We tested over 20 different concealed carry belts for our EDC for this review. We found that the Nexbelt EDC Supreme Appendix Belt is the best concealed carry belt.
This belt has plenty of adjustment. It is comfortable, rigid, very strong, and affordable.
Over the past 25 years, I have used many different types of concealed carry belts, from traditional leather to tactical-style EDC belts to competition belts.
A belt seems like an easy thing to pick up at a local store. But there are some key features that I have found are needed, especially for concealed carry. Knowing what these are can make a huge difference in comfort and safety while carrying a handgun.
Keep reading to find out what they are. Be sure to check out our Concealed Carry Guide and our Best Concealed Carry Pants guide as well!
Table of Contents
- Quick Comparison of Our Favorite Concealed Carry Belts
- Best Concealed Carry Belt
- Nexbelt EDC Supreme Appendix – Best Overall
- Kore Essentials X7 – Best Tactical EDC Belt
- Nexbelt Rogue Black Leather EDC Belt – Best Leather Belt
- Nexbelt Titan EDC Belt – Most Durable Belt
- CYA Supply Hybrid EDC Belt – Strongest CCW Belt
- Hidden Hybrid Heavy-Duty Gun Belt
- 1791 Gunleather Heavy Steerhide Belt
- Falco Holster and Craft Holsters Sturdy Leather Gun Belt
- Stealth Gear EDC Belt
- Tips on How to Choose the Best Concealed Carry Belt
- What is the Best Concealed Carry and EDC Belt?
Quick Comparison of Our Favorite Concealed Carry Belts
Best Concealed Carry Belt
In the tables below we included data that we measured for each belt. For example we measured and indicated the thickness of each belt. Most manufacturers don’t include this.
We also compared them for rigidity and gave each a 1-10 rating – with a 10 being very rigid. All of these belts work great for concealed carry, but we wanted to include a rigidity factor to give you a good comparison.
We have found the hardest part of ordering a belt is getting the size right, so we have included our experience and a sizing guide for each so you can get the exact one you need the first time.
Nexbelt EDC Supreme Appendix – Best Overall
- Type: Ratcheting Belt
- Material: Nylon/Composite
- Warranty: One Year
- Thickness: 0.16 Inches
- Rigidity: 9/10
- MSRP: $69.99
The Nexbelt EDC Supreme Appendix Belt is a concealed carry belt made specifically with appendix carry in mind.
What sets this belt apart from all the others is the adjustment, looks, and the small buckle.
The rachet system adjustment allows me to adjust it in ¼” increments. This makes carrying an IWB holster much more comfortable since I can fine-tune the tightness of the belt. It also allows me to make fine adjustments while I am driving or sitting.
The buckle is small, less than 2” wide, so it works well with appendix holsters with a magazine sidecar. I find that the buckles on most belts are too wide.
I particularly like the look of this belt. It does not look tactical and has a nice grey fabric with a simple black buckle. It works well with any casual or even business casual attire. However, the clip can damage the fabric when using holsters with discrete carry concepts metal clips (like CYA Supply or Harry’s Holsters). I hold the clip open when I am taking my holster on and off to help prevent this problem. Plastic clips are no issue.
Sizing is easy since there is only one size, and I cut the belt down to fit. I was a little concerned that the belt was held into the buckle by only three screws and no clasp. Other ratcheting belts like this one have a clasp, but they are wider.
The hex in the head of one of the screws was a little misshapen, so I exchanged it with a spare that came with one of the other Nexbelt belts. I found that they held the belt in the buckle without issue, and not having a clasp made the buckle smaller.
The stiffness of the belt is good, without being too thick. The belt comes curled up so it holds its shape. This makes the belt’s tail outside the buckle naturally curve around my waist. I like this since I can wear it for both IWB and OWB carry, and I don’t have the annoying tail sticking out.
It also comes with a nice leather retaining loop for securing the tail if I want. It is much better than the nylon loop that comes with the Kore Essentials belts.
Below is a pic of the four ratcheting belts in this review. This helps to compare the material. From left to right – Nexbelt Supreme, Nexbelt Rogue, Nexbelt Titan, and the Kore X7.
Sizing Guide:
It comes in one size, and the user cuts it to length. Out of the box will fit a 50” waist.
Recommended for:
The Nexbelt EDC Supreme Appendix Belt is for anyone needing a rigid and discrete concealed carry belt. This is one of the best, especially for appendix carry.
