There are a lot of methods used to conceal and carry your firearm, and these should be taken into consideration before purchasing a firearm. For example, if you decide that you want a larger gun for more recoil control and/or knock down power, you will likely be limited to carrying it in your purse, rather than on your body, which restricts access to your gun in certain situations. Here are some common and not so common carry methods along with links to examples of each. Remember, I have not yet purchased a concealed carry gun, so I have not tried any of these out. This is just a summary of the information I have found.
SHOULDER CARRY
Using these style of holsters, the gun will rest between your upper arm and your ribcage. This method works best if you have a loose, button up shirt on or a jacket to conceal it (just remember, you won't be able to take your jacket off if you get too warm). Depending on what you are wearing, the gun may be difficult to get at quickly. However, many people find shoulder carry to be the most comfortable, especially if you are going to be sitting down at all. Shoulder carry tends to work better for semi autos than revolvers because they will lay flat against your body, whereas a revolver is rounded.
Examples: Deep Conceal MAX Double Strap Concealed Carry Holster, Galco Classic Lite Shoulder System
INSIDE THE WAISTBAND
Inside the waistband holsters are a pretty common choice due to accessibility and conceal-ability. It is pretty easy to hide a small pistol inside your waistband, and you can draw your weapon much more quickly than with other concealed carry methods. These holsters hold your gun on the inside of your waistband so that only the grip or butt of the gun is sticking out. Most people wear them in the front of their pants just inside of their hips, but some wear them in the small of their backs. This type of concealed carry can be uncomfortable particularly when sitting. If you choose to go with this method, you will likely need to go up a pant size or two to accommodate the firearm.
EXAMPLES: Galco Tuck-N-Go Inside the Pant Holster, DeSantis Summer Heat, Galco Push Up
ANKLE CARRY
Ankle carry holsters secure your firearm to your ankle. This can make your gun very easy to conceal if you wear loose or flared jeans, but it can be uncomfortable having the added weight on one ankle all day. It can also be difficult to draw your weapon quickly because you have pull up your pant leg and reach down there to get it.
EXAMPLES: DeSantis Apache Ankle Rig, Galco Ankle Glove
POCKET CARRY
Pocket carry probably won't work for you if you are a woman. They just don't make our pockets big enough. However, if you already wear loose fitting jeans with large pockets, it might be an option. Most pocket carry holsters cover the muzzle and trigger if the pistol, keeping lint out of your barrel and preventing accidental discharging of the weapon. They are also shaped in a way that keeps the shape of the gun from showing through your pants (commonly referred to as imprinting).
EXAMPLES: Uncle Mike's Inside-the-Pocket Holsters, DeSantis Pocket-Tuk, Kramer Pocket Gun Holster
PURSE/FANNY PACK, ETC...
This method is pretty self explanatory. You can use a purse, fanny pack, mock day planner, or other off-the-body items to conceal your firearm. I personally don't think this is a good method of concealed carry because whatever you have the gun in could be easily taken from you before you get your gun out. However, if you simply cannot conceal a firearm on your body, make sure to use a purse (fanny pack, etc...) that is specifically designed for concealed carry. They have a special compartment dedicated to your firearm and nothing else. If you have other junk mixed in with your gun they can make it difficult to access quickly, or possibly cause it to discharge. Purses and other off-the-body holsters meant for concealed carry are quite expensive, which is another downside to off the body carry. However, they do allow you to carry a larger gun.
EXAMPLES: Designer Concealed Carry Handbags, Coronado Leather Concealed Carry Cross-Body Messenger Bag, Galco Defense Planner Concealed Carry Case, 5.11 Tactical Select Carry Pistol Pouch
BRA HOLSTERS
As more women take up concealed carry, new products are being designed to accommodate the female body. One of these new developments is the bra holster. This holster straps on to the flat part of your bra between your breasts. The idea is that the way your boobs hold your shirt away from your body will conceal the gun, but this method will not work for everyone. There's no way it will work for me, anyways! You are also very limited in size and weight of the gun using this method.
EXAMPLES: Flashbang Holster
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