Best Methods: How to Conceal Carry with Gym Shorts

Yes, you can conceal carry a handgun while wearing gym shorts. It requires special gear and methods because most gym shorts do not have a strong belt or belt loops to hold a regular holster. This post will show you the best ways to achieve comfortable and safe concealed carry when wearing athletic or drawstring shorts, exploring different beltless concealed carry methods and gear made for this need.

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Why Carrying with Gym Shorts is Different

Wearing gym shorts is great for comfort, working out, or just relaxing. But they make carrying a gun concealed tricky. Regular holsters need a stiff belt to stay in place and support the weight of the gun. Gym shorts are soft, light, and often have only a thin drawstring.

Trying to clip a standard holster onto the waistband of gym shorts will likely fail. The shorts will sag, the gun will bounce, and concealment will be poor. It can also be unsafe. So, you need concealed carry clothing solutions or gear designed to hold the gun to your body, not just to the shorts. This is where beltless concealed carry methods become important.

Top Beltless Carry Systems

When you can’t use a belt, you need something else to hold your holster securely against your body. Dedicated beltless carry systems are often the most stable and secure option, especially if you plan on moving a lot, like when carrying while running.

Grasping Beltless Frames

Some systems use a rigid frame or base that wraps around your hips or waist under your clothing. This frame is what holds the holster, not your shorts.

A well-known example is the Phlster Enigma system. This system is designed to allow you to carry a Kydex holster securely without a belt. It uses a rigid base or frame that connects to a strap that goes around your waist and a strap that goes behind your neck (though the neck strap is often optional depending on setup and preference). The holster attaches firmly to the rigid frame.

This setup means the gun’s weight is supported by the Enigma frame and straps around your body. Your gym shorts simply go over the top, hiding the system and the gun. This makes the Enigma holster system carry a very popular choice for athletic wear.

How They Work with Shorts

You put the Enigma system on first, directly against your skin or over a thin base layer shirt. You adjust the straps so the frame sits where you want the gun to be, typically in the appendix carry position (front, slightly off-center). The Kydex holster is already mounted on the frame. Once the system is secure and comfortable, you pull your gym shorts up over it. The shorts hang naturally, and the gun stays hidden underneath, held firmly by the frame. This allows for appendix carry with athletic shorts very effectively.

Advantages of Beltless Frames

• Stability: The frame is rigid. It holds the gun steady. It doesn’t move or bounce much, even when you run or jump. This is great for a carrying while running holster solution.
• Concealment: Because the gun stays in one place against your body, concealment is usually excellent. The shorts drape over the smooth surface of the frame and holster.
• Versatility: You can wear this system with almost any bottoms, including sweatpants, leggings, skirts, or gym shorts.
• Safety: The Kydex holster fully covers the trigger guard. The rigid frame allows for safe reholstering because the holster opening stays open and in place.
• Comfort: Once adjusted right, many people find this system very comfortable for long wear and activity. It spreads the weight out. This helps achieve comfortable gym shorts carry.

Drawbacks of Beltless Frames

• Cost: These systems can be more expensive than other options like belly bands.
• Setup: It takes time to set up and adjust the straps for the first time. It’s not a quick on-and-off solution like a clip-on holster.
• Bulk: The rigid frame and holster add some bulk around your waist.
• Heat: Wearing layers against your skin, especially during exercise, can be warmer.
• Specific Holster: You often need a Kydex holster made to work with the system, which might be different from your standard belt holster.

Phlster Enigma Alternative Carry Options

While Phlster is well-known, other companies make similar beltless frame systems or components that offer Phlster Enigma alternative carry methods. These systems also aim to provide a stable platform for carrying a standard Kydex holster without needing a traditional belt. Research different brands to see which design or features you prefer.

Relying on Belly Bands

A belly band is another very common and useful beltless concealed carry method, especially for gym shorts. It’s a wide band of elastic or fabric that you wear around your torso. It has built-in pockets, pouches, or holster areas to hold the gun and sometimes extra magazines.

What is a Belly Band Holster?

Imagine a wide, stretchy belt made of soft material. You wrap it around your waist or chest, under your shirt. It fastens with Velcro or hooks. Sewn into the band are places to put your gun. Some bands have specific holster shapes, while others just have elastic pockets. This makes a belly band holster gym shorts combination possible.

