Inside Waistband Holsters (IWB)

ConcealedCarryAdvocate

The inside waistband holster (IWB) is one of if not the most common method for concealed carry. Unlike the outside waistband holster (OWB), the IWB holster keeps the gun within your belt line. This means that the gun will stick out no farther than your belt, minus the grip. The IWB holster allows for a very natural, quick draw especially if you are used to OWB. I think IWB is an excellent first choice to get into concealed carry.

    Pros:

  • High concealment. Still need to be wary of printing when bending or crouching.
  • Allows for shirt to be tucked in if desired.
  • Wide range of customization. The IWB holster can be worn anywhere on your waist line (think of a clock). I typically wear mine at around 3:30-4:00 o’clock. You can also apply a cant on the holster which will tilt the gun forward or backward.
  • No thumb break. OWB holsters typically come with a thumb break to keep retention on the gun. This is more needed for open carry purposes since the gun is fully exposed. However, for a concealed draw I see it as a plus to have only natural holster retention on the gun and no need for a thumb break.
    Cons:

  • Sometimes not as comfortable. I find OWB or Shoulder holster offerings to be more comfortable than IWB. Driving for long periods of time becomes especially uncomfortable for me with IWB. You’ll definitely always know your gun is there, but that could be thought of as a good thing.
  • Usually a ½” to 1” larger pant size will be needed (i.e. if a 33” pant is tight you will need a 34” for IWB carry)

Gun Choice:
I normally carry either my Glock 30 or Kahr PM9 when I use IWB carry. The Glock 30 is a little wide, but that is expected for a double stack .45ACP. The Kahr PM9, on the other hand, can really disappear with the right holster.

concealed carry holsters 1
concealed carry holsters 2

75 Responses to “Inside Waistband Holsters (IWB)”

  1. Kyle says:

    I highly recommend inside waistband holsters. They are very common and can be found custom molded for almost any gun.

  2. KeyJ63 says:

    I also like my IWB holster. The one I purchased was very low cost but provides great comfort and is easy to conceal. I also have a shoulder holster but it only works well with a coat of some sort.

  3. Kenny says:

    I am a big guy… I was wondering is there a perticular conceal carry style that would be more beneficial to a bigger frame. I have a .45ACP.

  4. ConcealedCarryAdvocate says:

    Kenny,

    Other than the outside waistband method, I would say a shoulder holster would be your best option; second best inside waistband. I regularly carry my full size 1911 .45ACP in a shoulder holster. For inside waistband, I usually carry my Glock 30 (”compact” frame compared to the 1911, but still in .45ACP). I don’t have a IWB holster for my 1911 but I have heard people using that method with them. Either the shoulder holster or inside waistband should work for you. Smartcarry may also work if you don’t have a full size .45ACP.

    - ConcealedCarryAdvocate

  5. Richard says:

    I have tried IWB and OWB. I have used shoulder and smartcarry. In think the best way is IWB appendix position.
    It is the fastest to draw from.
    It won’t give you a problem while sitting and driving.
    People cannot get it away from you easily in a crowd.

    It seems that every time I have worn a shoulder holster I see an old friend. When I give her a hug, she will put her hand right on the gun. (This has never happened with the gun in the IWB appendix position.) I don’t expect it will, either. :)

  6. Chris says:

    I just got a Glock 23 and my concealed carry license. I have a small frame for a man. What do you think would be the best position to carry a Glock 23 in an IWB holster?

  7. ConcealedCarryAdvocate says:

    Chris,

    When I first started carrying IWB I wore it at about 5 ‘o clock. I liked the position when walking around but every time I got in my truck I could never get comfortable. It was positioned so far back I was always basically sitting on it.

    After that, I moved it up to about the 3:30 position. This was perfect for comfort in the car, but then the bottom of the grip was more visible than before. To fix that, I adjusted the holsters cant forward slightly until the printing was gone.

    Some people have also had success with carrying IWB at the small of the back (right at your spine, 6 ‘o clock). Personally, I can never get comfortable while sitting if I’ve got a big .45 pressing on me. A smaller pocket type gun might fix that problem, but your Glock 23 is by no means a pocket sized handgun.

    - ConcealedCarryAdvocate

  8. Tim says:

    I currently have a Sig Sauer P-250 and would like to know if anyone makes a IWB holster for it.

    Thanks

  9. ConcealedCarryAdvocate says:

    Tim,

    Take a look here, my favorite IWB holster is the: Comp-Tac MTAC.

