Letโs be real: thereโs nothing stealthy about constantly tugging at your shirt, checking your waistband, or walking like youโve got a stick shoved somewhere unfortunate. If youโve ever felt like everyone knows youโre carryingโspoiler: they donโtโthen youโre not alone.
Those first few weeks (or months) of concealed carry can feel awkward. Youโre hyper-aware of every step, every movement, every glance someone throws your way. โDid they see it?โ โAm I printing?โ โWhat if I bend over to grab my kidโs juice box and the whole world finds out Iโm armed?โ
Sound familiar? Youโre not paranoidโyouโre just adjusting. But hereโs the good news: confidence can be learned. Itโs the difference between nervously fidgeting all day and walking through life with quiet, unshakable preparedness. This article breaks down 5 steps to ditch the anxiety and start carrying like a pro. No more fidgeting. No more second-guessing. Just you, your firearm, and the confidence to move like you own the place.
Step 1: Trust Your Setup
Hereโs the deal: if you donโt trust your holster and gear, you will fidget. Whether itโs a cheap holster that shifts around or a belt that wonโt hold its ground, youโll be adjusting your rig all day like a nervous middle-schooler on picture day.
What to Do:
- Invest in Quality Gear: A good holster should fit your gun like a glove, stay put when you move, and offer solid retention. Bonus points if itโs comfortable enough to forget youโre even wearing it.
- Test It at Home: Strap up and wear your setup around the house. Bend over, sit, jump, or do whatever movements your daily life requires. If your holster shifts, digs, or leaves you exposed, itโs time for adjustments.
- Practice Your Draw: A secure holster doesnโt just hold your gunโit allows for a smooth, reliable draw. Practice at home (safely and unloaded) until youโre confident you can access your firearm without fuss.
Remember: the more you trust your setup, the less youโll mess with it. Confidence starts with knowing your gear is rock solid.
Step 2: Check YourselfโOnce
News flash: most people are far too absorbed in their own lives to notice what youโre doing. That tiny bump under your sweater? Yeah, Karen in the cereal aisle is not paying attention.
The problem comes when you check yourself over and over. Adjusting your clothes. Glancing nervously in every reflective surface. Guess what? Thatโs what makes you stand out.
What to Do:
- The Mirror Test: Before leaving home, do one final โmirror check.โ Turn, bend, and twistโif everything looks good, youโre good. Thatโs your one and done.
- Stop Touching It: Every time you feel the urge to adjust, remind yourself that itโs unnecessary. Your holster hasnโt moved, and nobodyโs looking. Confidence is quiet; paranoia is loud.
Let your setup do its job, and trust that youโre the only one who knows whatโs under your sweater.
Step 3: Dress for Success
Hereโs a hard truth: your wardrobe may need a slight overhaul. That body-hugging crop top might not be the best choice for concealed carry. Neither is that awkwardly stiff pair of jeans that forces your waistband to fight for its life.
What to Do:
- Layer It Up: Loose layers, flowy tops, and even light jackets can work wonders for concealment. Not only do they hide printing, but they also make you look effortlessly chic. Win-win.
- Think Holster First: Plan your outfits around your holster and firearmโnot the other way around. Trust me, this is so much easier than trying to shove a Glock under a sundress that doesnโt agree.
- Donโt Sacrifice Comfort: If youโre uncomfortable in your clothes, youโll be uncomfortable carrying. Find that sweet spot where style and function meet.
When you dress with concealed carry in mind, youโll feel more confident, less self-conscious, and ready to take on the day without constant fidgeting.
Step 4: Choose the Right HolsterโKydex Is Your Friend
If youโre constantly worried about whether your trigger is exposed or your firearm is going to slip, fidgeting becomes second nature. Let me say this loud and clear a good holster eliminates half of your anxiety about concealed carry.
Why Kydex?
Kydex holsters offer superior trigger protection. The rigid, molded material ensures your trigger is completely covered, reducing the risk of accidental discharges. When you know your trigger is secure, you can move, bend, sit, and live your life without second-guessing your every move.
A Word About Concealed Carry Leggings:
We all love a good pair of tactical leggingsโtheyโre comfy, functional, and make you feel like a concealed carry queen. But hereโs the deal: most leggings rely on built-in holster pockets that degrade after just a few washes. Unless those leggings have mega structural integrity and include a solid retention strap, youโre placing a dangerous amount of trust in a piece of stretchy fabric.
What to Do:
- Use Kydex for your everyday holsterโitโs reliable, secure, and durable.
- If you love leggings for carry, test them regularly for retention and wear.
- Pair your leggings with a proper belt and a belt-mounted holster whenever possible.
The bottom line? Your confidence will skyrocket when you know your gun isnโt going anywhere, your trigger is protected, and your gear can handle whatever you throw at it. Invest in the right holster setup and stop giving a second thought to wardrobe malfunctions.
Step 5: Train for Confidence
Hereโs the reality: a gun you donโt train with is just a heavy accessory. Carrying without practice can actually increase your anxiety because deep down, youโre not 100% sure youโre ready to use it.
What to Do:
- Live-Fire Practice: Hit the range regularly with your concealed carry setup. Focus on accuracy, speed, and safe draws from your holster.
- Dry Fire Drills: Practice drawing and presenting your firearm safely at home. Repetition builds muscle memory, and muscle memory builds confidence.
- Take Classes: Consider defensive pistol courses, situational awareness training, or scenario-based workshops. Real-world training bridges the gap between carrying and being ready.
When you train consistently, youโre not just carrying a gunโyouโre carrying the confidence to handle whatever comes your way.
Conclusion: Stop Fidgeting, Start Owning It
Letโs be honest: carrying a firearm comes with its challenges. Itโs not always easy, especially at first. But the more you trust your setup, move with intention, and train like it matters (because it does), the more confident youโll become.
No more fidgeting. No more second-guessing. Just you, carrying with the quiet, powerful confidence of a woman who knows sheโs prepared for anything.
Now, step out that door, stand tall, and let the world wonder why you look so unshakable.
Related article: 5 Concealed Carry Options That Will Set You Freeย
