Best leather OWB
Galco Combat Master OWB
- Hand-molded leather for a fast, smooth draw
- High-ride design conceals under a jacket
- Classic looks that age well
Premium price tier
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Carry Method
Outside the Waistband (OWB) Carry
The most comfortable and fastest-drawing way to carry — the holster rides outside your pants on the belt. With a cover garment it conceals well, and it's the easiest method to do safely, which makes it a great choice for new and experienced carriers alike.
Pros and cons of OWB carry
Pros
- The most comfortable carry position for most people
- Fastest, most natural draw
- Handles full-size and heavy guns easily
- Easy on, easy off — especially with a paddle
- Great for range, open carry, and cooler weather
Cons
- Needs a cover garment to conceal
- Harder to hide in a tucked-in shirt
- Can print if you reach up or the wind lifts your shirt
- Slightly more exposed to a grab than front carry
Who OWB carry is best for
OWB suits anyone who can wear a cover garment and prioritizes comfort and a fast draw — people in cooler climates, those carrying larger pistols, and newer carriers who want the simplest, safest setup to learn on. It's also the go-to for dual range/carry use.
Tips for carrying OWB well
- Choose a high-ride pancake holster. It pulls the gun tight to your body and keeps the grip from poking out.
- Match the cover garment. A slightly longer, looser untucked shirt or jacket conceals best without looking out of place.
- Belt loops over paddle for concealment. Molded belt loops ride closer to the body; paddles win on convenience.
- Consider retention. If you spend time in crowds, a holster with an active retention release adds security.
- Carry behind the hip. The 3–4 o'clock position hides the grip and keeps the gun out of the way when sitting.
Best OWB holsters
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Best leather OWB
Best retention OWB
Safariland 7378 ALS OWB
- ALS thumb-release locks the gun in place
- Tough, weatherproof construction
- Paddle and belt-loop options
Premium price tier
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Quick comparison
| Holster | Best for | Material | Price tier | Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Galco Combat Master OWB | Best leather OWB | Premium steerhide leather | Premium | Check price for Galco Combat Master OWB on Amazon |
| Safariland 7378 ALS OWB | Best retention OWB | SafariSeven polymer | Premium | Check price for Safariland 7378 ALS OWB on Amazon |
Price tier: $ budget · $$ mid-range · $$$ premium. These are our own rough groupings, not Amazon prices — Amazon's prices change often, so check the current price before you buy.
Frequently asked questions
Can you actually conceal an OWB holster?
Yes — with a cover garment. An untucked shirt, hoodie, or jacket conceals a high-ride OWB holster well. OWB is harder to hide in a tucked-in dress shirt, which is where IWB or appendix carry win.
Pancake, paddle, or belt-slide OWB?
Pancake holsters pull the gun in tight to the body for the best concealment. Paddle holsters are quickest to take on and off. Belt-slide holsters are minimal and light. For concealment, a pancake or molded belt-loop design is usually best.
Is OWB better for range and open carry too?
Yes. OWB is the most versatile position — comfortable for all-day wear, fast on the draw, and equally at home at the range, where open carry is legal, or concealed under a jacket.