Belly Bands for Deep Carry

Belly bands are good for deep concealment gym wear because you can wear them high under your armpit, around your natural waist, or even lower on your hips. Wearing it higher under a loose shirt can offer excellent concealment. Wearing it around the waist works well with gym shorts over the top.

Pros and Cons of Belly Bands

Advantages

• Comfort: Made from soft, flexible materials, they can be very comfortable, feeling more like a piece of clothing than a stiff holster. This contributes to comfortable gym shorts carry.
• Versatility: You can wear them with almost any type of clothing, including shorts, pants without belts, and even dresses. You can also adjust the height you wear them at for different concealment needs.
• Affordability: Generally less expensive than beltless frame systems or specialized clothing.
• Ease of Use: Relatively simple to put on and take off.

Drawbacks

• Stability: Because they are soft and flexible, belly bands might not hold the gun as rigidly as a Kydex holster on a belt or a beltless frame system. The gun might shift or bounce more during heavy activity like running, though some bands are designed specifically as a carrying while running holster.
• Draw Speed: Drawing from a belly band can sometimes be slower, especially if worn high or under multiple layers.
• Reholstering: Reholstering requires more care. The holster area might collapse when the gun is out, requiring you to use your support hand to open it up safely. Never reholster unsafely or without looking.
• Trigger Guard Coverage: It is crucial to choose a belly band that has a dedicated, reinforced area that fully covers the trigger guard. A simple elastic pouch is not safe enough.
• Heat: Like beltless frames, wearing a band of fabric around your torso can be warm, especially when exercising.

Choosing and Wearing a Belly Band

• Material: Look for breathable materials if you plan to exercise.
• Holster Area: Make sure it has a secure, reinforced trigger guard area.
• Size: Get the right size for a snug but not too tight fit. It should stay in place.
• Placement: Experiment with wearing it at different heights (waist, hips, higher torso) to find what is most comfortable and provides the best concealment with your specific gym shorts and shirt.
• Gun Size: Belly bands work best with smaller, lighter handguns. A large, heavy gun will likely sag and be uncomfortable.

Exploring Concealed Carry Clothing Solutions

Another approach is to use clothing that has a holster built right into it. These are specialized garments designed with integrated methods for carrying a handgun discreetly. These can be good concealed carry clothing solutions for active wear.

Shirts and Shorts Made for Carry

This category includes compression shirts, tank tops, or even shorts that have hidden pockets or holster pouches built into the fabric.

• Compression Shirts/Tank Tops: These often have holster areas under the armpit or on the side of the torso. You wear them tight against your body. The gun slides into the built-in pouch.
• Compression Shorts/Leggings: Some feature pockets or holster spots on the thigh or hip area.

How They Fit with Gym Wear

You would wear a carry compression shirt as your base layer under a regular gym shirt or jacket. Carry shorts or leggings can be worn alone or under looser gym shorts. The idea is that the tight-fitting garment holds the gun close to your body.

Benefits and Limitations

Advantages

• Integration: The holster is part of the clothing. This can feel very natural.
• Comfort: Compression wear can be comfortable for exercise and helps manage moisture.
• Deep Concealment: Can offer very deep concealment, especially the underarm shirt style.

Limitations

• Draw Speed: Drawing from under layers or from tight compression can be slow and awkward.
• Reholstering: Similar to belly bands, reholstering can be difficult and requires care as the holster area is soft fabric.
• Gun Size: Usually best suited for smaller, lighter handguns.
• Trigger Guard: Again, ensure the built-in holster area provides complete and safe trigger guard coverage. Some cheaper options might just be fabric pockets.
• Laundry: You can’t just wash the holster; you have to wash the whole garment. Having multiple items might be necessary.
• Style: Options might be limited, and you are tied to wearing that specific piece of clothing to carry.

Picking the Right Gear

Choosing the best method for you depends on several things: what gun you have, how active you plan to be, your body type, how much you want to spend, and what feels most comfortable.

Finding the Best Holster for Drawstring Shorts

As discussed, a standard holster designed for a belt is not the best holster for drawstring shorts. The drawstring and thin fabric can’t support the weight or provide a stable platform. The methods we’ve covered—beltless frames, belly bands, and specialized clothing—are specifically designed as holster for drawstring shorts solutions by attaching to your body instead of the shorts.

