Holster types and their wearing tips: A Practical Guide

Daniel Qiu
January 23, 2024

Choosing the right holster is a decision that affects safety, accessibility, comfort, and the effectiveness of weapon concealment or open carry.

This guide breaks down common holster types and offers practical wearing tips to optimize your setup.

Common Types of holsters

1. Outside-the-Waistband (OWB) Holsters

Description: Worn outside the pants, typically secured via loops or a platform attached to a gun belt. Offers comfort, easy draw, and accommodates larger firearms.
Primary Use: Open carry, duty holsters for law enforcement/military, competition shooting, range use.
Wearing Tips:

Positioning: For concealment, position behind the hip (around 3:30-5:00 for right-handers). For open/duty carry, place slightly forward of the hip bone for access and sitting comfort.

Belt: Use a rigid, dedicated gun belt (1.5″ width is standard) to prevent sagging and ensure stability.

Cant: Adjust the holster cant (forward or rearward tilt) for a natural draw stroke and comfort when seated. A slight forward cant often aids concealment and access.

2. Inside-the-Waistband (IWB) Holsters

Description: Worn inside the pants, with the holster and firearm against the skin or undershirt. Clips or loops hook over the belt/pants for maximum concealment.
Primary Use: Concealed carry (CCW) for civilians and plainclothes professionals.
Wearing Tips:

Positioning: Common positions include Appendix (AIWB, 12:00-1:30), Strong Side (3:00-4:30), and Behind the Hip (4:30-6:00). Experiment to find what conceals best with your body and clothing.

Clothing: Use slightly looser pants and a longer or untucked shirt/jacket to prevent “printing” (the gun’s outline showing).

Clips/Loops: Ensure clips are sturdy and engage the belt securely. Dual-clip designs offer better stability and weight distribution.

3. Appendix Inside the Waistband (AIWB) Holsters

Description: A subset of IWB worn in the front appendix position. Often includes a “wing” or “claw” to push the grip into the body and a wedge for comfort/concealment.
Primary Use: Popular for deep concealment and rapid access.
Wearing Tips:

Safety Paramount: Appendix carry requires strict safety protocols due to the muzzle’s proximity to vital areas like the femoral artery. Use a rigid holster with full trigger guard coverage and a reinforced mouth to prevent collapse. Practice deliberate, visually guided reholstering, and train to keep the muzzle pointed away from your body during the draw. Body type matters—those with larger midsections may find AIWB less comfortable or harder to conceal.

Grip Tuck: Use the “claw” or “wing” to rotate the grip inward, minimizing printing.

Belt & Pants: A stiff gun belt and secure waistband prevent the holster from rolling outward.

Comfort Wedge: A foam wedge on the body-facing side improves comfort and concealment.

4. Shoulder Holsters

Description: Worn under the arms, suspended by straps over the shoulders. The firearm sits horizontally across the torso, often with a magazine pouch on the opposite side.
Primary Use: Concealed carry under jackets or coats, or for long periods seated (e.g., driving, desk work).
Wearing Tips:

Harness Fit: Adjust straps snugly for comfort and to prevent bounce, while allowing full range of motion. The harness should distribute weight evenly.

Jacket Requirement: Requires an unbuttoned jacket, vest, or coat for concealment.

Draw Practice: The draw stroke differs from waistband holsters, requiring a cross-body motion. With consistent practice, it can be efficient, but it demands familiarity for safety and speed.

5. Ankle Holsters

Description: Worn around the ankle, typically holding small, lightweight handguns or backup weapons.
Primary Use: Deep concealment for backup guns (BUGs) or primary carry in specific situations (e.g., seated desk work).
Wearing Tips:

Firearm Size: Suitable only for small, lightweight pistols or revolvers.

Placement: A common placement is on the inside of the non-dominant leg (e.g., inside left ankle for a right-handed shooter) for easier access with the dominant hand. Some prefer the outside of the dominant leg based on comfort and drawing preference.

Pants: Requires boot-cut or wider-leg pants. Tight pants or high boots are incompatible.

Access Limitation: Access is slow and requires bending or kneeling. Primarily a backup option.

Strap Comfort: Ensure the strap is snug but doesn’t restrict circulation. Neoprene sleeves improve comfort.

6. Paddle Holsters

Description: An OWB variation, featuring a wide, flat “paddle” that slips inside the waistband, with the holster body sitting OWB. Designed for easy on/off without removing the belt.
Primary Use: Situations requiring frequent holster removal (e.g., security details, instructors, some competition) or convenient OWB carry.
Wearing Tips:

Security: Choose designs with robust retention on the paddle. Some models include belt hooks or snaps for added security.

Concealment: Concealment can be challenging if the paddle pushes the holster away from the body, but modern designs with adjustable cant or low-profile paddles can improve concealability.

Comfort: The paddle spreads pressure, often making it comfortable for extended wear. Ensure it doesn’t dig into the hip bone.

