Concealed Carry Holsters: Pros, Cons, and Key Differences

Concealed carry is an exercise in compromise, particularly between comfort and discretion. A quality holster is rarely cheap, and the last place it should end up is at the bottom of a drawer reserved for uncomfortable gear and failed purchases. So let’s examine the strengths and weaknesses of each carry method without the usual marketing pitch.

Your first choice will not always prove to be the right one. The following observations come from first-hand experience—and, in most cases, from purchases made with my own money.

What Every Safe Holster Must Do

Before comparing individual carry methods, we need to establish the non-negotiable requirements. A holster must prevent outside objects from reaching the trigger, retain the firearm securely during normal movement, and remain firmly attached to the wearer. Once the handgun is drawn, the holster must retain its shape and allow the firearm to be reholstered safely.

The holster must fit the specific firearm and its accessories. When choosing one, confirm compatibility with any red-dot sight or weapon-mounted light.

Compatibility is just as important. It is not enough for the pistol to physically fit inside the holster—the manufacturer must list that specific firearm as supported. If the handgun is equipped with a weapon light, red dot, or other accessory, confirm compatibility with the complete configuration. Light-bearing holsters in particular are often designed around one specific weapon-light model.

When reholstering, make sure clothing, drawstrings, and other objects cannot enter the trigger guard. Keep your finger indexed outside the trigger guard, and never rush the process. Worn mounting hardware, cracks, or loss of retention are all reasons to stop using the holster until the problem has been corrected.

OWB Holsters

OWB, or outside-the-waistband, refers to a holster worn outside the trousers and attached to a belt. OWB holsters may be made from leather, fabric, Kydex, or other polymers. The acronym describes the carry position—not the material or quality of the holster.

Advantages: A properly fitted rigid holster keeps the handgun stable and supports a consistent, positive firing grip during the draw. Because both the firearm and holster remain outside the trousers, they do not take up space inside the waistband.

Drawbacks: Basic OWB holsters can create a noticeable bulge at the wearer’s side. Printing is influenced not only by the combined thickness of the pistol and holster, but also by how far the grip angles away from the body.

Modern solutions: Properly contoured designs, such as the RH Holsters OWB Frogy, can reduce this problem. Shaping at the lower portion of the holster levers the upper section—and therefore the handgun—closer to the body. On this model, the offset positioning also tucks the grip more tightly against the wearer’s side.

In practice: An OWB holster may be harder to access while seated behind the wheel. It also carries a greater risk of accidental exposure—for example, when reaching with both hands for an item on a high shelf and the cover garment rides up. Effective concealment therefore depends heavily on the length and cut of the clothing worn over it.

With an OWB holster, concealment depends not only on its thickness but also on its contouring and attachment system, which determine how closely it rides against the body.

Strong-Side IWB Carry

IWB, or inside-the-waistband, refers to a holster worn inside the trousers. This section focuses on strong-side hip carry; the forward position known as appendix carry will be covered separately.

Advantages: Compared with OWB carry, there is a significantly lower risk of accidentally exposing the firearm as the body moves. Most of the pistol remains below the waistband, leaving primarily the grip and part of the slide above it. On the belt, only the mounting clip or loops are normally visible. Effective concealment still requires suitable clothing, however.

Drawbacks: The belt continuously presses the firearm into the wearer’s side, which can become uncomfortable over the course of the day.

In practice: An IWB holster and handgun require additional room inside the trousers. If the waistband already fits tightly without them, the extra pressure will become noticeable while sitting and moving.

A practical tip: In my experience, an excessively rigid webbing belt is not always the most comfortable option. The amount of pressure changes throughout the day—sometimes depending on how substantial lunch was. For all-day wear, I find a quality leather belt more flexible and comfortable. The individual design still matters, however, as do adjustability and the belt’s ability to keep the holster stable.

Appendix Carry, or AIWB

Appendix inside-the-waistband carry, commonly abbreviated AIWB, positions the holster at the front of the body around the lower abdomen.

Advantages: AIWB makes it easier to monitor and prevent unauthorized access to the firearm, while eliminating the bulge normally created at the hip. The handgun may also remain highly accessible while seated in a vehicle. Access beneath multiple clothing layers still depends on the complete setup, the garments being worn, and body position. Although the holster does not print at the hip, it may still create a visible outline at the front.

Drawbacks: Discomfort can occur when the abdomen pushes the pistol grip away from the body, causing the lower edge of the holster to press into the lower abdomen. This does not automatically rule out appendix carry. Body proportions, holster design, and adjustment all influence the result.

Modern solutions: Soft pads and wedges can fill the space between the body and the lower portion of the holster, helping rotate the grip inward. Their effectiveness depends on size and placement; neither accessory guarantees comfort for every wearer.

Vehicles and seat belts: Carrying a firearm does not change the basic rules of seat-belt positioning. The lap belt should run low across the pelvis—not over the abdomen—while the shoulder belt crosses the chest. The holster must be positioned so it does not interfere with that routing. Blanket advice that the belt should always pass either in front of or behind the holster is therefore inadequate.

The psychological factor: Some users are simply uncomfortable carrying a loaded handgun with the muzzle oriented toward the groin area. What matters are the actual safety conditions: a properly fitted holster, complete trigger-guard coverage, and particular care when reholstering close to the body. Any uncertainty should be addressed with a qualified firearms instructor.

Appendix carry positions an IWB holster at the front of the waistband. Comfort depends on body shape, clothing, the specific holster, and the belt.

Shoulder Holsters: The 1980s Action-Movie Classic

It is difficult to picture a low-budget action movie from the 1980s or 1990s without a hero wearing a leather shoulder holster and a conspicuous harness. In real life, however, the performance of a shoulder rig depends heavily on its design and adjustment.