PROS
Ratcheting Adjustment
Small Buckle
Looks Great – Discrete
Cut to Size
CONS
Metal Holster Clips can Damage Belt
Kore Essentials X7 – Best Tactical EDC Belt
- Type: Ratcheting Belt
- Material: Nylon/Composite
- Warranty: 1 Year
- Thickness: 0.20 Inches
- Rigidity: 8/10
- MSRP: $69.95
The Kore Essentials X7 gun belt is one of the best tactical concealed carry belts we have found.
The stiffness of this belt is perfect. It doesn’t sag or roll at all, while at the same time not being super thick.
It does have a tactical look and is not a dress or business casual belt. Concealed under a shirt, though, it really doesn’t matter.
This belt does not have any holes. Rather, it has a track on the back of the belt and a spring-loaded rachet on the buckle. This allows me to adjust it in ¼” increments. This makes carrying in the appendix and other IWB positions more comfortable than traditional belts, where I am limited in the adjustment positions.
This belt also eliminates the sizing issues you may find with sized belts with holes. It came in one long length, and I cut off the excess. I started longer than I thought I needed and then trimmed it down after trying it with my IWB holsters. The belt attaches to the buckle with a clasp and a couple of screws, so it is easy to change the size (just start long!)
It is however not so easy to cut, I tried larger scissors but had issues getting a straight cut. I ended up using metal shears, which worked better. You don’t have to be perfect, but the cut needs to be fairly straight to attach properly to the buckle.
I set up my belt to use it with both IWB and OWB holsters. As a result, I have a bit of excess tail that sticks through the buckle when I don’t wear an IWB holster. Since the belt is stiff and has no natural curve, the tail sticks out from my body. A Nylon retaining loop comes with the belt, but it is cheap-looking and will probably not hold its shape over time.
If I really tighten down on the belt and carry my heavier competition gear, the buckle can be hard to release. I find that I have to pull the belt’s tail to release the tension. While not a huge issue, it can be aggravating sometimes.
Sizing Guide:
Only one size is available, and the user cuts it to fit.
Recommended for:
The Kore Essentials X7 gun belt is for anyone looking for a casual concealed carry belt that works well for IWB and OWB carry.
PROS
Ratcheting Adjustment
Rigidity
Cut to Size
Small Buckle
CONS
Tail Stiffness/Nylon Strap
Not Discrete
Nexbelt Rogue Black Leather EDC Belt – Best Leather Belt
- Type: Ratcheting Belt
- Material: Nylon, Composite, and Leather
- Warranty: one year
- Thickness: 0.15 inches
- Rigidity: 8/10
- MSRP: $79.99
The Nexbelt Rogue Black Leather EDC Belt is a ratcheting belt similar to our top pick.
If you want a very discrete concealed carry belt in leather, this is the one you want.
The inside portion of the belt is heavy-duty nylon, and the outside of the belt is high-quality dark leather. This belt is stiffer than traditional leather belts, and I found it secured my appendix holster and my OWB holster without rolling or moving.
To size the belt, I cut it to the length that I wanted. I really like not having to worry about what size to buy!
The brushed nickel buckle looks like a traditional belt buckle but is not. It is a ratcheting buckle with adjustment points every ¼”. To release the buckle, I pull a small lever on the bottom of the buckle forward.
The buckle is a little on the wide side, nearly 3 inches. The left side of the buckle has a clasp and two set screws that hold the belt to the buckle. I like how the clasp digs into the belt and snaps in place. I doubt I could pull the belt out of the buckle even if I wanted to. Plus, the two screws help to hold it in place as a backup as well.
The belt is naturally curved, so its tail does not stick out as it comes through the buckle. This is important for me when carrying OWB since I sized mine for IWB carry. It also has a nice leather loop to retain the extra belt.
Sizing Guide:
It comes in one size, and the user cuts it to length. Out of the box will fit a 50” waist.
Recommended for:
The Nexbelt Rogue Black Leather EDC Belt is for anyone who wants a discrete leather concealed carry belt. This is the best you can get.
PROS
Ratcheting Adjustment
Rigidity
Cut to Size
Discrete – Looks Great
CONS
Wide Buckle
Nexbelt Titan EDC Belt – Most Durable Belt
- Type: Ratcheting Belt
- Material: Nylon/Composite
- Warranty: one year
- Thickness: 0.16 inches
- Rigidity: 9/10
- MSRP: $69.99
The Nexbelt Titan Grey EDC Belt is one of the most durable concealed carry and EDC belts we have found.
