There are a lot of different types of concealed carry holsters out there. It can be difficult to pick the right one for you. When deciding on a holster, it is important to consider what type of clothing you wear. Also, how often your particular gun is used in everyday tasks. Depending on these factors, some people may prefer an ankle holster or pocket holster over others.
In this blog post, I will go write about all types of concealed carry holsters with positive & negative sides.
Concealed Carry Holster Types
There are 10 different types of concealed carry holsters. If you are interested in these various types of concealed carry holsters, then read on.
- Shoulder
- Inside-the-Waistband (IWB)
- Outside-the-Waistband (OWB)
- Ankle
- Thigh
- Belly Band
- Crotch Holster
- Concealment Bag
- Bra Type
Shoulder Holster for Concealed Carry
The shoulder holster is a gun holster that hangs from the shoulder. This type of firearm holder is usually made out of leather (leather holster). Also, can be worn under or over your shirt to keep it hidden from view. Rather than placing the gun in the waistband, you simply unsnap the lid and pull it down, exposing your firearm. They are known for having comfortable padding and come in different styles. Especially depending on personal preference and concealment needs.
Pros
- Keeps the gun away from your head and neck for comfort.
- Can be worn under clothing as a deep concealment holster.
Cons
- Only comfortable with certain types of blazers and shirts.
Inside-the-waistband (IWB) Holster for Concealed Carry
An inside-the-waistband holster (IWB holster) is a popular choice. Because it’s small and fits snugly to the body. These types of holsters are designed to stay in place while you’re moving around. They are made out of synthetic materials or leather. So that supports the weight of your gun.
Most IWB holsters have clips that attach to the waistband of pants. But some come with loops instead. Unlike an outside-the-waistband holster, an inside-the-waistband holster has one single clip holding your weapon in place on the waistline instead of both sides. If you spend a lot of time sitting down at work or driving, this may be more comfortable.
Pros
- Keeps the gun hidden from view.
- Can be worn under clothing as a deep concealment holster.
Cons
- Does not work well with loose-fitting garments.
Outside-the-waistband (OWB) Holster for Concealed Carry
The outside-the-waistband holster is one of the most popular concealed carry holsters today. They are typically made out of Kydex (Kydex holster), Boltaron, or leather. An OWB holster has two gun belt loops that attach to your belt and pants to keep the weapon tight against your body. It’s recommended that you tighten down your gun belt with this type of belt holster to ensure it doesn’t sag while carrying.
The outside-the-waistband holster can be worn on either side (right or left) depending on whether you prefer pulling the gun closer to the top or bottom of your waistline. This style attaches with a clip under the trigger guard area of your firearm. So that makes it difficult for someone else to pull the weapon away from you.
Pros
- Can be worn under clothing as a deep concealment holster.
Cons
- Only comfortable with high collars and thick materials type garments.
Ankle Holster for Concealed Carry
The ankle holster is typically made out of leather or elastic nylon straps which are used to wrap around your leg above the ankle. The majority of people who use one like it because it keeps their firearms close. But doesn’t get in the way when they’re driving, sitting down, running errands, or spending time with friends and family. It’s also an excellent choice if you need to remove your gun during work hours. You don’t want anyone seeing this type of holster under your desk.
Pros
- It keeps weapons hidden from view.
- Moves with your body. So you won’t have to worry about it falling down.
Cons
- The gun can rub against your leg or ankle during normal activity.
Thigh Holster for Concealed Carry
This holster type is perfect for those who need easy access to their weapon. But don’t want it on their person at all times. The thigh holster is a good choice for those who participate in activities. Such as running, hiking, biking, and horseback riding. Basically, anything that requires a lot of movement. Because it keeps the weight off your waistline and distributes it evenly across the upper part of the leg. It is also an excellent alternative for women who may not be able to conceal a gun in their waistband and need another way to carry it.
Pros
- Distributes the weight of the gun across the upper leg.
- Easy to hidden a firearm with this holster.
Cons
- The weight of the gun can make your thigh, knee, and hip sore after long periods of time. Because it is not a hip holster.
Belly Band Holster for Concealed Carry
A belly band holster wraps around your torso like a belt. But has pockets that hold handguns. It’s designed with elastic bands that go all the way around you. And hook/velcro over your clothes to keep them in place. Then there is a pocket (for lack of a better word) where you can put one or two guns. Especially depending on your preference. It’s a good choice for women who may not be able to use other types of holsters due to their clothing or find them uncomfortable.
Pros
- Allows you to carry different sizes/types of guns at the same time.
- Comfortable and adjustable.
