Carry comfortably, even in athletic shorts
Concealed carry presents a unique challenge when you’re wearing athletic shorts, which is a common thing for a lot of men and women in the warmer areas. These garments, designed for comfort and mobility, lack the sturdy waistband found in traditional pants, making it difficult to securely carry a firearm on something such as a belt. However, with the right holster, it’s entirely possible to carry comfortably and discreetly.
Our team at Guerrilla Tactical has decided to explore what makes a holster suitable for athletic shorts and why the Low Pro from Guerrilla Tactical stands out as the best option.
The Challenges of Concealed Carry in Athletic Shorts
Athletic shorts are typically made from lightweight, flexible materials that are ideal for sports and physical activities, like going to the gym. However, these same features make concealed carry difficult. The lack of a rigid waistband or belt means there’s nothing to provide support for a holster, and the thin fabric can easily reveal the outline of your firearm, compromising concealment. Additionally, maintaining easy access to your firearm can be tricky with loose-fitting shorts that may shift during movement.
Another challenge is the overall weight of the firearm. Athletic shorts aren’t designed to hold heavy objects securely, which means that even with a good holster, the weight of the firearm can cause the shorts to sag or become uncomfortable. This makes it essential to choose a lightweight firearm and a holster that distributes weight effectively to avoid discomfort during wear.
Given these challenges, the key to successful concealed carry in athletic shorts is choosing a holster that offers secure retention, minimizes printing, and remains comfortable during physical activity.
What to Look for in a Holster for Athletic Shorts
When selecting a holster to wear with athletic shorts, consider the following features:
- Slim Profile: A bulky holster is likely to shift or move around, especially during physical activity, and can be uncomfortable. A slim, low-profile holster is less obtrusive and more comfortable.
- Strong Retention: Since athletic shorts don’t provide the support of a belt, a holster with strong retention is essential to keep the firearm secure. Look for features like dual retention points or secure clip attachments.
- Comfortable Material: The holster material should be smooth and comfortable against the skin, as it may be in direct contact with your body. Materials like Kydex are durable and provide a consistent fit.
- Minimal Printing: To maintain concealment, the holster should be designed to reduce printing—the visible outline of your firearm through clothing. Features like a modwing claw can help by pressing the grip of the gun closer to your body.
- Versatility and Adaptability: The holster should be adaptable to different carry positions and adjustable to fit snugly with various types of athletic shorts.
- Lightweight Construction: To avoid weighing down your athletic shorts, a holster should be lightweight. A heavy holster, combined with the weight of the firearm, can cause discomfort and reduce mobility, which is counterproductive to the purpose of wearing athletic shorts in the first place.
The Best Concealed Carry Holster for Athletic Shorts
The Low Pro from Guerrilla Tactical is designed specifically to meet the needs of those who require maximum concealment and comfort, making it an ideal choice for concealed carry in athletic shorts. Here’s why:
1. Most Concealable IWB Design
The Low Pro is Guerrilla Tactical’s most concealable inside-the-waistband (IWB) holster. Its slim design ensures that it hugs your body closely, reducing the chances of printing and making it nearly invisible under lightweight athletic shorts.
The slim profile of the Low Pro makes it an excellent choice for those who need to carry discreetly. Whether you’re running errands, heading to the gym, or going for a jog, the Low Pro ensures that your firearm stays hidden, reducing the risk of drawing unwanted attention.
2. Dual Retention for a Snug Fit
The Low Pro comes standard with two points of retention, ensuring that your firearm stays securely in place even without the support of a traditional belt. This strong retention is crucial when carrying in athletic shorts, where movement and fabric flexibility could otherwise cause your holster to shift.
The dual retention system also provides peace of mind. You can engage in a variety of physical activities without worrying about your firearm becoming loose or shifting out of place. Whether you’re bending, stretching, or jogging, the Low Pro holds your firearm securely, ensuring that it’s always ready when you need it.
3. Modwing Claw for Enhanced Concealment
One of the standout features of the Low Pro is its modwing claw attachment. This device pushes against your waistband, forcing the grip of the firearm to press closer to your body. This minimizes the overall imprint of the pistol, making it ideal for athletic shorts where concealment can be a challenge.
The modwing claw is particularly useful when wearing loose-fitting shorts. It helps maintain the firearm’s position, preventing it from shifting or printing even during vigorous activity. This feature is essential for those who prioritize both concealment and comfort.
