Yet another option for concealed carry. Have you tried a belly band to hide your sidearm? If so, leave us a review in the comments section. We want to know what works and doesn’t work for the discriminating armed chick out there.
Fit for female cops: Belly band designs
While many women’s clothing items are far more tolerant in regard to the concealing of guns carried in belly bands, their bodies might not be
By Tom Marx
In the previous two installments, we completed our look at upper-body/cross-body concepts by studying Shoulder Holsters and Body Armor Holsters that were worn near the non-dominant side armpit. Today, we’ll look at belly bands.
Intro
The modular band offered by Uncle Mike’s appears to be discontinued, but a quick check of the web when I wrote this column showed that there are still a good number of outlets who are offering them. Non-modular but adjustable bands of very good quality are available from Galco (their UnderWraps™ model), Gould & Goodrich (their “Body Guard”), DeSantis (their Model 060), and a host of others. It appears that all of these models are sold by size (S-M-L-XL), are elastic in nature, and use hook-and-loop closers to secure them around the body. Colors vary but are generally black, white or beige.
Where to wear
While many women’s clothing items are far more tolerant in regard to the concealing of guns carried in belly bands, their bodies might not be. That’s not to say that belly bands are not popular with women — in my experience they are — but like everything else we have discussed here, there are issues to ponder when considering such a device.
| . | |||||||||||||||
|
|
|||||||||||||||
|
Most men can wear a properly designed belly band at any one of several points along the torso: low along the waist, in line with the belly, or on or just below the pectorals. In many cases, the gun can be positioned in a variety of locations around the body as well. Obviously women don’t have as many options. In fact, for many, only the belly height is viable. Even that won’t work for everybody depending on the size of the rib cage or breasts. Consider this before making a purchase.
The elastic problem
Most belly bands are elastic in nature, either completely or to allow for torso movement and expansion during exertion, so you need to decide if elastic is comfortable for you to wear. Since belly bands are designed to be worn directly against the skin, they might be irritating to the wearer. The aforementioned Uncle Mike’s band was made from a smooth finish, breathable material with hook-and-loop covered elastic closures. This was done to promote comfort.
Read the entire article here: https://www.policeone.com/police-products/duty-gear/holsters/articles/4480834-Fit-for-female-cops-Belly-band-designs/
 |
About the author Tom Marx left the Chicago Police Department in 1988 to become an instructor at the Smith & Wesson Academy. After several years of teaching full time both nationally and internationally, he shifted roles at Smith: first to a series of technical positions and then as Head of their Domestic Law Enforcement Operations. He left S&W to organize a Law Enforcement Division for Michaels of Oregon as well as to help design much of their police-related duty gear. Leaving Uncle Mike’s, Tom became Director of Intellectual Property for BLACKHAWK Products Group; focusing on the patent efforts for all of their divisions. Today, he is a consultant in various firearms, accessory and training matters. Throughout the years, Tom has continued to lecture and instruct both inside and outside the US with such diverse groups as ILEETA, IALEFI, WIFLE, LETC, NDIA, the NRA, and Team One Network. . |