Cons
- Not very concealable if worn by itself without any type of shirt or jacket over it.
Crotch Holster for Concealed Carry
Let’s just get this one out of our system: The crotch holster is another way some people choose to carry a gun underneath their clothes. However, it can increase your risk of unwanted attention and isn’t recommended unless there are no other alternatives.
Pros
- Can be worn under most types of clothing for easy access if needed.
Cons
- Printing is very evident when wearing tighter pants or skirts.
- Can increase your risk of unwanted attention.
Concealment Bag for Concealed Carry
This type of bag is very common among women. Because it’s small and easy to conceal if needed. Most types are made out of leather and have a strap that wraps around your body. So the bag rests on your stomach. But keeps the opening close to your body for quick access. You can also place one or two handguns inside. It is depending on how much you need to carry at one time. Some bags even have an open bottom area where you can put extra bullets.
Pros
- Can hold various sized handguns and necessary accessories.
- Very comfortable if worn fitted with proper clothing.
Cons
- While there are many different styles available, they’re not always cheap.
- Not good for men who may need more space for bullets, etc.
Pocket Holster for Concealed Carry
Pocket holsters come in a variety of shapes and sizes. They’re designed to fit inside your pants pocket. So you can have quick access to your weapon without being seen by anyone around you. It’s also recommended that you place a handkerchief or folded piece of paper over the top part of the holster as a safety precaution. Just in case the gun accidentally fires from pressure, etc.
Pros
- Keeps firearm hidden from view.
- Provides easy access if needed.
Cons
- Not very good for female body types.
Bra Type Holster for Concealed Carry
Being a woman means you probably have to deal with wearing bras. However, that’s one area where you can hide your gun or other accessories if needed. You’ll need something that straps around just underneath your arms. And keeps the firearm tucked into the crease of your bra strap for easy access if needed. It usually stays securely in place until pulled out. Especially even during heavy movement or physical activity. That is why you need a bra holster for a perfect adjustment.
Pros
- Allows you to keep your firearm close at all times (even while sleeping).
- No special type of clothing is needed to use it.
- Perfect with any dress; even with a skirt.
Cons
- It is only for women.
Benefits of A Concealed Carry Holster
This has become one of the most popular personal self-defense accessories. Especially among women. It’s also straightened out a lot of misconceptions about gun ownership that have been around for years. The best part is that it allows you to carry your firearm in plain sight without anyone knowing what’s underneath your clothing until you’re forced to prove it by unzipping/unbuttoning yourself if need be. If this sounds like something you might be interested in then I recommend you do more research and find a holster that suits your individual needs and lifestyle.
Here are some common and shortcut benefits of a good holster:
1. Protection
Having a concealed carry holster gives you the peace of mind that you have quick access to your firearm if needed. A lot of states across America are passing more strict gun laws for the public to follow. But there are still many areas where even law-abiding citizens can’t walk around openly carrying their guns without being penalized or targeted by criminals looking for an easy target.
That’s why having a concealed carry holster has become so popular among gun owners in recent years. It allows them to keep their firearms on them at all times. Especially while still allowing them to feel safe and join society with no extra obstacles in their way. Some people who live in up-scale neighborhoods don’t like walking around wearing bulletproof vests. Because it ruins the “vibe” they’re going for.
But by concealing a firearm inside their waistband, it’s not as obvious to others around them and allows them to carry their gun without having to constantly explain themselves.
2. Practicality
Buying the proper concealed carry holster is just one part of the equation – your choice of clothing. Also plays a very important role too. If you don’t wear the right type of shirt or pants then it defeats the purpose of buying a good quality holster in the first place. Because no one would be able to see anything anyway! For women, this usually means wearing clothes that aren’t tight-fitting and revealing. So they can easily conceal whatever kind of handgun they choose without anyone noticing she has underneath her outfit. Especially unless they’re told beforehand.
3. One Size Fits All
One of the greatest benefits of owning a good quality concealed holster is that it’s super easy to use. And doesn’t require any complicated setup or installation like choosing between IWB and OWB styles. All you have to do is adjust your holster to work with whichever handgun you own and then secure it in place between your waistband and belt.
That’s why this has become such a popular accessory among those who live an outdoor lifestyle. Because there are fewer limitations on how you can use it day-to-day!
4. You Don’t Know What You Got Till Its Gone
This last benefit only applies if you own a firearm. But I still thought I’d include it. Because it’s one of the most important reasons anyone should own a firearm. It could save your life! This isn’t meant to be a sales pitch. But owning a gun is much like owning an umbrella or car in that you never know when or where it might come in handy.
