We reviewed over 50 of the best Glock 19 holsters and found the best concealed carry, IWB, and OWB holsters for the Glock 19 out there.
Now that you have one of the most popular handguns, how do you find the best holster to carry your Glock 19?
There are a ton of options and a lot of advice out there. Picking the right holster can mean years of taking bad advice, buying bad holsters, and getting frustrated.
Just because someone else really likes (or really likes promoting) a holster doesn’t mean that it will work for you. You need to know how it will feel. It also depends on many other factors.
Our team of four has over 25 years of experience with holsters. From shooting in competitions to carrying concealed to the military, we have handled our share of handguns, including the Glock 19.
I have carried the Glock 19 Gen 5 since it was released over 5 years ago. I have tried a ton of different holsters, some bad, some good.
As a team, we have also found that what works for one may not work for another.
Keep reading to find out our experience with these holsters and tips that you won’t find anywhere else.
Comparison of our Favorite Glock 19 Holsters
Hidden Hybrid Holsters Double Clip
IWB or OWB
Hybrid Design
Adjustable Clip
MSRP: $89.95
Alien Gear Photon Holster
IWB or OWB
Full Kydex
Adjustable Clip
MSRP: $44.88
Craft Holsters Panther Open Top OWB
OWB
Molded Leather
Not Adjustable
MSRP: $69
Best Glock 19 Holsters
Hidden Hybrid Holsters Double Clip – Most Comfortable Glock 19 Holster
- Type: IWB and OWB
- Material: Hybrid – Leather and Kydex
- Custom Made for the Glock 19
- Return Policy: 30 Day
- Warranty Policy: Lifetime
- MSRP: $89.95
The Hidden Hybrid Holsters Double Clip Holster is our pick as the most comfortable IWB holster for the Glock 19.
This holster has a comfortable hybrid design. The Amish-made leather backing is joined to a Kydex shell and two belt clips.
There are multiple belt clips available, and they are adjustable as well. Each has three attachment holes so I can adjust both the ride height and the cant angle of the holster. This is a great feature since I can adjust it to my body shape and carry position.
I prefer the polymer or spring steel clips since I can tuck my shirt in around them if I want. This is great for carrying with a dress shirt and is something many other holsters don’t allow.
The leather is covered with soft suede, which makes this holster feel cooler and less irritating than some of the other hybrid holsters we tried. The edges of the leather are rounded off as well. I have found that some leather holsters do not have rounded edges and cause irritation.
The Kydex shell is custom-made to fit the Glock 19, so it fully covers the trigger and provides great retention.
This holster is meant to be worn in the 3 o’clock or 5 o’clock position. It will not work for appendix carry.
However, it includes a great feature other IWB holsters like it do not have. It has built-in belt loops so that you can carry it OWB as well.
The IWB clips do have to be removed to carry it OWB, so it is not meant to be a quick switch on the fly. But this is nice since I can carry it OWB in the cooler months and not have to buy another holster.
The only disadvantage of the OWB position is the belt loops are not adjustable. So the ride height and cant angle cannot be changed.
This is a great holster specifically for the Glock 19. Since the Glock 19 is a wider handgun, I have found that carrying it in an IWB holster comfortably is a challenge. The hybrid design and the wide leather backing make it one of the most comfortable holsters I have tried.
Recommended for:
The Hidden Hybrid Holsters Double Clip Holster is for anyone looking for a comfortable IWB holster for the Glock 19. It can also be carried OWB, which is an added bonus.
PROS
Hybrid Design
Comfortable
Shirt Tuckable Clips
High-Quality Leather
CONS
No Light Bearing Models
Video About Hidden Hybrid Holsters
CYA Supply Ridge IWB – Best Glock 19 Appendix Holster
- Type: IWB
- Material: Kydex
- Custom Made for the Glock 19
- Return Policy: 30 Days
- Warranty Policy: Lifetime
- MSRP: $59.74
The CYA Supply Ridge IWB Holster is one of the best full Kydex appendix holsters we found for the Glock 19.
Since the Glock 19 is a wide gun, finding a comfortable appendix holster is challenging.
This holster is compact, which means it takes up less space in your pants. I have found that holsters that take up less width (or are compact) are more comfortable.
