What’s the Best Type of Holster for Your Concealed Carry Leggings

Carrying concealed in leggings can be a game changer—but only if you’re doing it safely. While many holsters are marketed as “comfortable” or “discreet,” not all are safe, especially when worn with leggings. Some holsters shift, collapse, or fail to protect the trigger properly—turning a self-defense tool into a serious risk.

If you want to carry confidently and safely, the type of holster you use matters. And not all holsters make the cut. So what’s the best—and safest—option for concealed carry in leggings?

Let’s break it down.

What Makes a Holster Safe?

When it comes to concealed carry, safety should always come first. A safe holster must:

Completely cover the trigger on both sides (to prevent negligent discharges)
Made of rigid material (aka Kydex)
Provide proper retention (so the gun stays put)
Maintain an open mouth when the gun is not in it (for consistent and safe reholstering)
Made for you firearm’s make and model (to ensure proper fit, retention, and trigger coverage)
Allows for one-handed draw (so you can respond quickly and keep your support hand free in emergencies)

Most fabric or soft-sided holsters simply don’t meet these standards. Unfortunately, that includes options like belly bands and neoprene pouches.

Unsafe Holster Options to Avoid

Let’s be clear, these types of holsters are not safe for carrying a loaded firearm.

Belly Bands & Fabric Holsters: These soft holsters collapse under pressure and often shift while moving—both of which are major red flags. Without rigid, hard-sided trigger protection, there’s nothing preventing an accidental discharge.
Trigger Guard Holsters with Clips: While sleek and minimal, these holsters lack one crucial feature: the ability to reholster with one hand. In a self-defense situation, not being able to reholster while keeping your support hand free could put you at further risk.
Built-in Fabric Holsters in Leggings: Many popular concealed carry leggings use thin, pocket-style holsters sewn directly into the waistband. While convenient, these fabric holsters typically lack proper retention and do not offer sufficient trigger protection—leaving your firearm vulnerable to shifting and accidental pressure on the trigger.
Thigh Holsters: Though practical under dresses and skirts, thigh holsters are rarely paired with true Kydex shells due to bulk and discomfort. Without a rigid holster, they fall short of meeting even the most basic safety standards.

The Safe Option: Kydex Holsters

Kydex holsters are the gold standard in firearm safety—and for good reason. They’re rigid, custom-molded to your firearm, and provide audible retention (that satisfying click when your gun is holstered).

When paired with leggings, the safest setup is:

A Kydex holster with a high-quality clip that securely attaches to reinforced waistband leggings - like those from Koa Athletics.

Our concealed carry leggings were designed with safety as the top priority. Each pair features a reinforced waistband with an integrated belted system that securely supports your Kydex holster—preventing any slipping, sagging, or shifting.

Why Koa Athletics Leggings Are the Smart Choice

We didn’t just make leggings—we engineered them for women who carry.

Strong Reinforced Waistband – Holds your Kydex holster firmly in place
No built-in soft holster – So you can choose your own safe Kydex setup
Designed by women, for women – To optimize concealing a firearm with ease
Built for fitness – Move, bend, and train without your firearm shifting
Tested with real firearm instructors – Our designs meet real-world standards