    If something like this is a bit too pricey, consider going with a non-custom fit option. Non-custom fit holsters will come in “medium frame,” “large frame,” etc. designations.

    - ConcealedCarryAdvocate

  10. Roger says:

    I use a Galco Royal Guard with both a 5″ and 3″ 1911. They hold the gun securely. I found that going one size up in jeans was too much, so I accept a little more tightness in the waist than normal. The biggest problem for me is most of my day is spent sitting. Either at a desk, in a car, or on a motorcycle with backrest. I find that the grip manages to dig in right at the kidneys. This type of carry works for me, but I usually reserve it for when I’m going to be on my feet mainly (like at the mall) and the drive is short, rather than everyday carry. I have also have the Royal Guard to fit my Sig P220 (.45). I don’t wear it that much because I prefer the 1911.

  11. Budd says:

    I have a Springfield XD 45ACP with a 4″ bbl I have been looking at a Galco Skyops iwb holster what would you recommend for comfort, concealment, and quality?

  12. Chad says:

    I have a Sig Sauer P220 and I’m looking at the Don Hume P.C.C.H. and the Galco Royal Guard. Which Holster is better in quality or am I going in the wrong direction? I want to stay in the $60.00 to $100.00 range. Any ideas would be greatly appreciated.

  13. Paul says:

    I have a Browning Hi-Power,.. I used to carry in a shoulder holster when I lived in the cold country, but now live in the warmer climate,. I carry IWB without a holster but I get a little printing from the handle with a tee shirt on,. (I’m not a big guy) I’ve thought about getting a smaller gun, but my browning fit’s me well and I’m used it,.. Any thought on what I could do different, or should I just start looking harder for a smaller Kahr or something… Thanks..

  14. Matt says:

    Does anyone know what happened to a company called Frist Holsters? I bought a IWB holster from them about two years ago and now I cannot find their web-site.

  15. Bill says:

    Check spelling: http://www.fist-inc.com/holsters/
    I started carrying IWB at the 5:00 position, palm-out/ Cavalry draw, with a Colt Mustang. Then a .45 ACP Detonics CombatMaster VI. Now a Springfield XD Compact with 4″ barrel. I’m only 5′9″, 180#, and neither size nor weight of gun has presented a challenge. No problem sitting, riding, socializing, even hugging. My only ‘busts’ in about 10 years, were twice, when a sweater or a coat rode up over the grip, getting out of the car. It’s nicely hidden but comes out quickly, and –best– with the palm-out draw, presentation is minimally threatening until the gun actually appears. “Here’s my wallet…”

  16. Mi says:

    So let’s put this plainly… Do we have a recommendation for a fat guy? I’m 250lbs at the moment (’though I’m working on it’)adn I’m wondering what I should consider for carrying a sig p22 carry? Thanks for any input!

  17. Wendell says:

    Mi, I am 6′2′ 235lbs. I am looking at the crossbreed supertuck deluxe. I’ve heard it is
    the best. I carry a Ruger SR9.

  18. DW says:

    Paul, KEEP THE Hi-POWER!!!

  19. Jason says:

    Looking for a good holster to conceal my PA-63, but most shops in my town don’t have holstrs made to fit a makarov ( they’ll fit, but not very well)

  20. Levi Levelhead says:

    Kholster dot com. Mine is awesome for my Taurus 24/7 pro compact 9mm.

  21. Ozier says:

    That was a great post…I love this site. Thanks

  22. Jimmy says:

    I just purchased a Springfield XDm .40 and was wondering what brand of IWB holster to purchase. I’ve looked at the supertuck (Crossbreed) and cell pal (concealed comfort)but I’m not sure.

  23. Dave says:

    Some other suggestions are:

    Milt Sparks, Brigade holsters (these are beautiful but you’ll wait a year for it), Mitch Rosen, Ted Blocker, Bulman Gunleather and Blackhawk holsters, Ehud iwb holster, H.B.E leather works, High Noon

  24. luke says:

    i’m looking for a concealed option for my wife. she is about 5′3″ and 105#s she’ll be carrying a Colt Detective’s Special or a springfield EMP. any help would be greatly appreciated

  25. Chris says:

    OK, where is the best place on the internet to purchase IWB tuckable holsters? Has anyone found a particular site or sites that are generally cheaper than others?

  26. Bruce says:

    I have a kimber classic ultra carry 45 and am looking for a good conceament holster for inside the pants, Any ideas of type and model for best concealment and comfort. I am on the motorcycle most of the time if this helps.

