick Look at OWB Holster for Women Concealment

• OWB holsters offer more comfort than IWB but require the right jacket and holster design for effective concealment.
• Choose looser-fitting or longer jackets like blazers, cardigans, and winter coats to reduce printing.
• Key holster features for concealment include a high ride, minimal profile, and secure retention.
• Test your holster with your preferred outerwear to ensure it stays concealed without printing during movement.
• Look for holsters designed for women’s body shapes for optimal comfort and concealment under jackets.

Related: Ankle Holsters for Women Carrying Small Pistols

OWB Holsters Are the Best Choice for Women’s Concealed Carry

When it comes to concealed carry, comfort is crucial, especially for women. While inside-the-waistband (IWB) holsters are popular for their concealment abilities, many women find them uncomfortable, particularly when seated or wearing form-fitting clothes. This is where outside-the-waistband (OWB) holsters come into play. OWB holsters are often a more comfortable option, as they avoid the discomfort of pressure against the waist. However, they do come with their own set of challenges when it comes to concealment.

The struggle of keeping your concealed carry weapon hidden while wearing jackets, blazers, cardigans, or coats is a common concern. Luckily, with the right combination of holster design, jacket choice, and carry techniques, it’s entirely possible to make OWB carry work even under outerwear.

In this guide, we’ll explore the best OWB holsters for women’s concealed carry, how to integrate them into your wardrobe, and the features you should look for in a holster that prioritizes comfort and concealment.

What OWB Means (And Why It’s Different for Women)

OWB vs. IWB in Plain Terms
OWB holsters are worn outside the waistband of your pants, which can provide more comfort than IWB holsters. The main difference between OWB and IWB is where the holster sits on your body. IWB holsters sit inside the waistband and are typically more concealed, but can feel restrictive, especially for women with curvier body shapes. On the other hand, OWB holsters tend to be more comfortable for extended wear because they don’t dig into the body, but they can be harder to conceal under clothing.

How Women’s Body Shape Affects OWB Concealment
Women’s body shapes can make it harder to conceal OWB holsters compared to men's. Curvier figures may face challenges with holsters that don’t sit close enough to the body, causing the grip or barrel of the firearm to print through clothing. Additionally, women’s wardrobes often feature more fitted or structured pieces, which can make concealing an OWB holster trickier than it would be for a man wearing loose clothing.

Common OWB Problems for Women:

1. Holster Sticking Out from Hips: An OWB holster can often be bulky, making it harder to blend in with a woman’s natural hip contour.
2. Jacket Printing at the Grip: The grip of the gun may print through a jacket, making the weapon visible to others.
3. Jacket Riding Up When Reaching: Reaching for something in your bag or stretching can cause your jacket to lift, exposing the firearm.

Best Jackets for Concealing OWB (Wardrobe Integration)

Successfully concealing an OWB holster under a jacket or outerwear involves careful selection of the right jacket type, fit, and holster setup. Below, we break down the best jacket styles for OWB carry.

1. Blazers (Structured vs. Fitted)

• Best Holster Ride Height: Medium to high ride, so the holster sits above the waistband.
• Best Position: Strong-side hip (3 o'clock) or slightly behind the hip (3:30–4 o'clock).
• What Causes Printing: Fitted blazers can be challenging because they have less room around the waist, making the gun more visible. A structured, looser blazer, however, offers more coverage.

2. Denim Jackets

• Best Holster Ride Height: Medium to high ride for a secure fit that doesn’t sag.
• Best Position: Slightly behind the hip, providing enough room for comfort.
• What Causes Printing: Denim is a sturdy material, but tighter cuts can cause the jacket to ride up, potentially revealing the holster’s grip.

3. Cardigans

• Best Holster Ride Height: Low to medium ride.
• Best Position: Strong-side or slightly behind the hip for easier concealment.
• What Causes Printing: Cardigans, especially when open, may not fully conceal the firearm, but loose cuts help reduce printing.

4. Leather Jackets

• Best Holster Ride Height: High ride to secure the firearm and keep it from shifting.
• Best Position: 3 o'clock or slightly behind, depending on body shape and jacket fit.
• What Causes Printing: Leather jackets can be a great option due to their sturdy structure, but tight cuts can hinder full concealment.

5. Coats (Winter Concealment Advantage)

• Best Holster Ride Height: High ride for maximum concealment under winter coats.
• Best Position: Strong-side hip or slightly behind the hip.
• What Causes Printing: Winter coats offer the best concealment since they are generally looser and provide ample room for covering the firearm.

Best OWB Carry Positions for Women Under a Jacket

Positioning your OWB holster correctly is crucial for both comfort and concealment. The common positions include:

• Strong-side hip (3 o’clock): Ideal for accessibility and comfort. However, the firearm may print more if your jacket is too fitted.
• Slight behind-hip (3:30–4 o’clock): A more concealable position with less printing, though reaching for the weapon may take slightly longer.
• Why OWB at 4–5 o’clock Can Print More for Some Body Types: Carrying at 4 or 5 o’clock can make concealment harder for some body types, especially women with fuller hips, as the firearm is more visible when bending or moving.

Comfort and concealment often require trade-offs, so experiment with positions and holsters to find what works best.

