What Is an IWB Holster?

IWB stands for "inside the waistband." These holsters let you carry your gun hidden under your clothes. They tuck inside your waistband, unlike other holsters that go outside your waistband. IWB holsters are super popular - 82% of concealed carriers use them! They keep your gun close to your body for easy access but hidden from view.

The best part about IWB holsters is how they work with regular clothes. You don't need special outfits or bulky jackets. A regular t-shirt or button-up shirt can hide your gun well. Plus, these holsters work great in both hot and cold weather.

There are three main spots where people carry their IWB holsters:

• Strong side (3 o'clock position): This is on your dominant hand side
• Behind the hip (4-5 o'clock): Many find this most comfortable
• Appendix (1 o'clock): In front, near your belly button, on your dominant hand side

Each position has its fans, and you might need to try different spots to find what works best for you.

Key Features of Good IWB Holsters

Let's break down what makes a good IWB holster great. Think of it like picking out a new concealed carry gun- certain features really matter for everyday use.

Material Choices

The material of your holster makes a big difference. Here are the main types:

• Kydex: This is a hard plastic holster that's super tough. It won't wear out and keeps its shape perfectly. These are a clamshell where a piece of Kydex is wrapped around the gun, leaving a small seam that is closed with fasteners. 
• Leather: They are traditional and comfortable holsters, like a good pair of boots. It molds to your body over time.
• Hybrid: These use both Kydex and leather. Usually, they have a Kydex shell for the gun and a leather backing for comfort.
• Nylon: These are popular holsters because they're cheap, not specific to a gun model, but have less secure retention and trigger guard coverage. 

         

Holster Attachment Methods

How your holster connects to your belt can make a big difference in comfort and concealment. Let's look at the main attachment options.

Soft Loops

Soft loops are fabric or elastic straps that wrap around your belt:

• Super flexible and comfortable
• Distribute weight evenly
• Less likely to damage your belt
• Can be quieter when putting on/taking off
• Work well with soft gun belts
• Sometimes harder to attach quickly

Best for: People who prioritize comfort and don't mind taking a bit more time to put on their holster.

 

Metal Clips

Metal clips are the classic holster attachment:

• Strong and durable
• Slim profile
• Quick to put on and take off
• Can scratch your belt
• Work best with stiff gun belts
• Some have tension adjustments
• Come in different widths to match belt sizes

Best for: Those who want a quick, secure attachment and use a sturdy gun belt.

 

Polymer Clips

Polymer clips are a middle ground between soft loops and metal:

• Lighter than metal clips
• More flexible
• Less likely to scratch
• Come in different colors
• Can be more budget-friendly
• Still provide good retention
• Work with various belt types

Best for: Everyday carriers who want a balance between metal clips and soft loops.

 Important Clip Considerations

When choosing attachment methods:

• Match clip width to your belt width
• Check how securely the clip holds
• Consider your typical clothing
• Try different types to see what works best
• Ensure the clip doesn't break easily
• Look for clips with good tension

Some holsters let you swap between different attachment methods. This can help you find the perfect setup for your body and lifestyle.

Retention Systems

Retention means how well the holster holds onto your gun. There are two main types:

• Passive retention: The holster material grips the gun naturally
• Active retention: There's a strap or button you need to press to release the gun. With a nylon holster this is usually a strap across the back of the gun.

Most IWB holsters use passive retention, which is plenty secure for everyday carry. This is accomplished by adjusting the tightness of the fasteners on the open side of the holster. 

Comfort Features

A comfortable holster needs:

• A good sweat guard to keep moisture away from your gun
• Smooth edges that won't dig into your skin
• Adjustable cant (angle) so you can position it just right
• Quality clips or loops that attach securely to your belt

Concealment Enhancers: Wings and Wedges

Two special features can make your holster hide better: wings and wedges. Let's break down what these are and how they help.

What is a Holster Wing or Claw?

