How to Conceal Carry in Gym Shorts, Joggers, and Leggings
Posted by Jon Hauptman on Oct 26th 2026
To conceal carry in gym shorts, joggers, or leggings, hold the gun to your body, not to the clothes. A stretchy waistband cannot support a clip-on holster, so you need a belt or carry system worn under the clothing.
Why clip-on holsters fail in athletic wear
A holster clip needs a sturdy waistband. Gym shorts, joggers, and leggings have elastic or a drawstring. They lack the structure to support a gun, and they do not give enough pressure for a holster's wing or wedge to work. Synthetic knit fabric, the kind most athletic wear uses, also prints more than woven fabric.
Carry options
A regular belt under your clothes. Wear a belt on your body, under the shorts, and clip your holster to it. It costs little if you already own the gear. We used this method ourselves before the Enigma existed. However, it has limits. The belt and clip stack is thick, and the holster clip can print through the clothes as much as the gun does. During vigorous movement, the gun and belt can shift and foul your draw.
A belly band. In our experience, a belt under your clothes usually performs better than an elastic belly band. A belly band's fabric pocket can also get in the way of your grip. If you use one, put a Kydex holster inside it for safety, or a Kydex trigger guard molded to your gun. A rig like the Smart Carry, with a Kydex holster inside, is the best option in this category.
A purpose-built system, like the PHLster Enigma. The Enigma does not attach to your clothing. A slim faceplate replaces the holster clips, and a leg leash holds the gun in place when you move. It works with gym shorts, sweatpants, and leggings.
Fit the gun to the clothes
Thin, tight fabric limits what you can hide. A full-size gun with a weapon light may be too large to conceal in leggings for some people. A smaller gun may be the right choice for workouts, even if it is not your everyday gun. When you're running or exercising, the weight of the gun also matters a lot. For comfort and fatigue reasons, it may be beneficial to size down the pistol even if your concealment is fine with a larger gun.
Testing
With an unloaded gun, do the movements your workout uses: run, squat, jump, bend, lie down. Check that the gun stays put and your draw stays the same. Look in a mirror, or record yourself, from every side to ensure that your concealment remains consistent.
Who the Enigma is not for
If you only need gym carry now and then, start with the belt-under-clothes method and the gear you own. The Enigma costs more and takes longer to set up than a first belt and holster. It suits people who need both concealment and performance in clothing a belt cannot handle.
Also check your gym's weapons policy and your local laws before you carry there.
Keep Learning
- Concealed Carry Without a Belt
- Concealed Carry in Scrubs
- PHLster Enigma
- Enigma Micro
- Everyday Carry with Enigma
- 7 Reasons Not to Buy the PHLster Enigma
About the author: Jon Hauptman, owner of PHLster. 16 years of holster making and design experience.