How to Choose a Concealed Carry Holster

1. Start with carry position

Position is the biggest decision — it drives comfort, concealment and draw speed more than any other factor. Most people should start here:

• IWB — the best all-around concealment for everyday clothing.
• Appendix (AIWB) — fastest draw and best grip concealment, with more to learn.
• OWB — most comfortable and easiest to learn, needs a cover garment.
• Pocket and ankle — convenient or backup options for small guns.
• Belly band and off-body — for beltless wardrobes and maximum flexibility.

Not sure? For most new carriers, OWB under an untucked shirt or IWB behind the hip is the easiest, most comfortable place to start.

2. Get a real gun belt

This is the upgrade people skip and regret. A reinforced gun belt keeps the holster from sagging, distributes the weight, and makes IWB and OWB carry genuinely comfortable. A great holster on a flimsy belt will still feel terrible.

3. Choose the material

• Kydex: slim, durable, sweat-proof, and holds its shape for safe one-handed reholstering. The most popular choice.
• Leather: classic feel and quiet, but can collapse over time and absorbs sweat.
• Hybrid: a soft backer against the body with a Kydex shell for the gun — a comfort-focused middle ground.

4. Check retention and the trigger guard

Every holster must fully cover the trigger guard and hold the gun securely. Passive retention (friction, often adjustable) is fine for most concealed carry; active retention (a thumb release) adds security if you're in crowds or worried about a grab.

5. Fit it to your gun and your body

Buy a holster molded for your exact make and model. Then tune ride height and cant: small changes dramatically affect both comfort and how well the grip hides. Larger builds often conceal better slightly behind the hip; appendix carriers should add a claw and wedge.

6. Plan to try more than one

Holster fit is personal. It's completely normal to buy two reasonable options and keep the one you'll actually wear — the "holster drawer" is a rite of passage. Prioritize the one that's comfortable enough that you never leave the gun at home.