Whether you want to carry traditionally (concealed behind your clothing) or if you prefer open carry, will determine the ideal concealed carry holster for you (holstered but visible). Along with these factors, your pistol should include features that make it easier to use and less likely to accidentally discharge. The ideal concealed carry holster should fit the design of your gun and keep it in place when you’re moving around. The ability to conceal it must come first, even though wearing it should be comfortable.
Holster shopping can be challenging, especially for concealed carry holsters. Additionally, there are a variety of holster vendors to choose from, some of whom may offer suggestions for holster wear that may now be useful to you. Some holsters cost little money, while others are pricey. They’re not all worth your time, though. The reason for this is that there are numerous aspects that go into holsters, and not every retailer hits all of the top holster points with every model they sell. Let’s take a time to examine some of those elements, including the proper holster wear.
What To Consider When Choosing The Best Concealed Carry Holsters
When preparing yourself for self-defense, picking a high-quality concealed carry holster is important. The most crucial factors to keep in mind while choosing the best concealed carry holster are explored in the following section.
Intended Use
If a concealed carry holster will fit your needs, that should be the major factor to consider. There are many choices if you’re searching for a high-quality EDC (everyday carry) holster that can also serve as a standard issue pistol belt. There are other options, too, if you prefer a smaller, more portable holster for quickly concealing a weapon. The type of weapon the holster is compatible with will also depend on its intended application.
Concealment
How well a holster blends in with your clothing is one of the most crucial features to look for. Even if a holster is the greatest at retaining and providing comfort, you should leave it at home if it sticks out under your clothing like a huge lump.
- IWB holsters, also known as inside-the-waistband holsters, are more discrete and ideal for the summer. especially when you need to conceal your weapon but aren’t wearing a jacket or sweater.
Because a piece of clothing must be worn over OWB holsters in order to completely conceal your weapon and holster, they are less easy to conceal. The advantage of OWB holsters is that they are more comfortable to wear.
Adjustability
Because every person’s body is different, the pants you wear one day might not fit the same way as the pants you wear the following day. The alternatives for concealing increase with the holster’s flexibility.
Material
The material for a high-quality concealed carry holster is carefully chosen. Many times, it comes down to personal preference, but there are some things to think about.
- Gun holsters made of plastic are quite inexpensive. However, they could not be as strong or durable as metal holsters, despite the fact that they are typically resilient and light.
- In most cases, steel or aluminum is used to make metal holsters. Despite being more expensive, these materials are more durable than plastic.
- Modern holsters are frequently made of nylon fiberglass. It combines the advantages of both metal and plastic, providing excellent strength and a decent weight while being less expensive than both.
- Since you need two hands to wield a leather holster and a gun, they provide a safety risk. That is not a good thing.
Fit
Fit is likely to be a key consideration when selecting a new concealed carry holster. After all, a holster that doesn’t fit properly may be very uncomfortable to wear. Thankfully, the majority of manufacturers give a measurement instrument (often packaged with the holster) so you may check the measurements of the holster you’re thinking about buying to those listed by the manufacturer.
Weight
Weight may play a big role if you’re seeking for a highly flexible EDC holster. After all, if the holster isn’t light enough to move quickly, then it won’t do much good if you need to draw your weapon. However, heavier holsters shouldn’t be overlooked because they frequently make up for the extra weight with greater robustness.
Retention
How well a holster holds a gun in place is yet another crucial factor to take into account. When it comes to keeping your pistol in the holster and not bouncing about on the ground or flying in the air, retention holsters perform well.
Versatility
Having a lot of versatility is one advantage of selecting a high-quality concealed carry holster. As an illustration, many holsters come with a pair of loops that can be adjusted to wrap around the waist, allowing the wearer to change the length to fit people of various heights. This is especially helpful for people who prefer a more classic concealed carry holster style over the usage of a belt with a pouch.
Accessories
Many high-quality concealed carry holsters also have a few extras. The majority of holsters have one or more loops that can be used to fasten them to the belt using two tiny metal buckles. The weight of the pistol can be supported by these attachments without the holster slipping. Additionally, many holsters include tiny metal hooks known as laces that let the user tighten the holster’s fit. To stop the user’s hand from slipping onto the trigger of the handgun, certain holsters have small metal plates called guards.
Safety Features
Safety is extremely important in the realm of weapons. Most concealed carry holsters will include one or more features that are intended to increase safety. For instance, a safety switch integrated into the handle of many holsters enables the user to immediately deactivate the trigger when the gun is oriented in a potentially dangerous direction. Other holsters have a safety that requires the user to pull the slide to discharge the weapon before depressing the trigger.
