We field-tested over 40 of the best concealed carry IWB Holsters and picked out the 9 best options. Our favorites are the Hidden Hybrid Holsters Single Clip and Harry’s Holsters Infiltrator.
When someone talks about an IWB holster, the first thing I think about is comfort. IWB holsters are notoriously uncomfortable.
Using an IWB holster is the most concealable way to carry a handgun, but it can also be very uncomfortable. So, is there really a comfortable holster out there? While some may brush off comfort, it is one of the most important features of an IWB holster.
Our team has over 25 years of experience with IWB holsters. We have military experience, range safety officer experience, and shoot competitively in concealed carry matches. We also carry concealed every day.
Finding a comfortable IWB holster has been our pursuit for the past few years. Below, we share the best we have found, along with tips in our IWB holster guide on what to look for.
Keep reading to find out what they are. Also check out our full guide to concealed carry!
Table of Contents
- Quick Comparison of our Favorite IWB Holsters
- Best IWB Holsters
- Hidden Hybrid Holsters Single Clip – Most Comfortable IWB Holster
- Harry’s Holsters Infiltrator IWB – Best Kydex IWB Holster
- CYA Supply IWB Holster – Best Value
- KSG Armory Lexington – Best Concealable Holster
- Tier One Concealed Axis Elite – Best IWB Appendix Holster with Mag Carrier Side Car
- Hidden Hybrid Holsters Double Clip – Best Full IWB Holster
- 1791 Gunleather Fair Chase Deer Hide IWB – Best Leather IWB Holster
- Craft Holsters Lynx Open Top IWB – Best Molded Leather IWB Holster
- Alien Gear Photon Holster – Best Budget IWB Holster
- How We Tested the Best IWB Holsters
- Tips For Choosing the Best IWB Holster
- The Best IWB Holster for You
Quick Comparison of our Favorite IWB Holsters
Best IWB Holsters
Hidden Hybrid Holsters Single Clip – Most Comfortable IWB Holster
- Type: IWB
- Material: Hybrid – Leather and Kydex
- Handgun Models Available: Over 100
- Return Policy: 30 Day
- Warranty Policy: Lifetime
- MSRP: $89.95
The Hidden Hybrid Holsters Single Clip Holster is our pick as one of the most comfortable holsters.
The hybrid design of this holster features an Amish leather backing with a kydex shell. The suede backing on the leather makes this holster stand out from the others. It is soft and super comfortable. I also like that the leather as rounded edges around the perimeter.
While this single clip holster is made of the same materials as the double clip version below, the single clip is designed specifically for AIWB carry and is more compact than the double clip version.
I like the single polymer clip on this holster. It is adjustable, easy to put on, and I can tuck my shirt in behind it if I need to. I have to fight some holsters to put them on, but not this one.
I also have the optional claw on my holster. It helps pull the gun closer my your body, making it more concealable.
I also like that it has an optional protective hood for the red dot on my pistol. I have not seen this feature on many other holsters. It helps to protect the glass on my sight from getting dirty or scratched.
The only thing I don’t like about this holster is it doesn’t have the option for pistol-mounted lights for my Sig P365 XMacro. If it did, it would hands down be the best for this gun. However, they do offer a light option for many other guns.
The Hidden Hybrid single clip holster is nearly perfect: comfortable, highly concealable, made of high-quality materials, the list goes on and on… if only I could see in the dark.
Recommended for:
The Hidden Hybrid Holsters Single Clip Holster is for anyone looking for a comfortable IWB holster. It is one of the most comfortable holsters we tried.
PROS
Comfortable Hybrid Design
Concealment Claw
Suede Backing
Tuckable Clip
CONS
Width of Holster
Video About Hidden Hybrid Holsters
Harry’s Holsters Infiltrator IWB – Best Kydex IWB Holster
- Type: IWB
- Material: Kydex
- Handgun Models Available: Over 50
- Return Policy: 30 Days
- Warranty Policy: Lifetime
- MSRP: $97.75
Harry’s Holsters Infiltrator IWB Holster is a holster that we found works great in any IWB carry position.
This holster is a full Kydex holster. Normally, this means it could be uncomfortable.
That is not the case with this holster. The slim profile and the rounded design make this holster very comfortable.