  27. James McManis says:

    I am having trouble finding a holster for my gun. I am wanting a inside the waistband holster for concealed carry. I have an EAA P Carry 9mm with a picatinny rail. The dimensions of the gun are: 7.5″ Overall, 1.4″ Width, 5.5″ Height, and 3.6″ Barrel.

  28. Cecil Leigeber says:

    I have a modified Springfield XDL uses 40. cal S&W. I mounted a Laser sight that mounts right under the barrel. And I also have a minture or compacked flashlight mounted to the bottom of the Laser sight. So needless to say it will not fit ANY holster. I decided to do some web suffering and try my luck. Found your web-site seen a holster I liked which is the inside waist-band or IWB style and I like it very much. Is it possible that you could make or have a holster made to fit my needs. I would prefered one made of leather but will accept any holster that would let me carry. Thank you for your time, Respectfully Cecil Leigeber

  29. McKinley says:

    I’ve got an Springfield XD SubCompact (3″), I’ve been looking for an IWB holster and was wondering if anyone has any suggestions. I’m about 6′ 185lbs. I came close to buying a Desantis holster, but haven’t pulled the trigger. I’m completely in the dark when it comes to what brand makes a good holster.

  30. ConcealedCarryAdvocate says:

    McKinley,

    You can’t go wrong with any of the major holster makers (Galco, Desantis, Bianchi, etc.). It really comes down to which style fits you best. Also, make sure you get a good gun belt.

    - ConcealedCarryAdvocate

  31. Joe says:

    I wanted to know what people think of a clip draw with a trigger safety for a glock 23. recommend or no

  32. JR says:

    I just picked up a soft frame IWB for my Glock 19, so far I find it most comfortable positioned at 12:30-1:00. Is that an OK placement or is this not a good idea? Thanks.

  33. ConcealedCarryAdvocate says:

    JR,

    12:30-1:00 isn’t a bad idea at all. I’ve carried in that position before but did not find it comfortable when sitting. If I carry IWB, I usually go for 3:30-4:00. If you want to carry in the front something like Smartcarry will be much more comfortable when sitting.

    - ConcealedCarryAdvocate

  34. Amy smith says:

    These guys really helped me to select a holster for concealed carry. The belly band holster they sold me fits perfect for a ton of different pistols and is an excellent alternatve to a clip on or belt holster and they had the best price and highest quality holster on the web.
    http://Www.personaldefenseservice.com

    Amy Smith, Michigan

  35. Chris H. says:

    ConcealedCarryAdvocate i was wondernig what holster that is in the picture at the top

    Thanks Chris.

  36. ConcealedCarryAdvocate says:

    Chris,

    That is the Comp-Tac C-TAC.

    - ConcealedCarryAdvocate

  37. Chris H. says:

    Thanks i’ve been looking for one that might keep the gun from tilting back

  38. Attebery says:

    I just picked up a soft frame IWB for my Glock 19, so far I find it most comfortable positioned at 12:30-1:00. Is that an OK placement or is this not a good idea? Thanks.;…

  39. Scott says:

    have an LCP and am looking for high-quality iwb for concealed carry. Any experience with this weapon and holster?

  40. Sarah says:

    I have a 3032 TomCat Inox. I’m looking for a IWB holster. I am a small woman…5′2″, about 122 lbs. Any suggestions?

  41. Dave says:

    I have tried most styles over the years as a plainclothes detective. In the winter you are bundled up. Nobody is going to draw fast with a topcoat, and suit or sport coat buttoned. In the heat os the desert southwest you un-layer. Granted most cops will carry externally on a belt, with their shield clearly visible. Those of us with concealed carry permit aren’t so fortunate. DeSantis makes what I am finding to be about the best all around concealed carry holster. One of their models allows for the wearer to actually tuck his shirt, blouse in between the clip on your slacks, skirt. You then slide the holster onto whatever you are wearing. the only visible is the curled metal lip. Your belt( mandatory) fits in the clip. and covers most of he clip. I have carried my Colt Commander, my S&W model 908 in their respective holsters. You can’t even see. And as we all know, most Americans are pretty blind to what’s going on around them. The nice thing about the semi autos is that there is a pocket on top for an extra magazine.

  42. Ryan says:

    Fist, Inc. has a nice adjustable cant IWB holster molded for the Glock 23, made of Kydex. On the body, I wear it at about the 3 O’ Clock position. I am relatively small framed and find a shirt that covers the waste will add concealment.

