Choosing a Concealed Carry Holster: The Complete Guide

A quality holster is the foundation of comfortable, safe concealed carry. The wrong holster ends up in a drawer — the right one becomes part of your daily routine. Here's how to find it.

What Makes a Good Holster?

Every concealed carry holster should provide:

  • Retention — The gun stays put until you intentionally draw it
  • Trigger coverage — The trigger guard must be completely enclosed
  • Concealment — Minimal printing (visible outline through clothing)
  • Comfort — You'll wear it 12+ hours a day
  • Accessibility — Consistent, repeatable draw stroke

Holster Types

Inside the Waistband (IWB)

The most popular concealed carry method. The holster tucks inside your pants with clips or loops attaching to your belt.

Best for: Deep concealment, everyday carry Pros: Excellent concealment, works with most body types Cons: Requires pants sized 1–2 inches larger, can be warm in summer

Popular options: Tier 1 Concealed Axis Elite, Vedder LightTuck, Tenicor Velo

Appendix Inside the Waistband (AIWB)

A subset of IWB where the holster sits in front of the hip, near the appendix area (12–2 o'clock position).

Best for: Fast draw, slim builds Pros: Fastest draw stroke, easy to conceal, comfortable when sitting (for many) Cons: Requires comfort with muzzle direction, can be uncomfortable for larger midsections

Outside the Waistband (OWB)

The holster sits outside the pants, usually covered by an untucked shirt or jacket.

Best for: Open carry, range use, jacket weather Pros: Most comfortable, easiest draw, best retention options Cons: Requires a cover garment for concealment

Pocket Carry

A pocket holster designed for small handguns (.380 ACP or small 9mm) carried in a front pants pocket.

Best for: Deep concealment, backup gun, summer carry Pros: Very discreet, no belt required Cons: Limited to small firearms, slower draw, pocket must be dedicated to the holster

Shoulder Holsters

A harness system that suspends the holster under the support arm.

Best for: Driving, sitting at a desk, wearing a suit jacket Pros: Comfortable for long periods of sitting, distributes weight across shoulders Cons: Requires a jacket to conceal, slower draw, muzzle sweeps during draw

Belly Bands

A wide elastic band worn around the midsection with a built-in holster pocket.

Best for: Athletic wear, no-belt situations, tucked shirts Pros: Works with any clothing, no belt needed, versatile positioning Cons: Less retention than rigid holsters, can be warm

Material Matters

Kydex (Thermoplastic)

  • Excellent retention with audible click
  • Minimal break-in period
  • Easy to clean
  • Doesn't collapse when gun is drawn (important for re-holstering)
  • Most popular material for concealed carry

Leather

  • Classic look and feel
  • Extremely comfortable against the body
  • Requires break-in period
  • Can lose shape over time
  • Must be maintained (conditioned) regularly

Hybrid (Kydex Shell + Leather/Neoprene Backer)

  • Best of both worlds: Kydex retention with leather comfort
  • Popular brands: CrossBreed, StealthGear, Alien Gear
  • Good balance of concealment and comfort

Finding Your Position

Experiment with different carry positions to find what works for your body:

  • 3–4 o'clock (strong-side hip) — Traditional IWB/OWB position. Works for most body types.
  • Appendix (12–2 o'clock) — Fastest draw, excellent concealment for slim builds.
  • 6 o'clock (small of back) — Poor choice. Hard to access, dangerous if you fall on it.
  • Pocket — Front pocket only, with a dedicated pocket holster.

Common Mistakes

  1. Buying cheap holsters — A $15 nylon holster is a waste of money. Budget $50–$100 for quality.
  2. Skipping the belt — A proper gun belt is essential. Regular belts sag and shift.
  3. Not practicing draws — Draw from concealment regularly (with an unloaded gun).
  4. Giving up too soon — Allow 2 weeks of daily wear to adjust to carrying.
  5. One holster for everything — Most carriers eventually have 2–3 holsters for different situations.

Where to Buy

  • Gun shows — Try before you buy. Holster vendors are common at shows. Find one at our show directory.
  • Online — Most quality holster makers sell direct. Expect 2–4 week lead times for custom Kydex.
  • Local gun shops — Good for trying universal-fit holsters. Find shops in our dealer directory.

The best holster is the one you'll actually wear every day. Start with a quality IWB from a reputable maker and adjust from there.