Comfortable Concealed Carry & Holster Comfort [Easy Guide]

Let’s talk about something we all crave: comfort.

No, I’m not talking about your favorite pair of sweatpants or that old recliner you refuse to part with.

I’m talking about holster comfort.

You know, the thing that makes carrying a concealed weapon feel like a walk in the park instead of an awkward dance with a chunk of metal digging into your side.

If you’re new to this whole gun-carrying business, don’t worry – I’ve got your back (and your hip).

Ready? Let’s get started…

1. What is Holster Comfort?

A. Why Holster Comfort Matters

• Safety: A comfortable holster ensures proper retention and quick access to your firearm in case SHTF (Stuff Hits The Fan, for those not familiar with prepper lingo). You don’t want any accidental discharges because you were fidgeting with an uncomfortable rig.
• Daily Wear: If you plan on carrying every day (which I highly recommend), then finding a comfy holster is essential. No one wants their EDC (Every Day Carry) experience marred by constant discomfort or irritation from their gear. Trust me; it’s no fun adjusting yourself every five minutes while trying to maintain situational awareness.
• Prolonged Use: Over time, wearing an uncomfortable holster can lead to physical issues like bruising, chafing, or even more severe problems. Your body will thank you for investing in a comfortable setup.

B. Factors Affecting Holster Comfort

So what makes a holster comfortable? There are several factors to consider:

1. Material:
   • Leather: Classic, comfortable, molds to body over time; requires maintenance.
   • Kydex: Durable, excellent retention; potentially less comfortable against skin.
   • Nylon: Lightweight, affordable; may lack rigidity for secure retention.
   • Hybrid: Combines materials (e.g., leather + Kydex) for best of both worlds – comfort and durability.
2. Design & Fit: How well does the holster conform to your body? Is it adjustable for cant or ride height (how high or low it sits on your belt/waistband)? Can you easily access your firearm without contorting yourself into some weird yoga pose?
3. Clothing Compatibility: Does the holster work with different types of clothing, such as jeans, skirts, shorts, etc.? You don’t want to be limited by wardrobe choices just because of an uncomfortable rig.

In short: Holster comfort is all about finding that perfect balance between safety, ease-of-use, daily wearability – oh yeah – and looking cool while doing it. Keep an eye out as we explore this further in the upcoming segments.

2. How to Choose a Comfortable Holster

Material Matters

The material of your holster plays a huge role in comfort levels. Generally speaking, there are three main materials used in holsters:

• Leather: A classic choice that molds well to your body and gun over time. It’s durable and stylish but can be less breathable than other options.
• Kydex: This rigid plastic offers excellent retention and durability but may not conform as well as leather or neoprene. Some folks find Kydex uncomfortable against their skin.
• Neoprene: Soft, flexible, and moisture-wicking – this modern material is popular for its lightweight design and ability to provide a cushion between you and your firearm.

Your personal preference will play a big part here; try out different materials if possible before committing.

Size Does Matter (In This Case)

No one likes carrying around unnecessary bulk – especially when it comes attached at the waist. The size of your holster should match both the dimensions of your gun AND how much space you have available on your person for concealment purposes.

1. Pocket holsters, such as those from Sticky Holsters, are perfect for smaller guns and can be easily concealed in a front or back pocket.
2. Inside-the-waistband (IWB) holsters, like the popular StealthGearUSA, are designed to fit snugly between your pants and body, making them an excellent choice for larger firearms without sacrificing comfort. See also the pros & cons of IWB vs AIWB carry. 
3. Ankle holsters, such as those from Galco Gunleather, provide a discreet option for smaller guns but may require more effort when it comes time to draw your weapon.

The key is finding the right balance of size, concealment, and accessibility that works best for you.

Design And Adjustability

The design of your holster plays a big part in overall comfort. Here are some factors to consider:

• Cant angle: The cant (or tilt) of your holster affects how easy it is to draw your gun. Some people prefer a forward cant while others like their firearm straight up-and-down – experiment with different angles until you find what feels most natural.
• Ride height: How high or low does the holster sit on your waist? A higher ride height might make drawing easier but could compromise concealability; conversely, too low might make drawing difficult but improve concealment. It’s all about finding that sweet spot.
• Tuckable vs non-tuckable: Do you need the ability to tuck in your shirt around the holster? If so, opt for a tuckable design. But if untucked shirts are your jam, then non-tuckable holsters might be more comfortable for you.
• Retention: How secure is your gun in the holster? A snug fit with adjustable retention can help prevent accidental dislodging while still allowing for a smooth draw. Check out brands like Alien Gear Holsters that offer customizable retention options.

