Carrying a gun inside the waistband is one of the best ways to keep your gun concealed. IWB holsters are a great choice for those who want to carry a firearm inside the waistband (IWB). That's why these types of holsters are called IWB holsters.
The IWB holster is gaining more traction from day to day, as gun owners are learning about the benefits they possess. These holsters make carrying a pistol a whole lot easier and more covert as compared to most of the other concealed carry methods currently in existence.
Concealing a pistol in the waistline has a lot of advantages, given the anatomical make up of the pelvic and torso regions of the body, as compared to other body parts.
IWB holsters can be comfortable, but there are many factors to consider, including how you wear them, body type, daily activities, clothing and even how much time you spend driving.
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There are a few types of IWB holsters that will help you with comfort and stability. With a number of Kydex, plastic, nylon and leather IWB holsters on the market, there are plenty of options to find one that suits your body type and comfort level.
What is widely considered the most comfortable IWB holster is leather, followed closely by Kydex. They each do a quality job of concealing and what matters most is how each one adheres to your body type.
There is no build-up of material or gunk in a Kydex, allowing for a slick smooth draw that you always want.
They can, however, become uncomfortable over time due to their uncompromising shape and makeup. They are not as flexible and form-fitting as a leather IWB and don’t conform to your shape.
Shoulder holsters are probably some of the hardest holsters to conceal, and they require that you wear a loose coat or jacket over your regular attire.
Not to mention, the straps are a total giveaway, since they can be spotted if your jacket or coat is open. Such holsters are best suitable for law enforcement officers and in rare cases, for concealed carry owners who plan to wear coats or jackets wherever they go.
Cross draw holsters are usually fitted over the waistband (OWB) and their cant can easily reveal your firearm while bending. In addition, cross draw holsters for concealed carry owners require the use of very loose fitting attire that can cover the holster in its entirety.
There’s so much that goes into finding the ideal holster for you to wear all day long. You now have a little help to make finding the best IWB holster a true reality. Through reviews, recommendations, and feedback from people who’ve actually lived and breathed IWB holsters.
If there’s one aspect that is repeated over and over about the Galco Kingtuk KT224B, it’s comfort. Within just a week or two of wearing this holster, it becomes broken to the point in which you may not even realize you have it on. It’s made from both leather and Kydex and fits 9 different glocks plus other firearms and the retention is very tight. It’s great for people who are caring for an extended period of time.
The quality leather is comfortable against the skin. The metal belt clips are removable, well-built and can be adjusted up and down to set the carry height and angle. The belt fit is up to 1.75”. Overall, it’s a comfortable IWB holster, stable and cost-effective with a number of allowable adjustments.
If you’re looking for a Glock 19 IWB holster, this is a good fit, but also is ideal for Glock 17, 22, 23, 26, 27, 31, 32, and 33 owners.
This IWB hybrid holster made by FoxX is made with 9 oz. premium leather and .06” Kydex. It’s one of the top concealable holsters on the market and does a better than adequate job of blending in and conforming to your body. The leather absorbs the body sweat keeping your gun safe and clean. You can make adjustments to place the holster up or down on your waist for a better carry.
This M&P shield IWB holster does not release with the draw of the firearm. The hardware and materials are high quality for a gun at this price level. There’s no bending of the belt clips, and there is some customization allowed with four holes on each side to place the clips. It’s a very comfortable piece to wear that allows your firearm to go undetected.
At an affordable price, it’s hard not to consider the Desantis Sof-Tuck holster for your collection. The inside the waistband style holster has an adjustable cant, and is versatile enough to be positioned cross draw or on the small of your back. The flexibility and build make it suitable for a wide range of left and right hand concealed firearms.
It’s easy to reholster by using your thumb to bottom out the area after initial holstering. The Sof-tuck doesn’t shift when you’re on the move, offering a very good degree of retention when worn and your belt is securing the firearm against your body. It’s made from premium saddle leather and is one of the best bargain waistband holsters on the market, especially for the price.
For gun owners (especially Glock owners) and the budget conscious, this Pro Carry IWB leather gun holster is one of the best choices you can make. It’s light, easy to adjust, and uses quality leather. There is no thumb break which leaves people a little miffed, but the rest of the holster works great for them.
It breaks easily and has a smooth leather lining, enabling the draw to be right on and retention tight. Reholstering is better than expected. The gun can be kept low, keeping your gun concealed well. It has a sturdy clip and keeps the holster in place without shifting.
If you’re interested in a Glock 23 IWB holster, this is a recommended option, but is also good for Glock 19, 32, and 36 owners.
Two of the most common remarks about this Conceal Mini made by Shepherd Leather is how most people forget they’re wearing it. After a few months of use, however, there are reports of somewhat weak retention.
The retention starts out tight but loosens over time. In a lot of respects, this IWB tuckable holster is similar to a Crossbreed except for the price which is less than half of what you’d pay for a Crossbreed.
It’s made from the best leather and an extremely thick .093” Kydex. Two durable steel clips help the holster remain even and locked in your waistband. The durability and ruggedness is a plus and it has an outdoorsy coarse look to it that many find appealing.
Now you’ve seen the top options we recommend and we hope this helps you decide upon one that is right for you. IWB holsters are the type of item that takes time to get just right. It may take 3 or 4 waistband holster purchases before you find the ideal one.
Keep in mind it’s important to give each holster you buy a few weeks to mold to your body type and show you how comfortable they can be. That will not only save you money, but also keep you from having to “break-in” so many different holsters.
The disadvantages are minimal in my opinion.
Gun owners know there are a number of ways to safely carry a firearm. Finding the most comfortable and practical holster is a high priority when they spend a majority of their day on the move.
An IWB holster is both well-liked and an inexpensive option that sits inside the waistband against your body. The holster contains a clip that attaches to your belt, keeping the holster from slipping. Only the butt of the gun will be partially exposed under your garment just above the waistline.