When using any of these methods, make sure your drawstring shorts are tied snugly enough to stay up over the gear without falling down, but not so tight they press uncomfortably on the holster or gun.

Balancing Comfort and Safety

Comfortable gym shorts carry is important, especially if you wear it for long periods or during exercise. But safety must always come first.

• Trigger Guard Coverage: Always ensure the holster fully covers the trigger guard when the gun is in it. This prevents accidental firing. This is non-negotiable for safe concealed carry.
• Retention: The holster should hold the gun securely. It should not fall out if you bend over or move around.
• Material: For comfort during activity, look for breathable, moisture-wicking materials, especially in belly bands and specialized clothing.
• Fit: The system should fit snugly enough to stay put but not be so tight it restricts breathing or movement.

Holster Materials and Your Body

Kydex (used with beltless frames) is rigid and offers excellent safety and retention but can feel hard against the body. Fabric and elastic (used in belly bands and specialized clothing) are softer but require careful design to ensure trigger safety and gun retention. Consider what feels best against your skin, especially if you sweat.

Hiding Your Gun Well

Good concealment means the gun is not visible to others during normal movement. With gym shorts, which are often loose, this can be easier than with tighter clothing, if the holster method keeps the gun stable against your body.

Using Clothes to Conceal

A loose-fitting t-shirt, hoodie, or jacket can help hide the shape of the gun. Darker colors and busier patterns on your outer layer can also help break up the outline of the gun (printing).

Where to Place the Holster

Appendix carry (front, slightly off-center) is popular with beltless systems like the Enigma and many belly bands. This position allows for a relatively quick draw and lets you keep an eye on your firearm. It’s a very common way to use appendix carry with athletic shorts setups. Other positions like strong side (3-5 o’clock) are harder to achieve securely with beltless methods and loose shorts.

Staying Safe While Carrying

Safety is the most important part of carrying a firearm. This is even more true when using methods that differ from traditional belt carry, especially with soft clothing like gym shorts.

Making Sure the Trigger is Covered

Reiterating this because it’s vital: Every time you put the gun in the holster, check visually and by feel that the holster material completely surrounds the trigger. With soft materials like those in belly bands or clothing holsters, make sure no fabric can get inside the trigger guard when the gun is seated.

Drawing and Putting Away Your Gun Safely

Practice your draw stroke from your chosen method while wearing gym shorts. Be mindful of the soft fabric of the shorts potentially snagging on the gun or holster.

When reholstering, slow down. If using a belly band or clothing holster, the fabric opening may close when the gun is out. You MUST use your support hand to hold the holster opening wide and clear of obstructions while you guide the gun back in with your strong hand. Keep your fingers and the muzzle pointed in a safe direction (usually straight down) while reholstering. Never rush reholstering, especially with flexible materials.

Special Care with Soft Shorts

Because gym shorts are floppy, they offer no support or structure. All support comes from the beltless system underneath. Be careful not to let the loose fabric of the shorts interfere with your draw or reholster. Practice drawing smoothly without snagging the shorts.

The Importance of Practice

Getting gear for carrying with gym shorts is only the first step. You need to practice using it.

Getting Used to Your New Setup

• Wear it at home: Wear the chosen system and your gym shorts around the house empty at first. Get used to how it feels. Adjust the fit for comfort and security.
• Practice draws: Practice drawing your unloaded gun from the holster setup. Do this in front of a mirror to see if you are printing or if the shorts are getting in the way. Practice clearing your cover garment (your shirt) smoothly.
• Practice movement: Once comfortable with stationary draws, practice moving. Walk, jog, sit, stand up. See if the gun shifts or the system becomes uncomfortable.
• Live Fire Practice: If possible, practice drawing and firing from your new setup at a shooting range under the supervision of a certified instructor who understands concealed carry from non-traditional methods. This is the best way to ensure you can safely and effectively use your chosen method under stress.

Practice is key to becoming proficient and safe with any concealed carry method, especially beltless ones used with soft clothing like gym shorts.

Knowing the Rules

Carrying a concealed firearm means you must follow the law.

Checking Local Laws

Laws about carrying firearms vary greatly by state, county, and city. Always know the laws in your specific location. This includes rules about where you can carry (some places like schools or post offices are restricted, and sometimes even gyms or parks might have specific rules), permit requirements, and how you must carry. This is your responsibility as a gun owner.