I especially like how it is rounded at the end of the holster around the barrel of my gun. Most other holsters just end here with the Kydex. This creates an edge that can push into my groin and cause pain in certain positions. The rounded end of this holster is much more comfortable.
The adjustability of this holster is better than most other holsters I have found. It comes with a Discrete Carry Concepts clip (note my comments above about this clip) separate from the holster. This allows you to set up the holster for the position you plan to carry your gun.
Set up is easy, and I was able to scan the QR code that came with the holster for a quick link to a setup video. This video tells you how to setup and install the clip.
The adjustable cant angle and ride height make this holster a great option for any IWB carry position. I like how I can adjust the cant angle to get the grip of my gun in a good position for drawing. Some other holsters put the grip at an awkward angle, especially at the 5 o’clock position.
One thing I will recommend is if you don’t know what position you want to carry, try it first without applying the included Vibra-Tite. Wear the holster in various positions around your home and do some dry fire practice. Once you decide, you can go back and apply it. This will keep it from getting on your hands and the holster as you are trying to decide.
Another feature I really like on this holster is the wing. While it doesn’t have a traditional claw-like most other holsters, it has a raised area near the trigger guard that acts like a claw.
This raised wing is better than most claws since it has a gradual slope from the end of the holster. This makes it much easier to put on. I have found on holsters with claws that the claw gets hung on my pants or belt, and I have to fight it somewhat to get it in place.
This holster is a little more expensive than some others. What makes it stand out is the rounded shape and the adjustability. You can tell that it was designed based on experience and improvements over the standard IWB holster that you typically find.
For smaller handguns, Harry’s holsters has a similar holster to the infiltrator called the “shorty”. See more about it in our Best Holster for the M&P Shield guide.
Recommended for:
Harry’s Holsters Infiltrator IWB Holster is for someone looking for a comfortable, compact IWB holster that works great in any carry position. The adjustability makes this holster easy to adjust to your body shape.
PROS
Adjustable Clips
Setup Video
Raised Claw Like Feature
Retention
CONS
No Light Bearing Models
Video of the Harry’s Holsters Infiltrator
CYA Supply IWB Holster – Best Value
- Type: IWB
- Material: Kydex
- Handgun Models Available: Over 125
- Return Policy: 30 Days
- Warranty Policy: Lifetime
- MSRP: $39.74 – $74.74
CYA Supply has three levels of holsters: the Base, Ridge, and Path. I have all three, and I noticed as I progress from the Base up to the Path, the holster and features get better, but the price goes up as well.
The Base is the entry-level holster and has the fewest features. I recommend against this holster on larger size handguns. I feel that it does not conceal very well. It works great with smaller handguns like the P365 or Springfield Hellcat.
The Ridge holster is a step up, includes a concealment wing, and has an adjustable clip. This holster is a good compromise between features and price and works great with handguns of all sizes.
The Path is the top-of-the-line holster and has even more adjustability, plus a few more added features. The price is higher but still better than most others.
The first thing that I noticed was how low-profile these holsters are. It is just not possible to make then any thinner. This is a big plus for appendix carry since “less in the pants” is more comfortable.
The clip on the Ridge and Path is a DCC Monoblock, which is adjustable for both ride height and cant angle.
The Path has a unique and proprietary concealment claw. It is similar to the Modwing (the Ridge holster has the Modwing), but the lower part of the claw is tapered to make it easier to put on my belt. This eliminates some frustration that I have with other concealment claws. It is also adjustable up and down.
The Ridge holster is very similar. Although it does not have as much adjustability or the new claw design, the price is attractive though (see our Best P365 Holster review for more on the Ridge holster).
I have worn the Ridge holster probably more than most others and like it a lot. It is the shortest holster I have used and stops at the barrel. This makes it easier to use with lower-rise pants, but depending on what I wear, it can become harder to conceal. The top of my gun can tilt away from my body a bit.
All three holsters are robust and made well and I have not had any issues with any of them. Considering the features and the price, the Ridge and Path holsters are the best value I have found.
Plus, the lead time is excellent with CYA Supply, and I usually receive my holsters in a few days as most of them are in stock.
Recommended for:
The CYA Supply line of holsters are for anyone looking for an affordable IWB appendix holster with all the essential features. Lead time is crazy fast as well.