The Glock 19 has a larger grip, so carrying it IWB without any type of concealment garment is tough. To solve this issue, CYA Supply includes a concealment wing with three different options. I can remove it completely or use two different claw heights.
While most other companies charge extra for a concealment claw, it is included in the cost of this holster.
This holster has a clip made by Discrete Carry Concepts. I have found it to be one of the most secure holster clips available. It is made from spring steel and has raised tabs inside the clip that catch on my belt or waistband. This is important on an appendix holster, and this clip prevents me from pulling out the holster with the gun when I draw.
The clip is also adjustable for both ride height and cant angle. There isn’t a huge amount of adjustment, but it does help to position my gun properly for a secure draw grip.
CYA Supply offers this holster in multiple colors, and they are also optics-ready. However, they do not offer a pistol-mounted light option. So, if you would like to mount a light to your Glock 19, you will need to go with one of our other options.
Recommended for:
The CYA Supply Ridge IWB Holster is for anyone looking for a comfortable appendix holster for their Glock 19. It is a low-profile Kydex holster that is comfortable and conceals very well.
PROS
Comfortable
Adjustable Claw
Low Profile
Affordable
CONS
No Light Bearing Models
Video Review of the CYA Supply Ridge Holster
Harry’s Holsters Infiltrator IWB – Best Glock 19 Kydex IWB Holster
- Type: IWB
- Material: Kydex
- Custom Made for the Glock 19
- Return Policy: 30 Days
- Warranty Policy: Lifetime
- MSRP: $97.75
Harry’s Holsters Infiltrator IWB Holster is one of the best IWB Kydex holsters we have found for the Glock 19. It works great in both the appendix, 3 o’clock, and 5 o’clock positions.
Two features make this holster stand out from the rest. The adjustability and the rounded design.
This holster comes with a Discrete Carry Concepts clip, the same as the CYA Supply Drift model above. However, it ships with the clip separate from the holster.
I like this so I can adjust the holster clip to my body shape and carry position. Two slots on the front of the holster provide more ride height and cant angle adjustment than any other holster we have found.
Included with the holster is a card with a QR code that I scanned with my phone to get full setup instructions. Setup and adjustment were easy with guidance from the video.
The benefit of the adjustability of this holster is I can find the perfect position for all IWB carry positions. I found that I could adjust it for the appendix position and behind the hip. Most other holsters don’t quite have enough adjustability for all positions like this one does.
As I mentioned, the second standout is the rounded design. I really like how this holster is rounded around the end of the holster near the barrel. Most other holsters just stop the kydex with an edge here, but this holster has a rounded edge that helps to prevent “hot spots” of pain along an edge.
While this holster does not have a separate concealment wing, it does have a rounded feature near the trigger that acts the same way. I found that since this feature has a gradual slope down the holster, it was easier to put on than holsters with a separate wing.
Even though this holster is a little more expensive than other Kydex holsters, the design features and adjustability really make it stand out. I would have liked some spare hardware with it, though.
Recommended for:
Harry’s Holsters Infiltrator IWB Holster is for someone looking for a comfortable Kydex IWB holster for their Glock 19 that will work in multiple carry positions. If you don’t have a lot of experience carrying a holster, the adjustments will give you more options.
PROS
Adjustable Clips
Setup Video
Raised Claw Like Feature
Retention
CONS
No Light Bearing Models
Video of the Harry’s Holsters Infiltrator Holster
Alien Gear Photon – Best Value Glock 19 Holster
- Type: IWB or OWB
- Material: Kydex
- Custom Made for the Glock 19
- Return Policy: 30 Day Test Drive
- Warranty Policy: Lifetime
- MSRP: $44.88
The Alien Gear Photon holster is a flexible holster specifically designed for the Glock 19.
This holster is a full Kydex holster that comes with various hardware to make it a flexible design that will work in almost any carry position.
I have found it to be an improvement over their shape-shift holster. I tried their shape-shift design and thought it was too bulky, especially for carrying IWB.
This holster is not as bulky and works much better. It can be set up in IWB and OWB configurations and also has a sidecar magazine pouch for appendix carry. There are plenty of adjustments built into this holster for ride height and cant angle.
We also set it up in right-hand and left-hand configurations, which is important since Blake is left-handed and the rest of us are right-handed.
