Let me tell you about my journey to finding the right gun holster - it hasn't always been pretty! When I first started carrying concealed, I made pretty much every rookie mistake in the book. I ended up with what is called the "drawer of shame" - about $300 worth of holsters that seemed great online but just didn't work out in real life. Just about every person who has concealed carry for a couple of years has their own drawer of shame.
The biggest lesson I learned? Comfort is absolutely crucial for everyday carry. After trying various carry positions, I found that appendix carry (AIWB) is hands down the most comfortable and practical for me. The key was finding the right holster design that works with your body type and getting used to the position. Now, I can't imagine carrying any other way.
Here are the key factors I've found matter most when choosing a holster:
IWB & OWB Gun Holsters
When it comes to carrying a firearm, you've essentially got two basic holster options: Inside the Waistband (IWB) and Outside the Waistband (OWB) holsters. These two fundamental carry methods each come with their own set of advantages and challenges.
Inside the Waistband (IWB) holsters are designed to be worn tucked inside your pants, between your body and your waistband. They offer maximum concealment, making them ideal for those who need to keep their firearm hidden. IWB holsters work best with slightly larger pants or a purpose-designed belt to accommodate the extra thickness.
Outside the Waistband (OWB) holsters are worn on the outside of your pants, typically secured by a belt. They provide easier access and are more comfortable for larger firearms. OWB carry is less concealable but offers a more natural draw and less contact with your body.
Both carry methods have their place, and the right choice depends on your body type, clothing, lifestyle, and personal comfort. Some carriers even use both methods, switching between IWB and OWB depending on their outfit or activity.
Retention is your number one priority. Whether you're carrying IWB or OWB, your holster needs to hold your firearm securely with zero compromise. I always recommend the upside-down test - turn your unloaded holster upside down. If the firearm falls out, that's an immediate fail. The best holsters have adjustable retention screws that let you dial in exactly how much grip you want.
Retention is non-negotiable
Your holster needs to hold your firearm securely - period. A good test is to turn the holster upside down (unloaded firearm, of course). If it falls out, that's a failure. The best holsters I've used have adjustable retention screws that let you dial in exactly how much grip you want.
Material choice
Material choice makes a huge difference in both comfort and durability. Leather holsters generally feel great against the body and conform to your shape over time, but they can get pretty sweaty in hot weather. Kydex is ultra-durable and maintains its shape perfectly, which is especially important for appendix carry where consistent presentation is crucial. Nylon holsters are popular because they're cheap, and not specific to a gun model, but have less secure retention and trigger guard coverage. Leather: holsters are traditional and comfortable holsters, like a good pair of boots. It molds to your body over time. Then there are hybrid holsters that combine both Kydex and leather, and some people say it gives them the best of both worlds. Others say a hybrid gun holster while comfortable doesn't provide enough retention.
Attachment method
One often overlooked feature that can make or break a holster's performance is the attachment method. Belt clips and soft loops are crucial when it comes to holster stability and concealment. Belt clips offer a quick, rigid attachment that works great with stiffer belts, while soft loops provide a more flexible, distributed method of carrying that can reduce printing and improve overall comfort.
Let me break down the pros and cons. Hard belt clips are awesome for quick on-and-off carry. They're typically made of metal or sturdy polymer and attach directly to your belt with a firm grip. The downside? They can be a bit more visible and might not work as well with lighter-weight clothing or thinner belts. I've got a few holsters with these clips that are perfect for my jeans and heavier pants.
Soft loops, on the other hand, are a total game-changer for versatility. Made from flexible materials like nylon or elastic, they distribute the weight of your firearm more evenly. This means less pressure points and improved comfort - especially important if you're carrying for long periods. They're particularly great for appendix carry because they help the holster sit more naturally against your body.
Some of my favorite holsters actually come with both options - a removable belt clip and soft loops. This gives you the flexibility to switch based on your clothing or carry situation. Carrying in slacks for work? Clip it on. Heading out in more casual wear? Swap to the soft loops for a smoother profile.
Soft Loops Polymer Clip Metal Clip
The right belt
One thing that really surprised me was the complexity of choosing the right belt. Department store belts aren't automatically bad - they can work, but you've got to be strategic. Not all belts are created equal, and the wrong choice can compromise your entire carry setup.
Let's talk about belt width and clip compatibility. Standard dress belts typically run around 1.25 inches wide, which works great with most slim belt clips. But if you're using a more robust gun belt or carrying a larger firearm, you might need a 1.5-inch width. Thicker, padded leather belts can be tricky - those metal clips that looked perfect online might not fit as securely as you'd expect.
I learned this lesson the hard way during a family wedding. My slim metal clip holster didn't fit around on my slightly padded dress belt, creating an awkward and potentially unsafe situation. The clip simply didn't have enough space inside the little clippy part of the clip to fit the thicker material. Since then, I've become much more intentional about matching my holster clips to my belt width, thickness and material.