Ease of Drawing
Every second counts if you need to draw your pistol, so you don’t want to struggle with your holster to do it. The ease with which you can draw your weapon depends on a variety of things, but a well constructed kydex holster with suitable retention, placed at a ride height and angle appropriate to your body, will allow the weapon to nearly jump into your hands.
Ease of Attachment
You can’t protect yourself if you leave your pistol at home. Try to get a holster that can fit under a variety of outfits and is simple to put on and take off. Some holster clips are difficult to fasten to your belt. Using a holster clip shouldn’t cause any problems to you. If you encounter one, you would need to avoid it.
Types Of Concealed Carry Holsters
Concealed carry gun holsters come in nine different categories. In terms of convenience and protection, each offers varying degrees of comfort.
Shoulder Holsters
A shoulder holster is especially cozy because it is made to wrap around your shoulders, with the gun’s real pocket resting on the side of your rib cage and hanging off the harness bands. They enable the transportation of extra accessories like magazines.and can handle heavier firearms with ease.
Inside-the-Waistband (IWB) Holsters
An inside-the-waistline holster is made to clip or somehow attach to your belt or pants so it can be worn within your waistband. Concealment is handled by your slacks, pants, or shorts, and support is given by your belt. Larger weapons may leave a noticeable print or be more uncomfortable in terms of concealability and detection. Smaller-profile guns will be more concealable and usually more comfortable.
Ankle Holsters
An ankle holster is strapped to your ankle. If your pants are not designed to be worn too tightly, this has the advantage of being quite good at hiding. Its attachment to your ankle and the requirement that you bend over to draw it can both be viewed as drawbacks. This is why some people prefer to carry a backup firearm in ankle holsters in addition to their everyday carry.
Thigh Holsters
Thigh holsters for concealed carry are fastened to your thigh. As a result, women who are dressed in dresses or skirts are more likely to use them. These specific items of clothing provide the hiding. Reaching the weapon is pretty simple due to the ease with which dresses and skirts can be simply lifted. Contrary to popular belief, a tactical thigh holster is not the same as these concealed carry thigh holsters.
Belly Band Holsters
Your upper clothing serves as concealment, while a belly band holster is wrapped over your abdomen. It is important to remember that the term “belly band holster” refers to items designed to be worn high on the abdomen, above the waist.
When used by those wearing a loose-fitting shirt or another piece of clothing, belly band holsters offer great concealment. This kind of holster might be unpleasant for some people, and its concealing profile might be lowered. Some people might have a problem with real belly band holsters since they restrict your ability to draw your weapon. This is due to the fact that in order to draw, you must reach underneath your shirt or blouse or unbutton it.
Bra Holsters
A bra holster keeps the gun securely against the wearer’s body in a comfortable and covert manner. These holster designs are made for smaller-profile weapons. However, the level of concealing can be highly successful when worn with a top that is not overly form-fitting.
Concealment Bag Holsters
Not all concealed carry holsters need to be worn directly on your body. Holsters for concealment bags are made to be used with common carrying items.
Holsters for concealment bags are included in practical carrying bags like:
- Women’s purses
- Fanny packs
- Shoulder bags
- Backpacks
- Leg bags
- Briefcases
- Belt pouches
- Sling bags
Concealment bag holsters offer an incredibly high level of concealment. Concealment bag holsters have unique sections made to be easily accessed while carrying your pistol safely and covertly as you go about your day.
How We Chose Our Top Picks Concealed Carry Holsters
We are pretty serious when it comes to shooting and carrying weapons. We have spent the last nine years in and around the gun community and industry, and we are constantly looking for the newest and coolest piece of gear that promises to eliminate all the issues we have with carrying a hidden weapon. We have tested a wide variety of concealed carry holsters along the way, all of which claim to provide the most cozy and concealed package available.
Even though there are countless manufacturers offering apparently unlimited possibilities for concealable holsters, we set out to gather some of the best. Based on feedback we received from daily carry users and other resources, we refined our choices. We focused our search on holsters that completely covered the trigger guard and were made of sturdy materials. We don’t want any foreign objects to accidentally pierce the trigger guard and pull the trigger. With a few exceptions for people who might need more specialized alternatives, we sought to keep prices as low as possible, with the majority of holsters falling within the $85 to $100 range.
Frequently Asked Questions About Concealed Carry Holsters
What is the most comfortable holster for concealed carry?
OWB rigs are often considered as the most comfortable alternative, but this depends on personal preference.
What should I look for in a holster?
Safety, fit, concealment, accessibility, ease of reholstering, and comfort come in that sequence from most significant to least.
What is the most comfortable concealed carry position?
The most comfortable position is frequently thought to be strongside OWB or IWB.
What makes a great concealed carry holster?
A great holster has an ergonomic and form-fitting design. Without it, you only have a pocket rather than a holster.