I set it up just for IWB carry for the Glock 19 (we have also tried this holster for the Glock 17 and Sig P365). It is compact and acceptably comfortable. I did find that with the claw installed it was a bit of a challenge to put on. It seems the amount of room for my belt and waistband under the clip was not quite enough. A thinner belt and pants worked better though.
Once it is on, it doesn’t move around, and the polymer clip feels sturdy. But even if I did break it, the holster comes with a spare, just in case.
The only big negative I found is the holster does not have a sweat guard for the back of my slide. While not a huge issue with an undershirt, I noticed some irritation because of the aftermarket rear sight I have on my Glock 19.
I set it up with the magazine sidecar next. There are quite a few adjustments for the sidecar, so I moved it between the adjustment holes a few times before I got it where I wanted it. I found that the adjustment was nice, so we could all move it to where it was more comfortable.
The only tricky thing with the sidecar is the spacing between the two clips can be tricky depending on the belt you are wearing. On my regular gun belt with a buckle, I wasn’t able to get the buckle in a position that wasn’t interfering with the clips or my belt loops. I switched to a Cobra EDC belt, and it worked much better.
Finally, I set it up in the OWB position. This is the most comfortable way to wear it when I am not worried about concealing it. The paddle mount does make the Glock 19 sit away from my body some, so it is harder to conceal even with a jacket on.
I like that the holster comes with a bunch of spare hardware. In case I drop something while changing configurations, I have a backup.
Recommended for:
The Alien Gear Photon holster is for anyone who is not sure if they want to carry OWB or IWB. This is a true multi-season holster and will allow beginners more options to decide how they want to carry. For this price, this holster is a great value.
PROS
Can Use it IWB or OWB
Adjustability
Ambidextrous
Light Bearing Models
CONS
No Sweat Guard
Video of the Alien Gear Photon Holster
Falco IWB Leather Holster – Best Leather Glock 19 IWB Holster
- Type: IWB
- Material: Leather
- Custom Made for the Glock 19
- Return Policy: 30 Days
- Warranty Policy: Lifetime
- MSRP: $80
The Falco IWB Leather Holster is our pick for the best Glock 19 Leather IWB holster.
This is a beautiful holster made from Italian leather. The front of the holster has a metal clip held in place with a reinforced leather strip.
Some leather holsters are soft and made in a universal size to fit a particular size of handgun. These can be hit or miss, depending on your handgun.
What makes this holster stand out is it is molded to fit the Glock 19 specifically. I found that initially, my gun was a tight fit. I followed the break-in procedure that Falco recommends by wrapping my Glock 19 in a plastic bag and leaving it in the holster overnight.
After a few days, the holster stretched to fit my gun perfectly.
The leather is about 1/8” thick and is much stiffer than a baseball glove or other common leather items. This is actually good for an IWB holster, and it mimics the advantages of a Kydex holster.
The sweat guard and the top edge of the holster are reinforced with a second piece of leather. This makes the top of the holster stay open even with pressure from my pants and belt. I found that the holster held its shape well after I drew my Glock. I could holster it again easily without having to take the holster off.
When the holster was new, the edges of the leather around the sweat guard and bottom of the holster were irritating. Over time, they seem to have softened up some. I would have liked more of a rounded or chamfered edge, though.
I mainly wear this holster in the 3 o’clock position with my Glock 19 in the summer months. I found that it is not the best in the appendix position for me.
The smell of this holster is a little different than soft leather. While it makes no difference to the functionality, it is just different. It is not bad, but it’s just not that classic leather smell that I am used to.
Recommended for:
The Falco IWB Leather holster is for anyone looking for a classic leather IWB holster for their Glock 19. The molded, compact design makes this one of the best.
PROS
Molded Leather
Holds its Shape
Classic Leather Looks
Good Retention
CONS
Needs Break-in Time
Not Adjustable
Video of the Falco Leather IWB Holster with the Light Option
1791 Gunleather BH2.1 OWB – Best Leather Glock 19 Holster
- Type: OWB
- Material: Leather
- Universal Fit
- Return Policy: 30 Days
- Warranty Policy: Lifetime
- MSRP: $65
The 1791 Gunleather BH2.1 Holster is a 100% American Steerhide leather OWB holster.
