Concealed Carry for Women by Kate Alexander Krueger © 1997, All Rights Reserved   I've recently had quite a number of gentleman and ladies ask me about the best type of holster for concealment carry for women.  Usually the first thing that comes to mind when looking for something for a woman to carry a firearm in  is  "...what kind of purse is available?"  Now I'm not saying that a holster purse does not have a place because that isn't true.  As a matter of fact I own a few that I use quite a bit.  But what I am saying is that in today's society of purse snatching it is not the wisest place for your gun on a full time basis.  Let me layout some basic facts and then work from there.  The first is that the best place for carrying a handgun is on your person.  Second is that a woman's waistline is approximately 4 inches higher than the average male.   Third is that most holsters designed for concealment are made for a man's build.  The last is not a fact but a question. Where should the gun be positioned for the strongest draw?  Remembering that when drawing you need to keep the wrist straight and strong for control and the elbow low and in close for the best weapon retention.  With a woman's waistline being so much higher that means that farther back behind the hip is not always the best option for many women.  When the hand grips the gun the wrist is bent and the elbow is very high. So with all that said these are the types of holsters to look for on today's market.  A holster designed with straight barrel design that rides low on the belt and worn at the side seam or just forward of the side seam.  These can be purchased in the "in the pant" styles through a few manufacturers.  With a light dress vest or blazer over it the gun is very concealable. Another type is a belly band with a cross draw holster built into it.  Set the belly band so that it sits even with your waistband (skirt or slacks) and set the cross draw holster on your strong side hip slightly ahead of the side seam.  This position is not only comfortable but very easy to draw from, defend and conceal. There are also fanny packs available in a variety of styles.  These are very good too but look for the ones that are easiest to use when drawing (ie, zippers work smoothly, not velcro dependent, etc..).   For some women there is the shoulder holster but you must have good flexibility, long arms and a slight build.  For those of us who are more robust with less arm span this is not an option.   Watch for future articles expanding more on issues regarding  female shooters.  For more information send me email I will be happy to help where I can.