When it comes to carrying a firearm discreetly, there is no one-size-fits-all holster. The “best” concealed carry holster for you depends on your firearm, wardrobe, comfort, and how you plan to carry. In this overview, we’ll cover some of the top holster options that many concealed carriers use successfully. Each has its strengths and ideal use cases. Understanding these options will help you decide what might work best for your concealed carry needs.
Inside-the-Waistband (IWB) Holsters
For the majority of people, an inside-the-waistband (IWB) holster is the go-to choice for concealed carry. As discussed in detail in the previous article, IWB holsters ride inside your pants, offering excellent concealment. They keep the gun pressed close to your body, making it easy to hide under an untucked shirt, jacket, or even a loose-fitting t-shirt.
Why IWB is Great: It provides a good balance of accessibility and stealth. You can carry even a compact or mid-sized handgun without printing in most cases. With an IWB placed at the strong side hip (3-4 o’clock for a right-hander) or in the appendix position (front of the waist), a quick upward sweep of your cover garment gives access to your gun. Many quality IWB holsters also allow adjusting the carry angle and height, so you can find the sweet spot for concealment and comfort.
Considerations: Ensure you have a proper gun belt and possibly slightly larger pants to accommodate the holster. Comfort can vary; some people prefer hybrid IWB holsters (with a soft back pad and a Kydex shell) for all-day wear. Also, practice your draw from concealment—lifting your shirt or jacket clear—so that you can do it smoothly when needed.
Popular IWB Variations:
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Appendix IWB (AIWB): A subset of IWB where the holster is worn upfront. This is very concealable for many body types and offers a fast draw, but some find it uncomfortable when sitting. It’s a preferred method for many experienced carriers due to the quick access.
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Tuckable IWB Holsters: These have clips that let you tuck your shirt in over the gun. Only the clips are visible on the belt, which can be very discreet (especially if the clips are the same color as your belt).
Overall, if you’re unsure where to start, an IWB holster is often the best first option to try for concealed carry.
Outside-the-Waistband (OWB) Concealment Holsters
You might think OWB holsters are only for open carry, but there are OWB designs made for concealment too. These typically are pancake-style holsters or ones contoured to hug close to the body. They ride high on the belt so that a longer shirt or jacket can cover the firearm. OWB carry can be very comfortable because nothing is digging into your waistband.
When OWB Works for CCW: In cooler weather or when you routinely wear a jacket or untucked outer layer, an OWB holster can conceal a pistol effectively. Many people prefer OWB for carrying larger firearms since it handles the bulk better. A well-made leather or kydex pancake holster will hold the gun flat against your side, minimizing how much it prints. The draw from OWB is typically very quick because your arm hangs naturally at that level.
Drawbacks: The obvious issue is that if your cover garment rides up or you remove it (say you take off your jacket), the gun is exposed. OWB is less forgiving if you accidentally move in a way that reveals the holster. It requires diligence in keeping covered. Also, not all OWB holsters are equal—those big, tactical ones that stand off the hip won’t conceal well. Look for holsters labeled as “high ride” or specifically for concealed carry.
Use Case: OWB concealment is popular among those who carry daily in winter months (when jackets are common), or for those who simply can’t find IWB comfortable. It can also be a good option on the range or property where occasional exposure isn’t a concern, but you generally want the gun hidden.
Pocket Holsters
For small handguns (like many .380 pocket pistols or small revolvers), a pocket holster is a convenient concealed carry method. This is a small holster that entirely covers the trigger guard and goes into your pocket along with the gun. The idea is that it breaks up the outline of the firearm so it doesn’t obviously look like a gun in your pocket (preventing printing), and keeps the gun oriented in a consistent position for drawing.
Best Use: Pocket holsters shine when you’re carrying a very compact firearm and perhaps wearing attire that doesn’t accommodate a belt holster (for example, athletic shorts or dress slacks). You simply slip the holstered pistol into a front pocket (preferably one dedicated to the gun, with nothing else in that pocket). If someone glances, they might see a slight bulge, but it could just as easily be a phone or wallet shape.
Pros: They are extremely easy to deploy – no need for a special belt or wardrobe adjustments. Drawing can be fairly quick if you practice clearing the pocket. Some pocket holsters have a “hook” or tacky material that catches on the pocket as you draw, ensuring the holster stays in the pocket while the gun comes out.
Cons: Pocket carry is generally limited to small firearms; a larger compact or full-size pistol simply won’t fit or will be obvious. The draw might be slower, especially from a seated position. Also, you must be very mindful of safety – the holster must always cover the trigger, and you should never carry other objects in that pocket that could snag the trigger. It’s also wise to regularly check that lint or debris doesn’t accumulate in the holster/pocket.
Belly Bands and Deep Concealment Holsters
Belly band holsters are a unique solution for concealed carry, consisting of a wide elastic band that wraps around your torso (usually midsection or lower abdomen) with pockets or slots for a handgun and sometimes magazines. They don’t rely on a belt, making them versatile for various clothing styles – you can wear one under gym clothes, dresses, or other outfits where a traditional holster wouldn’t work.
