Beyond Pink: Why Women Deserve Gear Designed FOR Them, Not AT Them

You know the drill. You walk into the store looking for outdoor range/camp pants that actually fit, or a concealed carry solution that works with your body instead of against it. And we find men's gear in size "small." Maybe in lavender. Bonus points if it has a cutesy label about "girl power." Armed & Fabulous, anyone?

If you're like me, you're not asking for gear that's been shrunk down and prettied up.

Give me the gear that actually understands how women's bodies work, how we move, how we dress, and how we live our lives!

For too long, the "solution" to women's tactical and everyday carry gear has been laughably simple: take men's products, make them smaller, maybe add a splash of pink, and call it a day. But anyone who's ever tried to carry concealed in clothing designed for a completely different body shape knows that approach doesn't work. At all.

The Real Problem (And It's Not What You Think)

The issue isn't just that women's bodies are different from men's bodies (though obviously, they are). The real problem runs deeper than that.

Fit Isn't Just About Size

Women have different hip-to-waist ratios, different torso lengths, different shoulder widths, and different center-of-gravity positions. A holster designed for a straight torso doesn't account for curves. Pants sized down from men's styles gap at the waist or pull at the hips. Jackets that work perfectly on a male frame bunch awkwardly or restrict movement when breasts are in the equation.

This isn't about being "high maintenance." It's about basic geometry.

Carry Positions That Actually Work

If you've ever tried appendix carry with women's clothing, you know the struggle is real. The waistband sits differently. The curve of your hip changes everything about retention and draw. Even crossbody bags hit differently and can print in ways that men's gear designers never considered.

Women need carry solutions designed around the reality of curves, varied clothing silhouettes, and the fact that we're not all wearing cargo pants and oversized jackets every day.

The Style Sacrifice Myth

One of my biggest frustrations: we're told we have to choose. You can either be prepared and capable, or you can look like yourself. Pick one.

But why? Why should preparedness mean abandoning your personal style? Why should carrying concealed mean only wearing baggy, shapeless clothes? Why should being ready for anything require looking like you're headed to a paintball match?

Hint: it shouldn't.

The Condescension Factor

Perhaps most insulting is the assumption that women want gear that's "cute" rather than functional. We don't need tactical gear with rhinestones. We don't need pink camo. We don't need products marketed with condescending slogans.

We need gear that works. Period.

What Actually Women-Specific Design Looks Like

Real women-specific gear isn't about decoration—it's about engineering. It's about listening to actual women who carry, who work, who train, who live active, prepared lifestyles, and designing from the ground up to meet their needs.

Vertx partnered with 10x World Champion shooter Lena Miculek to create their women's line, and the difference shows immediately. Lena is a leading advocate for women living a prepared lifestyle and has built a strong following for her EDC and CCW expertise. This isn't theoretical design, this is gear built by someone who lives it.

Here's what true women-specific design actually means and some of my FAVORITES (literally, I rotate through most of these closet items weekly).

Proportions That Make Sense

The Vertx Stretch Flannel features a relaxed fit with a hip-length design and a unique hemline that ensures a flawless fit, making concealed carry easy. It's not just "medium but smaller"—it's cut with women's proportions in mind from the start. Made from buttery-soft stretch fabric, it works perfectly for layering or wearing solo, and those hand pockets are genuinely functional, not decorative afterthoughts. I have worn this with a skirt, with pearls, adding a dash of readiness to my style on days when I need this solution!

Thoughtful Feature Placement

When you're designing for curves instead of straight lines, everything from pocket placement to zipper pulls needs to be reconsidered. The Vertx Shirt Jacket features a slightly shorter hem for easier concealed carry access and includes eight pockets strategically placed for actual use. Eight. Because women who carry need places to stash a spare mag, lipstick, flashlight, knife, phone, wallet, keys, and yes, emergency snacks. The pockets really are amazing on this jacket, and the cut of the jacket itself is chef's kiss, I can't shout its praises loud enough. CAN YOU HEAR ME YET?

Carry Solutions That Actually Conceal

The Everyday Fanny Pack is like your favorite athletic fanny that you know and love, but it includes a Rapid Access Tab and Modular Holster Retention system. English, Amber? It can be whipped open in a fraction of a second, and has an extra pouch built into the back with a sturdy hook and loop retention system made to hold...your FIREARM! It features superior water resistance, an ultra-secure buckle system, and a silicon logo on the back that prevents slipping—perfect for wear with leggings or smooth fabrics.

That last detail? That's the difference between gear designed for women versus at women. Someone actually thought about the fact that women want stability (and wear leggings). Revolutionary.

Building Your Prepared Wardrobe (Without Starting From Scratch)

The beauty of truly well-designed women's gear is that it integrates into your existing wardrobe. You don't need to overhaul your entire closet—you need a few key pieces that work with what you already own.

Start With Versatile Layers

The Shirt Jacket is made from soft polycotton blend that provides mid-to-heavy weight warmth. It looks completely normal-because it is. The tailored cut is very classic, and you can wear it over a dress, with jeans, to the office, on a hiking trail. It's cozy, has an inviting texture perfect for layering, and works as an excellent jacket replacement. Nobody's looking at you thinking "tactical gear." They're thinking "cute flannel shacket, girl".

Invest in Multi-Purpose Essentials

The stretch flannel is perfect for layering or wearing solo when you're out tackling the day, and it's CCW-friendly without looking like CCW gear. Throw it on with your favorite jeans and boots. Wear it under a vest. Layer it beneath a jacket in winter. This is the one I mentioned wearing with pearls and a skirt. SO CUTE. One piece, dozens of outfits.

Choose Carry Solutions That Move With Your Life

The Everyday Fanny Pack can be worn around the waist or crossbody, making it perfect for daily routine, tactical needs, or outdoor adventures. The main compartment features a 2-way zipper and hook-and-loop panel for secure storage while allowing quick, wide-open access.

Whether you're running errands, hiking, traveling, or at the range, it adapts. That's the point-your gear should work for your life, not the other way around. Curious about how I swap from a fanny pack to a purse with ease? I wrote a blog about that!

The Confidence Factor

Here's what changes when your gear actually fits and works with your body: everything.

When you're not constantly adjusting, tugging, or worrying about printing, you can actually focus on what you're doing. When your clothing moves with you instead of against you, you move more confidently. When you don't feel like you're wearing a costume, you show up more authentically.

Self-reliance isn't about becoming someone you're not-it's about being fully, confidently yourself while being prepared for whatever comes your way.

Vertx and I share a common goal: lifestyle apparel that allows women to live "un-sacrificed," giving them the ability to live a prepared lifestyle without sacrificing their style.

Un-sacrificed. That's exactly it.

You Don't Have to Choose

You can be prepared and stylish. Capable and feminine. Ready for anything and still look like yourself.

The key is choosing gear that was designed with you in mind from the start-not as an afterthought, not as a marketing segment, but as the actual design priority.

Vertx's Women's Lifestyle Collection was inspired by real women to be innovative, versatile, modern and stylish, so when you work hard, you can feel and look good doing it.

That's not compromise. That's having it all.

Because the truth is, women have always been capable, prepared, and ready for anything. We just needed gear that could keep up.

Ready to build a wardrobe that works as hard as you do? Explore Vertx's women's line at vertx.com/collections/womens-concealed-carry-clothing-and-gear and discover what it means to live un-sacrificed.

Use the code AMBERELLE for a discount whenever you shop anything at Vertx and enjoy the hard work and creativity of people determined to dress women in the gear we want and need most! They're doing an amazing job, and I love sharing these solutions with you!