There are seven ways to carry a concealed handgun and about four of them are good. This guide ranks every holster style by how well it does the three things a concealed carry holster has to do, cover the trigger, keep the gun where your hand expects it, and let you draw, and points to what we sell for each. It is written for someone choosing their first holster and for someone who has been carrying in the wrong one for years.
1. IWB kydex
The best concealed carry holster for most people. Molded to one gun, worn inside the waistband at appendix or strong side, covered by an untucked shirt. It clicks, it does not move, the draw is one motion, and it costs less than a box of ammunition. Every Clip & Carry IWB holster is molded in .08-inch kydex to one gun with no excess material, so it seats with an audible click, has a full-length sweat shield and folded edges, a belt clip that cants 20 degrees either way, adjustable retention screws whose spacing accepts a claw, and comes right- or left-handed. Handmade in the U.S.A. by a military veteran, lifetime guarantee, $44.99. Start with the holster for your gun: P365, Glock 19, and 50 more models.
2. OWB kydex
Same molded fit on the outside of the belt. More comfortable, faster, harder to conceal. The right choice under a jacket, on the range, and anywhere open carry is legal.
3. Belly band with a kydex holster
For no-belt days. The STRAPT-TAC holds your IWB kydex holster in an elastic band, so you keep the covered trigger and the click. Gym shorts, scrubs, tucked shirts.
4. Pocket holster
A small gun in a holster that covers the trigger and stays in the pocket on the draw. Fine for a .380 or a J-Frame in a deep pocket. Slow, and the gun has to be small.
5. Fanny pack
Off-body but on you. The HIP Gunner opens with a rip cord and holds up to a full-size pistol. For running, hiking, and beltless days when a belly band will not do.
6. Bag or purse
The gun is only as close as the bag. Use a bag built for it with a dedicated holster compartment and keep the bag on your body, and understand that it is the slowest draw on this list.
7. Ankle holster
For a backup gun, or a primary if you sit all day. Slow, only for small guns, and it moves when you walk. Last for a reason.
What to skip
Elastic belly bands with a pouch, universal nylon holsters, anything that does not cover the trigger with something rigid, and anything not molded to your gun.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best concealed carry holster?
A kydex IWB holster molded to your gun, for most people in most clothes.
IWB or OWB for concealed carry?
IWB. OWB needs a cover garment.
What holster for gym shorts?
A belly band that holds a real kydex holster, or a fanny pack holster.
Is a universal holster okay?
No. A holster not molded to your gun does not retain it or fully cover the trigger.
What about a pocket holster?
Good for a small gun in a deep pocket, slow for anything else.
The bottom line
Buy the kydex IWB holster molded to your gun. Add a STRAPT-TAC for the days with no belt. Everything else is a special case.
Related reading
What makes a good concealed carry holster
What does IWB mean? IWB vs OWB vs AIWB
Best appendix carry holsters
