13 Best Concealed Carry Holsters 2023 Reviewed [IWB, OWB, Kydex, Hybrid, Leather]

Best Concealed Carry Holsters Reviewed CCW Holsters IWB OWB Belly Band Pocket Chest Shoulder Bra For Men Women

So, when it comes to picking the best concealed carry holster… we’re the guys you want in your corner.

We eat, sleep, and breathe all things holsters and CCW.

  • Mike’s been immersed in the gun world for 6 years now
  • I’ve been strapped with concealed carry for the last 9

On top of having concealed carry fundamentals down pat, we’ve both gone through advanced training for concealed carry, home defense, and handgun tactics.

We stay laser-focused on the latest gear and developments in the industry. Combined we’ve tested over 70 different holsters over the years.

Our crew even calls us the “holster guys.”

And… today’s post is our take on the best concealed carry rigs on the market right now.

Ready? Let’s get started…

Compare Best Concealed Carry Holsters

HolsterHolster TypeHolster MaterialHolster FitRetention TypeHolster AdjustabilityLight/LaserRed Dot/OpticsWarranty
1. We The People IWBIWBKydex Custom FitActive ClickRide, Cant, RetentionYesYes✅ Lifetime
2. Hidden Hybrid IWBIWBKydex & LeatherCustom FitPassiveRide, Cant, RetentionYesYes✅ Lifetime
3. Tulster IWBIWBKydex Custom FitActive ClickCant, RetentionYesYes✅ Lifetime
4. 1971 Gunleather IWBIWBLeatherGeneric FitPassive-YesYes✅ Lifetime
5. We The People IndependenceIWBLeatherCustom FitPassiveRide, Cant--✅ Lifetime
6. Rounded Gear (Concealment Express) OWBOWBKydex Custom FitActive ClickRide, Cant, RetentionYesYes✅ Lifetime
7. Safariland ALS OWBOWBProprietary Nylon BlendCustom FitActive ClickRide, Cant, RetentionYesYes✅ 2 Years
8. CrossBreed Modular Belly BandBelly BandKydex & NeopreneCustom FitPassiveRide, Cant, RetentionYes-✅ 1 Year
9. DeSantis NemesisPocketNeopreneGeneric FitPassive-Yes-✅ 1 Year
10. Flashbang Bra HolsterBraKydexCustom FitPassive (Strap)---✅ 1 Year
11. Alien Gear Cloak Chest HolsterChestKydexCustom FitActive ClickRetentionYesYes✅ Lifetime
12. Alien Gear Cloak ShoulderShoulderKydex & LeatherCustom FitActive ClickRetentionYesYes✅ Lifetime
13. Alien Gear ShapeShift Ankle HolsterAnklePolymer & NeopreneCustom FitActive ClickRide, Cant, Retention-Yes✅ Lifetime

Best Concealed Carry Holsters Reviewed [IWB, OWB, Pocket, Belly Band]

1. We The People IWB – Best Kydex IWB/AIWB Holster [Concealed Carry]

1. We The People IWB Best Kydex IWB/AIWB Holster [Concealed Carry]
Check Latest Price

Pros:

  • Excellent value for money
  • Beautiful and durable kydex holster
  • Comfort and adjustability
  • Secure retention with a satisfying click
  • Safety and protection features

Cons:

  • Not as soft against the body as leather-backed holsters
  • Limited options for optics cuts and modifications

Bottom Line Up Front

We The People IWB would be our recommendation if you’re looking for a simple, rugged, and reliable concealed carry holster that comes with great features, adjustability, and build quality without breaking the bank.

It’s a simple, minimalist full-kydex holster that comes custom-shaped to your gun for perfect retention. It passes our security test and comes with all the features that you’d expect from a modern Kydex holster:

  • Adjustable posi-click retention
  • Full-sized sweat guard
  • Adjustable ride & cant
  • A thin & streamlined profile for maximum comfort and concealment

This holster’s suitable for both beginners and advanced shooters. It checks all the boxes on our evaluation criteria list. We honestly couldn’t ask for anything more, especially for the price that it’s retailing at.  

Keep In Mind

The available optics cuts & modifications are limited. If you have an exotic configuration on your gun, take a look at Hidden Hybrid holsters below. They have more cuts available, although they do come at a higher cost (plus the extra cost for the mods).

Our Review: Features & Ratings

Safety, Build Quality & Design: 5/5

The trigger is protected and inaccessible at all times when your gun is holstered. The holster covers the trigger guard area fully, and it’s impossible for anything to get wedged into it.

The 0.08” thick kydex is rigid, doesn’t bend, and will protect your gun against any bumps, drops, and dirt it comes into contact with.

The clip is durable and made out of thick plastic. The entire rig sits securely on the belt – we found it very difficult to “accidentally” unhook the clip, even while trying. The hardware (screws, etc.) is solid, nothing is loose or flimsy-feeling.

There’s a full sweat guard on the inner side of the holster that protects your gun from sweat corrosion. It also adds to the comfort, keeping the rough edges of your gun from rubbing against your waist. The holster accommodates threaded barrels (open muzzle) and suppressor-level sights.

Finally, the holster just looks and feels good. We got ours in matte black, but there are a few dozen colors & prints you can choose from. Some of the designs are pretty adventurous if that’s your thing – bright pink, neon, gatsby flag, etc.

Comfort & Adjustability: 4.5/5

For a Kydex holster, it’s about as comfortable as it can be thanks to its minimalist design & buffed-down edges. You won’t forget that you’re wearing it… but it won’t be constantly reminding you of its existence every time you move an inch.

We tested comfort on a skinnier guy (me), and Dave who is more of a bigger guy. And no complaints about the comfort in either case.

Finally, you can tailor the holster’s fit by adjusting its ride (height) or cant (angle). It’s easy to do by unscrewing the clip and re-attaching it using different screw holes. So in case it sits too high or too low for you – that’s all adjustable.  

Retention: 5/5

The retention is good – tight, snappy, and consistent. I can turn the holster upside down and my P365 stays inside.

You’ll hear the holster snapping in around the gun every time you holster it. The click is satisfying and tactile – not mushy and weak like on cheaper holsters.

The retention is easy to adjust with a tension screw. In case you want to make it tighter (more security) or looser (faster draw).

Ease Of Concealment: 5/5

The holster is easy to conceal – I noticed zero printing with jeans and a flannel shirt in both appendix and side carry positions.

It does a good job of smoothing out any sharp edges of your gun, so nothing is obvious under the clothing. It also sits low enough for the gun’s handle to be flush with your body.

I’d also recommend getting their optional claw addon if you carry in appendix position. The claw will keep the handle of the gun closer to your body, and prevent it from sticking out. It’s a must-have only if (1) your gun is bigger, (2) your body is smaller, as that makes printing of the grip more likely.

Ease Of Draw, Accessibility: 5/5

I had no problems getting a proper, ready-to-shoot grip from any position on my P365. 2-second speed draws were not an issue, either.

Warranty & Customization: 4/5

All We The People holsters come with a lifetime warranty, and have a one-year return policy for a refund from the day the order was placed.

We The People have the usual optics & laser cuts available for most guns, but nothing too exotic or special, which is why it loses a single point here.

