Concealed Carry Holsters

Carry Method

Appendix Carry (AIWB)

A variation of inside-the-waistband carry with the holster in front of the hip, around the 1 o'clock position. It delivers the fastest draw and the best grip concealment of any everyday method — which is why it has taken over the carry world.

What is appendix carry?

Appendix inside-the-waistband (AIWB) carry places the holster forward of your strong-side hip, over the appendix region. Instead of reaching back to your hip, your hand drops straight to the front of your beltline — a shorter, faster, harder-to-interfere-with draw stroke.

Carrying in front also hides the grip exceptionally well (your torso curves away there) and keeps the gun where you can physically defend it in a struggle. Modern AIWB holsters add a claw that rotates the grip into the body and a wedge that tips the muzzle outward, transforming both concealment and comfort.

Appendix demands more discipline than other positions: the muzzle points down at your body when seated, so a quality holster that fully covers the trigger and slow, deliberate reholstering are non-negotiable.

Appendix carry at a glance

Concealability
Comfort
Accessibility
Retention
Ease of use

Scores are relative to other carry methods, 1 (low) to 5 (high).

Pros and cons of appendix carry

Pros

  • Fastest, most direct draw of any concealed method
  • Outstanding concealment of the grip
  • Gun stays in front where you can protect it
  • Easy to access seated, including while driving
  • Great retention against a grab

Cons

  • Requires real discipline when reholstering (muzzle points at the body)
  • Can be uncomfortable seated or for some body types without a wedge
  • Best suited to compact and slim pistols
  • Steeper learning curve than hip carry

Safety first. Only carry appendix with a holster that fully and rigidly covers the trigger guard. Reholster slowly — ideally clearing the cover garment and looking the gun back in. Never rush it.

Who appendix carry is best for

Appendix rewards carriers who want the quickest possible access and the cleanest concealment, and who are willing to learn safe handling habits. It's especially popular with people carrying compact 9mms, those who spend a lot of time seated, and anyone who found hip carry printed too much at the grip.

Tips for carrying appendix well

  • Use a claw and a wedge. The claw flattens the grip against you; the wedge tips the muzzle out and the grip in. Together they fix most comfort and printing complaints.
  • Dial in ride height. Most people conceal best with the gun riding fairly high; experiment in small steps.
  • Reholster deliberately, every time. Slow is smooth. Many carriers remove and reholster off-body when practical.
  • Start slim. A compact or single-stack pistol is the easiest path into AIWB comfort.
  • Mind the belt. As with all IWB, a stiff gun belt keeps the rig stable and comfortable.

Best appendix holsters

Disclosure: We independently research what we recommend and may earn a commission if you buy through links on this page — at no extra cost to you. Learn more.

Vedder LightTuck holster Best slim Kydex IWB

Vedder LightTuck

Vedder Holsters · Single-layer Kydex

  • Thin profile hides well in light clothing
  • Adjustable retention and ride height
  • Lifetime warranty
$60–$75 Check Price
Tenicor VELO4 holster Best dedicated appendix rig

Tenicor VELO4

Tenicor · Kydex with integrated wedge & claw

  • Purpose-built AIWB geometry for deep concealment
  • Built-in claw rotates the grip inward
  • Comfortable wedge tucks the muzzle out
$80–$110 Check Price
Concealment Express IWB Kydex holster Best budget Kydex

Concealment Express IWB Kydex

Concealment Express · Kydex

  • Posi-Click audible retention
  • Adjustable cant and retention
  • Great value with a solid warranty
$40–$55 Check Price
We The People IWB Kydex holster Best value with claw add-ons

We The People IWB Kydex

We The People · Kydex

  • Optional claw and wedge accessories
  • Optics- and suppressor-height sight cuts
  • Frequent sales and bundle pricing
$45–$65 Check Price

Quick comparison

Holster Best for Material Price Link
Vedder LightTuck Best slim Kydex IWB Single-layer Kydex $60–$75 Check Price
Tenicor VELO4 Best dedicated appendix rig Kydex with integrated wedge & claw $80–$110 Check Price
Concealment Express IWB Kydex Best budget Kydex Kydex $40–$55 Check Price
We The People IWB Kydex Best value with claw add-ons Kydex $45–$65 Check Price

Frequently asked questions

Is appendix carry safe?
It is safe when you use a quality holster that fully covers the trigger guard, keep your finger off the trigger, and are deliberate when reholstering (do it slowly, ideally looking the gun back into the holster). Most appendix accidents trace to reholstering carelessly or using a holster that doesn't protect the trigger.
What is a claw and a wedge?
A claw is a small lever that pushes against your belt to rotate the gun's grip inward (flatter against the body). A wedge is a foam or rubber pad behind the holster that tips the muzzle out and the grip in. Together they dramatically improve concealment and comfort.
Can larger or heavier guys carry appendix?
Yes, though it takes more tuning. A good wedge, the right ride height, and a slightly smaller or single-stack pistol all help. Some find it more comfortable seated than others — it's worth trying before committing.
Why is appendix carry so popular?
It offers an extremely fast, well-protected draw, excellent concealment of the grip, and good retention because the gun is in front of you where you can defend it. That combination is hard to beat for everyday carry.

Related carry methods

IWB OWB Belly band Best appendix holsters How to choose