How to Choose the Most Comfortable Concealed Carry Holster for You

You may carry every day, but that doesn't mean you have to be obvious about it. Keeping your gun hidden under your jacket or in your pants keeps you ready to stop a threat without making yourself an obvious initial target.

However, keeping it hidden in a way that doesn't impact your comfort too much is the hard part. While there's the old-school "stuff-it-down-the-front-of-your-pants" trick, the chance of a misfire is slim, but never zero. You don't want to endanger anything you don't want to lose.

That's where holsters come in. Let's go through all the different holsters, what makes each of them stand out, and how to choose the most comfortable concealed carry holster types for you.

The General Rules of Concealed Carry Comfort

Before diving into specific holster types, here are some general things to look for when choosing a comfortable holster:

• Material: While holsters are made with a variety of materials, there are three that are used most often: nylon, leather, and Kyvex. Of the three, leather is the best for comfort while concealed carrying.
• Size of Gun: A Glock pistol is going to add more bulk to your outfit than a classic small .22 pistol. Not only will printing be more likely, but it'll also make movement a little more awkward.
• Location: The closer the holster is to your body (especially near joints where you need to bend differently), the less comfortable it becomes. The most comfortable concealed carry holsters are worn in a place that doesn't interfere with your movement or sitting.
• Security: Holsters don't just hold your gun. They protect the trigger (and, if it exists, manual safety) on your gun, preventing misfires. A good holster doesn't sacrifice security for comfort.
• Accessibility: Not all holsters draw the same. Kyvex holsters offer no friction and have the fastest draw time, but as a slab of plastic, they aren't as comfortable as, say, leather holsters.
• Concealability: Even though you want your holster to be accessible and comfortable, you'll have to balance that with how easy it is to conceal your holster.

Concealed Carry Holster Types

The next step in choosing the most comfortable concealed carry holster is the type. There are quite a few types of holsters designed for everyday concealed carry, each with its own balance of function and comfort. Here are the holsters you'll see most often:

Inside the Waistband (IWB) Holster

Inside the Waistband holsters keep the gun that most people conceal: inside the waistband of your pants. This specially designed holster allows you to conceal carry in light clothing, like a T-shirt and jeans, without printing. Most models are designed to be worn either in front of the groin, on the hip, or down the back. Of these, the hip orientation is the most comfortable concealed carry holster. It doesn't get in the way of bending or sitting but is more likely to print.

Outside the Waistband (OWB) Holsters

Why try to force a gun down your jeans when you can keep it outside? If you're always wearing a coat, there's no reason not to get an OWB holster, also known as a belt holster. These usually slide or clip onto your belt, and while you can keep it anywhere along your waist, the side of the hip is the most comfortable.

Thigh Holsters

These aren't to be confused with tactical thigh holsters, which are meant to wrap around the outside of a pant leg. Thigh holsters are marketed for women who wear skirts and dresses. A thigh holster wraps around the shooter's thigh underneath the skirt, allowing easy access with no printing and without interfering with movement. Thigh holsters are easily the most comfortable concealed carry holster type for women.

Pocket Holsters

While you can carry a gun around in your pocket without a holster, it's not safe. Your trigger is fully exposed, and even with all the safety mechanisms built into guns now, you don't want to risk a misfire. Pocket holsters keep your trigger protected while adding minimal bulk. If it's in a coat pocket, it'll be one of the most comfortable concealed carry holsters for shooters wearing multiple layers.

Ankle Holsters

If you wear baggy clothes or dresses, ankle holsters are an option that's as comfortable as it is concealable. It doesn't get in the way of mobility, and all you need to do to access your firearm is kneel.

Explore Holsters and Firearms at Sportsman's Outdoor Superstore

At Sportsman's Outdoor Superstore, we're proud to not only teach our community about the most comfortable concealed carry holster types, but also offer a wide range of guns for sale in our online gun store. Explore everything from AR-15 rifles to firearm accessories like gun magazines and optics in our collection. And if you have any questions, our dedicated in-house customer service is always available to help. Find your next gun at Sportsman's Outdoor Superstore.