Check Latest Price
Holster Type: IWBCarry Type: Concealed Carry
Holster Material: Kydex Holster Fit: Custom Fit
Retention Type: Active ClickHolster Adjustability: Ride, Cant, Retention
Light/Laser Compatible: YesRed Dot/Optics Compatible: Yes
Made In: ✅ U.S.A.Safety: ✅ Trigger & Barrel Protected
Hand Orientation: ✅ Left & Right HandedWarranty: ✅ Lifetime

2. Hidden Hybrid IWB – Most Comfortable Concealed Carry Holster [Hybrid, IWB]

2. Hidden Hybrid IWB Most Comfortable Concealed Carry Holster [Hybrid, IWB]
Check Latest Price

Pros:

  • Most comfortable IWB holster we tested
  • Premium build and hardware
  • All laser, light, and optic combinations you can think of
  • Good concealment, adjustability, and retention
  • Excellent safety features and trigger coverage
  • Lifetime warranty

Cons:

  • Slightly bulkier than full Kydex holsters
  • Premium pricing
  • Longer delivery time due to handmade production

Bottom Line Up Front

Because of its hybrid leather-Kydex design, Hidden Hybrid’s Single Clip is our pick for the most comfortable concealed carry holster.

In a nutshell, you’ll only be feeling the soft Amish leather against your body that’ll contour with time. The more you wear it, the more comfortable it’ll get.

The hard Kydex shell housing your gun is on the outside. It keeps your gun secure & gives you better retention compared to full leather holsters.

Keep In Mind

The holster is bulkier than full-kydex holsters, including We The People above. Meaning you’ll have more bulk and weight sitting between your waistband with this one. But if you’re after maximum comfort, the tradeoff is worth it.

Hidden Hybrid is a premium product, and comes with a higher price tag. Their mods cost extra, ranging from $10 (light/laser) to $30 (red dot cut). Everything’s hand-crafted, so expect longer-than-usual production times.  

Our Review: Features & Ratings

Design, Safety & Construction: 5/5

If we had to give an award for “the nicest looking and feeling holster” on this list – Hidden Hybrid would take it home.

Everything about the holster feels nice, expensive, and well-made. The materials they use & craftsmanship quality are right there at the top of what money can buy.

The thick Amish leather is nice and soft, with suede on the backside. It’s thin enough to contour to your body, but thick enough to withstand daily wear without stretching out or deforming.

Both trigger & barrel are fully covered while the gun is holstered. They went with a thicker 0.093″ kydex for added durability and protection. The leather backer aso works as a full-sized sweat guard, protecting your gun from corrosion.

The holster features beautiful stainless steel hardware, and a thick plastic clip (with optional metal upgrades). The clip is well executed, sits tight, and is difficult to pull off the belt accidentally. The holster accommodates threaded barrels & suppressor-level sights. 

Finally – the leather backer is designed with safety in mind. It’s impossible for it to fold inside of the holster shell (thereby compromising the trigger), or bend in any other way. Rapid one-handed reholstering is not an issue.

Comfort: 5/5

When it comes to comfort, this holster just works. Everything’s soft, streamlined, and nothing digs anywhere.

You’ll need to give the leather a couple of weeks to break in & contour to your body. But once everything’s broken in, it really is one of the few holsters that you could actually forget that you’re wearing.

The comfort is there both when sitting and standing. You can make the holster fit better by adjusting both the cant (angle) & ride (height) as well which is easy to do by unscrewing the clip.

Retention: 5/5

Great retention. My P365 stays holstered when I turn the holster upside down. There is nothing moving or rattling around when I shake the holster, either.

As with all leather and hybrid holsters, the retention will be “too tight” when you first get it. It took me a couple of weeks for the retention to loosen. After that, it remained at a comfortably tight level.

In case you want it tighter or looser, the retention is easy to adjust with the tension screw.

Ease Of Concealment: 5/5

Despite its thicker size, I found the holster easy to conceal. It does not protrude with jeans and a flannel shirt. 

Even though it has that extra layer of leather, the profile is fairly slim and easy to cover up. The height was also just right for me, not too high (the grip printing) nor too low.

As always, I recommend getting their optional claw kit for appendix carry. It’s pretty cheap with Hidden Hybrid, so you have literally nothing to lose by getting one. Just get it.

Ease Of Draw, Accessibility: 5/5

The leather is generously cut around the handle, allowing for a proper, ready-to-shoot grip from any position. Sub-2-second draws are not an issue. The retention doesn’t get in the way of the draw.

Warranty & Customization: 5/5

All Hidden Hybrid Holsters come with a lifetime warranty. They also have a 30-Day “One Question Return Policy” where you only have to answer how they could have done better.

These guys have the best customization support on the market. If a gun/laser/optic combination exists, Hidden Hybrid will make a holster for it.

Check Latest Price
Holster Type: IWBCarry Type: Concealed Carry
Holster Material: Kydex & LeatherHolster Fit: Custom Fit
Retention Type: PassiveHolster Adjustability: Ride, Cant, Retention
Light/Laser Compatible: YesRed Dot/Optics Compatible: Yes
Made In: ✅ U.S.A.Safety: ✅ Trigger & Barrel Protected
Hand Orientation: ✅ Left & Right HandedWarranty: ✅ Lifetime

3. Tulster IWB – Runner-Up IWB CCW Holster Pick

3. Tulster IWB Runner-Up IWB CCW Holster Pick
Check Latest Price

Pros:

  • Good safety, great retention
  • Lightweight & minimalist construction
  • Conceals well & comfortable to carry
  • Compatible with most guns & light/optic/laser mods
  • Lifetime warranty

Cons:

  • Premium pricing
  • Would be nice to see a metal clip at this price point
  • Ride height not adjustable

Bottom Line Up Front

Tulster’s Profile IWB is a premium full-kydex holster that came out as our #2 pick for a full-kydex concealed carry holster. 

While the Profile model doesn’t have an adjustable ride height, all of its other features are exactly the same as our #1 pick We The People IWB.

It’s a premium holster that’s priced slightly higher, but what you get for that extra money is great quality control, sharper contouring, refined edges, and a clean, neat look both on the inside & the outside of the holster. Extra attention to the smallest of details.

Keep In Mind

While the ride height is not adjustable, the holster doesn’t sit too high or too low, so I didn’t find myself missing it. If you do want the adjustable ride height “just in case”, you should look at other models in our list.

I would also have liked to see a metal clip at this price point. There’s nothing wrong with their thick and sturdy plastic clip, but still. You can buy a metal clip from them separately. 

Our Review: Features & Ratings

Design, Safety & Construction: 5/5

From the 0.08″ Kydex to the metal hardware – everything on Tulster Profile feels smooth, well-designed, and as if it has a “small edge” over cheaper holsters. 

The difference is most noticeable with the smaller details in the holster’s frame – contoured edges, notches, and recesses. Every millimeter has been thought through. The thermoplastic is perfectly molded to the shape of the gun, both inside and outside. 

The trigger coverage is good, trigger guard area is inaccessible when holstered. There’s a full-sized sweat guard to protect your gun from corrosion. The holster accommodates threaded barrels and suppressor-level sights.

Tulster Profile comes with a thick & sturdy plastic clip. The clip is strong, and doesn’t bend at all. The “grip” of the clip is also excellent – it’d be very difficult to pull the entire rig off the belt in a brawl. They have metal clips available as extras on their website.