Customizing the retention to fit your needs is key; try out different designs and see what works best.

Test Drive Before You Buy (If Possible)

Not an issue with free returns everywhere these days.

Just order a holster (or a couple, if unsure), test drive it for a couple of days, and send it back if doesn’t work for you.

You wouldn’t buy a car without test driving it first – treat your holster selection process the same way.

Don’t Forget Your Belt

Last but not least: remember that your belt plays an essential role in comfort too.

Ensure your belt is sufficiently resilient to bear the heft of both your weapon and holster without drooping or pressing against your waistline.

There are plenty of dedicated gun belts on the market designed specifically for this purpose; check out companies like Blue Alpha Gear or Magpul Tejas Gun Belts,.

A proper belt can make all the difference when it comes to overall comfort during concealed carry – don’t skimp on this crucial accessory.

3. Tips for Improving Holster Comfort

So, you’ve got yourself a holster, but it’s not quite as comfortable as you’d hoped? No need to fret; I’m familiar with the feeling. Let me share some tips on how to make your holster more comfortable and avoid those annoying pinches or rubs.

A. Adjust the Fit

The first thing to consider is adjusting the fit of your holster. Tighten or loosen the retention screws to achieve a balance between secure holding and smooth drawing that suits you. Play around with these until you find a balance between secure retention and ease of draw that feels good for you.

B. Use Padding

If your holster is causing discomfort due to rubbing against your skin or digging into your side, try adding some padding. You can use moleskin padding, foam inserts, or even just an old t-shirt cut up and placed between the holster and your body (hey, we’re all about DIY solutions here). Experiment with different materials until you find one that provides enough cushioning without being too bulky.

C. Wear an Undershirt

Sometimes wearing an undershirt can help alleviate any discomfort caused by direct contact between the holster and skin – especially if it’s hot out there. Opt for moisture-wicking fabrics like polyester blends rather than cotton since they’ll keep sweat away from both body & gun while also providing extra protection against chafing & irritation.

D. Change Your Carry Position

If none of these suggestions are working for you, maybe it’s time to consider changing your carry position. Everyone’s body is different, and what works for one person might not work for another. Try out different positions like appendix carry, strong side hip carry, or even cross-draw until you find the sweet spot that feels most comfortable.

E. Break-In Your Holster

Just like a new pair of shoes, holsters can sometimes require a break-in period before they become truly comfortable. Don’t give up on your holster too soon. Keep wearing it regularly and practicing drawing from it; over time, the material will soften up and mold to both your firearm and body shape.

F. Upgrade Your Belt

A good gun belt can make all the difference when it comes to comfort while carrying concealed – trust me. A sturdy gun belt will provide better support for your holster & firearm combo than an ordinary dress or casual belt ever could (and no sagging.). Invest in quality here; after all, we’re talking about something you’ll be wearing every day.

G: Consider Customization Options

• Holster Wedges: Adding a wedge-shaped piece of foam between the holster & body helps push grip closer towards user’s torso – reducing printing issues while increasing overall comfort levels at same time (Tier 1 Concealed offers some great options).
• Holster Wings/Claws: These little gadgets attach directly onto existing holsters & help tuck grip tighter against wearer’s frame – again, minimizing printing & maximizing comfort.
• Holster Loops: If your current holster attachment system isn’t cutting it (or just plain uncomfortable), consider swapping them out. Soft loops or different clip styles might be all you need to make carrying concealed more enjoyable. Look into products like the Discreet Carry Concepts clips.

In the end, improving holster comfort is often about trial and error – but don’t get discouraged. With some patience and these tips in mind, you’ll soon find yourself enjoying a comfortable concealed carry experience that doesn’t leave you constantly readjusting or cursing under your breath. Good luck.

4. Troubleshooting Common Issues

Having acquired your new holster, you are now ready to embrace the world of concealed carry. But wait. Something’s not quite right. Maybe it’s pinching, rubbing against your skin, or just plain uncomfortable.

No worries. I’m here to help you troubleshoot some common issues with holsters and get you back on track for a comfy carrying experience.

