Most Comfortable IWB Holster
Feb 15th 2021
Although the Outside-the-Waistband holster (OWB) is popular in open carry states, an Inside-the-Waistband holster (IWB), also known as a tuckable holster, is usually the practical choice in states requiring a concealed carry permit. IWB holsters allow gun owners to keep their weapons securely tucked away but within reach in an emergency.
The right IWB holster can offer deep concealment, accessible ride height, comfort, and easy access, regardless of the shooter’s frame or body type. Here’s how to find and carry the most comfortable IWB holster for you.
Why Carry IWB?
Inside-the-waistband (IWB) is the most popular carry method because the IWB holster is one of the easiest holster types you can conceal. They also offer better retention and allow you to reach faster draw speeds than other concealable holsters.
However, many gun owners struggle to find a comfortable IWB holster. Since IWB holsters must be worn inside a pair of pants, they can rub against the skin or make the pants fit too snugly. A well-designed IWB holster uses the right materials and shape to create a holster that holds the gun securely but isn’t bulky or uncomfortable.
Other holster styles, like the shoulder holster, ankle holster, or belly-band holster, may seem more comfortable at first glance. Many of these alternative holster types don’t even require a gun belt.
However, they aren’t necessarily a more practical choice. The usefulness of these holster types is situational and is often more challenging to wear daily. Additionally, you must re-train yourself with each of these to achieve an acceptable draw speed, without guarantees of being as fast as you would with a standard belt holster.
Nylon, Leather, or Kydex?
One of the most common debates among gun owners is which holster material is best. Leather is a traditional holster material and one of the most popular choices for IWB models because it is soft, comfortable, and fits the body well. However, leather is susceptible to moisture and exposure to body sweat.
Like many other leather products, a leather holster requires significant care and maintenance to avoid premature degradation. Even a high-quality leather holster can tear, crack, and eventually break down if not given regular attention.
Nylon is also a soft and comfortable material, known for its exceptional strength-to-weight ratio and breathability, making it the ideal lightweight holster material.
Most nylon holsters weigh just a few ounces and are very inexpensive. However, they are also unsafe for long-term use. They are usually generic holsters, not made to fit a specific model, providing poor retention. Additionally, nylon holsters are fragile, generally falling apart after a few months of daily use.
Kydex is a thermoplastic material with high impact and abrasion resistance. Kydex holsters are molded to fit a specific gun model, providing excellent retention and safety.
While the plastic is hard around the gun, it is still a comfortable holster to wear, even in hot weather. Unlike leather and nylon, Kydex is a sturdy material requiring little maintenance. The average Kydex holster can last several years without signs of wear and tear.
With low profile sheets, a Kydex holster can be very thin and lightweight, making it the ideal material for a deep concealment holster. When appropriately designed and worn with the right choice of pants, you’ll forget it’s even there.
What Makes a Good Concealment Holster?
The purpose of a gun holster is to keep the weapon safe and under control when not in the shooter’s hands or storage. While comfort and convenience are essential in any concealment holster, safety and secure retention are critical.
A good holster should employ a sturdy material that protects the gun from damage and ensures you can't pull the trigger accidentally. Kydex is an excellent choice because it provides excellent retention while adequately protecting your weapon against wear and tear.
In contrast, softer, more flexible materials provide less retention and protection against impacts, making them less safe for daily use.
IWB holsters must have a metal clip that holds the gun securely in place on the belt, even while the wearer moves around. Cheap, poorly made belt clips can cause the holster to move to an uncomfortable position or fall off your gun belt entirely. They also make it more challenging to draw your weapon in an emergency.
Quality concealment holsters must also be thin enough to remain completely undetected beneath your clothing. This requirement can be a challenge in warmer climates, as wearing a jacket can be uncomfortable for the gun owner. A good concealable holster is sufficiently low profile to fit under a thin untucked shirt, keeping the user cool and comfortable in the heat.
Best Concealed Carry Holster for Women
What works for one frame or body type may not necessarily be effective with another. CDC statistics show that the average women’s waist size is about 2” smaller than men’s. In addition, women’s clothing tends to be more form-fitting than men’s.
Women should avoid concealed carry purse holsters or any other type of off-body carry. Aside from rendering your firearm less accessible in an emergency, a purse is also one of the first items muggers target. Keeping your weapon on your body allows you to maintain control of your gun at all times, letting you defend yourself and your possessions more effectively.
