Choices in range clothing and gear options designed for women have improved substantially over the years. And although there is still plenty of room for growth, I have discovered a few options that I now consider go-to items on my regular range outings.
LA Police Gear: Stretch Ops Women’s Tactical Pants
The Stretch Ops Women's Tactical Pants have proved to be the ultimate in comfort and affordability. Founded in 2001 in … you guessed it … Los Angeles, LA Police Gear offers a wide array of products from dozens of other well-known brands. But the hidden gem of this company is its house brand, which includes numerous quality items, including these pants. Constructed from a polycotton ripstop fabric, the pants are lightweight and have an optimal amount of stretch, making them ideal for a run-and-gun match. The lightweight flex of this pant has made it my go-to summer option should shorts not be an option. There are plenty of pockets, which I most often use for a multi-tool, spare mags and more. Available in size 0 to 24, seven different color options, as well as three inseam lengths. $39.99 lapolicegear.com
Merrell: Women’s Moab 2 Mid Ventilator Boot
A piece of dual-purpose gear or clothing is always a plus. With warm weather approaching and outdoor activities increasing, you may find yourself in need of some new footgear. Merrell has long been a favorite for many due to their reliability, comfort and durability. My current favorite is the Women's Moab 2 Mid Ventilator, an excellent mid-rise option for the range or hiking trail. Constructed from a suede leather and mesh upper, this boot also features Merrell’s famous Vibram TC5+ sole, which provides excellent traction on rocky trails or sandy courses of fire. $110 merrell.com
Girls With Guns: Carbine Short
There always seems to be that one piece of elusive gear or clothing. For me, that item was a good pair of range shorts. I didn't need anything fancy, just a good pair of comfortable shorts that were in between casual, day-to-day shorts (which can be on the shorter side for many ladies) and what I could currently find on the market for "women's range shorts" (which tend to be knee-length and not necessarily flattering). The Carbine Short from GWG proved to be the holy grail of range shorts. Hitting at a length that falls above the knee, this poly-spandex blend allowed for maximum movement without feeling "bound-up.” One of my favorite features of this short is the adjustable waistband tabs, which allow for a tighter or looser fit with the simple adjustment of the Velcro tabs. I found this to be particularly handy to allow for additional room to account for IWB carry or a particularly heavy dinner the night before! $59.99 gwgclothing.com
A Girl & A Gun: Rise & Shine Tunic Tee
While you might not sport this on your next range session, it is an excellent option for brisk mornings while you enjoy a cup of coffee on your deck or patio. The Rise & Shine Tunic Tee from A Girl & A Gun is a cotton-poly blend long-sleeve tee with a drop tail hem making it a perfect pairing to your favorite pair of leggings. A hidden feature of this tee are the thumbholes in each sleeve cuff, helping to keep those sleeves stay put and you nice and cozy in cooler temps. The cowl neck on this cozy tee sets it apart from other everyday options, and the bold text on the front lets the world know you're ready to send some rounds downrange! Choose from sizes S – 4X and three different color options. $35.99 agirlandagun.org
Notch: Classic Adjustable Ponytail Hat
There’s nothing I hate more than hair blowing into my face while I’m shooting, especially since it always seems to happen at the most inopportune times. Should you have hair long enough to pull back into a ponytail, the Classic Adjustable Ponytail Hat from Notch is a girl’s best friend. Not your everyday baseball hat, one feature of this hat are the two notches in the rim that allow for a comfortable fit for eye protection. The other feature of this hat that many have come to know and love is the slot built into the back top portion of the hat that allows the wearer to pull their ponytail through keeping hair away from and off of the back of the neck. While this seems like a small and simple feature, it is undeniably appreciated when temperatures have risen and the sun beats down on the firing line. $28 notchgear.com