It is designed to be a universal fit holster, but I was surprised how well it fits my Glock 19. Initially, it was tight, but after following the break-in instructions, it feels like the retention is just right for me.
I like how the belt loops in this holster are pre-formed to follow the contour of my hip. Some other OWB holsters are stiff and tend to pull away from my body.
Not this one. It fits snugly against my belt and conceals pretty well under just a shirt.
The front of the holster is reinforced with a second piece of leather, making it nearly ¼” thick around the opening. This makes it hold its shape very well, so there is no chance of it collapsing.
I literally stood on this holster without my gun in it, and it would not collapse flat. This tells me this holster will maintain its shape over time.
The sweat guard is a perfect shape for the Glock 19. It is even molded to fit the curve on the beavertail of my gun, which is surprising. I can get a good, solid grip when drawing my gun.
This is a great-looking holster. I have the vintage color, which I recommend. It is a dark brown and has a nice patina look to it.
The only thing I don’t like is I must thread my belt through the holster loops to put it on. Since it is leather, there is really no way around this. If I know I am going to need to take the holster on and off a few times a day; I usually pick a different one.
Recommended for:
The 1791 Gunleather BH2.1 Holster is for anyone looking for a classic leather OWB holster for their Glock 19.
PROS
Molded Leather
Looks Great
Contoured Shape
Fits the Glock 19 Well
CONS
Belt Loops
Not Adjustable
Craft Holsters Panther Open Top OWB – Best Leather Glock 19 OWB Holster
- Type: OWB
- Material: Leather
- Custom Made for the Glock 19
- Return Policy: 30 Days
- Warranty Policy: 5 Year
- MSRP: $69
The Craft Holsters Panther Open Top OWB holster is one of the best leather OWB holsters we have found for the Glock 19.
This holster is custom molded to fit the Glock 19. This is important since some leather holsters are a universal fit and may not fit all guns very well.
My Glock 19 slid into this holster right out of the box and really didn’t need any break-in.
The holster is made from Italian leather and is double-stitched along the open area of the holster. This is a pancake-style holster, which means two pieces of leather are stitched together to form the holster.
The wings that have the belt loops are flexible and form the contour of my waist. This flat design makes this one of the most concealable OWB holsters I have used for the Glock 19.
I like how the opening of the holster is reinforced with a second piece of leather. This keeps the holster open after I draw so that I can easily holster it again. Since this area is molded and reinforced, I haven’t had it collapse like some other leather holsters.
The sweat guard on the holster is what you could call a “partial” sweat guard. It does not fully cover the slide. There was about 1 inch of slide exposed on my gun, but since this is an OWB holster, I always have a shirt between my gun and my skin.
I think this is actually a good design on an OWB holster since there is no sweat guard that could interfere with my draw.
I found that the cant angle of this holster is a little more than most other OWB holsters. This made it more suitable for me to carry it slightly behind my hip, around the 4 o’clock position. However, since the seats in my truck are bucket-style seats, I couldn’t wear it this way while driving comfortably.
Since this is a leather holster, I have to thread my belt through the loops. This makes it difficult to remove the holster or put it on quickly.
Recommended for:
The Craft Holsters Panther Open Top OWB holster is for anyone looking for a compact, concealable, leather OWB holster for the Glock 19. The pancake design makes it comfortable as well.
PROS
Italian Leather
Pancake Design
Conceals Well
Molded to the Glock 19
CONS
Belt Loops
Not Adjustable
Video of the Craft Panther OWB Holster
Stealth Gear Ventcore OWB – Best Glock 19 OWB Holster
- Type: OWB
- Material: Hybrid
- Custom Made for the Glock 19
- Return Policy: 30 Days
- Warranty Policy: Lifetime
- MSRP: $129.00
The Stealth Gear Ventcore OWB holster is the best Glock 19 OWB holster we have found.
I personally have been using this holster for over 5 years in the cooler months.
I really like the flexible design of this holster. This gives it two advantages over others. Comfort and concealment.
It is comfortable since the belt clips move to the contour of my body. Even though I always wear it on my hip, the belt loops in the different pants that I wear vary a little. This results in me having to move the holster forward or back slightly.
I have found with stiff Kydex holsters that when I tighten my belt, the belt clips create pressure points on my hip. This becomes uncomfortable after a few hours. With this holster, there are no pressure points since the pressure from tightening my belt is spread out across the holster.
