I also didnt realize one size doesnt necessarily fit all.
This year, I went toGunsite Training Academyfor the first time.
On the list of items to bring was a gun belt.
The author looks at gun belt options for women. While the market doesn’t fully support women, there are some shining stars that offer good options. Image: Tina Juchnowski
I really didnt know what that was.
I asked around and was told to look for an instructors belt.
What that meant, I didnt know either.
Gun belts do more than keep your pants up. They are the literal foundation for the safe carry of a concealed defensive pistol. Image: Max Croster
Googling wasnt much help.
I found a variety of gun belts, but none were women-specific.
I discovered, however, a number of small manufacturers trying to meet these needs.
The author used Nexbelt’s Supreme Appendix EDC belt to shoot an action match. She was able to easily adjust the tightness of the belt so my holster and magazine pouches were properly secured. Image: Jay Christopher Phillips
Sometimes you’ve got the option to get away with wearing mens clothes.
They arent, generally speaking, the most flattering on the feminine figure when worn as intended.
Larger flannels tied at the waist, for example, can be comfortable and make a unique statement.
This belt from the Stampede Shop supported the author’s Springfield Hellcat well and fit comfortably with the Versacarry Compound Custom IWB Holster. Image: Max Croster
Sadly, there arent many womens belts.
Go to the store and youll find an abundance of what are called fashion belts.
Also, fashion belts arent typically strong enough to support a holster.
Magpul uses strong buckles with its belts. The simple styling should work with a range of clothing types. Image: Tina Juchnowski
So, what options are out there for us?
Heres a brief overview.
Fashion Belts:Fashion belts are produced with the goal of complementing an outfit.
This belt was the author’s absolute favorite. She believed the belt fit very well and offered excellent stability. Image: Jeff Davis
Some wear them exclusively for this purpose, others to keep loose pants intact.
These belts are generally inexpensive and can be made of a variety of materials.
These are generally plain or subtly styled and are approximately 1.5 thick.
The Tac Shield gun belts the author tested featured a cobra style buckle. The author considers this one of the most important features of a gun belt. Image: Tina Juchnowski
Gun/Range Belts:There are several types of gun belts.
The instructors belt needed for my Gunsite course referred to a nylon belt with a v-ring buckle.
Strong and sturdy, they are designed to handle heavy gear without sagging.
While the Blackhawk belt provides a stable platform, it was one of the stiffest belts tested by the author. It included PALS-type attachment points for MOLLE. Image: Tina Juchnowski
Other variations of instructors belts have cobra or other types of buckles.
Gun belts may also come in a two-part system an inner belt and outer belt.
These are secured to one another via Velcro.
The Gunsite Wilderness belt is a traditional instructor’s belt. The tail was a bit long when tightly cinched, but this is easily remedied by threading through one of the holster loops. Image: Tina Juchnowski
An inner and outer belt system is most frequently used in competitive shooting sports like action pistol.
Looking for the best fit, I tested a few different belts.
Heres what I found.
Nexbelt offers a variety of belt styles and options. This low-profile belt is suitable for everyday wear and light range work. Image: Dillon Carr
Stampede Shop Leather Belt:I was gifted a leather belt from the Stampede Shop years ago.
These handcrafted leather belts are made by twin entrepreneurs Ethan and Emma Fleming.
This Western-style belt is beautiful and has held up over years of use.
It has a tapered tail which I greatly appreciate for appendix carry.
The large, heavy buckles on Magpuls belts indicates to me they might be designed for men.
They are very thick and feel heavy on the body.
While sturdy options, I wouldnt recommend them for women.
But, put them on your list for the men in your life!
She also contributed some key insight.
She noted that a contoured belt helps it to fit a little better over curves.
The difference isnt obvious until laid out side-by-side next to a straight belt.
I personally found a huge difference with the contour.
The belt rested snugly against the small of my back, not leaving an annoying and unflattering gap.
(This could make for a good DIY project.)
Tac Shield Gun Belts:I worked with several Tac Shield products.
The 1.75 and 1.5 belts are the same one is just wider than the other.
The tail end is quickly and easily secured to the Velcro on the appropriate side of the belt.
This allows for easy adjustability.
The cobra buckle is easy to use.
The Tac Shield inner duty belt was light, comfortable, and intuitive to use.
It arrived very stiff and rigid.
This belt is wide, but has a variety of spaces for MOLLE attachments.
This belt was extremely comfortable.
I did have to try on several sizes with gear to find what worked best for me.
Nexbelt Supreme Appendix EDC Belt:I have been very impressed with Nexbelts ratcheting system.
Belts come in one length you cut to your correct size.
I used this belt to shoot a PCSL 2-Gun match and for everyday carry.
The belt has a buckle secured by three screws and tightened with an included Allen wrench.
This particular belt is especially rigid with inch markings for easy reference while cutting.
Leaving extra room for IWB carry also left too long of a tail when tightened for range use.
Sizing
Once you choose a belt, how do you pick the right size?
Do NOT order a belt based on your pant size alone.
Pant sizes vary and often will not mirror a proper belt size.
Do not get caught up in the numbers here.
Ive worn size 25 pants with 34 belts.
Brands vary and some styles you cut to length.
Conclusion
There are many more belts on the market than I had the opportunity to test.