The holster comes in a few different colors. Admittedly not as adventurous as We The People, but they’re still pretty neat looking if you’re in the market for something other than black or carbon.

Comfort & Adjustability: 4/5

The comfort’s good – both sitting down and standing/walking. I can feel the holster on me, but it doesn’t disturb me in any way.

The edges are rounded and buffed, design is streamlined and minimal. Nothing’s digging or prodding anywhere. As far as full Kydex comfort goes, I couldn’t ask for anything more.

You can easily adjust the cant (angle) of the holster by unscrewing the clip. There’s no ride (height) adjustment on this model. 

Retention: 5/5

The retention is excellent, with an audible click when you holster your gun. I can turn the holster upside down and my gun stays inside.

The retention came well-regulated out of the box and didn’t loosen with time. If you want it tighter or looser, there’s a retention screw you can use to adjust it.

Ease Of Concealment: 5/5

With its streamlined, minimalist, and lightweight design, this holster will be easy to conceal for anyone. I had no issues with the holster printing/showing wearing jeans and a flannel shirt.

Tulster has its own proprietary “sidekick” claw available for extra, which I recommend getting if you’re planning to carry it in the appendix position.

Ease Of Draw, Accessibility: 5/5

I had no issues getting a sub-2-second draw, and I can get a positive, ready-to-fire grip from any position. While the ride height is not adjustable, the holster sits at a comfortable height that does not impede the draw in any way.

Warranty & Customization Support: 4/5

Tulster offers a lifetime warranty on all of their holsters. They have a 30-day no-questions-asked returns policy.

The most common optics and laser configurations are available through their website, but nothing too exotic.

Check Latest Price
Holster Type: IWBCarry Type: Concealed Carry
Holster Material: Kydex Holster Fit: Custom Fit
Retention Type: Active ClickHolster Adjustability: Cant, Retention
Light/Laser Compatible: YesRed Dot/Optics Compatible: Yes
Made In: ✅ U.S.A.Safety: ✅ Trigger & Barrel Protected
Hand Orientation: ✅ Left & Right HandedWarranty: ✅ Lifetime

4. 1971 Gunleather IWB – Best Value For Money Leather CCW Holster

4. 1971 Gunleather IWB Best Value For Money Leather CCW Holster
Check Latest Price

Bottom Line Up Front

1971 Gunleather IWB is our budget pick for a full-leather concealed carry holster.  

It’s a full leather holster that is way cheaper than our premium pick. In fact, it’s so affordable that it’s actually cheaper than many of the Kydex holsters you can buy. 

As for the holster itself – it’s a simple & durable leather concealed carry holster that will get the job done.

  • Safety: It passes our safety test and covers the trigger well. The retention is also “ok” as long as you don’t turn the holster upside down. The gun does not stay inside the holster when it’s upside down.  
  • Construction: The leather is nice. It’s good enough, durable, and reinforced near the top of the holster for added durability. Considering the price there’s nothing to complain about.  
  • Comfort: The holster is comfortable to wear. You have the classic “thickness vs. softness” tradeoff with this one. It’s a bit thicker than full Kydex holsters but feels softer against your body. Just mentioning this, because some folks might find it “too thick” for their liking (should go for a full Kydex in that case).
  • Adjustability: Nothing much in terms of adjustability – ride, cant, and retention are all fixed.  
  • Concealment: With its small footprint, I found this holster easy to conceal under a pair of jeans and a flannel shirt. Likewise, it’s easy to draw and access the gun with its retention being on the looser side.  

We were happy to see that 1791 Gunleather products are backed by a lifetime warranty. Unfortunately, there are no optics & laser cuts available.   

Keep In Mind

This holster’s not made for any one specific gun, so it will fit loose. Why is that a con? Because the retention just won’t be as good. My P365 fell out when I turned the holster upside down.

The suede leather on the outside won’t be as durable as grain-side leather, so the holster won’t look as good after a couple of months’ use. 

All in all, it’s difficult to recommend this one over Kydex, Hybrid & Full Leather models that we’ve included above.

But if you don’t have much budget to work with – AND you’re dead-set on buying a full leather holster – then this one’s probably your best bet.  

Check Latest Price
Holster Type: IWBCarry Type: Concealed Carry
Holster Material: LeatherHolster Fit: Generic
Retention Type: PassiveHolster Adjustability:
Light/Laser Compatible: YesRed Dot/Optics Compatible: Yes
Made In: ✅ U.S.A.Safety: ✅ Trigger & Barrel Protected
Hand Orientation: ✅ Left & Right HandedWarranty: ✅ Lifetime

5. We The People Independence – Best Leather IWB Concealed Carry Holster

5. We The People Independence Best Leather IWB Concealed Carry Holster
Check Latest Price

Pros:

  • Custom-sewn double-layer leather shell
  • Premium leather & hardware
  • Adjustable cant and ride height
  • Great comfort
  • Looks and feels 10/10

Cons:

  • Premium pricing
  • Limited options for optics and lights

Bottom Line Up Front

We The People Independence is a controversial holster.

On the one hand – yes, it’s literally the best leather holster that you can buy right now. It’s a premium product that blows 99% of the “regular” leather holsters out of the water on (1) adjustability, (2) retention, (3) build quality, and (4) attention to detail.

And on the other hand – it’s pricey.

After living with it for a couple of months, here’s our take.

We’d recommend the Independence if you’re 100% set on having a full-leather holster for your EDC carry. And if you want the absolute best full leather holster that money can buy.

If you’re curious, we say just give it a go. With their free, no-questions-asked returns… worst thing that can happen, you’ll just send it back for a refund.

Note: WTP Independence also comes in OWB configuration.

Keep In Mind

Kydex is popular for a reason. Full leather holsters have their downsides:

  • Not waterproof
  • Requires cleaning & care
  • No click retention
  • Difficult to find optics/streamlight/laser cuts
  • Higher price

If you think you can live with the above, Independence is worth trying out.

Our Review: Features & Ratings

Safety, Build Quality & Design: 5/5

Both the inside and outside of the holster have grain-side leather (not flesh-side/suede leather). This is done to protect your gun. The rougher suede leather – used on 99% of leather holsters out there – would wear your gun’s paint down with time. Won’t happen with this one. 

The leather is thick and feels good to the touch. The contouring is the best I’ve been on a leather holster. Attention to detail is everywhere. The stitching is thick, tough, and durable. The holster comes in brown and black leather, with the WTP logo applied across the front. 

The trigger, safety mechanism, & barrel are all covered well. Good protection from bumps. Impossible to get through to the trigger when the gun is holstered.

The adjustable clips are good and don’t bend much. They sit tight and would be difficult to pull off the belt in case of a brawl. 

The holster also accommodates threaded barrels & suppressor-level sights.

Comfort & Adjustability: 5/5

The comfort’s about the same level as hybrid holsters, and slightly better than Kydex holsters. Similar to Hidden Hybrid above, it took the leather about 2 weeks to fully contour to my body.

This is probably the leather holster on the market that lets you adjust ride & cant to make it work better with your particular body type.