The flexible hybrid design also pulls the Glock 19 in close to my body. There is still enough room to get a good grip when I draw, as well.
I like that the belt clips are both adjustable and do not require me to remove my belt to put it on.
The clips have three holes on each side, so I can adjust the ride height and cant angle easily.
If I need to take my holster off, it is easy to do so without removing my gun. The open-style clips just slip over my belt and hook on the bottom. I have never had an issue with them coming loose when I draw.
I have lost a few of the screws over time. I have got in the habit of checking them every month and applying lock tite to them if I make any adjustments. The holster comes with a few spares, so losing a few has not been an issue.
Along with a bunch of handgun models available, Stealth gear also supports light-bearing pistols. They also have a new 2.0 model that has more adjustment than the 1.0 and has a narrower width.
Recommended for:
The Stealth Gear Ventcore OWB holster is for anyone looking for both a comfortable and concealable OWB holster for the Glock 19. I really like the flexible design.
PROS
Hybrid Design
Flexible and Comfortable
Speed Clips
Adjustable
CONS
Price
Video of the Stealth Gear Ventcore OWB Holster
Cross Breed Reckoning System Holster – Best Glock 19 Hybrid Holster
- Type: IWB or OWB
- Material: Hybrid
- Custom Made for the Glock 19
- Return Policy: 2 Week
- Warranty Policy: Lifetime
- MSRP: $96
The Cross Breed Reckoning System Holster is one of the best Hybrid holsters we have found for the Glock 19.
I like holsters that have a hybrid design of leather and kydex since they are so comfortable. This holster is a “system” that can be worn by both IWB and OWB. It also has a sidecar mag carrier for the appendix IWB position.
The holster system ships with the holster, mag carrier, and side car attachment bracket. If I am going to wear the holster in the 3 o’clock position, I just leave it as is with the mag carrier separate.
Attaching the mag carrier as a side car requires removing a few screws (see the video below) from both the holster and mag carrier. I was able to easily install the attachment bracket to attach the side car.
There are some adjustment options when installing the bracket. I tried a few different ones before finding one that worked for me.
I really like that this holster also has an OWB option. And the OWB clips are speed clips, so I can put on or remove the holster without unbuckling my belt – a huge plus. The cant is adjustable in the OWB configuration, but not the ride height.
I found that the ride height was a little higher than I was used to. However, with some dry fire practice, this was easy to get used to.
There are multiple options with this holster, from a concealment claw to different types of clips. The flexibility is a great plus.
Recommended for:
The Cross Breed Reckoning Holster system is for anyone looking for both a comfortable and flexible holster system for their Glock 19.
PROS
Hybrid Design
Soft Leather Backing
Side Car Mag Carrier
IWB or OWB
CONS
OWB Ride Height
Video on how to set up the Cross Breed Reckoning Holster System
Tips on Choosing the Best Glock 19 Holster
Finding the best holster for a Glock 19 is no easy task. When got my Glock 19 Gen 5 over 5 years ago, I was overwhelmed with the number of choices.
I already had experience carrying other handguns and got input from our team and other friends I shoot competitively with. Even with this advantage, it still took a lot of trial and error to find the best for me.
While I can tell you the holsters that work for me, often, it is not that easy. The best Glock 19 holster for you will depend on your body shape, lifestyle, and daily routine.
We consider the Glock 19 to be one of the best concealed carry handguns as well as one of the best 9mm pistols available. It is certainly one of the most popular for concealed carry. For this reason, we will concentrate on the best concealed carry holster options specifically for the Glock 19.
Keep reading to find the details of our experience and our tips on how to pick the best holster for your Glock 19.
Important Glock 19 Holster Features
First, we need to understand the important features to look for when selecting a holster for your Glock 19.
Safety should be the priority.
A safe holster must fully guard the trigger. Look for holsters specifically made for a Glock 19. Your handgun may fit many generic holsters, but they may not fully guard the trigger.
I can’t stress this enough. If a holster does not guard your Glock 19 trigger, don’t use it.
Retention
Right behind guarding the trigger is retention. Your Glock 19 holster should be rigid enough to retain your handgun in the holster. If it is loose and falls out easily, it is not a safe holster.