  43. Charles says:

    Following up on Cecil’s question, is ther any hope in finding an IWB for an H&K P-30 with a laser/light combo mounted directly under the barrel?

  44. Jake says:

    What holster is that I have been looking for a good holster for conceled carry for a while and cant find one that is comfertable

  45. Jeremy says:

    I am looking for a left handed IWB holster for a Springfield XD 40 cal. Any suggestions?

  46. Chris says:

    David,
    What DeSantis holster do you recommend.

  47. Nathan says:

    Check these holsters out. They isolate the weapon from your body. Extremely comfortable!

  48. Josh says:

    Has anyone Tried the Don Hume PCCW? I carry a Sig p220 Equinox and I prefer a IWH (Im a big guy, and believe it or not they help keep my jeans up) but i’ve been settling with a cheap blackhawk. I like the looks of the PCCW and just want some reviews before I buy.
    Thanks, Josh

  49. JJ says:

    I have 3 PCCW, 2 XD in slightly different styles, and one for a 1911. Good inexpensive leather holster. No steel band in the top so after a while the leather softens up with use and compresses under your belt, re-holstering takes a bit of effort. That aside it’s well made and workable. - JJ

  50. Mike says:

    Hey, im looking for both an IWB & OWB holster for a Smith&Wesson Sigma .40; I know they are almost an identical copy of the glocks. Should i be just looking for a glock holster then?
    -Thanks

  51. John C. says:

    You cant beat the Comp-Tac. Have them for several models. Very comfortable. Has a J-hook that if your like me and do not wear a belt. Is still very secure just over the top of the jeans. Good retention and light.

  52. John C. says:

    One more thing. For new carriers. Think about your weapon. Pick a gun that you can actually carry comfortably. A holster can only do so much

  53. Mike says:

    Hi,

    I’ll be old enough to carry soon, and I’ll be carrying a Smith and Wesson M&P 9mm compact.

    I was wanting to carry IWB, but cross-draw. Is there anything I should consider before doing this?

    I’m Right-Handed.

    I should be able to just purchase a normal Right-Handed IWB holster, and reverse it, No?

    Any Help would be appreciated,

    Thanks.

  54. nick says:

    BUDD

    I have a Springfield XD Compact 45ACP, 4in Barrel… i have 2 IWB holsters that I rotate between just because. One is from Desantis..click on link…http://www.desantisholster.com/storefrontB2CWEB/itemdetail.do?action=prepare_detail&itm_id=6953&itm_index=0

    the other I use is from Blade-Tech…. http://www.blade-tech.com/Bobby-Mcgee-Pro-Series-NANO-IWB-pr-1141.html

    both have excellent comfort for me..set at 2 different angles…. I am 5′11..210 lbs, athletic build

  55. Jeff says:

    I highly recommend the Crossbreed holster. I wear it everyday, all day and sometimes forget the gun is there.

  56. chas says:

    what is a good concealed carry holster for a bersha 380 thunderer

  57. andrew says:

    Im wanting to get a tauarus pt92 can recommend a way to carry that and a holster?

  58. Larry says:

    I have a Springfield XD 45ACP and have found that the Smartcarry is excellent. Since I am a minister, there are times even my wife is not sure if I am carrying. I also use a OWB Fobus paddle holster if I am going to be wearing a jacket of untucked shirt.

  59. allen says:

    don hume has good iwb holsters for bersa thunder 380
    the pcch works great .also there clip on would be a good choise.
    last but not least the pocket holster is not bad .i have all three
    all are very well made for owb galco stinger is a great choise

  60. Paul says:

    I have a Springfield XD-M 40 SW service model 4″ barrel. I was wondering if it is best to conceal in a IWB or shoulder holster? It’s a heavier than the glock so I didn’t know if it would be easier to use a shoulder holster. I also am looking to purchase a Beretta Px4 storm and was wondering the same thing about it. Thanks!

  61. Malcolm says:

    Hi, Ive been carrying regularly for 2years now. Lots of posts from plus sized gents looking for a good way to carry. I use a clip-draw on a 1911 with great effectivness. Any holster on the market will add at least 1/4″ to the width of the gun. I carry @ 4:30 with the grip parralell to my belt and I can drive for 2 1/2 hours comfortably. The Clip-Draw is a steel clip that rides parrelell to the slide of the pistol, they make one for just about any gun on the market, and they only cost about $20 from http://www.midwayusa.com. They aint pretty but everyone that has seen how I carry has tried it and liked it. My brother-in-law even had me make one custom for his 9×18 makarov and he carries it all the time. Give it a try, its cheap!

