But that doesn’t limit your options for concealing. As long as your clothes aren’t snug or skintight, you’re able to do just about any position as anyone else. Even if you are printing ever so slightly, this isn’t an issue as something to keep in mind is that most people won’t even notice. If they do see any printing, they won’t realize what they saw printing against your shirt nine times out of ten.
Appendix Carry
Carrying in the front of your waist at the one o’clock position is called the appending carry. It offers a quick draw with the biggest downside being comfort when bending over or sitting down. But this position is easy to conceal as long as, once again, your shirt and/or pants aren’t too tight.
You can also move the holster to between the eleven and twelve o’clock position to give yourself a cross-draw that is accessible more easily with your offhand. Whenever carrying in the appendix position, I often like to have a mag carrier on the opposite side to help reduce printing and not give my pants any type of lopsided appearance.
The biggest complaint I have about this position is sometimes having the gun jab me in the stomach when sitting. For that reason if you find yourself sitting most of the day, this position may not be the best unless you move the weapon to the left as mentioned before.
Small of Back Carry
Carrying at the small of the back is one of the easiest positions to carry and conceal for a skinny person. Your clothes naturally drape over this area due to the upper back and it is a lot less likely to have any overt printing.
The small of the back is also beneficial due to the ease of access for both hands should you have to rely on an offhand draw. When carrying a little more heft, such as compact size or large with a double stack magazine, having the weight centered on your back tends to be more comfortable.
Shoulder Holster Carry
If you like the idea of not having to worry about accidentally revealing your firearm by an actions as simple as reaching up or bending over, you should definitely add a shoulder holster to your collection. Shoulder holsters are great for deep concealment since your arm guards the firearm, protecting it from printing excessively or garments snagging on it.
Shoulder holsters are a wonderful option if you spend a lot of time in very close proximity to others or are going to. Think crowded Las Vegas Strip, for example. If you’re worried about someone trying to snatch your gun off of you for whatever reason, this is one of the more secure ways to concealed carry your weapon.
However, if you have any issues with your back, this may not be the best option. Counterbalancing with magazines or investing in a shoulder holster that connects to the belt can help with these problems.
Belly Carry
In my opinion, a belly band should be in nearly everyone’s holster repertoire. Carrying around your midsection with a loose shirt gives you the benefits of a shoulder holster without a lot more flexibility. If you want to carry your firearm while out on a morning run in gym shorts or clothing that can’t support a firearm, you really don’t have many other options.
The belly holsters are extremely versatile for a skinny person. You can wrap it around your chest doubling as a shoulder holster or lower it to where you would normally wear an IWB holster.
Depending on your exact figure, though, these holsters may also not work for you. If your belly extends past your chest or your torso is relatively flat, you could have issues concealing a weapon no matter what clothes you try.
Luckily these holsters don’t need to be custom made and are usually returnable if they don’t work for you. Therefore, worst case scenario isn’t much harm in at least trying.
Ankle Carry
Ankle holsters are another great option for deep concealment with the obvious drawback and added draw time and a more unnatural movement required to draw your weapon.
But if you’re trying to keep your midsection clear of any weight or excess items there’s really nothing better. Obviously, if your firearm is too large, this isn’t an option.
If you’re going to carry on your ankle, you’ll want to make sure your pants are relatively loose at the bottom, no bell bottoms necessary though, and be hiked up to draw your weapon without snagging on it.
One of the best benefits of carrying on your ankle is this is someplace people really never look. Unless you wear flashy shoes there’s no reason for people to be looking down at your ankles.
Final Thoughts
There really is no one size fits all solution when it comes to the best carry position for any body type. Depending on your firearm, your body, and preferred clothing style you may have to try out different options. Regardless of what you end up with it’s always a good idea to have a few holsters on hand so you’re ready for any situation.
Also, the only way you’re going to know if a specific holster or position truly works for you is to try it. When shopping around, check the return policy of where you’re purchasing from. If a holster doesn’t work, return it and try something else. Don’t end up wasting your money and holsters that will just sit in your closet and never be used. Good luck!