There are two ways a holster can retain a handgun. Either passively or actively.
Passive retention is done purely by friction. Kydex holsters are the best holsters for retention since they are specifically designed for the Glock 19. They will usually have an adjustable retention screw so you can increase or decrease the tightness of the holster.
Leather holsters also can have passive retention but are often not adjustable. Some of the latest leather holsters are custom molded to the Glock 19 and work very well.
Active retention is the use of a strap or mechanism that holds the handgun in the holster. These offer the best retention since you have to perform an action to remove the handgun. However, performing an action to deactivate the retention device takes time.
Shoulder holsters will often have a strap to hold the handgun in the holster. Duty holsters worn by police officers are another good example.
Some holsters with active retention devices require the trigger finger to push a button before the handgun can be removed. One example is a Sherpa holster.
These holsters are dangerous and should be avoided.
We recommend passive retention holsters since they are easy to use, affordable, and safe.
Comfort
If you plan to carry your Glock 19 concealed, comfort is an important factor.
I have tried many holsters, and, in my experience, an uncomfortable holster doesn’t get used for very long.
A comfortable holster should not cause any pain when you go through your normal routine. If you can’t tie your shoes with your holster on, the holster is not good for you.
Beginners often feel that pain is part of the game. But, over time, the desire to carry an uncomfortable holster will fade.
Carrying a Glock 19 in an IWB holster can be uncomfortable since it is not a small handgun. It is just as wide as a full-size Glock 17, so it takes some extra consideration here.
I have actually used all of the holsters on our list and can say they are the most comfortable ones out there. The ones I tried that were not comfortable we did not include.
Allows a Full Grip
The holster for your Glock 19 should allow you to get a full grip on the gun when it is in the holster.
This means you should be able to drive your hand into the backstrap of the gun and then wrap your fingers and thumb around the grip.
If you have to draw the gun and then reposition your hand before firing, you are not getting a proper grip.
Trying to regrip your Glock 19 while you are drawing can be dangerous. With my experience as a range safety officer, I have seen a few people actually drop their guns while drawing. This was because their holster did not allow them to get a full grip.
Look for holsters that do not have any material or obstructions around the grip. Also, make sure the holster is designed to sit with the grip exposed so that you can get a quick and full grip.
Adjustability
Everyone has a different body shape, so there is no “one size fits all” when it comes to holsters for the Glock 19.
The Glock 19 is a little unique here since its size is between a full-size gun and a sub-compact gun.
For some people, it may be too large to carry in certain positions. Some adjustments in the holster will allow you to move it to an optimal position that works for you.
Look for holsters that have ride height and cant angle adjustment. These are more likely to be comfortable, safe, and allow a full grip.
The ride height is the position where the holster sits in relation to your belt. The cant angle is the angle the holster sits in relationship to your belt.
When you wear a holster, you don’t want the grip of the handgun to be so close to your belt and waistband that you can’t grip it.
This is more important in IWB holsters but is still helpful for OWB holsters.
Allows Re-holstering
If you have committed to carrying a Glock 19 safely, then you should train with it often. This will allow you to be familiar with it so you don’t panic when you need to use it to protect yourself or your family.
In my experience, someone who trains often is usually safer with their handgun.
What does this have to do with Re-holstering?
If you train a lot, it takes a lot of time to remove your holster from your belt every time you need to holster your handgun. I have found that it gets frustrating, and I tend to train less with a holster that collapses.
In a self-defense situation, it can be important to holster your handgun so you can escape a situation or help others. If you have to remove your holster, it could cost you valuable seconds you don’t have.
Concealability
If you plan to carry your Glock 19 concealed, then the concealability of the holster you choose is important.
In general, it is easier to conceal a Glock 19 with an IWB holster than with an OWB holster.
In cool weather, you can wear a jacket, vest, or an unbuttoned shirt as a concealment garment to hide an OWB holster. However, in warm weather, when you don’t want to wear these, concealing an OWB holster is nearly impossible.
In my experience, I have found that an IWB holster is needed for the Glock 19 in warm weather.
A Glock 19 is a fairly large handgun for a small person to conceal. If you have a smaller waist than most people, then it is likely your only choice will be to choose a low-profile appendix holster like the CYA Drift or Harry’s Holsters Infiltrator.