The leather is soft and protects my sides from the gun’s sharp edges. The muzzle is covered fully. Rounded edges & soft leather – nothing sticks or prods anywhere.

Retention: 4.5/5

The Independence comes custom-sewn for your gun model for a perfect fit. It is one of the few leather holsters we’ve tried that withstand the upside-down retention test. Retention is hit-and-miss on leather holsters, so I was happy to see they knocked it out of the park with this one. 

Keep in mind – your retention will be “too tight” out of the box. That’s on purpose. You need to draw & re-holster around 100-150 times for the leather to break in.

Ease Of Concealment: 4.5/5

The holster is easy to conceal, I didn’t have any issues. My P365 did not print/protrude under jeans and a plaid flannel shirt in both side-carry and appendix-carry positions.

They don’t have a holster claw available for this model – keep that in mind if you carry a bigger frame in the appendix position. 

Ease Of Draw, Accessibility: 5/5

I had no issue getting a full positive, ready-to-shoot grip with the Independence. Sub-2-second draws were easy once the leather had worn in. 

Warranty & Customization Support: 4/5

We The People offers a lifetime warranty, and a one-year return policy for a refund from the day the order was placed.

Check Latest Price
Holster Type: IWBCarry Type: Concealed Carry
Holster Material: LeatherHolster Fit: Custom Fit
Retention Type: PassiveHolster Adjustability: Ride, Cant
Light/Laser Compatible:Red Dot/Optics Compatible:
Made In: ✅ U.S.A.Safety: ✅ Trigger & Barrel Protected
Hand Orientation: ✅ Left & Right HandedWarranty: ✅ Lifetime

6. Rounded Gear (Concealment Express) OWB – Best OWB Belt & Paddle Holster

6. Rounded Gear (Concealment Express) OWB Best OWB Belt & Paddle Holster
Check Latest Price

Pros:

  • Good retention
  • Safety and trigger coverage
  • Strong and durable paddle
  • Affordable price
  • Fastest delivery times in the market

Cons:

  • The sweat guard protrudes slightly above the holster, but not really an issue

Bottom Line Up Front

Rounded Gear’s OWB Paddle holster made the cut because of its (1) excellent value for money and (2) Rounded Gear’s fastest shipping in the industry. 

It’s a good pick if you’re looking for a good & simple “bang for your buck” OWB holster that just gets the job done. While checking all the boxes on features & quality.  

Note: These folks used to be Concealment Express before, now rebranded into Rounded Gear.

Keep In Mind

Let’s address the elephant in the room – this is an OWB holster, and most people shouldn’t use it for concealed carry. 

Still, some folks choose to rock OWB under their jackets for better comfort & draw speed. Nothing against that – just know the that there are better options out there.

Our Review: Features & Ratings

Safety, Build Quality & Design: 5/5

The 0.08″ Kydex shell is well-built and will protect your gun from bumps & scratches. The trigger is protected and covered at all times when holstered. 

The paddle is big, fiber-reinforced, and built like a tank. It has a strong hold on the belt and is difficult to pull off in a scuffle. Overall, everything feels durable and built to last. 

There’s a full-size sweat guard protecting your gun from corrosion. The holster has an open muzzle end, accommodating threaded barrels & suppressor level sights.

Comfort & Adjustability: 5/5

The comfort is excellent. It’s one of the main pros of OWB carry, the second one being accessibility. 

The holster’s located outside of your waistband, giving the gun some distance from your body. It’s easy to forget that it’s there as soon as you get used to the weight. 

This restricts your clothing less, meaning that you can wear tight pants or slim shirts if you feel like it. The only thing you’ll need it a jacket to cover up the holster (if carrying concealed).  

Retention: 5/5

Retention has always been good with Rounded Gear. Their OWB holster is not an exception. 

The overall fit of the holster is snug, nothing moves inside when the gun is holstered. I can turn the holster upside down without the gun falling out. 

There is an audible click when you holster your gun, letting you know that it’s fixed in place. There is also a tension screw to adjust the retention if you want it looser or tighter.

Ease Of Concealment: 1/5

Yes, you can cover one up with a hoodie or an untucked shirt. And rock it like that. It’ll function as a CCW holster – as long as it’s covered. But in the end, OWB holsters are not meant for concealed carry, and we just can’t give it a good rating here. 

Ease Of Draw, Accessibility: 5/5

Of all the holsters on this list, this one has the fastest draw speed & easiest firearm access. 

Your draw speed is also going to be more consistent with an OWB holster. Adjustable ride & cant allow you to tweak the positioning to better fit your body and drawing pattern.

Warranty & Customization Support: 4/5

Rounded Gear Holsters come with a lifetime warranty. They also have a 30-day exchange & return policy.

Rounded gear has the most common optics/laser cut models available on their OWB holsters.

Check Latest Price
Holster Type: OWBCarry Type: Open Carry
Holster Material: Kydex Holster Fit: Custom Fit
Retention Type: Active ClickHolster Adjustability: Ride, Cant, Retention
Light/Laser Compatible: YesRed Dot/Optics Compatible: Yes
Made In: ✅ U.S.A.Safety: ✅ Trigger & Barrel Protected
Hand Orientation: ✅ Left & Right HandedWarranty: ✅ Lifetime

7. Safariland ALS OWB – OWB Duty Retention Holster Pick

7. Safariland ALS OWB OWB Duty Retention Holster Pick
Check Latest Price

Bottom Line Up Front

If you want the safest, most secure OWB holster there is on the market – you can’t go wrong with Safariland’s retention holsters.

This is the type of holster that you’ll see on police & law enforcement officers. Here’s how it works. 

This holster’s ALS (Automatic Locking System) is basically a thumb release that you have to press down to draw your gun. It’s a level 2 retention system that makes it impossible for anyone else to pull your weapon in case of a brawl.

When you reholster, the system clicks in place automatically, no extra steps are needed on your part. Safariland ALS is great for first-time users – using your thumb to press down on the lever and draw your gun is extremely simple, fast, and ergonomic. 

With retention out of the way, here’s how everything else stacks up: 

  • Safety, Build Quality & Design: Excellent trigger coverage and build quality of the holster. The material they’re using doesn’t scratch the gun at all. 
  • Comfort & Adjustability: Comfort is about the same as with all the hard plastic holsters. Absolutely zero discomfort with the holster, as it is sitting outside of the waistband. If you find it uncomfortable, you can adjust the angle (cant) and ride height to make it work for you.  
  • Ease Of Concealment: This holster is not made for concealment, but you can cover it up with a jacket or a longer shirt. But even with those, the holster is a little too bulky to conceal comfortably.  
  • Ease Of Draw, Accessibility: The draw feels smooth and natural. Using the thumb break will take a little bit of practice, but the whole design is very beginner-friendly from start to finish. 
  • Warranty & Customization Support: Safariland offers a lifetime warranty and easy returns.  

Keep In Mind

The added security features make this holster slightly bulkier than your minimalist Kydex variants, which makes the model less easy to conceal. But if you think that the extra security is worth it for you, then going for Safariland’s ALS is a no-brainer, even if it does come with some extra bulkiness. 