A wing (sometimes called a claw) is a small piece that attaches to your holster and:

• Pushes against your belt
• Rotates the grip of your gun closer to your body
• Reduces "printing" (when people can see the outline of your gun)
• Works especially well for appendix carry
• Can be added or removed on many holsters

Think of a wing like using your hand to press a book flat against your body - it does the same thing for your gun's grip.

What is a Holster Wedge?

A wedge is different from a wing. It's a foam or rubber piece that:

• Goes on the bottom of your holster
• Tilts the muzzle away from your body
• Makes the grip tuck in closer
• Adds comfort, especially when sitting
• Can help with appendix carry comfort

Imagine putting a small pillow at the bottom of your holster - that's kind of how a wedge works.

Tips for Using Wings and Wedges

When using these features:

• Start with just one (wing or wedge) to see if it helps
• Adjust your belt tension with a wing installed
• Try different size wedges for comfort
• Make sure they don't affect your draw
• Know that not everyone needs both

Many quality holster makers like Tenicor, T1C, and JM Custom Kydex include or offer these features. Some people find they can carry bigger guns comfortably thanks to wings and wedges.

How to Pick the Right IWB Holster

Choosing your first IWB holster might feel overwhelming. Let's make it simple with a step-by-step guide.

Step 1: Match to Your Gun

First, find holsters made specifically for your gun model. This ensures:

• Perfect fit
• Proper trigger coverage
• Good retention
• Easy drawing and holstering

Step 2: Consider Your Build

Your body type affects what works best:

• Larger folks might prefer behind-the-hip carry
• Slimmer people often do well with appendix carry
• Taller people usually have more options for positioning

Step 3: Think About Your Daily Life

Consider what you do most days:

• Sit at a desk? Look for holsters comfortable while seated
• Active job? You need secure retention
• Dress formally? Consider a tuckable holster

Tips for Comfortable Everyday Carry

Making IWB carry comfortable takes some know-how. Here are my best tips:

Get a Good Gun Belt

A regular belt won't cut it. You need a sturdy gun belt because:

• It distributes weight better
• Prevents sagging
• Keeps the holster in place
• Makes drawing easier

Clothing Adjustments

Small changes make a big difference:

• Buy pants one size bigger in the waist
• Choose shirts that aren't too tight
• Dark colors hide printing better than light ones
• Patterned shirts work better than solid colors

Breaking In Your Holster

New holsters need time to feel right:

• Wear it around the house first
• Adjust the retention slowly
• Try different positions
• Give leather holsters time to form to your body

Safety Tips

Safety always comes first with IWB holsters. Here are the must-follow rules:

Daily Checks

Before carrying:

• Check all screws and clips
• Look for any wear or damage
• Make sure the retention is right
• Test the draw (with an unloaded gun)

Training Matters

Practice these skills:

• Drawing from concealment
• Safe reholstering
• Moving while carrying
• Sitting and standing

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Don't make these errors:

• Skipping the gun belt
• Choosing the wrong size holster
• Ignoring hot spots or discomfort
• Failing to practice with your gear

Step 4: Consider Your Gun's Accessories

If your gun has extra features, you'll need a special holster that fits them. Let's break down the most common accessories:

Weapon Lights

Many people add lights to their guns for better visibility in dark conditions. If you have a light, you need to:

• Look for "light-bearing holsters"
• Make sure the holster lists your specific light model
• Check if the holster works with different light brands
• Know that light-bearing holsters are usually a bit bigger

Popular lights like the Streamlight TLR-1 and Surefire X300 have lots of holster options. Smaller lights might have fewer choices.

Red Dot Sights

Red dots are getting more popular on carry guns. When picking a holster for a gun with a red dot:

• Look for "optic cut" or "RDS ready" holsters
• Check the height of your optic (some sit higher than others)
• Make sure there's enough clearance for your specific sight
• Consider if you need suppressor-height sights with your red dot

Most modern holster makers offer options for popular red dots like the Trijicon RMR or Holosun 507c.

