Tactica Defense Fashion: Women's Innovation Winner of 2020

by
posted on June 8, 2020
tactica-defense-fashion-golden-bullseye-2020-f.jpg

While its true that women are the fastest-growing segment of gun owners and continue to make up a large segment of those seeking personal-defense guns and accessories, the firearm industry has been slow in offering tailor-made defensive equipment for women. In early 2019, Tactica Defense Fashion introduced one of the most comprehensive lines of women’s concealed-carry gear and clothing ever produced.

While some makers have successfully dabbled in individual pieces of women’s gear, Tactica, reviewed here on American Rifleman's website, went all-in on its inventory, producing stylish clothing with thoughtfully designed features that female gun owners appreciate.

With pass-throughs and ambidextrous false pockets incorporated into its sweaters and shirts for easy access to holstered handguns, female concealed-carry practitioners were suddenly able to dress for everyday carry without limiting their wardrobe to men’s-style blazers or oversized tops or slacks.

The company, whose motto is “Dress to Protect,” had exponentially expanded its line with concealed-carry leggings, a dress, more sweaters, shirts, jackets, pants, purses, bags, backpacks and holsters and much more.

While the bellyband concept is not new, Tactica’s patented bellyband is designed with safety in mind, built with a rigid, custom-molded polymer shell that is canted for a natural draw, padded neoprene backing, adjustable retention and more—and is available in seven sizes from XS to XXXL.

“Many men have approached me and asked if they could buy the holster for themselves,” said Tactica CEO Sandi Little, an ardent Second Amendment supporter who brought the female-centric Alien Gear Holsters spinoff line to market after more than 20 years in the garment industry. “I smile and tell them, sure, we have been wearing your clothes and gear for so many years, you are welcome to wear ours.”

Because the company has demonstrated such a strong commitment to women who carry concealed, it was our pleasure to recognize its extensive line of women-specific gear and clothing by naming it, collectively, the Women’s Innovation Product Of The Year.

Latest

Long Wolf Timberwolf 19X Web
Long Wolf Timberwolf 19X Web

Review: Lone Wolf Arms Timberwolf 19X

In its Timberwolf 19X, Lone Wolf Arms focused on incremental updates and tweaks to the seminal Glock design, resulting in a versatile "crossover" handgun design capable of fulfilling a variety of roles.

May NICS Numbers Show Possible Improvement In Gun Sales

Despite the 1.6 percent year-over-year decline in firearm sales for the month of May, the 31-day period marks the 70th month in a row with more than 1 million gun sales.

2025 Shotgun Of The Year: SDS Arms MAC 1014

For each of the past 23 years, the editors of American Rifleman have convened to select our top picks for the past year’s best and most innovative products. Here are the most recent winners.

Rifleman Review: Smith & Wesson Model 1854

Smith & Wesson entered an entirely new market segment in 2024 with its Model 1854, and the lever-action has a few notable features that allow it to stand out in what's becoming a crowded market of modernized lever guns.

New For 2025: Mossberg 990 Aftershock

Mossberg is one of the pioneers of the "Shockwave" style of non-NFA, shotshell-firing firearms, and the company's latest design, the 990 Aftershock, is semi-automatic.

The Battle of Bunker Hill: 250 Years Later

The June 17, 1775, Battle of Bunker Hill marked one of the most pivotal moments in the early years in the American Revolution, as thousands of militiamen stood against determined assaults by British infantry outside Boston.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.