How to Select the Best OWB Holster for Concealment
Dec 3rd 2021
If you’re interested in concealed carry, an inside-the-waistband (IWB) holster is the default option. However, outside the waistband (OWB) is an alternative that many gun owners prefer for reasons of comfort or accessibility. But you may ask, “Can you effectively conceal an OWB holster?” The simple answer is yes, as OWB holsters are suitable for both open and concealed carry, but you need to know what to look for.
OWB Holster Challenges
Generally, IWB is easier to conceal than OWB because less of the holster is exposed. To effectively conceal an OWB holster, you’ll need to carefully consider how you dress. A cover garment, such as an untucked button-down or T-shirt, or a light jacket, is necessary to hide the weapon. When wearing an appropriate cover garment, you will still need to pay attention to how you move.
For example, when carrying IWB, if you were to reach up to retrieve an item from the top shelf at a supermarket, your weapon would probably remain hidden, as the lower half of the holster is inside your pants.
In an OWB holster, your holster may become exposed, disclosing the fact you’re armed. In addition, OWB holsters do not allow you to use concealment devices, such as wings or claws, that hold the weapon more snugly against the body.
Advantages of OWB
One of the most commonly cited advantages of the OWB method of carrying is comfort. You can more easily conceal your weapon when carrying IWB, but pressing a leather or Kydex holster firmly against your body can chafe or dig into your ribs or hip, especially when worn for prolonged periods.
An OWB is also more appropriate for open carry and full-size handguns because there’s no limit to the bulk, weight, or barrel length. Some gun owners also find that OWB allows for a faster draw stroke and increased access to their firearm, but this depends on clothing and practice.
Considerations for OWB Concealed Carry
When you choose a holster for concealed carry , there are some critical factors to take into consideration.
Kydex vs. leather
Manufacturers use two primary materials in holsters designed for concealed carry: Kydex and leather. Cordura nylon is also used as an inexpensive alternative but doesn’t provide the passive retention, rigidity, or durability of either competitor.
Leather holsters can be durable, stiff, and comfortable, but Kydex is more resistant to wear, moisture, and impact. In addition, Kydex can be durable without the bulk, allowing the manufacturer to use thinner materials in its construction.
Holster design and weapon
The OWB holster you choose should conform to the contours of your body. The less accommodating the holster is regarding the shape of your body, the less comfortable it will be, impacting how discreetly you can carry.
How closely does the holster hold itself and your weapon to your body? This factor affects the extent to which the weapon prints laterally. If there’s a noticeable gap between your body and the holster, it may be jutting out too much, which can create a distinct outline through your clothing.
The width of your firearm may also play a role in lateral printing, so you should experiment with different weapons to find the most appropriate choice.
Trigger safety
In addition to features increasing concealability, any good holster should cover the trigger guard of the firearm. However, it’s not enough to keep your index finger straight as you place your hand on and draw the weapon.
You should also remember to keep your finger straight as you re-holster the gun. If your finger is still inside the trigger guard during a hasty re-holster, you could unintentionally fire the weapon as the holster mouth forces your finger against the trigger face.
Adjustable Ride Height and Cant
How you carry your weapon outside the waistband also determines the concealability of your weapon. It affects accessibility, so it’s important to choose a waistband holster that allows you to adjust both the ride height and the cant independently of each other. Doing so makes your concealed carry more subtle.
Aside from the width of your weapon, the height (from the top of the slide to the bottom of the magazine) is the dimension that can contribute the most to printing when you’re wearing your gun strong side. The butt of the handgun, depending on the cant of the holster and the weapon’s height, can break the lines of your jacket or shirt, revealing itself to onlookers.
Find the best cant
The cant describes the angle of the gun in relation to the waistband. In the appendix-carry position, you would typically use a neutral cant (0°), where the muzzle points straight toward the ground. The closer your carry position is to cross draw, the more negative or rearward the cant should be.
In the strong side position, however, you will need a more positive or forward cant, both to increase accessibility and to raise the butt of the weapon. Many shooters find 15º-22.5° to be the best cant for carrying strong side, also known as FBI carry.
Between 3 o’clock (right hip) and 6 o’clock (small of the back) you will need an increasingly positive cant to achieve a full firing grip on the weapon.
Ride high
Ride height describes the position of the holster vertically in relation to the waistband. A high-ride holster reveals less of the weapon below the cover garment but may also cause the draw to become more difficult.
A low ride holster will be more exposed, all else being equal. Experiment with different ride heights under your clothes to see which provides the most balance between control and concealment.
OWB Holsters and Concealment
Knowing the difference between paddle holsters and pancake holsters can help you choose the right product for OWB concealed carry.
Pancake holsters: Venture
The Incognito Concealment Venture is the company’s standard OWB holster, a pancake design that uses Kydex. The Venture attaches to your gun belt using either two clips or loops, depending on your preference. Clips allow you to attach and detach the holster without removing your belt. Loops, however, more securely attach the holster and weapon to the gun belt. If you loop the belt through one or more slots in the holster body, you have a belt-slide configuration.
The Venture sits snug against the body, accommodating the contours, and prints less as a result. The Kydex construction is durable yet maintains a low profile for increased concealability, and the dual attachment points ensure the weapon remains stable.
Paddle holsters: ST7-Pro
An alternative to the OWB pancake holster that slides on, or clips to, a gun belt is the paddle holster. Paddle holsters attach using a rigid panel that you insert between the hem of the pants and the belt. Secured by spring tension, to detach the paddle holster, you simply pull the holster away from the paddle clip and lift it.
The Incognito Concealment ST7-Pro exemplifies this design. While paddle holsters are convenient, there tends to be more of a space between the gun belt and the holster body.
We Carry the Most Discreet OWB Holsters
At Incognito Concealment, we offer a wide variety of holsters suitable for concealed carry, including two OWB designs, the Venture and the ST7-Pro. You can wear these holsters under a cover garment while remaining comfortable and discreet.
Call us at (586) 333-4240, and we’ll help you find the perfect OWB holster for your carry needs.
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