This belt has the ratcheting adjustment system, just like our top pick. The outside of the belt is a heavy-duty nylon webbing. Let me tell you, it is tough.
This is a cut-to-size belt, which I really like. I don’t have to worry about what size to get. When I cut mine, it was not so easy. I used a pair of heavy scissors, tin snips, and a razor blade to get through this sucker. It was much harder to cut through than the other Nexbelt models or the Kore Essentials belt.
The belt attaches to the buckle with a heavy clasp and two set screws. It feels beefy, and I doubt I could ever pull it out. The buckle is powder-coated, which, in my experience, makes it very resistant to scratches and chipping.
It has just the right stiffness for me and is comfortable at the same time. The buckle is wider than the Supreme Appendix belt. It is right at 3 inches. This may not work on some appendix holsters with sidecars. It should be fine if your holster has more than 3 inches between the clips.
This is not the most discrete concealed carry belt, though. It does look tactical, but not overly so. I like the belt’s color and texture, and it goes well with casual jeans.
Sizing Guide:
It comes in one size, and the user cuts it to length. Out of the box will fit a 50” waist.
Recommended for:
The Nexbelt Titan Grey EDC Belt is for anyone who needs a heavy-duty and durable EDC belt.
PROS
Ratcheting Adjustment
Rigidity
Cut to Size
Heavy Duty Nylon Web
CONS
Wide Buckle
CYA Supply Hybrid EDC Belt – Strongest CCW Belt
- Type: Cobra Belt with Infinite Adjustment
- Material: Nylon
- Warranty: Lifetime
- Thickness: 0.19 Inches
- Rigidity: 6/10
- MSRP: $70
The CYA Supply Hybrid EDC belt is a cobra-style nylon belt with infinite adjustment. I found it works great when carrying appendix since I can adjust it to the perfect tightness.
Cobra belts are known for their strength. They are one of the strongest buckle systems you can buy. Each buckle has been load tested to 11Kn (2,472 pounds) before they leave the factory!
However, most cobra buckles are too big to thread through normal pant belt loops.
CYA fixed this problem with the lower profile AustriAlpin buckle. I found this buckle to be small enough on one side to thread through all of my pants. This makes it easy to set the adjustment I want once and not have to adjust it each time I put it on. Plus, the quick release also makes it easy to take on and off.
The tail end of the belt is retained by Velcro back over the rest of the belt. This makes the belt on the left side of the buckle 50% thicker than the belt on the right side of the buckle.
This is only a concern when I carry appendix. I find if I carry a single clip holster it is not an issue, but the clips on some double clip holsters will not fit over the thicker belt. I can run the belt over the clips, though. This can be a pain, depending on where my belt loops end up.
Overall, this is a super strong belt that will last forever. However, it is not a discrete belt and has that “tactical” look to it.
Sizing Guide:
Purchase to your pant size. I found there was plenty of adjustment either way when carrying OWB or IWB.
Recommended for:
The CYA Supply Hybrid EDC belt is for anyone looking for a super strong, infinitely adjustable belt that is easy to take on and off and doesn’t have to be adjusted each time.
PROS
Very Strong
Hybrid Cobra Buckle
Rigid
Infinite Adjustment
CONS
Not Discreet
Hidden Hybrid Heavy-Duty Gun Belt
- Type: Traditional Belt with Buckle
- Material: Leather
- Warranty: Lifetime
- Thickness: 0.22 Inches
- Rigidity: 6/10
- MSRP: $55
The Hidden Hybrid gun belt is a great-looking traditional leather gun belt with a buckle.
This is a belt that can be worn in casual and dress situations. It looks more like a dress belt with a chrome buckle and doesn’t stand out as a tactical gun belt at all.
I noticed it has good rigidity and stands up to aggressive metal clips very well.
I like the amount of adjustment it has, with eight adjustment holes. I can easily switch between IWB and OWB, with extra room to boot. The holes are only ¾” apart instead of the typical one inch. This allows me to get closer to the tightness that I want.
Hidden Hybrid is known for the outstanding leather on their handgun holsters. The quality of this belt is noticeable as well. It is made by the Amish in Ohio, not in a factory overseas.
Sizing can be a little tricky, as mine is a bit on the big side. I will give you my recommendations based on my experience so you can get the size you need.