Check Latest Price
Holster Type: OWBCarry Type: Open Carry
Holster Material: Proprietary Nylon BlendHolster Fit: Custom Fit
Retention Type: Active ClickHolster Adjustability: Ride, Cant, Retention
Light/Laser Compatible: YesRed Dot/Optics Compatible: Yes
Made In: ✅ U.S.A.Safety: ✅ Trigger & Barrel Protected
Hand Orientation: ✅ Left & Right HandedWarranty: ✅ 2 Years

8. CrossBreed Modular Belly Band – Best Belly Band Holster

8. CrossBreed Modular Belly Band Best Belly Band Holster
Check Latest Price

Pros:

  • Kydex shell protection
  • Pockets for phone & 2 clips
  • Anti-slip, anti-microbial band
  • Comfortable & easy to wear
  • Great for running, sitting, driving
  • Comfortable draw
  • Lifetime warranty

Cons:

  • Better suited for smaller guns
  • Takes time to get used to
  • Can get sweaty in warmer states
  • Less stable than waistband holsters

Bottom Line Up Front

CrossBreed Modular Belly Band is one of the few belly band holsters out there that comes with an integrated Kydex shell for added safety. 

It made the cut because of its comfort features like anti-slip & adjustable ride/cant that other belly bands have yet to catch up to.

The holster is made from two parts.

  • The elastic band
  • The leather/kydex shell

It’s worth considering if you:

  • Need to carry while doing sports or running
  • Can’t wear a belt for any reason
  • Regular IWB holsters don’t work with your clothing

Our take is – don’t get a belly band unless you’re sure you need it. There are downsides that we’ll cover below. 

The shell attaches to the band via a strong & sticky 3” velcro strap. The band wraps around the shell, keeping it closer to your body. The shell is well-made – good trigger coverage, and it stays put to the velcro band. Not upside-down tight, but good enough. 

I found the band easy to put on and comfortable in most situations. It’s also easy to adjust & reposition on the go. You won’t forget that you’re wearing it, but other than that it’s pretty comfortable. 

The anti-slip surface works as it should and keeps the band from moving around sideways while I’m wearing it. 

The band comes in all sizes from small to XL (29-52 inches waist).

You’ll have no trouble concealing while wearing this rig. The band wrapping around the holster keeps it closer to the body. This makes it better for deep concealment than most other belly bands.

We mainly recommend it for smaller frames – the grip on bigger guns is going to push out more, compromising your concealment.

The draw is good, once you get used to it. It’s easy to get my hand inside the elastic waistband to establish a proper grip before drawing. Pulling up the shirt does not interfere with firearm access. 

You can also adjust the height & angle of the holster shell via velcro, in case you need to customize your angle a little.

Keep In Mind

The belly band will ride up when you sit down. That’s just the way it works – it doesn’t have a clip keeping it in place like a waistband holster does.

Sweating, heat & weight distribution will be your biggest problems with this setup in summer, especially if you live in the southern states.

The elastic band is rated for 25 washes, which is OK for a belly band. Can’t expect much more from the material. They sell the band separately on their website if you ever need a new one. 

Check Latest Price
Holster Type: Belly BandCarry Type: Concealed Carry
Holster Material: Kydex & NeopreneHolster Fit: Custom Fit
Retention Type: PassiveHolster Adjustability: Ride, Cant, Retention
Light/Laser Compatible: YesRed Dot/Optics Compatible:
Made In: ✅ U.S.A.Safety: ✅ Trigger & Barrel Protected
Hand Orientation: ✅ Left & Right HandedWarranty: ✅ 1 Year

9. DeSantis Nemesis – Best Pocket Concealed Carry Holster

9. DeSantis Nemesis Best Pocket Concealed Carry Holster
Check Latest Price

Pros:

  • Pocket-friendly size
  • Doesn’t require a belt
  • Excellent grip with anti-slip material
  • Easy, low-friction draw
  • Secure fit and good trigger coverage
  • Allows for a more discreet draw

Cons:

  • Limited to certain clothing with big enough pockets
  • Not suitable for larger guns, only micro-compacts and subcompacts
  • Slower draw
  • Retention not as good as kydex & leather holsters
  • Lack of adjustability

Bottom Line Up Front

DeSantis Nemesis is a simple, cheap pocket holster that keeps an extremely small footprint & profile. It’s basically a sleeve that you slip your gun into. Then, you slide the whole system into the pocket.

Still, pocket carry shouldn’t be your first choice for concealed carry. But sometimes, you can’t carry any other way. 

Here’s what we liked about DeSantis Nemesis, and why it made the cut. 

  • The holster covers the trigger fully, but for obvious reasons, it’s not as safe or secure as a waistband holster. 
  • Doesn’t need a belt.
  • The fabric on the outside is a little rubbery and grips the pocket walls really well. It keeps the holster from moving around in your pocket. The fabric on the inside is made out of slick fabric, giving you minimal friction on the draw.
  • The “wing” that you can see under the barrel keeps the holster from coming out with your gun when you draw. It grips the side of the pocket when you draw your gun.  
  • Overall, the holster is comfortable with smaller, lighter frames. 
  • The Nemesis does a good job of covering up the gun’s shape under the clothing. Concealment will depend on your clothes. I’ve tested it with jeans pockets (slight printing) and jacket pockets (no obvious printing, just shows that you have something in your pocket).  
  • One of the less obvious upsides is that you can draw more discreetly. Nobody really expects a person with a hand in their pocket to draw a gun – as opposed to having your gun near your belt. 

Keep In Mind

Pocket holsters – DeSantis Nemesis included – have their downsides:

  • Not everyone can pocket carry – that goes especially for ladies with tighter clothing. You need a nice, big enough pocket to fit the holster in.
  • Pocket carry severely limits the size of your CCW gun. It’s best for micro-compacts and subcompacts.
  • Drawing is slow and difficult, and difficult to practice. You need to open the pocket, put your hand in, and pull out your gun. Many steps to execute.
  • Retention is not as good as with kydex & leather holsters.
Check Latest Price
Holster Type: PocketCarry Type: Concealed Carry
Holster Material: NeopreneHolster Fit: Generic Fit
Retention Type: PassiveHolster Adjustability:
Light/Laser Compatible: YesRed Dot/Optics Compatible:
Made In: ✅ U.S.A.Safety: ✅ Trigger & Barrel Protected
Hand Orientation: ✅ Left & Right HandedWarranty: ✅ 1 Year

10. Flashbang Bra Holster – Best Bra CCW Holster For Women

10. Flashbang Bra Holster Best Bra Concealed Carry Holster
Check Latest Price

Pros:

  • Doesn’t require a belt
  • Retention, build quality
  • Secure fit and good trigger coverage
  • Easy to conceal

Cons:

  • Better for bigger chest sizes
  • Not suitable for larger guns
  • Slow & difficult draw
  • Lack of adjustability

Bottom Line Up Front

Out of concealed carry holsters made specifically for women, the FlashBang bra holster was the most interesting of the lot. 

The holster itself is pretty simple. 

It’s a Kydex shell with a small suede buckle screwed onto it. You pull the suede buckle through the midsection of your bra, and the holster stays “hanging” underneath your bra. 

The holster goes under the bra, so it’s partially covered by it. 

We can recommend it only if: 

  • Normal IWB holsters don’t work for you
  • You’re carrying a smaller gun

It conceals well as long as you wear a baggier top – a sweatshirt or a sweater. 