If you have a larger waist, then you may be able to carry concealed in the 3 O’clock position with a Hidden Hybrid Double Clip Holster. This will likely be more comfortable than the appendix holsters, but you will still need a loose-fitting shirt.
Since the Glock 19 has a fairly long grip, it is typically the area of the gun that shows through a shirt or “prints” the most.
Some IWB holsters include a wing or “claw.” This attachment pushes against the inside of your waistband and helps keep the holster and the grip of your handgun against your body. For the Glock 19, I would certainly consider adding this option to your IWB holster if it is not already included.
Types of Glock 19 Holsters
There are many different types of holsters available for the Glock 19. On the one hand, this is great. On the other, it makes it difficult to choose one.
By far, the most popular are inside-the-waistband (IWB) and outside-the-waistband (OWB) holsters.
There are also shoulder holsters, ankle holsters, belly bands, and a few other types available.
We find that 99% of the people who own a Glock 19 choose an IWB or OWB holster. So, for this guide, it is where we will focus.
For shoulder holsters and belly band holsters, take a look at our best concealed carry holster guide for more on those. There are two options in that list that will work well for the Glock 19.
IWB and Appendix Holsters
As the name suggests, IWB holsters are worn inside the waistband of your pants. They will have some type of loop or clip that attaches to your belt or waistband to hold it in place.
IWB holsters can be worn at various positions around your body, and we often refer to these as numbers on a clock. The 12 o’clock position is where your belly button is. The 3 o’clock position is on your hip, and the 6 o’clock position is in the center of your back.
There are two types of IWB holsters.
Compact holsters that are meant to be worn in the 1 o’clock or “appendix position” are often referred to as appendix holsters. These holsters can be worn in any IWB position around the body.
Larger holsters that have some sort of fabric or leather with clips and a Kydex shell attached are often called “wide IWB” or just “IWB” holsters. These are also called Hybrid holsters, which we will go over later. These holsters can’t be worn in the appendix position and are meant for carrying on the hip or behind the hip (3 o’clock and 5 o’clock).
In general, IWB holsters can be uncomfortable to wear since they are down your pants, after all.
With a Glock 19, carrying in the appendix position can be a challenge for some people. The Glock 19 is a wide handgun, and it just takes up a lot of room.
Because of this, it is even more important to choose a compact holster if you want to carry it in the appendix position.
In my experience, I have found carrying the Glock 19 in the 3 o’clock position to be the most comfortable IWB position for me. I have done it with all the IWB holsters on the list and did not have issues with any of them.
Blake, who is one member of our team, can carry the Glock 19 in the appendix position without an issue. He certainly has a smaller waist than I do, which is why it is more comfortable for him.
For more details on using an IWB holster, check out our best IWB holsters guide.
OWB Holsters
Opposite of IWB holsters, OWB holsters are worn outside the waistband of your pants. They will have clips or loops to attach the holster to your belt. Some have a “paddle” or large clip that slips into your pants or clips over your belt.
Since OWB holsters are outside of your waistband, they are more comfortable to wear than an IWB holster. However, as we discussed, you need some type of cover garment to conceal them.
If you plan to open carry and concealment is not a concern, an OWB holster is the way to go.
There is one important thing to remember about OWB holsters.
Glock 19 OWB holsters are not all the same.
In my experience, the attachment method to my belt and the rigidity of the holster makes a big difference.
Personally, I like to be able to put on and remove my OWB holster without unbuckling my belt. Some holsters have loops that require you to thread your belt through.
Loops are fine if you plan to wear your holster all day. But, if you are in and out of areas or buildings where you can’t carry, this can be a problem.
Also, I have found that rigid Kydex holsters with loops can be uncomfortable. As I tighten my belt, it pulls the loops into my hip. Since they do not flex and the spacing is fixed, they can press against my side and be uncomfortable. This really depends on the size of your waist and the holster.
If you would like to conceal your OWB holster, the distance it sits away from your body makes a big difference. In general, paddle holsters will sit farther away from your body than a flexible hybrid or leather holster.
For me, flexible OWB holsters are the way to go since they sit close to my body and do not have uncomfortable rigid clips.
Which Holster Type is Better for a Glock 19?