PROS
Fully Adjustable
Concealment Claw
Low Profile
Fast Lead Time
CONS
Holster Length on Small Pistols
WML not Available
KSG Armory Lexington – Best Concealable Holster
- Type: IWB Appendix
- Material: Kydex
- Handgun Models Available: Over 160
- Return Policy: 60 Days
- Warranty Policy: Lifetime
- MSRP: $80.00
The KSG Armory Lexington IWB appendix holster is one of the most concealable IWB holsters we have tried.
The Lexington holster is more customizable than most other holsters. This allows me to customize it to my preferences and the gun I plan to carry.
This holster has alot of adjustability. A series of holes in the front allows me to adjust the belt clip to change both the ride height and the cant angle. This is important since everyone is shaped differently, and this affects how the holster sits in our waistband.
Speaking of the belt clip, there are seven different ones to choose from. Most other holsters only offer one, two if you are lucky.
For smaller, compact handguns like the Sig P365, I prefer the DCC Monoblock. I found that it held the holster stable while being easy to take on and off. For larger handguns like the Walther PDP, I prefer the dual DCC clips. It is a little harder to take on and off but has better stability for heavier handguns.
There are also three different concealment wings to choose from. I have tried all three and didn’t really notice a huge difference between them. I tend to lean toward the Modwing since it has more adjustment than the others.
There are two features that make this holster more concealable. The first is there is an option to extend the holster’s length. This is great for handguns with short barrels. I find that holsters of short barrel handguns often don’t end up with much mass below my belt. This results in the grip of my handgun falling away from my body, resulting in it printing more. It is also not as comfortable since it creates a pressure point at the bottom of the holster.
By extending the length of the holster, it gives my belt more leverage to keep the holster from tipping outwards.
The second feature is the foam wedge. This is a triangular piece of foam that attaches to the back of the holster. It helps to make the holster more comfortable by keeping the bottom of the holster away from my body (that lower pressure point). But it also pushes the grip of my handgun towards my body and prevents it from tipping outwards.
There are also other selectable options like sweat guard height and ambidextrous models.
The only downside of this holster is the lead time and there are no weapon mounted light options available. Since they are custom made, it could take up to 90 days to get one depending on the backlog. I got mine in about 30 days though.
Recommended For:
The KSG Armory Lexington IWB appendix holster is for anyone that really wants to focus on concealment. This is the most concealable holster we have used.
Tier One Concealed Axis Elite – Best IWB Appendix Holster with Mag Carrier Side Car
- Type: IWB Appendix
- Material: Kydex
- Handgun Models Available: Over 150
- Return Policy: Not Accepted
- Warranty Policy: Limited Lifetime
- MSRP: $139.99
The Tier One Concealed Axis Elite is our top appendix holster that includes a magazine carrier side car. Being able to conceal a spare magazine can be difficult sometimes, and this holster solves that issue.
It is a full Kydex holster with the magazine side car connected to the holster with a piece of paracord. This makes the holster comfortable since it creates a flexible “hinge” between the two halves.
I can bend and twist and the holster flexes in the middle with me. This setup does put a lot of “stuff” down the front of your pants and may not be for everyone (especially if you have a lot of belly fat.) But it is one of the most concealable setups to carry a handgun and an extra magazine out there.
The two plastic clips are easy to take on and off my belt, and they are secure when I draw. They are adjustable and I can change both the angle and the ride height of the holster. This is important since I can adjust it to my body shape and my preferences.
The holster and the mag carrier both have retention adjustment screws so I can separately set the retention of my handgun and magazine just the way I want it.
A concealment claw is included, and I really like how it is adjustable as well. I can change the position up and down with just a couple screws. I can also adjust the thickness of the claw with four different plates.
The back of the holster is rounded without any corners or edges that can rub or irritate as I wear it. However, the bottom of the holster does have an edge where the two halves come together. I found that it is not an issue as long as I wear my pants up high enough. If I wear pants that sit a little lower, this edge can be uncomfortable.
Tier One has a bunch of options for pistol mounted lights. They also have a pack of comfort wedges that can help to keep the bottom of the holster away from my body. This really helps if you have some belly fat and the top of the holster tends to ride away from your body.