The draw can be quick, but it’ll take some practice. It’s slower than a waistband holster, especially if you have a jacket on in addition to your sweater. You’ll have to lift all of your top layers to access the Flashbang. Reholstering is not natural and will take practice as well. 

The retention is also good – the gun doesn’t budge or fall out of the holster. 

Keep In Mind

We’ve found that the holster is more comfortable on larger cup sizes, and longer torsos (i.e. taller women). If you’re short and have a smaller cup size, it’s probably going to be uncomfortable.  

You’re limited to smaller guns when it comes to both concealment and comfort. 

The holster covers the back of the gun completely. Because of that, it’s a little more difficult to get a full positive grip while drawing. As an option, you can cut away a part of the holster (it’s easy to do, just plastic) to expose the back of the slide. 

Overall, it’s difficult to recommend The Flashbang. Unless you’ve already tried multiple waistband holsters, and none of them ended up working for you. If that’s the case, consider ordering one and testing it out. 

Check Latest Price
Holster Type: BraCarry Type: Concealed Carry
Holster Material: KydexHolster Fit: Custom Fit
Retention Type: Passive (Strap)Holster Adjustability:
Light/Laser Compatible:Red Dot/Optics Compatible:
Made In: ✅ U.S.A.Safety: ✅ Trigger & Barrel Protected
Hand Orientation: ✅ Left & Right HandedWarranty: ✅ 1 Year

11. Alien Gear Cloak Chest Holster – Best Chest Holster

11. Alien Gear Cloak Chest Holster Best Chest Holster
Check Latest Price

Pros:

  • Rock-solid retention
  • Durable construction
  • Comfortable for extended wear
  • Fast access and smooth draw
  • Lifetime warranty

Cons:

  • Concealment is tricky without a jacket
  • Primarily designed for outdoor activities like hunting or hiking, lacking versatility for everyday use

Bottom Line Up Front

Alien Gear Cloak Chest Holster is great for having access to your handgun with you without it obstructing your movement in any way.

It’s good for situations like riding a motorbike, being outdoors, hunting, hiking, being out on a farm, sitting in a car, etc.

Good weight distribution also makes this holster good for bigger handguns and revolvers. Some bigger guns that you might not be comfortable carrying on your waist.

It’s comfortable to wear, offers decent concealment in certain situations, and has a Kydex shell keeping your gun safe and secure. 

While it’s mostly meant for open carry “on the go”,  you can conceal it under a jacket. You’ll just need a good, thick jacket that avoids printing. A leather bike jacket, for example. 

As for the rest, it’s all straightforward:

  • Thick kydex shell custom-molded for your gun
  • Gun sits tight and secure against your chest, allowing for deep concealment
  • The holster is angled (canted) in such a way that the gun is easily accessible when you need it
  • Good trigger coverage
  • Adjustable retention

Keep In Mind

The downsides are obvious: 

  • Slower draw speed if carried under a jacket, as the jacket needs to be unzipped first. 
  • More difficult to conceal than a waistband holster. 

With that said, the Cloak Chest Holster checks all the boxes when it comes to safety, and if you’re open to the idea of carrying your gun on your chest, and you think that it’s something that might work for you – go for it.

Check Latest Price
Holster Type: ChestCarry Type: Open Carry
Holster Material: KydexHolster Fit: Custom Fit
Retention Type: Active ClickHolster Adjustability: Retention
Light/Laser Compatible: YesRed Dot/Optics Compatible: Yes
Made In: ✅ U.S.A.Safety: ✅ Trigger & Barrel Protected
Hand Orientation: ✅ Left & Right HandedWarranty: ✅ Lifetime

12. Alien Gear Cloak Shoulder – Best Shoulder CCW Holster

12. Alien Gear Cloak Shoulder Best Shoulder CCW Holster
Check Latest Price

Pros:

  • Solid and durable construction
  • Custom-fit and adjustable retention
  • X-harness design allows for a balanced and comfortable carry
  • Additional storage with dual mag carriers on the opposite side
  • Premium build, good leather

Cons:

  • High-end price tag
  • Requires practice and loads of adjustment
  • Slower draw speed compared to belt holsters
  • You’ll need a jacket to conceal
  • Not as versatile as waistband holsters

Bottom Line Up Front

Alien Gear Shoulder Holster made the cut because of its (1) quality, and (2) integrated Kydex shells for the gun and the magazines.

It’s a modern take on a classic shoulder holster, replacing the leather shells with Kydex, but keeping everything else intact from the good old days. 

Keep in mind that these days, most people using shoulder holsters are pilots, drivers, bodyguards & security personnel. 

The professions above should give you an idea of whether a shoulder holster is the right pick for you. For most people, it isn’t.

There are many pros to this holster: 

  • Easy access to your gun while seated
  • Good weight distribution on shoulders
  • Compatible with heavier guns

The harness is a mixture of thick leather and neoprene. The leather is good and thick, built to last. Same with the kydex shell – it feels sturdy and doesn’t flex too much under pressure. You get good protection for your gun with adjustable passive retention.

The bottom of the harness has two “suspenders” that attach attaches to your belt, keeping the holster fixed in place and stable while you’re moving around.

You adjust the fit with the leather straps. There’s 4 of them in total, 2 on each side. The adjustments are simple, but it’ll take you some time to find the most comfortable configuration for you.

Once you’ve set it up, it’s quite comfortable. You’ll need a jacket for concealment. Without a jacket – while open carrying – be prepared to feel like Sylvester Stallone with this thing on your shoulders.

The 2 magazine carriers are easy to use, and come with adjustable retention. There’s a small allen wrench placed inside the carriers, so you can adjust them on the go. 

Keep In Mind

It’s not the best choice for beginners, and far too complicated of a setup for most people. If you’re an advanced shooter, or have good reason for carrying a shoulder holster – this one’s a good choice.

Concealed carrying in colder weather can be tough, as you’ll have multiple clothing layers over the holster complicating your draw. 

The draw is slower than with belt holsters, although you can practice that. It’s also heavier and bulkier than a belt holster, although more balanced.

Finally there’s safety concerns. When you’re pulling your gun you’re essentially sweeping the bystanders. To properly pull the gun from a shoulder holster you need proper training, and a lot of it.

Our Review: Features & Ratings

Check Latest Price
Holster Type: ShoulderCarry Type: Concealed Carry
Holster Material: Kydex & LeatherHolster Fit: Custom Fit
Retention Type: Active ClickHolster Adjustability: Retention
Light/Laser Compatible: YesRed Dot/Optics Compatible: Yes
Made In: ✅ U.S.A.Safety: ✅ Trigger & Barrel Protected
Hand Orientation: ✅ Left & Right HandedWarranty: ✅ Lifetime

13. Alien Gear ShapeShift Ankle Holster – Best Ankle CCW Holster

13. Alien Gear ShapeShift Ankle Holster Best Ankle CCW Holster
Check Latest Price

Pros:

  • Sturdy kydex shell
  • Good safety and retention
  • Conceals well
  • Slip-resistant
  • No break-in time required
  • Compatible with full-sized guns (not recommended)

Cons:

  • Only for small, backup guns
  • Running & draw are difficult

Bottom Line Up Front

If you do want to carry a backup gun, then a concealed carry ankle holster is going to be your best bet.