For everyday carry, I recommend having at least two belts in your rotation. A stiffer gun belt for more serious carry, and a more flexible option for lighter situations. Those department store belts aren't useless - they just need to be carefully selected. Look for belts with minimal stretch, a decent thickness, and a consistent width.
Clip size matters more than most people realize. Thin metal clips work great on standard leather belts, but they'll struggle with tactical or padded belts. Polymer clips often provide more flexibility, with wider contact points that distribute weight more evenly. Some of my favorite holsters come with multiple clip options specifically to address different belt types.
A quick pro tip: When buying a new holster, measure your typical belt's width and thickness. Bring those measurements with you or check the manufacturer's compatibility guide. It might seem like overkill, but it'll save you from that frustrating moment when your new holster just doesn't sit right.
Outside-the-Waistband (OWB) gun holsters
However, appendix carry isn't the only option. For those who prioritize ease of access and prefer not to carry inside their waistband, Outside-the-Waistband (OWB) holsters are a solid choice. OWB holsters position the firearm on the outside of your belt, often at the 3 or 4 o'clock position for right-handed shooters. This carry style is popular for open carry, but it can work for concealed carry too—with the right wardrobe adjustments.
OWB Holsters: Pros and Cons
Leather Belt Loop Kydex Paddle
Pros:
- Comfort: OWB holsters don't press the firearm against your body, making them incredibly comfortable for extended wear.
- Ease of Access: The firearm's position outside the waistband allows for a smooth, quick draw.
- Variety of Options: From leather to Kydex, OWB holsters are available in a wide range of materials and designs.
Cons:
- Concealment Challenges: Since the holster sits outside the waistband, it requires longer shirts, jackets, or untucked layers to conceal effectively.
- Less Discreet: Even with proper clothing, OWB carry tends to "print" more than other methods.
For me, OWB holsters are a go-to for the range or casual settings when concealment isn’t a priority. Some of my favorite OWB holsters feature paddle attachments for quick on-and-off use, while others utilize belt loops for a more secure fit.
Key Factors for OWB Holsters
- Retention: Just like with any holster, retention is critical. OWB holsters often come with adjustable screws or even active retention systems like thumb breaks to keep the firearm secure.
- Ride Height and Cant: The ability to adjust the holster’s height and angle can greatly improve both comfort and draw efficiency.
- Material: While leather OWB holsters offer classic aesthetics and comfort, Kydex is hard to beat for durability and consistent performance.
I’ve found that OWB holsters pair especially well with gun belts, which I discussed earlier. A stiff belt prevents the holster from sagging or shifting—a must for safe and secure carry. While OWB carry isn’t my primary method, having a reliable OWB holster in your rotation is invaluable for range days, outdoor activities, or situations where comfort and accessibility take priority.
Adding OWB holsters to your setup ensures you're prepared for any carry situation. They may not replace your appendix carry holster, but they complement it perfectly, offering versatility and practicality in your concealed carry journey.
Phantom Belt- Floating Belt System
While traditional gun belts work great with regular pants, let's talk about a solution that changed how many of my customers approach concealed carry. I've seen countless people struggle with carrying in athletic wear, scrubs, and lightweight clothing. That's exactly why we developed the Phantom Belt, a combination of a belly band holster and a web belt.
The Phantom Belt solves one of the biggest challenges in concealed carry - how to safely carry in clothing without belt loops. Unlike typical belly bands, the Phantom Belt works with your existing holster, maintaining the retention and trigger coverage you need for safe carrying. This means you can use the same holster you've trained with, just in more situations.
What makes the Phantom Belt special is its adaptability. Need to carry in gym shorts? No problem. Heading to work in scrubs? Got you covered. Want to maintain your personal safety while wearing yoga pants or a dress? The Phantom Belt handles it all. For appendix carriers like myself, it's perfect because it maintains that same comfortable AIWB position I'm used to, just without needing belt loops.
We put a lot of thought into comfort and durability when designing this system. The elastic band uses the same premium woven fabric found in professional strength training equipment, so it's built to last. We added anti-slip stripes to keep everything secure, and the breathable material prevents that uncomfortable sweaty feeling during extended wear or exercise.
The nylon web belt component provides just the right balance of flexibility and support. It prevents printing while avoiding those uncomfortable pressure points that can make concealed carry a chore. And because we know life gets messy, we made the whole thing machine washable.
Here's what really matters: the Phantom Belt lets you carry safely and securely in situations where traditional gun belts just aren't an option. Whether you're a healthcare worker putting in long shifts, someone who lives in athletic wear, or just want more flexibility in how you carry, this system gives you options without compromising on safety or comfort.
Every feature of the Phantom Belt was developed based on real-world feedback from concealed carriers like you. The ambidextrous design works for both right and left-handed draws. The adjustable positioning lets you find your perfect carry spot - especially important for us appendix carry enthusiasts. And most importantly, it all works with your existing holster setup.
Remember, consistent carry requires comfortable carry. The Phantom Belt helps you maintain your personal security without having to change your wardrobe or compromise on your lifestyle. It's not just another belly band - it's a complete solution for modern concealed carry.