Advantages of Belly Bands:
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They are highly versatile in placement; you can rotate the band to position the gun at the front, side, or even small of back, at whatever height is comfortable.
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Great for activities like jogging or hiking if you wear athletic attire. Many runners use belly bands because they distribute the gun’s weight and have a bit of flex as you move.
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They fit a variety of gun sizes since the pockets are often just generic elastic or with a bit of stretch.
Trade-Offs: Most belly band designs are made of elastic and fabric, which means they usually don’t have a firm trigger guard protection like a kydex holster would. Some newer designs address this by providing a rigid insert or using a hybrid approach. Always ensure the trigger area is covered and that the gun is held snugly. Drawing from a belly band can also be a tad slower and may require using two hands (one to pull up clothing, one to draw).
Other deep concealment options in this category include corset holsters (similar concept, tailored for women), thigh holsters for skirts or dresses, and even undershirts or compression shorts with built-in holster pockets. These are specialized solutions often used when standard holsters won’t do, such as formal dress or certain body types/clothing choices.
Shoulder Holsters
A shoulder holster consists of a harness that goes over your shoulders (like suspenders) and holds the gun in a holster under one arm (often with magazine pouches under the other arm to balance weight). This style was famous from old detective movies and is still used by some carriers today.
When to Use: Shoulder holsters can be very effective if you wear a jacket or coat regularly. For example, in cold weather, a shoulder rig worn under a zipped jacket keeps the gun accessible (you just reach inside your jacket), whereas an IWB on your hip might be harder to reach under heavy clothing. They’re also handy for people who do a lot of driving – accessing a pistol from a shoulder holster while seated in a car can be easier than from the waist.
Pros: When properly adjusted, a shoulder holster distributes the weight of the gun well, making it comfortable for carrying larger firearms. It can also be a solution for people who have lower-back or hip issues that make belt carry painful. Drawing from a shoulder holster is relatively intuitive (reach across your front to grab the gun).
Cons: You must always wear a cover garment (jacket or overshirt) with this, or you’ll be open carrying. Additionally, shoulder holsters require practice to draw safely – you don’t want to muzzle sweep bystanders with a horizontal draw. They also can be a bit conspicuous if your cover garment blows open or you remove it. Finally, good shoulder holsters can be pricey and usually specific to gun model and user body size.
Ankle Holsters and Other Options
Ankle holsters are a niche method, typically used for carrying a backup gun. They wrap around your lower calf/ankle and secure a small firearm above your shoe. Concealment is usually achieved by your pant leg covering it.
Use Case: If you carry a primary gun on your waist, an ankle holster might hold a second smaller gun (common for law enforcement or very dedicated carriers). Or, if you cannot wear a holster on your waist at all, an ankle carry might be the last resort to still be armed (for instance, some professionals who wear tucksed-in shirts and no jacket might drop a tiny revolver or pistol in an ankle rig).
Pros: It’s fairly comfortable for small guns and very concealable as long as you wear long pants. It’s an option when sitting – for example, if you’re seated at a desk or in a car, access to an ankle holster can be easier than to a waist holster in some cases.
Cons: It’s slow to draw from an ankle, especially from a standing position. You typically have to kneel or lift your leg to reach the gun. Also, ankle carry is limited by gun size (really only subcompact lightweight guns are feasible, or it becomes too unwieldy). You also need somewhat loose pant legs to hide the holster and allow your hand to reach in.
Off-Body Carry (Purses, Bags): While not a holster on the body, it’s worth mentioning that some people use concealed carry purses or bags with dedicated holster pockets. This can be a solution for those who absolutely cannot carry on their body. The upside is obviously convenience (just drop the gun in the special compartment). The downsides are significant: you must keep the bag on you and in your control 100% of the time (which can be hard – purses get set down, etc.), and access can be slower if the bag isn’t in hand when needed. If you go this route, invest in a purpose-built bag with a holster section and practice drawing from it. Still, most instructors will recommend on-body carry if at all possible, as it’s generally safer and faster.
Finding What Works for You
The “best” concealed carry holster is a very personal decision. Many carriers end up with a collection of holsters for different situations. For daily carry with typical casual clothes, an IWB at the hip or appendix might be ideal. For jogging in the park, a belly band or fanny-pack style holster could work better. For long road trips, maybe a shoulder holster or simply keeping the gun secured in the car within reach is preferred.
Think about your daily routine, how you dress, and any specific comfort issues you have. You may even find that rotating between a couple of carry methods keeps you prepared in all seasons (for instance, OWB in winter, IWB in summer).
Above all, whichever holster option you choose, make sure it is safe (covers the trigger, holds the gun securely) and practice with it. Drawing from concealment, reholstering, and wearing the holster during your normal activities will all reveal if it truly suits your needs. The good news is there are more holster choices than evernrawomen.com, so with a bit of research and trial, you’re likely to find the perfect concealed carry holster for your lifestyle.