Comparison of Beltless Carry Methods

Here is a simple comparison of the main methods for carrying concealed with gym shorts:

Feature	Beltless Frame System (e.g., Enigma)	Belly Band Holster	Specialized Carry Clothing
Attaches To	Body (Frame/Straps)	Body (Elastic Band)	Body (Built-in Garment)
Requires Belt?	No	No	No
Stability	High (Rigid Frame)	Medium (Flexible)	Medium-High (Compression)
Concealment	High (Stays put)	High (Can be worn high/low)	Very High (Deep options)
Comfort	Can be high (once fitted)	Can be high (soft fabric)	Can be high (compression)
Draw Speed	Medium-Fast (Stable platform)	Medium-Slow (Depends on wear)	Medium-Slow (Under layers)
Reholstering	Easy/Safe (Rigid opening)	Careful (Needs support hand)	Careful (Needs support hand)
Trigger Safety	Very High (Uses Kydex holster)	Requires specific design	Requires specific design
Activity Level	Very Good (Stable)	Good (Some bounce possible)	Good (Compression helps)
Gun Size Best For	Small to Medium	Small to Medium	Small to Medium/Light
Cost	Higher	Lower	Medium
Versatility	High (Wear with anything)	High (Wear with anything)	Limited (Wear specific item)

This table gives a quick look at how each method stacks up when thinking about comfortable gym shorts carry and other factors.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I just put my gun in my gym shorts pocket?

No. This is generally not safe or effective for concealed carry. Gym shorts pockets are usually loose fabric. The gun will bounce around, print clearly, and the trigger guard is unlikely to be covered and protected properly in the pocket itself. It is a high risk of accidental discharge or losing control of the firearm. Avoid pocket carry with standard gym shorts.

Are belly bands safe for carrying a gun?

Yes, if the belly band has a dedicated holster area made of thicker material that completely covers the trigger guard and provides some retention. Simple elastic pouches without reinforced trigger coverage are not safe. Always check this critical feature when choosing a belly band.

Is appendix carry possible with gym shorts?

Yes, it is very possible and popular, especially when using beltless frame systems like the Enigma or many belly bands designed to be worn around the waist. These methods hold the gun securely in the appendix position even without a belt.

What kind of gun works best for carrying with gym shorts?

Smaller, lighter handguns are usually best for beltless carry methods like belly bands or specialized clothing. A very heavy gun can cause sagging, discomfort, and bounce, making concealment and safety harder. Beltless frames can often handle slightly heavier guns due to their rigid structure, but overall, smaller guns are easier to conceal and carry comfortably in this context.

What is deep concealment gym wear?

Deep concealment means hiding the gun very thoroughly, often higher up on the body (like under the armpit with a compression shirt) or very low. Belly bands or specialized shirts can offer deep concealment options that work well under typical gym attire.

How do I handle the drawstring on my shorts when carrying?

Ensure the drawstring is tied just enough to keep your shorts up over your chosen carry method without being overly tight. You don’t want the drawstring pulling against the holster or gun in a way that makes it uncomfortable or causes printing. The carry method itself is supporting the gun’s weight, not the drawstring.

Are there other beltless options besides Enigma and belly bands?

Yes, the market is always growing. You can find beltless systems similar to the Enigma (Phlster Enigma alternative carry), different styles of belly bands (some with integrated Kydex shells), and more types of specialized carry clothing. Research and look for reviews from people who carry in similar situations.

Conclusion

Carrying a concealed firearm while wearing gym shorts presents unique challenges because you lack a rigid belt. However, it is absolutely possible to do so safely and effectively with the right gear. Methods like beltless frame systems (such as the Enigma), dedicated belly bands with secure trigger coverage, and specialized concealed carry clothing provide the necessary support by attaching the gun to your body, not to the shorts themselves.

Choosing the best method depends on your personal needs, comfort, and the type of gun you carry. Always prioritize safety by ensuring the trigger guard is fully covered and practice your draw and reholstering techniques with your chosen setup while wearing your gym shorts. By selecting appropriate gear designed for holster for drawstring shorts situations and committing to safe practices, you can confidently and comfortably carry concealed even when dressed for the gym or warm weather.