Advantages: A properly designed shoulder holster can accommodate relatively large handguns, including long-barreled revolvers and traditional 1911s. It may also be comfortable while seated, and the firearm’s weight is carried by the shoulders rather than the belt. The cover garment must conceal both the handgun and the harness.

Drawbacks: Muzzle orientation is a major concern. With a horizontal shoulder holster, the muzzle points behind the wearer, although vertical designs are also available. Safe muzzle direction must be controlled during both the draw and reholstering. The path from the holster to the final firing position can also be comparatively long.

In practice: A loose or poorly adjusted harness allows the grip position to shift as the body moves. This makes it harder to establish a consistent grip because the handgun may not be in exactly the same place every time. Proper adjustment is therefore a safety and repeatability issue—not merely a matter of comfort.

Hidden concerns: A handgun carried under the arm is exposed to perspiration and moisture. On firearms with less corrosion-resistant finishes, neglected maintenance can lead to rust and unpleasant cosmetic damage. Shoulder holsters are also prohibited on some firearms courses, so check the organizer’s rules before attending.

Small-of-Back Carry

Small-of-back carry positions the holster behind the wearer over the lower back. In a horizontal configuration, the handgun lies across the back.

Advantages: Perhaps its only clear advantage is that it avoids creating a conspicuous bulge at the hip.

Drawbacks: That is almost where the list of benefits ends. Direct control over the firearm is limited, and someone approaching from behind may have easier access to it than the wearer. A rigid object positioned over the spine is also the last thing you want to land on during a backward fall.

Ergonomics: Sitting in a chair can be extremely uncomfortable. Bending forward may cause the handgun to print heavily or become fully exposed. Reholstering blindly behind the back is another particular delight—and not in a good way. Secure retention against the firearm falling out remains essential.

Off-Body Carry in a Waist Pack, Purse, or Backpack

Off-body carry means placing the firearm inside a bag designed or configured to provide relatively fast access. Common examples include a waist pack, a purpose-built sling bag, or a concealed-carry purse.

Advantages: An uninformed observer may not suspect that an ordinary-looking waist pack worn at the abdomen or chest contains a firearm. This can be particularly useful during hot summer weather, when light clothing makes conventional concealed carry on a belt more difficult.

Equipment-related drawbacks: Anyone familiar with concealed-carry gear may recognize the purpose of a bag from its styling or brand logo. The firearm is also accessed from a less conventional position, which can make it harder to establish a full firing grip. The zipper and opening system must allow the compartment to open reliably and widely enough. With larger handguns, confirm the internal dimensions with the holster or insert installed—not just the empty dimensions of the bag.

User-related drawbacks: Off-body carry introduces risks that inexperienced users often overlook. The first is simple human behavior: once a bag containing a firearm can be removed, it can also be forgotten in a restaurant, restroom, or other public place. Preventing access by children and other unauthorized persons is equally critical.

Securing the firearm: The second major issue is the need for a suitable holster that can be firmly attached inside the bag, usually through a hook-and-loop panel. Some bags include one; others require a separate insert. Dropping a loose pistol into a waist pack among keys, coins, and tissues is unacceptable. The handgun must remain fixed in position, and the trigger guard must stay fully covered so that operating the zipper or reaching for another item cannot press the trigger.

A handgun carried in a waist pack requires a firmly secured holster that keeps it in position and fully covers the trigger guard. Maintaining constant control of the bag is equally important.

Kydex, Leather, and Fabric

Material is another part of the equation. IWB and OWB describe where a holster is worn; Kydex, leather, and fabric describe what it is made from. The characteristics of a particular carry method therefore cannot automatically be attributed to a single material.

Kydex: Its primary advantages are rigidity and precise molding for a specific handgun or manufacturer-approved configuration. Kydex alone, however, does not guarantee proper retention. Design, compatibility, and the condition of the holster all matter. High temperatures can deform the material, so follow the manufacturer’s instructions and resist the temptation to reshape the holster at home.

Leather: A basic, unreinforced leather holster may soften and lose its shape over time. This can reduce retention and make it harder to establish a consistent firing grip during the draw. That does not apply to every leather holster. Quality molded leather can provide ample rigidity, depending on its construction and maintenance. Inappropriate oils may soften the leather excessively.

Fabric: Low cost is often the main advantage of a basic fabric holster. Make sure its sides cannot collapse into the trigger guard and that it retains the firearm securely. A textile outer shell or soft lining tells you nothing about the internal reinforcement.

In practice: Basic leather and fabric holsters often use a snap-fastened retention strap. If the snap wears out and no longer holds securely, the problem must be corrected before the holster remains in service. One-handed reholstering can also be difficult because an unreinforced holster tends to collapse after the handgun is drawn. Loose belt loops may allow the firearm to shift position during movement. These are design- or wear-related issues that should be monitored with any holster.

A connected handgun-and-magazine holster combines both carriers into a single system. In addition to material, evaluate its construction, dimensions, and attachment method.

A Clear Comparison of Carry Methods

Which Carry Method Is Right for You?

There is no perfect holster. The right choice depends on what you need it to do and which compromises you are willing to accept.

A holster is part of your personal safety system. “It is cheap and good enough for me” should never take priority over safe, reliable function. The holster protects and secures the firearm while keeping it accessible should you need it for lawful self-defense. A higher price, however, does not automatically make a particular holster right for you.

Before buying, test the holster with your usual belt and everyday clothing. Evaluate it while walking, sitting, and bending forward. Initial fitting and compatibility checks should always be conducted with a safely unloaded firearm and in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions. The goal is to choose equipment you will actually carry—not another uncomfortable purchase destined for the bottom of a drawer.