When I first got the holster, I noticed the cord was secured by a plastic retention device on the back of the holster. I immediately thought, “that’s not going to be comfortable.” However, I found that it sits between the two holster halves and away from my body. I can’t tell it is there when I wear it.
This holster is more expensive than some others, but keep in mind you are getting a mag carrier and a holster in one package. However, note that they do not allow returns.
Recommended for:
The Tier One Concealed Axis Elite holster is for anyone looking for a holster with an attached mag carrier side car.
PROS
Adjustability
Mag Carrier Side Car
Flexible Design
Very Concealable
CONS
Lower Edge can be Uncomfortable
Return Policy
Video Overview of the Tier One Axis Elite Series Holsters
Hidden Hybrid Holsters Double Clip – Best Full IWB Holster
- Type: IWB and OWB
- Material: Hybrid – Leather and Kydex
- Handgun Models Available: Over 100
- Return Policy: 30 Day
- Warranty Policy: Lifetime
- MSRP: $89.95
The Hidden Hybrid Holsters Double Clip Holster is a Hybrid Style Holster and is one of the most comfortable holsters for larger pistols that I have tried.
This holster is made exclusively for the 3 o’clock and 5 o’clock positions. It will not work in the appendix position.
It has a wide leather backing that holds the clips and Kydex holster. The clips are spread out on the leather, which helps to distribute the weight of the holster across a wider area.
The leather is backed with a soft Amish-made suede that is super comfortable. It conforms to my body and has no hard edges to create pressure or “hot spots” of pain.
There are multiple colors available and five different clips that you can choose from. I like the polymer or spring steel clips since I can tuck my shirt in behind the clips. Most other holsters don’t offer this. It is a great option if you must dress up and want maximum concealment.
The clips have three different attachment points, so you can adjust the ride height and cant angle of this holster. Since this is a hybrid holster with a Kydex shell, the handgun retention is adjustable.
A bonus feature of this holster that I really like is it also has an OWB option. You can remove the clips and thread your belt through the belt loops to carry it on your hip. This is great if you want to carry OWB in the winter months and don’t want to buy a separate holster.
Since you have to remove the clips, going from IWB to OWB is not something you want to do daily. But it is a nice option to have. Remember that the loops offer no adjustment, so this is primarily an IWB holster.
Recommended for:
The Hidden Hybrid Holsters Double Clip Holster is for anyone looking for a comfortable IWB holster for the hip or behind-the-hip carry positions. It works great for people who don’t want to carry in the appendix position because of their body shape or larger handgun.
PROS
Hybrid Design
Comfortable
Shirt Tuckable Clips
High Quality Leather
CONS
Not for Appendix Carry
Video Review of Hidden Hybrid Holsters (both double and single clip)
1791 Gunleather Fair Chase Deer Hide IWB – Best Leather IWB Holster
Save 15% at checkout with code SS15!
- Type: IWB
- Material: Leather
- Handgun Models Available: Universal
- Return Policy: 30 Days
- Warranty Policy: Lifetime
- MSRP: $59.99
The 1791 Gunleather Fair Chase Deer Hide IWB Holster is perhaps the most comfortable leather holster.
The leather is from ethically hunted wild whitetail deer. 1791 Gunleather has also placed the stipulation that they only use leather from deer that were harvested from only one shot from a rifle or arrow.
If you have never felt whitetail deer leather, I can tell you it is different from the normal cowhide you commonly see in a leather holster.
The soft and supple feel of this holster is amazing. It also has that great leather smell that makes you think you just stepped into a leather craftsman’s shop.
This holster has a super low profile. The combination of this and the soft leather makes it so comfortable. I almost forgot it was there.
The metal clip is mounted to a reinforced leather strip on the front of the holster. This ensures that it won’t pull away from the deer leather.
Since this holster is a soft leather, it will collapse after you draw your gun. As discussed in our guide, this is not a huge issue in a self-defense situation. But if you plan to train a lot, this will cost you some time since you have to remove the holster every time you holster your gun.
Since these holsters are made in different universal sizes, they will fit various handguns. We found that this holster worked well on most guns that we tried. But with the Sig P365, the gun sat a little deep in the holster, and this made it hard to get a full grip when drawing.
Recommended for:
The 1791 Gunleather Fair Chase Deer Hide IWB Holster is for anyone looking for a comfortable leather IWB holster. The quality and the soft leather is amazing.