4. Compatible with Red Dots, Suppressor Sights, and Threaded Barrels
The Low Pro is designed with modern firearms in mind. It can accommodate red dots, suppressor height sights, and threaded barrels, offering versatility for those who have customized their carry weapon. If you use a compensator, simply inform Guerrilla Tactical in the order notes for a perfect fit.
This compatibility makes the Low Pro a versatile choice for a wide range of firearms. Whether you’re carrying a compact pistol with a red dot sight or a larger handgun with a suppressor, the Low Pro can be customized to meet your specific needs.
5. Comfortable and Durable Kydex Construction
Made from .08″ Kydex, the Low Pro is both durable and comfortable. Kydex is known for its strength, lightweight, and smooth surface, making it an excellent material for a holster that will be worn close to the body during physical activities.
Kydex’s durability ensures that the Low Pro will maintain its shape and retention over time, even with regular use. This material is also resistant to moisture and sweat, making it an excellent choice for active individuals who need a reliable holster that can withstand the demands of daily wear.
6. Perfect for Various Carry Positions
The adaptability of the Low Pro makes it suitable for various carry positions, whether you prefer the 3 o’clock, 4 o’clock, or appendix position. Its secure retention and minimal imprint make it an excellent choice regardless of where you choose to carry your firearm.
More Ways to Carry in Athletic Shorts
There are several different ways to carry in athletic shorts besides just a holster, such as ulticlips, leisure carry, and the neomag alias system.
Leisure Carry
Leisure carry refers to carrying a concealed firearm or weapon in a more casual or relaxed setting, often without the use of a traditional belt. It focuses on comfort, ease of access, and discretion while dressing in non-tactical or casual clothing, such as athletic wear, shorts, or loungewear. Since people typically don’t wear belts with these types of clothing, leisure carry often involves holsters designed for beltless attachment methods.
However, Leisure carry is also a product. The “Clip On Belt” enables wearers to carry with almost any outfit that was once considered impractical. It enhances stability by distributing the weight of your holster over a larger surface area and provides added structure, allowing your draw to remain consistent with how it feels when using a traditional belt.
Ulticlips
Ulticlips are specialized attachment clips designed for holsters, particularly for inside-the-waistband (IWB) carry. They offer a secure way to attach a holster to your clothing without relying on a traditional belt.
Neomag Alias System
The NeoMag Alias System is a versatile holster attachment system designed to improve the way users carry and secure their firearm holsters, both for concealed carry and open carry. Unlike traditional clips or belt loops, the Alias System utilizes a locking mechanism that provides a more secure and consistent way to attach holsters to belts, clothing, or other surfaces.
Both The Neomag alias system and leisure carry utilize a sturdy system that sort of creates what support a belt offers a holster but without the belt allowing for a distribution of weight as well. The Low Pro is certainly an excellent model for carrying in athletic shorts, especially when paired with the ulticlip, or regular clips paired with a leisure carry, or the alias clip paired with their complete system.
Tips for Effective Concealed Carry in Athletic Shorts
Even with the Low Pro which makes concealed carry easy, there are additional steps you can take to ensure successful concealed carry in athletic shorts:
- Use a Sturdy Drawstring: Some athletic shorts have a drawstring that can help provide additional support for your holster. Tightening the drawstring can help keep the holster secure.
- Wear Compression Shorts: Wearing compression shorts underneath your athletic shorts can add an extra layer of support and help keep the holster in place.
- Practice Your Draw: It’s essential to practice drawing your firearm from different positions to ensure you can do so quickly and efficiently in an emergency.
Conclusion
Carrying concealed in athletic shorts is possible with the right holster, and the Low Pro from Guerrilla Tactical is a top choice for this purpose. Its slim profile, dual retention system, and modwing claw attachment make it ideally suited for the unique challenges posed by athletic shorts. Whether you’re heading to the gym, going for a run, or simply prefer the comfort of athletic wear, the Low Pro ensures that you can carry your firearm discreetly, securely, and comfortably.
With the Low Pro, you no longer have to sacrifice your safety or comfort when you choose to wear athletic shorts. This holster offers the perfect blend of concealment, retention, and comfort, making it the best option for those who live an active lifestyle but still want to carry their firearm.
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