So, is an OWB holster right for you? If comfort and quick access matter more than deep concealment, it might be the best option. Just remember to pair it with the right belt, the right holster for your gun, and plenty of practice.
What Is An OWB Holster?
So you're thinking about gun holsters. Cool, cool. Let me walk you through this whole Outside the Waistband situation – or OWB if you want to sound like you know what you're talking about at the range.
Alright, so an OWB holster is pretty much exactly what it sounds like – it goes on the outside of your pants. Unlike those Inside the Waistband holsters where you're tucking the gun between your body and your pants (which, let's be honest, sounds uncomfortable right from the start), the OWB holster hangs out on the outside. It clips to your belt, and your gun just sits there. Pretty straightforward, right?
Inside the Waistband (IWB) Holsters: A Comparison
So the alternative is IWB holsters, which, as I mentioned, go inside your pants. People like them because they hide your gun better – about two-thirds of it is below your belt line. But here's the thing – you basically need bigger pants. Who wants to buy new pants just for a holster? Plus, you've got to practice drawing more because reaching inside your clothes quickly isn't as easy as it sounds. Not impossible, just... awkward at first.
Benefits of OWB Holsters
They're Actually Comfortable
The biggest selling point? You don't have a chunk of metal or polymer pressing against your skin all day. No need for bigger pants. No weird skin irritation. If you're hiking or spending the day at the range, you'll appreciate this more and more as the hours go by.
Quicker to Draw
When seconds matter, not having to navigate under a shirt is pretty nice. Your gun is right there on your hip – grab and go. No fumbling around.
Easier to Put Away
Ever tried to put something back inside your waistband without looking? Yeah, not ideal. With an OWB carry holster, you can actually see what you're doing when you're putting your gun away. Definitely safer.
Fits Bigger Guns
Got a full-size pistol? Good luck carrying that comfortably inside your waistband all day. OWB holsters handle the bigger guns without making you wonder if your hip is going to be permanently dented.
Your Clothes Last Longer
IWB holsters are basically sandpaper on the inside of your shirts. OWB holsters don't have constant contact with your clothes, so everything lasts longer. It's a small thing, but hey, shirts are expensive.
Downsides (Because Nothing's Perfect)
Harder to Conceal
The obvious issue – it's on the outside of your clothes, so you need something to cover it up. Jacket, untucked shirt, etc. Not a big deal in winter, but summer can be tricky unless you're cool with the "untucked button-down in 90-degree weather" look.
Weather Dependent
Related to the above – concealing an OWB holster usually means wearing more clothes. In July, that's... not ideal.
Occasional Accidental Reveal
You reach for something on a high shelf, your cover garment rides up, and suddenly everyone at the grocery store knows you're carrying. Awkward.
Needs a Good Belt
A flimsy belt with an OWB holster is like wearing flip-flops on a hike. Technically possible, but you're going to have a bad time. You need a solid gun belt or your holster will flop around like it's trying to escape.
The Phantom Belt: For When You're Just Not Wearing Real Pants
So what about when you're in gym shorts? Enter the Phantom Belt. It's basically what would happen if a belly band and a tactical belt had a baby. It has this 3-inch wide breathable band that won't make you sweat through your shirt, and a special "Bolster" anchor where you clip your regular holster. The genius part is that you can use your normal holster with gym shorts. No belt loops needed. It's flexible enough to be comfortable but rigid enough that your gun doesn't flop around during your post-gym Starbucks run. Pretty clever solution to the "I want to carry but don't want to wear jeans to the gym" problem.
Types of OWB Holsters
Pancake Holsters
These are flat holsters with belt slots on both sides. They pull your gun close to your body, which helps with concealment. Think of them as the sensible sedan of holsters – not flashy, but they get the job done.
Paddle Holsters
These have a curved piece that slips inside your waistband while the holster stays outside. Easy on, easy off. Great for those days when you're getting in and out of the car a lot or need to disarm temporarily.
Belt Slide/Loop Holsters
The classic. Your belt threads through them, so they're secure but a pain to take on and off. Like, you need to partially disassemble your pants situation to remove them. But they're not going anywhere once they're on.
Duty/Tactical Holsters
These are what cops and military use. They ride lower on the hip and have extra retention features so bad guys can't grab your gun. Not really meant for concealment – more for "yes, I have a gun, and no, you can't take it."
Competition Holsters
Stripped down for speed. Minimal coverage, perfect positioning. Like racing tires for your gun – great for competitions, maybe not the best for everyday use.
Materials: What Are These Things Made Of?
Leather
The classic choice. Looks good, ages well, silent operation. Molds to your body over time like a good pair of boots. Downside? Moisture is not its friend, and eventually, the retention can get looser.
Kydex/Polymer
The modern option. Lightweight plastic that holds its shape forever and gives you the same draw every time. Doesn't care about rain or sweat. The trade-off? It can make noise when you holster your gun. Not exactly ninja-approved.
Hybrid Designs
Can't decide? Some holsters use both – usually a Kydex shell attached to a leather backing. Trying to give you the best of both worlds.
Nylon/Fabric
The budget option. They're lightweight and usually cheaper. Not as durable or precise as the others, but they'll get the job done if you're just starting out.
How to Pick the Right One
What Are You Using It For?
Self-defense? Competition? Duty? Range days? Different uses need different features. Be honest about what you're actually doing.
How Secure Does It Need to Be?
More active lifestyle = need more retention. Just hanging out at the office? You can probably go with something simpler.
Need to Hide It?
If concealment matters, look for:
- Low profile designs
- Holsters that hug your body
- Adjustable cant (that's the angle it sits at)
All-Day Comfort
If you're wearing it for hours, comfort matters. Check for rough edges, weird pressure points, etc. Your future hip will thank you.
Made for Your Actual Gun
Get a holster designed specifically for your make and model. Universal holsters are like universal remote controls – they work, sort of, but not as well as the real thing.
Quality Matters
A good holster isn't cheap, and a cheap carry holster isn't good. Look at the stitching, the molding, how it's put together. This is holding a gun, after all.
Best Practices
Get a Real Gun Belt
Seriously, a proper gun belt is the foundation. A regular belt will sag under the weight. It's like trying to hang a TV on drywall without finding the stud.
Find Your Sweet Spot
Most people like the 3-4 o'clock position (that's your strong-side hip). Play around with it a bit to see what works for you.
Practice, Practice, Practice
A holster you can't draw from quickly is just an inconvenient gun storage device. Practice your draw until it's smooth and consistent.
Seasonal Strategy
Be ready to switch up your carry method when the seasons change. What works in January probably won't in July.
Wrapping It Up
Outside the Waistband holsters are comfortable, accessible, and straightforward. They're harder to conceal than inside-the-waistband options, but advances in design have made them more discreet than ever.
Finding the perfect holster is kind of like finding the perfect pair of jeans – what works for someone else might not work for you. Don't be surprised if you end up with a drawer full of "almost right" holsters before finding the one. Just part of the journey. Good luck out there.