PROS
Soft Deer Leather
Sizes For All Handguns
Very Comfortable
Low Profile
CONS
Not Adjustable
May Not Fit All Guns Optimally
Video of the 1791 Gunleather Fair Chase Holster
Craft Holsters Lynx Open Top IWB – Best Molded Leather IWB Holster
- Type: IWB
- Material: Leather
- Handgun Models Available: over 50
- Return Policy: 30 Days
- Warranty Policy: 5 Years
- MSRP: $69
The Craft Holsters Lynx Open Top IWB Holster is our pick for the best-molded leather IWB holster.
Craft holsters make some of the best leather holsters that I have seen. What makes this holster unique is it is molded to fit a particular firearm, much like a Kydex holster.
This holster is a great-looking traditional leather holster with no metal or plastic clips. Instead, it has leather loops with snaps that attach to your belt.
I found that the snaps could be difficult to snap depending on the belt I was wearing. After I learned to pull from the top to unsnap and to push from the bottom to snap, it became much easier. Initially, this was frustrating, though.
The leather loops have three possible positions, which allow you to adjust the ride height and cant angle of the holster.
It is double-stitched on both sides of the holster and also has a reinforced opening. This keeps the holster open after I draw and allows me to holster my handgun while I am wearing it.
Since this is a wider holster, it is not meant to be worn in the appendix position. It works great in the 3 o’clock or 5 o’clock position since it is flexible and forms to my body.
I found that it was very comfortable with the Sig P365. It has a very low profile and was no problem to conceal.
Craft makes this holster for all of the most common concealed carry handguns, has brown and black leather, and also offers a custom monogram.
If you like a traditional leather holster but want a holster custom-made for your handgun, this one is for you.
Recommended for:
The Craft Holsters Lynx Open Top IWB Holster is for anyone looking for a traditional leather IWB holster that trains a lot. The unique design keeps the holster open for easy holstering.
PROS
High-Quality Leather
Double Stitching
Adjustable
Molded Design
CONS
Snaps Can Be Difficult
Video of the Craft Holsters Lynx Open Top IWB Holster
Alien Gear Photon Holster – Best Budget IWB Holster
- Type: IWB or OWB
- Material: Kydex
- Handgun Models Available: Over 50
- Return Policy: 30 Day
- Warranty Policy: Lifetime
- MSRP: $44.88
The Alien Gear Photon holster is the latest holster system from Alien Gear. The price and capabilities make it a great value.
This holster comes with multiple pieces of hardware, so you can set it up as an IWB or an OWB holster. If you purchase the photon mag carrier, you can also set it up as an appendix holster with a sidecar.
What I really like about this holster is its adjustment capabilities. When setting it up with the mag carrier sidecar, I can set the ride height and cant angle of both clips. I can also set the relationship between the holster and the mag carrier.
Wearing this holster with the sidecar can get a little tricky, depending on your belt. I found that with certain traditional buckle belts, I couldn’t find a good spot for my belt buckle that didn’t interfere with one of the clips. In my experience, a cobra-type adjustable belt is better and easier to use.
This adjustability makes it easy to adjust the holster to your body shape and handgun. It is even convertible between right-hand draw and left-hand draw.
If you like to carry OWB in cooler weather, you won’t need a different holster if you get this one. In just a few minutes, you can easily convert it over to an OWB holster.
The only thing I don’t like about this holster is it doesn’t have a sweat guard. So, the back of my handgun is directly against my body. If I wear a shirt under this holster, I find that it isn’t an issue. But in very hot weather I prefer a sweat guard.
There are a bunch of gun models available, including pistol-mounted light options.
Recommended for:
The Alien Gear Photon holster is for anyone looking for a good holster at an affordable price. The adjustability and carry options this holster offers make it great if you are on a budget.
PROS
Can Use IWB or OWB
Adjustability
Ambidextrous
Light Bearing Models
CONS
No Sweat Guard
Video of the Alien Gear Photon Holster
How We Tested the Best IWB Holsters
Over the past 20 years, we have been carrying concealed nearly every day. From trips around town, to the trail, and to the range, we tested a bunch of different holsters along the way. We paid particular attention to comfort, durability, versatility, adjustability, and how well they kept my handgun in position so that my draw is consistent. Price and overall value is also something I strongly considered.