Because of its kydex shell integration, Alien Gear Shapeshift is our pick for the best ankle holster on the market.  

Here’s what sets the Shapeshift Ankle apart from the others: 

  • Compatibility with full-sized guns (not recommended though)
  • No break-in time
  • Slip-resistance
  • Better retention & security
  • Ability to carry a backup gun

Unfortunately, that’s where the good stuff ends. 

Keep In Mind

Ankle holsters have many issues compared to other holster types we’ve covered on this list:  

  • Slow & unnatural draw
  • Can’t draw while on the move
  • You’re limited to smaller guns with it
  • The holster gathers more dust & dirt than other holster types, because it’s seated so low. You’ll need to clean your gun more often with ankle carry
  • Finally, your pants need to be long enough to cover the holster at all times, otherwise you risk revealing that you’re carrying
  • Impedes movement – one of your legs is always going to be heavier than the other one
Check Latest Price
Holster Type: AnkleCarry Type: Concealed Carry
Holster Material: Polymer & NeopreneHolster Fit: Custom Fit
Retention Type: Active ClickHolster Adjustability: Ride, Cant, Retention
Light/Laser Compatible:Red Dot/Optics Compatible: Yes
Made In: ✅ U.S.A.Safety: ✅ Trigger & Barrel Protected
Hand Orientation: ✅ Left & Right HandedWarranty: ✅ Lifetime

Competition & Honorary Mentions: Other Concealed Carry Holsters Worth Checking Out

Holster Brands

The Vedder LightTuck is quite similar to Tulster. We ultimately chose Tulster as our pick due to limited selection. However, Vedder produces excellent holsters and you can’t go wrong with them.

Tier 1 Concealed (T1C) offers premium kydex holsters. Although they are a bit pricey for what they provide, they still offer good quality holsters.

Dara Holsters is a well-known manufacturer of premium kydex holsters. Unfortunately, we couldn’t include them in this review due to limited space.

Craft Holsters’ IWB Concealed leather holsters are decent, but not as good as WTP’s Independence. Since we only had one spot for a leather holster on our list, we opted for the superior option.

Versacarry offers both kydex and leather holsters, but some of their models have lackluster trigger guards and a questionable reputation (they suggest carrying your gun unloaded). These factors make it difficult for us to recommend this brand.

Sneaky Pete manufactures small holster “boxes” or “bags” where you store your gun. However, they can’t match the draw speed, convenience, and concealability of IWB holsters, which is why we didn’t include them on this list.

Galco Gunleather is perhaps the most well-known leather holster manufacturer on this side of the ocean. Nonetheless, WTP Independence and Hidden Hybrid are simply better options for most people.

Urban Carry’s G3 is a below the waistband (BWB) holster, with the gun positioned below your waistline. Its slow and potentially dangerous draw is the main reason why we can’t recommend it.

Boraii produces minimalist kydex pocket holsters. Unfortunately, they tend to print due to their unconventional design. This actually makes your gun appear larger instead of maintaining its original shape.

JM4 Tactical has introduced some innovative magnetic holsters. However, due to conflicting reviews, we chose not to include them in this list at this time.

Bravo Concealment is known for offering affordable kydex OWB and IWB holsters. However, our research uncovered durability issues with certain models, which is why we cannot recommend them at this time.

The Alien Gear ShapeShift Rig is a versatile rig that meets all your needs. However, we decided not to include it because you can get better value for your money by purchasing individual holsters.

Side Note: We’re also building the biggest list of holster brands on the internet, if you’re interested in learning more.

How To Choose A Good Concealed Carry Holster: Buyer’s Guide

To learn more about how we work and earn our living, read more about who we are or take a look at our editorial guidelines (work in progress!). Also, If there’s still something that you find difficult to understand about holsters, here’s our list of holster terminology.

How We Picked & Tested Holsters

Here’s how we narrowed down our search for the best concealed carry holsters.

We limited our selection to hard plastic, hybrid, and full leather holsters. We included one belly band pick because many folks are looking for those.

We excluded full nylon designs, small of back holsters, and Blackhawk SERPA holsters for safety issues.

The initial selection was done:

  1. Using our personal experience (we already know many good holsters)
  2. Consulting with instructors and experts in the firearms industry
  3. Researching trusted YouTube channels, magazines, and concealed carry communities to make sure we didn’t miss anything

With that list narrowed down, we were left with 26 holsters to test. Below are the criteria that we used to test each one of these holsters.

Our Concealed Carry Holster Evaluation Criteria: What To Look For

Holster Comfort

A good holster is comfortable enough that you can wear it for hours and almost forget it’s there. If your holster is not comfortable, you’ll be tempted to leave the entire rig at home. Defeating the entire point of concealed carry.

Our holster comfort testing included sitting with the holsters at the desk for hours, driving, going on runs and exercising, going for groceries, etc. wearing the same clothing that we usually wear – jeans with a flannel shirt, or similar.

We also tested holster comfort on different body types. In addition to wearing them myself (six foot three, average build), I let Dave from marketing have a quick go with them as well. Dave’s on the bigger side at 240 pounds. If either me or Dave found any significant comfort issues with a holster – we scrapped it from the list.

Holster Safety & Protection

In a nutshell, a safe holster will:

  • Cover your gun’s entire trigger at all times to prevent accidental discharge
  • Be rigid, so nothing can push through the material and manipulate the trigger
  • Protect your gun from bumps, falls, dirt, and sweat

For leather & hybrid holsters, there’s one additional rule:

  • The leather should be thick, and well cut. It should be impossible for the leather backer to bend & jam inside the holster shell, thereby compromising the trigger.

Final point about safety – you should avoid the following holster types:

  • Nylon and fabric holsters can be dangerous, because usually the trigger is not protected well. We don’t recommend them unless you need a pocket holster.
  • Blackhawk SERPA holsters are notorious for accidental discharges, in addition to having a shabby build quality. It’s so bad that The Federal Law Enforcement Training Center has banned them.
  • Small of back holsters have a high back injury risk in case you fall on it, as well as a slow, dangerous draw that might sweep bystanders if you’re not careful.

Holster Retention

Your holster’s retention is simply its ability to hold on to your gun.

The base test for retention is holstering your gun and flipping the holster upside down. If the gun falls out – the holster has failed the retention test.

Good retention is important because defensive situations are dynamic. You might fall, run, crawl, bend over, or climb a fence to evade danger. With good retention, even if you get knocked over, your gun stays safe.

As for the levels of retention, here’s all you need to know:

  • Level 1: Passive Retention & “Click” Retention: This applies to concealed carry, and is the friction between the holster and your gun. The tightness of passive retention is adjustable on most holsters. On kydex holsters, it’s the “click” that comes from the holster shape snapping in place when your gun is inserted.
  • Level 2, 3, 4: Duty Holster Retention: These holsters that come with retention devices, such as manual straps, covers, and thumb breaks that you have to undo before drawing your gun. These holsters are mainly used by police and law enforcement, which is why they’re also called duty holsters. They slow your draw speed, but also keep someone from using your gun against you. 

Holster Ease Of Concealment

A good concealed carry holster should practically disappear under your clothing. When testing for ease of concealment, we monitored the printing (showing) of each holster under a pair of jeans, and a plain regular-fit flannel shirt.