Sizing Guide:
This belt is sized from the edge of the buckle to the middle adjustment hole. You will want to measure your waist (or current belt) for the proper length. While they recommend adding 3 to 4 inches for an IWB holster, I found that 2 inches was enough. I added 4, and when I wear OWB, I am on the last hole.
Recommended for:
The Hidden Hybrid gun belt is for anyone who wants a discreet gun belt that looks like a dress belt. If you wear slacks or dress clothes every day and also carry concealed, this is the best for you.
PROS
Quality Leather
Looks Great
Chrome Buckle
Discreet
CONS
Rigidity Just OK
1791 Gunleather Heavy Steerhide Belt
Save 15% with Code “SS15” at checkout!
- Type: Traditional Belt with Buckle
- Material: Leather
- Warranty: Lifetime
- Thickness: 0.22 Inches
- Rigidity: 5/10
- MSRP: $67
The 1791 Gunleather Gun Belt is a traditional buckle-style leather belt.
It is made from 100% American steer hide. The leather quality is amazing, making this belt stand out from other leather belts. It smells like I just walked into a tack shop. It is a solid piece of leather, not just thin pieces sewn together.
There are three different colors available. A discreet black, burgundy, and a lighter brown. You can see all three below. I especially like the burgundy.
The belt has seven holes spaced one inch apart, so it has plenty of adjustment for switching between IWB and OWB holsters.
The buckle is a shiny Chrome and fits well with casual or dress clothing. If you are looking for a belt that does not have a reflective buckle, though, this is not the one for you.
I did find that some holsters with aggressive clips (like the discrete carry concepts metal clips) did mark the lighter colored belt over time. If you carry one of these and are worried about the look of the belt, I suggest getting the black one.
Sizing Guide:
When you order this belt, they indicate both pant and belt sizes. The belt size is four inches larger than the pant size indicated. I ordered the belt matching my pant size, which works great. If you carry IWB all year, you will want to go up to the next size from your pant size to end up near the middle adjustment hole.
Recommended for:
The 1791 Gunleather gun belt is for anyone looking for a high-quality leather gun belt. The leather is amazing.
PROS
Quality Leather
OK Rigidity
Easy Sizing
Discreet
CONS
Easy to Mark Light Colors
Falco Holster and Craft Holsters Sturdy Leather Gun Belt
- Type: Traditional Belt with Buckle
- Material: Leather
- Warranty: 2 Years
- Thickness: 0.19 Inches
- Rigidity: 7/10
- MSRP: $89
If you have a Falco or Craft leather holster, this sturdy leather gun belt is the belt you want.
Falco Holsters makes this belt for Craft Holsters as well. I ordered one from each company and found they are the same belt. So, it makes it easy to purchase from one place when you order your holster, so you don’t have to pay extra shipping costs.
This belt looks great. It is made from the same Italian leather as the Falco holsters. It has a protective finish over it that seals the leather to keep water and sweat from degrading it. It feels much more durable than most leather belts.
It has five adjustment holes. I would prefer a few more, but if you get the sizing correct, it is not an issue (we will help you with that below.)
The metal buckle has a brushed nickel finish and has a nice, curved design. You really could wear this with dress clothes; it looks that good.
The stiffness is just what I look for in a good, concealed carry belt. Not too stiff but rigid enough to keep my holster in place.
Sizing Guide:
When you order this belt, be sure to measure your waist with a flexible tape measure. Do not assume it is your pant size. When I measure my waist, I find that it does not match my pant size (in my case, I measure 3 inches more than my pant size.)
If you are going to carry in the IWB position, add 2 inches to the number you measured. Use this number for your belt size. If you are close to the higher number in the range (on the Craft website), go up a size.
Recommended for:
The Falco Sturdy Leather Belt and the Craft Sturdy Leather Gun Belt are for anyone with a leather holster who wants a sturdy gun belt to match. This belt is your best choice if you have a Falco or Craft holster.
PROS
Great Looks
Sealed Leather
Rigid
Discreet
CONS
Needs more Adjustment Holes
Stealth Gear EDC Belt
- Type: Infinite Adjustment Belt
- Material: Nylon
- Warranty: 2 Years
- Thickness: 0.19 Inches
- Rigidity: 6/10
- MSRP: $45
The Stealth Gear EDC belt is a Nylon belt with an infinitely adjustable buckle. I like how I can adjust it to where I want it. This makes it very comfortable.
This belt is similar to a cobra-style belt but does not have a quick-release buckle. Instead, I have to thread the end of the belt through the buckle every time I put it on. The tail end of the belt is secured with Velcro to the outside of the belt.