Our testing has been done in real world conditions over years of time. We have over 100 holsters in a big storage bin that no longer get used, so we have been through a lot of them. There have been a few that we just returned immediately, it was obvious that they did not meet our expectations.
Our top picks included input not only from our team but also from many others in our community, both in person and online. We considered everyone’s experiences and opinions and tried them for ourselves to achieve what we think is the most balanced and comprehensive review available.
Tips For Choosing the Best IWB Holster
Finding the best IWB holster for your concealed carry gun is no easy task. We have gone through many different holsters over the years, and even still, it seems like we find one that is better and changes our minds.
Getting the right holster depends mostly on your body shape and lifestyle. It does not depend on how many different people you see on Instagram with a particular brand of holster.
The type of handgun you want to carry also has some influence on your holster choice. Particularly for IWB, if you want to carry a large, heavy handgun in the appendix position it may be hard to find a comfortable holster. Before you pick the best concealed carry handgun for you, make sure you consider your holster options and how you would like to carry it.
Often, I recommend that people get both an IWB and an OWB concealed carry holster. OWB holsters work well in cooler weather when you can conceal them. But IWB holsters work well year-round.
Keep reading to learn more and find our tips on how to choose the best IWB holster for you.
IWB Carry Positions
Before deciding on the best IWB holster, it is important to understand the different IWB carry positions. While appendix carry is an IWB holster position, you can also carry some IWB holsters on your hip or behind your back.
For more help in deciding on the best concealed carry position for you, see our guide on the best concealed carry positions.
Important IWB Holster Features
There are some important features to look for when selecting an IWB concealed carry holster.
Safety is always the most important.
A safe holster will always fully guard the trigger, no matter what type of holster it is. If your holster does not guard the trigger, don’t use it, plain and simple. Most accidents occur from unintentional discharges when something pushes against the trigger.
Retention
Proper retention is also important for safety and security. Your holster should fit your handgun, and keep it in the holster during active movements. If the holster can’t hold your gun when you turn it upside down, don’t use it.
Holsters that are made for your particular model of handgun and have a retention adjustment screw often provide the best retention. Leather holsters can work well also, but need to be monitored as they wear.
Kydex holsters usually offer the best retention. But some leather holsters do a great job as well.
Comfort
Carrying an IWB holster is the trickiest of all holsters to find a comfortable carrying position. I list this as important since, over time, if a holster is not comfortable, you will not use it.
The appendix carry position is the most concealable. However, as I mentioned, depending on your body shape, it can be the most uncomfortable. The holster you choose plays a big part in this.
In general, hybrid holsters that have a fabric or leather pad that rests against your body are the most comfortable. Kydex holsters can be comfortable, too, but they need to be constructed properly.
For appendix carry, thinner holsters are better than bulky ones, and they also need to have enough area to spread out the pressure. Think of stepping on a small Lego versus a larger one. The small one definitely hurts more!
All of the holsters on our list meet the comfort factor that we look for. Some are more comfortable than others, but we tossed out any that were not worth the mention.
Draw Grip
The holster you choose should allow you to get a full grip on your handgun before you draw it from the holster. If any part of the holster makes you reposition your hand after you draw it, adjust the holster or consider a different holster.
I have learned from years of shooting concealed carry guns in competitions that if I don’t get a good starting grip in the holster, my accuracy is terrible. I start by driving the web of my hand (area between my thumb and forefinger) into the backstrap of the handgun. If I can’t get this part of my hand high and firmly on the grip, it’s a no-go.
Also, some holsters will press the grip of my handgun into my body. When I draw, I have to bend or move to expose the grip. Some of this is OK, but too much leads to the same problem: I can’t get a good grip on the gun. Often times I can adjust the ride height of the holster to make this better.
Speaking of adjusting….
Adjustability
Everyone has a different shape. From my beer gut that is slowly forming to Blake’s nonexistent fat cells, even those on our team can’t just pass around the same holster and draw the same conclusion.
If the IWB holster you choose can adjust the way the holster attaches to your belt, it is a plus.
The ride height of a holster is where it rests compared to your belt. If you can adjust this up and down, it is helpful so that you can get a full grip on the handgun. A ride height that is too low will leave the grip of your handgun resting on your belt. Not good when you try to draw it.