Lasers

If you use a laser, you'll need to think about:

• Whether it's a rail-mounted or grip laser
• If the holster is specifically made for your laser model
• How the laser affects the holster's size
• Whether the laser can stay on in the holster

Remember that some lasers, especially grip lasers like the Crimson Trace, need very specific holster designs.

Tips for Accessorized Guns

When carrying a gun with accessories:

• Expect to pay a bit more for the holster
• Look for adjustable retention to account for the extras
• Consider the total package size (gun + accessories) for concealment
• Make sure all accessories are firmly attached
• Test the setup thoroughly before carrying

Sidecar Attachments: Extra Magazine Carry

A newer trend in IWB holsters is the "sidecar" style. A sidecar is a magazine carrier attached to your holster, creating an all-in-one carrying system.

How Sidecar Holsters Work

Think of a sidecar like having a buddy system for your holster:

• The gun holster and magazine carrier are connected
• Both ride inside your waistband
• Usually worn in the appendix (front) position
• Often has a flexible joint between holster and mag carrier
• Some are modular (you can attach or detach the sidecar)

Benefits of Sidecar Holsters

People like sidecars because they:

• Keep your spare magazine in the same spot as your gun
• Distribute weight evenly across your belt
• Reduce the number of items on your belt
• Often conceal better than separate mag carriers
• Make it easier to get a consistent draw

Things to Consider

Before choosing a sidecar holster:

• They take up more space in your waistband
• Might be less comfortable when sitting
• Usually cost more than standard holsters
• May need bigger pants to fit everything
• Work best with sturdy gun belts

Many popular brands like T.Rex Arms, Tier 1 Concealed, and QVO Tactical offer sidecar options. Some even let you swap the magazine carrier for a tourniquet holder or other gear.

 

Belly Band Holsters: An Alternative Option

Some people find traditional IWB holsters don't work for their needs. That's where belly band holsters come in! Think of them like a wide elastic band that wraps around your waist or torso.

Benefits of Belly Bands

Belly bands are great for:

• Working out or running
• Wearing clothes without belts
• Wearing dresses or athletic wear
• People who find traditional holsters uncomfortable
• Deep concealment needs

How They Work

A belly band holster:

• Wraps around your waist like a wide elastic band
• Usually has a built-in holster pocket
• Often includes extra pockets for magazines or your phone
• Stays in place using elastic and velcro
• Can be worn high or low on your torso

Important Tips for Belly Bands

If you try a belly band:

• Look for moisture-wicking material to stay comfortable
• Make sure it has a good trigger guard
• Get the right size for your waist
• Consider where you'll position it
• Practice drawing from it regularly

While belly bands can be a great option, they usually don't offer the same level of protection and retention as traditional IWB holsters. They're best used as a backup or specific-use holster rather than your main everyday carry method.

The Phantom Belt- Floating Belt System

The Phantom Belt is an alternative to the traditional belly band holster. The Phantom Belt is a new type of concealed carry system that improves on many of the things people don’t like about traditional belly band holsters. You can safely carry in any type of clothing including gym shorts, sweat pants, yoga pants, or a tuxedo. A key feature of the Phantom Belt is its ability to accept your favorite holster. Just clip your holster onto the Phantom Belt as you would any other belt or pants. It uses new materials and smart design features to offer more comfort, security, and versatility. The Phantom Belt is a hybrid of a belly band and a traditional web belt with newly developed features to bring the best of both together into one superior piece of gunfighting equipment.

Wrap Up

Finding the right IWB holster takes some time and patience. Start with these basics:

1. Choose a holster that fits your specific gun
2. Pick a material that matches your needs
3. Get a proper gun belt
4. Practice with your setup
5. Make adjustments as needed

Remember, comfort and safety go hand in hand. A comfortable holster is one you'll wear every day, and that's the whole point of carrying concealed. Take your time finding the right setup, and don't be afraid to try different options until you find what works best for you.

Have questions about IWB holsters? Leave a comment below! And don't forget to share this guide with other concealed carriers who might find it helpful.