A belly band is an excellent concealed carry option for those looking to tuck and draw their firearm quickly. However, adjusting and learning about adequately wearing and using it takes some time. Some things to consider are ensuring the tightness of the band and your clothing and using covers to help conceal your firearm.

Tightness

When you’re wearing a belly band, the gun must remain secure against your torso to make sure it doesn’t fall out. For this reason, it’s essential to seek a concealed carry belly band that won’t interfere with your daily activities. It includes any type of exercise, such as running. If your gun falls out of a loose belly band while running, you may be left vulnerable to someone else picking it up and firing it. Fortunately, several companies offer belly bands that are both tight and comfortable. It ensures that your draw and presentation are the same whether you wear the band in the strong side or appendix position. Also, because the holster is secured to the band rather than your belt, it doesn’t shift out during movement. It is a significant improvement over traditional belt and holster configurations.

Cover Garment

A belly band is an excellent solution if you need to carry a gun but cannot wear belts and traditional pants. Whether wearing sweatpants, a velour jogging suit, or scrubs for work, a belly band allows them to stay armed while going to the gym, running errands, or sitting down at Sunday dinner with the family. Despite being an easy method to conceal, it can be difficult to access because your cover garment must clear to get to the gun. It is a skill that takes time and effort to master and is just as perishable as any other firearms training skill. Trainers teach several techniques to help clear the garment to gain unfettered access to draw and present the pistol. Most of these involve pining the garment to the body with the support hand and driving it back, clearing the gun with your shooting hand while simultaneously acquiring a grip with the other hand.

Hoodie

When paired with the right cover garment, belly band carry offers an effective means of concealing and presenting a handgun for use. Unlike belt holsters that can ride too low or shoulder rigs that can move around when you’re on the go, a belly band fits snugly around your waist and stays put. Belly bands also offer an ergonomic advantage, as the firearm is in a position that makes it easy to reach and grasp. It’s true when a hoodie with a kangaroo pocket is used as the cover garment. Nevertheless, as with any concealed carry option, you should train extensively with your belly band to make sure you can access and draw your pistol with precision and ease. This training can take place on the range and with a timer at home to develop intention and efficiency in your holster draw from concealment. It is a crucial component of self-defense effectiveness.

Two-Piece Top

Unlike a belt holster that can ride low and expose your firearm, belly bands secure the gun above the waistline for better concealment. The elastic band also allows the carrier to carry more than just a pistol (such as a laser or flashlight). Belly bands can be worn in a few different ways. Wear it slightly above the waist, under the chest, or even rotate to a position beneath your arm for optimal concealment.  It’s important to remember that accessing a firearm while concealed takes practice and proper technique. Clearing the cover garment, acquiring the grip, drawing, presenting, and firing your firearm is critical for self-defense effectiveness. Work on these skills at a range or using the many online training materials to improve your speed and efficiency. The more you do this, the more it will become second nature.