7. Pocket Holsters

Description: Specifically designed to hold a small handgun securely inside a pants or jacket pocket. Made from rigid or semi-rigid materials (like Kydex) or high-friction fabrics (e.g., suede or rubberized materials). Key features include a “hook” shape or textured exterior to stay in the pocket during the draw and prevent printing.

Primary Use: Deep concealment for small, snag-free pistols (e.g., micro-compacts, small revolvers) as a primary or backup option.

Key Consideration: Requires dedicated pocket space and compatible pants/jackets with sufficiently large, non-stretchy pockets to avoid printing or draw issues. Must prevent the gun from shifting or printing, ensure full trigger guard coverage, provide adequate retention, and allow a smooth draw without snagging.

8. Drop-Leg Holsters (Thigh Rigs)

Description: Worn on the thigh, secured by straps around the leg, and typically attached to a belt or MOLLE platform via a drop-down platform. Positions the firearm lower than a standard OWB holster, reducing strain on the waist but potentially causing leg fatigue with heavier firearms.

Primary Use: Tactical/military, law enforcement (e.g., SWAT), or competitive shooting where body armor, heavy packs, or vehicle seats interfere with waist-level access. Facilitates access while seated or in bulky gear.

Key Consideration: Requires active retention (e.g., hoods, locks) due to movement and potential snagging. Can shift during dynamic activities like running or climbing if not properly secured; choose models with anti-slip features or additional straps and adjust for a snug fit. Not ideal for everyday concealed carry.

9. Belly Band Holsters

Description: An elastic or adjustable band worn around the torso (abdomen or chest) with built-in holster pockets or panels. Often includes multiple pockets for a firearm, magazines, or other gear, and allows flexible positioning (e.g., appendix, cross-draw, small-of-back).

Primary Use: Concealed carry when traditional belt carry isn’t feasible (e.g., wearing athletic wear, scrubs, dresses, or during physical activity like running). Ideal for deep concealment under tight clothing.

Key Consideration: Comfort and breathability are crucial. Sweat can cause discomfort or firearm corrosion, so choose bands with moisture-wicking or breathable materials and consider protective coatings for the firearm. Requires careful positioning to avoid printing and ensure accessibility. Retention depends on the band’s tension and holster pocket design.

Universal Holster Wearing Tips & Best Practices

Holster Safety is Non-Negotiable: The holster must provide full, rigid trigger guard coverage at all times. Avoid soft, collapsible materials that can snag the trigger. Reholster deliberately, visually confirming the holster is clear if possible. Learn more about holster safety from experts like Safariland or the National Rifle Association’s firearm safety resources.

Holster Retention Matters: The holster should securely hold your firearm during movement while allowing a smooth draw. Active retention (e.g., thumb breaks, hoods) is essential for duty or strenuous activity. Passive retention (friction fit) is common for concealed carry. Practice defeating retention under stress.

Invest in a Quality Gun Belt: A flimsy belt causes sagging, printing, discomfort, and drawing issues. A rigid gun belt (1.5″ width, made from thick leather, reinforced nylon, or polymer core) is essential. Brands like Kore Essentials or Blue Alpha Gear specialize in these.

Master Your Draw Stroke: Practice drawing from concealment (if applicable) regularly and safely. Your draw should be consistent, smooth, and bring the firearm on target. Seek professional training from organizations like the USCCA.

Consider Holster Cant: Adjusting cant improves comfort (especially when sitting) and optimizes draw angle. Small adjustments make a big difference.

Mind Your Clothing: Concealment depends on clothing. Ensure shirts/jackets drape naturally over the holster without snagging. Check for printing in a mirror from various angles.

Comfort is Key for Consistency: An uncomfortable holster discourages consistent carry. Experiment with positions, cant, materials, and padding/wedges. Leather holsters may require a break-in period.

Regular Inspection: Check holsters, belts, and clips/loops for wear, cracking (especially Kydex), loose screws/stitching, or deformation that could compromise safety or retention.

Choosing the Right Holster

The best holster depends on your needs:

Primary Use: Concealed carry, open carry, duty, competition, or backup?
Firearm Model: Holsters are firearm-specific for proper fit and retention.
Body Type & Clothing: Consider what positions work for your physique and attire.
Activity Level: Active retention is needed for running or climbing.
Legal Considerations: Understand local laws for concealed or open carry, as some jurisdictions require specific retention levels. Check resources like the NRA (https://www.nra.org) or local law enforcement websites.
Personal Preference: Comfort and confidence are vital.

There’s no one-size-fits-all solution. Often, individuals own several holster types for different situations or firearms. Prioritize safety (trigger guard coverage), retention, accessibility, and comfort.

Conclusion

By understanding holster types, applying these tips, and maintaining your gear, you can carry your firearm safely, comfortably, and effectively. Consistent training and adherence to local laws are essential.

Need Custom Holsters for Your Brand or Unit? Our 15+ years of manufacturing expertise include full OEM/ODM services. From material selection to retention systems and branding, we tailor holsters to your exact specifications. Contact our sales team for bulk pricing and partnership opportunities.