What to Look for in the Best OWB Holster for Women (Concealment Priority)

To successfully conceal your OWB holster under a jacket or coat, look for these key features:

1. High and Tight Ride: Keeps the firearm close to the body, reducing the chance of printing.
2. Forward Cant: A slight forward tilt for better concealment under outerwear.
3. Low-Profile Design: A holster with minimal thickness is essential to avoid bulging or printing under clothing.
4. Secure Retention: Ensure your holster has reliable retention features, such as an active or passive retention system.
5. Full Trigger Coverage: This prevents accidental discharges and improves safety.
6. Stable Belt Attachment: Look for solid belt loops or clips that provide a secure fit and prevent the holster from shifting during movement.
7. Edge Comfort: Women’s hip contours can make certain holsters uncomfortable, so choose one designed with these curves in mind.
8. Compatibility with Belts and Women’s Waist Sizing: A holster that works with various belt sizes and types will ensure a snug fit.

OWB Holster Materials: What Works Best Under Jackets

When considering material options for OWB holsters, there are three main choices:

1. Kydex: Lightweight and structured, Kydex holsters are often the most minimalistic and concealment-friendly.
2. Leather: While offering superior comfort and molding to the body, leather holsters can sometimes add bulk.
3. Hybrid: Combining the best of both worlds, hybrid holsters use Kydex for the holster and leather or other materials for comfort.

Thin Kydex holsters often provide the best concealment under jackets due to their minimal profile.

Product Comparison

Here’s a comparison of the best OWB holsters for women designed for concealment under jackets:

1. We The People Holsters: Kydex Pancake OWB

• Material: Kydex
• Ride Height: High
• Best Jacket Type: Blazer, Casual Jacket
• Pros: Minimal profile, tight to the body
• Cons: May need adjustments for certain body types
• Price Range: $50–$80
• Best For: Those who want minimalistic, secure concealment

2. CrossBreed Holsters: SuperTuck Deluxe

• Material: Leather/Kydex hybrid
• Ride Height: Medium
• Best Jacket Type: Denim, Leather
• Pros: Excellent comfort, adjustable cant
• Cons: Slightly bulkier than Kydex-only holsters
• Price Range: $80–$120
• Best For: Long-lasting comfort with style

3. Galco: Combat Master

• Material: Leather
• Ride Height: High
• Best Jacket Type: Leather Jacket, Winter Coat
• Pros: High-quality leather, comfortable for all-day wear
• Cons: Can stretch over time
• Price Range: $120–$150
• Best For: Premium comfort and style under coats

Comparison Table for OWB holsters

Holster	Material	Ride Height	Concealment Under Jacket	Comfort	Best Jacket Pairing	Price
We The People – Kydex Pancake OWB	Kydex	High	Excellent	High	Blazer, Casual Jacket	$50–$80
CrossBreed – SuperTuck Deluxe	Leather/Kydex Hybrid	Medium	Good	Very High	Denim, Leather Jacket	$80–$120
Galco – Combat Master	Leather	High	Very Good	High	Leather Jacket, Winter Coat	$120–$150
Alien Gear – Cloak Mod	Kydex	Medium	Good	High	Cardigans, Casual Blazers	$60–$100
Desantis – Speed Scabbard	Leather	High	Excellent	High	Blazer, Winter Coat	$90–$140

How to Conceal OWB Under a Jacket Without Printing

To prevent printing when carrying OWB under a jacket, follow these tips:

1. Choose the Right Jacket Length: Longer jackets and coats are ideal for full coverage.
2. Avoid Fitted/Tapered Hems: Loose jackets provide more concealment and prevent the grip from printing.
3. How to Prevent Grip Printing: Use a jacket with a looser fit or a shirt underneath to help hide the firearm’s grip.
4. Belt Stiffness Matters: A stiff, strong belt ensures your holster stays in place, preventing movement that may cause printing.
5. Movement Tests: Reach, bend, and sit to ensure the jacket covers your firearm during everyday movements.

OWB for Work vs Casual Wear

When considering whether to wear an OWB holster for work versus casual wear, consider:

• Office Jackets: Look for loose-fitting blazers or coats that hide the firearm discreetly.
• Errands and Daily Wear: Denim jackets, cardigans, and casual blazers work best for everyday carry.
• Winter Carry Advantage: Winter coats offer the best concealment, allowing you to carry comfortably.

Safety Notes (Retention + Exposure Risks)
OWB holsters generally need more secure retention than IWB holsters because of their open-carry nature. Ensure the holster features retention systems to prevent accidental exposure or “flashing” when your jacket lifts unexpectedly.

Perfecting OWB Carry Under a Jacket

Finding the best OWB holster for women requires considering both comfort and concealment. With the right jacket and holster, women can confidently carry a concealed firearm while remaining comfortable and stylish. High-ride, tight-fitting holsters are particularly effective for concealment under jackets.

Find Your Perfect OWB Holster

Explore the best OWB holsters for women designed for comfort and concealment under jackets. Check current pricing and see top-rated options to ensure your concealed carry setup works seamlessly with your wardrobe.

Check out this video from Warrior Poet Society About Concealed Carry Under TUCKED Shirts, GYM Clothes, & LADIES wear:

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