The angle of the holster, or cant, is also important. You may need to adjust this depending on your carry position. If you are using a holster in the appendix position and move it to the 3 o’clock position, you may need to adjust the cant of the holster for comfort or to allow a proper grip.
Re-holstering
While not a critical requirement, if a holster collapses after you draw your handgun, you will have to remove it before you can re-holster.
This is not super critical in a self-defense situation, but it can be helpful. You may need to help treat someone who is wounded or get children to safety. You can’t act quickly when you have no safe place to put your handgun.
Where it is a must for me is during training. While I am running drills, I have found that it is a pain to render your handgun safe, find somewhere to put it, pull off your holster, and then make your gun ready and re-holster every time.
If you are going to carry concealed, you must train. If training is not easy to do or is difficult, you probably won’t do it. So, being able to re-holster your handgun is not super critical, but a training time saver.
Concealing Features
One issue with smaller IWB holsters with a single clip is they can rotate, and the grip of your handgun can fall away from your body. This makes them more susceptible to being seen and “printing”.
To help remedy this, some IWB holsters will come with a feature often called a “wing” or “claw” that extends under the grip of the handgun and pushes on the inside of your waistband. This helps to keep this rotation from happening and pushes the grip of the handgun closer to your body.
The best holsters will have claws that are adjustable or removable so that you can tweak them to your preferences and body shape.
Clothing Considerations
If you have decided to carry an IWB holster, the type of clothing you wear is just as important as your holster. If you are not sure, check out our guide to the best concealed carry holster for other holster styles.
When you wear an IWB holster, the waistband of your pants needs to accommodate it. I have found that I need pants that are a size bigger than I need. If they fit just right without the holster, they will be much too tight when I shove a holster in the waistband.
This is the reason that most people say a holster is uncomfortable. It is not the holster; it is their pants.
A good gun belt is also a must-have. Not just any old belt, but a good solid belt that will keep your pants and the holster in place. In my experience, my pants will still be a little loose after putting my holster on. This is perfect since I can use my belt to tighten them comfortably.
If the weather is warm and you are only wearing a shirt, one that is looser around the waist will conceal better than a tighter one.
Also, consider wearing a tight-fitting shirt under your IWB holster. This will make it more comfortable and will help to keep sweat off the holster.
Check out our guide on the Best Concealed Carry Pants for our favorites.
For those times when carrying off body makes more sense, check out our full guide on the Best Concealed Carry Bags.
IWB Holster Materials
In our how to choose a concealed carry holster guide, we go through the pros and cons of the different materials. Focus on Kydex, Leather, or Hybrid designs. Cheaper holsters made out of Nylon or some cheap plastics do not work as well in our experience.
Price of an IWB Holster
A good quality holster that is safe and comfortable will cost at least $50. Anything cheaper than this should be studied very closely, as it is likely made from inferior material or does not have the proper safety features.
The best holsters will be between $50 and $150. Customer leather holsters and holsters that are custom-made to a particular combination of gun/optic/light will be the most expensive.
Keep in mind that there are plenty of imitation holsters made in low-cost countries on Amazon that are very cheap. Avoid these as they are a waste of time and money.
While the cost of a handgun and the cost of training ammo are much higher than a holster, you still don’t want a box full of holsters that you don’t use.
The Best IWB Holster for You
Choosing a comfortable IWB holster that fits your body shape and lifestyle is one of the hardest parts of concealed carry.
In the list above, we have listed the highest quality and most comfortable holsters out there. We have hands-on experience with all of them and did not list many of the holsters we have tried.
We also listed the return policy of each. While we hope that you find the perfect holster on the first try, it may be better to try a few of them and then send the ones back that you like the least.
The Hidden Hybrid Single clip holster is the most comfortable IWB holster we found, but any of the others will also serve you well.
You will also need a spare magazine carrier and a belt. See our guide on the best pistol magazine pouches and best concealed carry belts for our top picks. Also check out our favorite concealed carry shorts guide and our tips for choosing the best shirt for concealed carry.
Now that you have learned about the best IWB holsters check out our other Self-defense guides and gear reviews. Our concealed carry guide has everything you need to know to defend yourself.
Go back to the main Concealed Carry Guide