I found that this makes it take a little longer to put on and does not give me a quick way to unbuckle it. I also lost the position where I had it adjusted every time.
However, the big advantage of his belt is I can thread it through my belt loops easily. With traditional cobra-type belts, I must take the opposite buckle off to thread it through my pants (except for the CYA Supply belt above.)
I have used this belt on and off for over 6 years and never had an issue with holster clips damaging it or any wear. It is super durable and has a very strong design. It is affordable as well.
Sizing Guide:
This belt comes in four sizes. Measure your waist (don’t use your pant size) and add two inches if you carry an IWB holster. Then, take this number to select a size. If you are close to the upper end of the size range, go up a size.
Recommended for:
The Stealth Gear EDC belt is for anyone looking for a strong, durable, EDC-type Nylon belt with infinite adjustment. This is a very comfortable belt.
PROS
Comfortable
Infinite Adjustability
Strong
CONS
Buckle not Quick Release
Tips on How to Choose the Best Concealed Carry Belt
A proper concealed carry belt is essential to support a concealed carry holster. Most importantly, it must keep my holster in the same position to draw my handgun quickly and efficiently.
For concealed carry and EDC, there are three belt types I consider.
- Traditional belt – This is your basic belt with holes and a buckle. Typically, these have 5-7 holes and must be sized properly. They are usually the most discrete belts overall.
- Infinitely Adjustable belts – These nylon belts pass through the buckle and fold back on themselves with a Velcro attachment for the belt’s tail. They are commonly called EDC belts and have infinite adjustment through friction at the buckle. They usually have a more “tactical” look to them.
- Ratchet Belts – These are either nylon or leather belts with a buckle system that locks into slots in the back of the belt. They “rachet” as you tighten them. While they are not infinitely adjustable, they have more adjustment positions than traditional belts. Some can be very discrete, while others are more “tactical.”
I find that any of these belt types work, and we have included all of them in our list above. When I carry appendix or IWB, I find the fully adjustable nylon or rachet belts to work the best. Since my holster is inside my belt, I like to have the flexibility to adjust it exactly where it is comfortable.
That being said, I have used traditional belts for appendix carry as well.
Another consideration is the look of the belt. A traditional leather belt may be best, depending on your lifestyle and clothes. If you usually wear your shirt untucked, then the look of the belt makes no difference.
Here are a few features I look for when I buy a concealed carry belt.
- Rigidity – It must be rigid enough to hold my holster in position while I move. However, I have found belts that are too rigid are uncomfortable. All of the belts above are rigid and comfortable.
- Adjustability – This is important, especially for IWB carry. An infinitely adjustable belt can be more secure and comfortable than a belt with adjustment holes that are too far apart.
- Thickness – A belt that is too thin will not work well with holsters with clips, and a belt that this too thick will not work well with many holsters. I find the optimal thickness to be between 0.15″ and 0.20″.
- Durability – Since I take my holster on and off every day, my belt should be durable enough to stand up to it. I have found that some metal holster clips can be very rough on a belt.
- Buckle Type – Some buckles on the infinite adjustable belts are easier to adjust than others. Some require you to remove the buckle to thread them through belt loops, which I prefer not to do.
Another key consideration when you purchase your belt is sizing. I included a sizing guide on each belt with my experience above. All companies seem to be slightly different in how they size their belts.
Keep in mind that if you carry IWB, you need a larger belt than you normally wear. In my experience, a good rule of thumb is to add 2” to your waist size (this is also true for pant sizes.) However, don’t add 2” to your pant size and then another 2” to your belt size!
What is the Best Concealed Carry and EDC Belt?
We have tried all of these belts and wear them daily. They all work well for concealed carry, depending on your carry position, lifestyle, and personal preferences.
- For most people, the Nexbelt EDC Supreme Appendix belt is the best.
- If you want a very strong and durable belt with more of a tactical look, go with the CYA Supply Hybrid EDC Belt.
- The Hidden Hybrid Leather gun belt is a great choice for a traditional leather gun belt.
Be sure to review our concealed carry guide if you have not already. It is a complete guide to everything you need to know about CCW. We have included mindset guides, gear reviews, and training. We also have a ton of holster reviews as well.
Make sure to check our best concealed carry holster guide as well as the best pistol magazine carrier guide.
Our best concealed carry shorts guide and our best concealed carry shirts guide include our favorites that we wear to keep our CCW concealed. These are just as important as a good belt!
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