That being said – whether your gun prints or not will depend on your body type, clothes, holster type, and the activities that you do during your day. Anything works with baggy clothes. For tighter clothes, a minimal IWB holster carried in the appendix (AIWB) position is probably your best bet.

If you’re considering AIWB (appendix-inside-waistband) carry, consider getting a holster claw for deeper concealment. Here’s a quick rundown on its pros & cons and when you should consider using one.

Holster Accessibility & Ease Of Draw

A good concealed carry holster will allow you to efficiently and smoothly draw your firearm with a proper, ready-to-shoot grip (also called positive grip) from any position with one hand.

We did speed draws on all of the ccw holsters we tested and noted if anything hindered our ability to get the gun out quickly. Unsurprisingly, waistband holsters (IWB and OWB) perform the best.

Every holster is different. No matter how good your new holster is, you’ll need to practice your speed draws and threat focusing to make everything work efficiently.

Concealed Carry Holster Build Quality & Materials

Hard plastic holsters are made from Kydex, Boltaron, or Polymer. They are the most durable, affordable, and customizable concealed carry holsters available, and what we’d recommend for most people looking to get into concealed carry. They come custom-molded to your gun for perfect retention.

Hybrid holsters are made with 2 different materials. Usually, it’s a kydex shell to safely house your gun and a leather backer for comfort. If a hybrid holster is built well, it performs just as good as a full Kydex model, while being more comfortable to wear.  

Full leather holsters are softer to wear and shape themselves to your body with time. A good leather holster – made out of thick leather – can be just as good as kydex for concealed carry. The downsides of leather holsters include: price; not being waterproof; less adjustable & customizable; no click retention; more maintenance and cleaning. Because of the above, we don’t recommend them if you’re just starting out on your concealed carrying journey.

Full fabric holsters are made out of nylon or polymer. They’re cheap, but unless you’re going for pocket carry, we don’t recommend them. The trigger can often be compromised through the material, and they tend to have lousy retention.

(Bonus) Holster clips & attachment system. If the clip is weak, your entire holster will fall off when you bend to pick up your kid or pet a dog. So we tested all clips for durability & holding strength, to make sure that the rig didn’t come off the belt without warning.

Holster Adjustability & Customization

Holster adjustability allows you to customize the cant, ride height, and retention of the holster to suit your individual needs.

Most holsters need some tweaking to get a really good fit – and we prioritized choosing adjustable models for our list. We also rated the manufacturers who have optics & laser cuts available higher in our scoring system.

Warranty & Returns

We only included holsters that are made in the USA with a lifetime warranty in our list. Fortunately, most companies fit the bill these days. Most also offer 30-day no-questions-asked returns.

Price & Value For Money

We tried to keep our picks at a manageable price point – most land somewhere between $50 and $150. As a rough rule of thumb, we don’t recommend holsters cheaper than $50. All premium holsters included in the list had to justify their price – if a holster is priced higher, we made sure that it’s worth the money vs. the competition.

Concealed Carry Holster Types

IWB/AIWB (Inside The Waistband / Appendix) is generally the best holster type for concealed carry. These can be carried strong side (4 o’clock, also known as hip carry) or appendix (1 o’clock, front of your body where the appendix is located). They’re reliable, easy to conceal, lightweight, and easier to access than other concealed carry holsters. Further reading here: IWB vs AIWB carry

OWB (Outside The Waistband) is carried outside of the waistband mounted on your belt with a paddle (Paddle OWB) or a by sliding the belt through it (Slide OWB). OWB is best for open carry, but you can conceal carry one under a long shirt or a jacket. OWB holsters are generally more comfortable, and have a faster draw. See also our comparison here between IWB vs OWB carry

Belly band holster is a wide neoprene belt that you attach your gun to that goes around your body. They’re good for concealed carry in certain situations – running, gym, and situations when you can’t carry a belt on you. Or if you have a specific uniform that you have to wear at work that doesn’t allow you to easily carry an IWB holster.

Pocket Holsters are good for concealed carrying a smaller gun when you’re not wearing a belt. For example, a small pocket holster will fit in the pocket of your cargo shorts in summer.

Bra Holsters are worth taking a look at if you find IWB carry uncomfortable, or impossible, for any reason. They’re an inferior ccw holster choice for most ladies and work best on specific body shapes (bigger chest, taller torso), but are worth it in some situations.

Shoulder holsters for concealed carry are for advanced shooters. They’re difficult to get right, difficult to keep concealed, and just aren’t a good concealed carry choice for most people. Best for pilots, drivers & bodyguards.

Chest holsters are easier to set up than a shoulder holster, but more difficult to conceal. It’s good for having access to your gun without it obstructing your movement – while motorcycling or hiking, for example.

Ankle holsters are good for carrying a smaller backup gun, if you think that you might need one. Ankle holsters come with many downsides: slow draw speed, impossible to draw while moving, dust & dirt, and the need to wear long pants at all times among others.

Related: Our summary of every single holster type ever made with pros & cons.

7 Concealed Carry Tips From The Experts

Further reading: Here’s a short list of F.A.Q.s to give you the rundown on concealed carry, and our list of concealed carry tips as well.

  1. Review the clothing that you wear day-to-day
  2. Find a holster and the concealed carry position that works for you and your lifestyle
  3. Get used to having your gun on you everywhere
  4. Review the activities you do while carrying
  5. Practice your draws
    • Proper grip while drawing
    • Practicing basic extraction and reholstering
    • One-shot drills
    • Accuracy practice
    • Speed draws
    • Threat focusing
  6. Do regular maintenance of your gun and ammunition.
  7. Change ammo every 6 months. Many folks carry the same magazine for 2 years, not realizing that primers and powder are susceptible to extreme heat, cold, and moisture.

F.A.Q.

What Are A Holster’s Ride & Cant? Which Cant Is Best?

Holster ride height cant chart
Chart source
  • The holster’s cant is the holster’s angle.
  • Holsters’ ride is the holster’s height.

There are 3 main cant types and 2 main ride types you can use on most waistband holsters:

  • Neutral Cant: The top of the holster is directly above the bottom of the holster. This cant is great for carrying on the side of your hip and on your strong side. Drawing from this position is a natural movement and is comfortable.
  • Positive/Forward Cant (also known as the FBI cant): The grip of the holster is angled forward. This is best used on your strong side, usually in the 4 o’clock or kidney position.
  • Negative/Reverse Cant: The grip of the holster is angled backward. This position makes gripping your gun easier when carrying cross-draw or appendix. The grip will be shifted toward your hand for easier drawing.
  • A higher ride will usually give you a faster draw. The downside is that it potentially compromises on comfort & concealment.
  • A lower ride can be better for concealment and comfort. Especially with appendix carry.

Parting Shots & Loose Rounds

So there ya have it, amigos!

We blitzed through our top picks for the best concealed carry holsters on the market today.

When it comes to discreetly carrying your every day carry, you can’t go wrong with any of these bad boys.

Just remember – comfort and accessibility are clutch, so make sure to find a rig that fits your body type and draw style.

Stay safe out there, and as always – carry responsibly!

Let us know in the comments if we missed your favorite CCW holster.

Until next time!

Leave a Comment