Most of the time you don’t need it. It just sits there in the corner of your room collecting dust. But that’s what makes it such a lifesaver when danger arises. And you’re forced to protect yourself or loved ones with your firearm. If someone breaks into your house while you’re home alone early one morning then it’s much better to have an extra level of protection than not!
Check These Features Before Purchase A Concealed Carry Holster
You should check some features before purchase a well-concealed carry holster. Let’s go to read these features as mentioned below:
1. Rigid Structure
You have to make sure that you can re-holster your weapon easily. So, buy a holster that has a rigid structure and which is easy to re-holster the weapon into it without any hassle.
2. Material
Check whether the material from which the holster is made. Then you can understand that it suits your needs or not. There are different types of Kydex holsters available today in the market and online shops. Such as pistol concealed carry holsters, magazine pouches etcetera.
3. Belt Loops
You need to check whether the holster comes with belt loops or not. If yes, then how many belt loops does it come with? And also see if they are adjustable according to your waist size or not. Because that means that you will be able to adjust the holster according to the size.
4. Carry Positions
Check whether the holster is suitable for carrying your weapon at different positions. For example, you can carry your weapon upside down as well as right side up. In this way, you will be able to conceal the handgun easily without much difficulty. If you want to carry it as a normal or hip holster, then check whether it comes with adjustable cant and ride height.
5. Draw Speed
Draw speed is very important. Because if you draw your concealed weapon quickly for self-defense then there are chances that people might sneak attack on you and run away from that place. So, make sure that your holster must have a fast drawing speed. So that you can protect yourself from any kind of danger or threat in time. Even by pulling out the hidden weapon quickly.
6. Gun Fit
Check the gun fit of your holster before purchase it. There are some holsters available today, which come with custom gun fit for specific types of handguns only like Kimber Solo, Sig P938 etcetera. So, you should check whether it fits your handgun or not.
7. Comfort
Be sure that the concealed carry holster comes with comfort. So that you can wear it for a long time without feeling any discomfort in your waist or in other parts of the body. Especially where you attach the holster strap around the waistband etcetera. You need to be careful while choosing a concealed carry holster. Because there are lots of designs and styles available out there. But all are not good enough to fit your purpose. Be sure about its quality and then go for it.
FAQs
Here are some common frequently asked questions related to concealed carry holsters which you should know before purchasing anyone.
What is a concealed carry?
A concealed carry is the process of carrying a weapon in an illegal manner or hiding it from other people’s view by concealing that hidden gun under different clothes like jackets, coats etcetera. It is also called as “conceal and carry”.
Why do people carry concealed weapons?
People carry concealed weapons for many reasons. But mostly they do this for self-defense purposes. Especially when they are alone at home or outside their house. So there they cannot expect any kind of help from others due to lack of time. If anyone breaks into their house suddenly after breaking the lock of the main door, then there may be only 10 to 20 minutes left for the victim or people at home to protect themselves. Especially if they don’t carry a concealed weapon with them.
What type of holster is best for concealed carry?
There are 10 types of holsters available for concealed carry. But most appropriate and best type according to the purpose is hybrid holsters. It comes with good gun retention and it is very easy to re-holster your handgun without any difficulty. But it depends on your demand.
What are the different types of holsters?
The common types of holsters available today are IWB (Inside Waist Band) holster, OWB (Outside Waist Band) holster and pocket holster. You can purchase any one of these types as per your comfort and purpose.
How to wear a concealed carry holster?
You can wear a CC holster by placing it inside your waistband i.e., IWB type, or outside the waistband i.e., OWB type, or in your pocket with the help of a pocket holster. It is depending upon where you want to attach that particular holster strap around your waistband.
What are the different levels of gun holsters?
There are many levels of gun holsters. That mainly depends on the purpose to carry a particular handgun. Like level I, II or III. Each and every level is designed for specific purposes only.
What is the most comfortable conceal carry holster?
According to many experts, the most comfortable holster is the IWB type. Because it comes with good gun retention and provides ultimate concealment by attaching itself inside your waistband.
What are the benefits of concealed carry?
There are lots of benefits of carrying a concealed handgun. But major is that you can protect yourself. As well as feel safe anywhere without thinking much about crime or threats coming at you from any direction. Especially where nobody can expect any problem. Because your hidden weapon will save the situation in time for sure without knowing others.
Final Words
If you’re considering a concealed carry holster, there are many different types to consider. You can find holsters that have an open top for quick access or those with velcro enclosures and more. Find the right type of concealed-carrying holster for your needs by reading this article!
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