A. Pinching Problems

If your holster is pinching like an angry crab every time you move, there are a few things that might be causing this issue:

• Poor fit: Make sure the holster is designed specifically for your gun model. A generic “one size fits all” approach can lead to discomfort and even safety concerns. Check our holster types guide for more.
• Tight retention: If the retention of your holster is too tight, it could cause pinching when drawing or reholstering your firearm. Try adjusting the tension screws if available or consider switching to a different type of retention system (e.g., thumb break instead of friction).
• Misaligned clips/belt loops: Check that any attachment points are properly aligned with each other and not digging into your body during movement.

B. Rubbing You The Wrong Way?

Rubbing against skin can make wearing a concealed carry rig feel like walking around in sandpaper underwear – definitely not ideal.

To avoid chafing from holsters, try these tips:

• Clothing barrier: Wear an undershirt between the holster and your skin as an extra layer of protection from abrasive materials.
• Smooth edges: Some holsters have rough or sharp edges that can irritate the skin. Look for a holster with smooth, rounded edges to minimize discomfort.
• Material choice: Opt for holsters made from materials like suede or leather, which tend to be more comfortable against the skin than hard plastics and kydex.

C. Digging In Deep

If your holster feels like it’s trying to become one with your body by digging into your side, you might need some adjustments:

• Ride height: Adjusting the ride height of your holster can help alleviate pressure points caused by certain positions. Experiment with varying ride heights to find the optimal fit for you.
• Cant angle: The cant (or tilt) of your holster could also be causing discomfort if it’s not set correctly. Try adjusting this angle to see if it makes a difference in how the rig sits on your body.
• Belt width/size: A belt that is too narrow or tight may cause excessive pressure on specific areas of the body when carrying concealed. Make sure you’re using an appropriate gun belt designed for carrying firearms – they provide better support and distribute weight more evenly than regular belts.

D. Sweat City: Dealing With Moisture Issues

Sweat happens. And unfortunately, sometimes our concealed carry gear doesn’t play nice with our perspiration levels – especially during hot summer months or intense physical activity.

To keep moisture at bay while wearing a concealed carry setup, consider these tips:

• Airflow-friendly clothing material: Select breathable fabrics like moisture-wicking materials for your clothing to help keep sweat under control.
• Antiperspirant: Applying antiperspirant on areas where the holster contacts your skin can reduce sweating and chafing. Just be sure not to get any on your gun.
• Sweat guard: Some holsters come with a built-in sweat guard, which is a barrier between you and the firearm that helps prevent moisture from reaching it. If your holster lacks a sweat guard, contemplate procuring an additional one or changing to a design that has this component.

Troubleshooting common issues with holsters may take some trial and error, but don’t give up. The perfect concealed carry setup is out there waiting for you – just remember these tips and keep experimenting until you find what works best for your body type, clothing choices, and personal preferences.

“Troubleshooting holster discomfort? No problem. Check out these tips for a comfy concealed carry experience. #holstercomfort #concealedcarry” Click to Tweet

FAQs in Relation to Holster Comfort

What Type of Holster is Most Comfortable?

The most comfortable holster varies depending on personal preference and body type. Inside-the-waistband (IWB) holsters, such as the Alien Gear Cloak Tuck, are popular for their concealability and comfort. However, some may prefer outside-the-waistband (OWB) or shoulder holsters for better weight distribution.

Are Holsters Comfortable?

Holster comfort depends on the design, materials used, and proper fit to your body and firearm. High-quality holsters made from breathable materials like neoprene or leather can provide a more comfortable experience. Proper adjustment of retention and cant also contributes to overall comfort.

Are Concealed Carry Holsters Uncomfortable?

Concealed carry holsters can be uncomfortable if they don’t fit well or aren’t adjusted correctly. Choosing a high-quality holster designed for your specific gun model with adjustable features will help ensure maximum comfort while carrying concealed.

What is the Most Comfortable Concealed Carry Position?

The most comfortable concealed carry position varies based on individual preferences, but common positions include appendix inside-the-waistband (AIWB), strong-side hip IWB, small-of-back IWB, OWB, or shoulder-carry using a Galco Shoulder Holster System. Experimenting with different positions will help you find what works best for you.

Conclusion

Selecting the appropriate holster can significantly influence your comfort when carrying a firearm. There are many factors to consider, such as material, design, and fit. In this article, we will discuss the different types of holsters available and how to choose one that is comfortable for you. We will also provide tips for improving holster comfort and troubleshooting common issues.

Remember that finding a comfortable holster is essential for ensuring that you carry your firearm safely and confidently. By utilizing our guidance, you can discover a holster that suits your body type and daily routine.

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!)