In my experience, I prefer to have both an IWB and an OWB holster for my Glock19. In the summer months, I use the IWB, but in the cooler months, I switch to the OWB since I can conceal it, and it is more comfortable.
Glock 19 Holster Materials
We recommend only two types of materials for a Glock 19 holster. Leather and Kydex. Nylon or other thin materials usually aren’t safe and do not retain the handgun properly.
Leather
Who doesn’t like the feel and smell of fresh leather? While they seem not as common today with the advent of Kydex, there are some very nice leather holsters available for the Glock 19
Leather is a great material for holsters since it is flexible and will conform to both your body and Glock 19 over time. Because of this, leather holsters are usually more comfortable than kydex.
Leather holsters will not have retention as good as some of the adjustable Kydex holsters. But some of the modern molded leather holsters have very good retention and rival the Kydex models.
The only disadvantage of leather is water, especially sweat, will degrade it over time. They also require some maintenance to keep them in top shape. As the leather starts to soften over time, you must make sure the holster is still safe and retains your handgun properly.
To prolong the life of your leather holster, it is a good idea to keep a piece of clothing between your skin and the holster. This will help to keep some of the sweat from your body away from the holster.
Kydex
Kydex has become the holster material of choice over the past few years for most people. While I like the look, feel, and smell of a natural, traditional leather holster, Kydex certainly has a lot of advantages.
Kydex is a polymer material that can be formed into nearly any shape. It is durable, waterproof, and requires no maintenance. You can pretty much swim with it if you want, and it won’t be affected.
The safety and retention of Kydex is unmatched. Features can be molded into it to match your Glock 19 exactly and provide that positive “click” when you holster it.
While being rigid is an advantage, it is also a disadvantage when it comes to comfort. Hard edges of the holster can be uncomfortable and downright painful for some appendix IWB holsters.
The best Kydex holsters will have rounded edges, especially in areas that are near the barrel end of the holster. The rounded surface will not be as uncomfortable as a flat edge.
Hybrid holsters
Hybrid holsters are essentially the best of both worlds. They have a fabric or leather backing that rests against your skin and a Kydex shell attached to it to retain your handgun.
We have found that these can be the most comfortable types of holsters.
Specifically for the Glock 19, these holsters can be bulkier than a compact Kydex holster. If you plan to carry in the appendix position and have a small waist, a Kydex holster may be just as or more comfortable. It really depends on your body shape and lifestyle.
Glock 19 Holster Tips
- Since the Glock 19 is a fairly heavy and wide gun, it is important to use a proper gun belt. Thin, flimsy belts will not hold your holster securely and could be a safety concern, depending on the clip on your holster. It could just fall off when you are bending over (or going to a public restroom).
- If you are planning on an IWB holster, keep in mind that you will likely need larger pants. As we mentioned, the Glock 19 is a wider handgun, and you need enough space in the waistband of your pants. If your pants fit snug without a belt, they are probably not going to work. I have found that if I try to carry a Glock 19 in any IWB holster with pants that don’t just fall off without a belt, it is uncomfortable. So, if you try any of these IWB holsters and they are uncomfortable, check your pants! They may be too small.
- If you are wondering how to carry when exercising or doing anything athletic outside, check out Arrowhead Tactical Apparel. Their shorts and joggers are great for concealed carry. They have an internal belt that will work with any of the IWB holsters we have on our list above.
- In my experience, even while many holsters are fine to use against the skin, I have found that having a thin undershirt between the holster and my skin is more comfortable. This prevents irritation from the edges of the holster when I move around.
The Best Glock 19 Holster for You
From our experience carrying the Glock 19 for many years, we have found that having an IWB and an OWB holster is the best. It allows me to carry in all weather conditions and in all environments.
For cool weather or just to carry camping or on my property, the Stealth Gear OWB holster is my choice.
For warm weather or when I want maximum concealment, the Harry’s Holster Infiltrator is my top pick.
When I want to carry IWB but want all-day comfort, I go with the Hidden Hybrid Double Clip holster.
As you can see, it is hard to say a certain holster is the absolute best. We regularly use all of these and feel that any of them will serve you well.
Now, check out our other self-defense guides and gear reviews. We have a special discount in our Best Gun Safe guide and a bunch of useful info in our Survival Guides and Gear reviews.
Go back to the main Concealed Carry Guide