Thigh holsters and belly-band holsters are popular holster options, but they can be more difficult to conceal than an IWB holster. These methods are more suitable for women who prefer loose-fitting clothing, such as dresses or skirts.
Ankle holsters are hard to draw from quickly and are more appropriate for compact or subcompact handguns than full-size weapons. Shoulder holsters are harder to conceal under women's jackets, which tend to be more tapered. Concealment hip huggers and corset holsters wrap around the hips or abdomen and close in the front like brassieres or with zippers but can be hard to access.
Belt holsters, particularly IWB holsters, remain the most practical choice for women who want to conceal a firearm comfortably, safely, and securely. There’s no reason you can’t carry a full-size weapon, but if you decide that you’d like to carry a more compact gun, there are numerous examples on the market that provide you with ample firepower.
What is the Best Concealed Carry Holster?
While many gun enthusiasts try to compile lists of five of the most comfortable IWB concealed carry holsters, the reality is that a single material always comes out on top: Kydex.
Incognito Concealment carefully designs its Kydex holsters to hold the gun securely without unnecessary bulk or weight, making them the perfect choice for men and women. The metal belt clip fits snugly and is available in two sizes to accommodate either 1.5” or 1.75” belts.
The holster shell uses precision-molded 0.08” Kydex sheets designed to fit the gun’s shape perfectly without jabbing into the wearer’s skin. Every model covers the trigger guard and most of the slide, allowing you to keep your index finger in a safe position when you wrap your hand around the pistol grip.
All Incognito Concealment IWB holsters feature an ambidextrous design with customization options, such as an adjustable retention screw, ride height, and orientation.
Incognito makes quality gun belts and magazine holsters compatible with a wide range of pistols and revolvers, ideal for completing your concealed carry setup. Whether you’re new to IWB carry or are a concealment expert, Incognito holsters are an excellent option for shooters of all skill levels.
How to Carry Comfortably
The most common carry position with an IWB holster is strong side hip carry. In this position, the holster rests on the hip corresponding to the shooter’s dominant hand (e.g., right-handed shooters carry on the right hip). Strong side hip carry is considered the most practical choice because the natural resting position for your hands is at your sides.
Another popular carry position is appendix carry, which requires a dedicated holster called an appendix holster (also known as an appendix inside the waistband or AIWB holster). In this position, the holster sits directly in front of the shooter’s body, over the pelvic area. Appendix carry is typically more comfortable for shooters with smaller frames, making it a practical choice for women.
Regardless of your preferred carry position, don’t forget that your choice of pants matters when carrying a belt holster. Wear pants one size larger than usual to account for the holster’s bulk. IWB holsters can be challenging to wear with yoga pants, so wearers may need to stick to traditional pant styles.
While women can wear an IWB holster with a skirt, you should still wear a robust gun belt to ensure the IWB belt clip attaches securely. Shirts should not be tucked around the holster because this makes it more challenging to draw in an emergency.
If necessary, users can wear a tank top or T-shirt underneath and tuck this extra layer behind the holster for added comfort. Combine this trick with a quality holster fitted with a sweat guard to achieve maximum comfort. It also protects your gun’s finish.
Do You Need More Than One Holster?
Some gun owners want to carry a backup weapon. The right backup holster for concealed carry depends on the size of the guns you carry and the size of your body.
Most gun owners can benefit from using a high-quality, comfortable IWB holster for their backup guns. Popular backup gun carry positions include appendix carry and behind the hip ( FBI carry).
Other gun owners want an alternative holster in situations where carrying concealed is either unnecessary or impractical.
Incognito Concealment makes OWB and paddle holsters with the same high-quality materials as their IWB counterparts. To get the most from carrying two holsters, practice drawing and using both guns. For instance, a cross-draw OWB holster is very different from using a strong side IWB holster, so you’ll want to practice wearing and using both.
Practice carrying and drawing from every type of holster you intend to use regularly. You should only start using a holster in public once you become proficient with your draw stroke and achieve a good draw speed. Neglecting holster training presents significant risks like fumbling or accidents when you need your gun the most.
Shop the Most Comfortable Concealed Carry Holsters
Our mission at Incognito Concealment is to provide you with the most comfortable IWB and OWB Kydex holsters. Whether you carry a compact pistol or a full-size revolver, our holsters are designed to fit the most popular firearms perfectly, thanks to their precise molding and careful design.
Our holsters use sturdy metal belt clips that are carefully manufactured to fit standard belt sizes. They’ll keep your holster in place when you need to draw your gun so you can carry it with confidence. Browse our complete selection online today.