  62. Dan says:

    Hi,

    I’m new to carrying. I’ve been ordered to Active Duty from the Reserves and deployed to Georgia. It’s much easier to legally carry here than it is back at home (California!).

    I have a Browning 40 Hi-Power. I bought an OWB holster today from a local dealer, but I’m not very happy with it. It’s too bulky especially with a hi-power, it sits at about 3 or 4 o’clock on my belt making it really difficult to drive with, and it’s very hard to conceal unless I’m wearing a jacket. Yes, I know firearms licenses in Georgia allow for open carry, but that’s just not me. I’d rather just keep it highly concealed, not draw attention to myself, and only pull it out when, God forbid, something happens. So I thought I’d try an IWB holster as a more concealable and hopefully comfortable (for driving) option.

    Problem is I can’t find ANY IWB holsters that are specifically designed for the Browning 40 Hi-Power. I’ve been to three gun shops today and none of them carry any or could find any.

    Can anyone point me to some decent options? I’m looking for concealment, comfort, and ease of access; price is less of an issue than finding a really good holster.

  63. Shane says:

    I am buying a Springfield EMP .40. Has anybody had one or heard of a decent IWB holster for it?

  64. Gordon says:

    Been carrying 30 years IWB 99%. I strongly recommend a clip that goes over the pant, under the belt, and the clip has a J hook that bends out under the belt. More concealable and secure if running. If clips over the belt, must be a J hook under the belt. I know of no commercial METAL J hook. Had plastic one break. Also, shirt must always be OUT or you will get “called”.

  65. Gordon says:

    Here’s what I mean about J hook.
    http://www.impactguns.com/store/GAL-PU-.html

  66. Patrick says:

    I have a Glock 21 sf rail and I am looking for my first IWB holster. Most days I’m wearing a t-shirt but I would also like the holster to work when I have a shirt tucked-in. Any suggestions?

  67. Karl says:

    I live in South Africa, travel to the US a couple of times a year and have a shipping address in NJ. I am a runner, hiker and mountain biker and looking for a concealed holster for my very old (but reliable) Spanish Llama 7.65mm pistol - pistol length 6 and a quarter inches. Would anyone know where to get hold of a waistband holster or similar? Something that is not going to flop about when running….tried a few US sites from here, no luck as yet.

  68. Matt says:

    I went through all kinds of research when I first started considering concealed carry. People would swear that one holster was better than another for some obscure reason that didn’t really make much sense to me. Heck, I even thought about that goofy thing that basically hangs the pistol from a string in your crotch (pager pal?)!! What a horrible idea that is!

    I work from home, so that gave me a good chance to try whatever I got out before having to get a conceal carry license and make sure I was really going to wear it, so I started carrying a revolver just around the house in a Galco leather IWB holster that I got for about $20. I found it to be pretty uncomfortable. It pinched what we will refer to as my “excess insulation” around my waist when I sat down, and I found that I was always trying to adjust it to make it less painful. Not a very subtle thing to do while trying to conceal a weapon. Although it was not stiff leather, it still felt very much out of place.

    I went into a local gun shop to buy rifle ammo and was looking at their holsters. They happened to have the exact pistol I was planning to purchase and they were kind enough to let me try it in some holsters. What I found was amazing…the most comfortable one that I tried was a very inexpensive nylon holster with some soft padding sewn into the lining. (like this one http://www.midwayusa.com/viewProduct/?productNumber=216976 ). I think I paid less than twelve buck for it after tax. I assumed I was just throwing that money away, but as it turned out, I liked it much better than the leather one.

    Since then I have purchased my carry pistol and have worn it pretty much all day every day for five months. The things I like about it are:

    * Price…who can argue with that?
    * Slim, does not print much. I have a 4″ semi auto, which is not small, and my family didn’t even know I was carrying for several months! In fact, the first time my wife was even aware that I was carrying was when she unexpectedly hugged me and felt the end of the pistol at my belt line.
    * Quick to take on and off…I can remove it with the pistol in it in a couple of seconds. This is important if I am going somewhere that a gun is not allowed such as a church or court house. Instead of having to try to undress in my car to get the holster off, I simply take a deep breath and slide it out of my waistband. Or I can leave the holster on and tuck my shirt in and have only the small metal clip showing over my belt. It was also due to this that I was able to conceal it so well around my wife and kids. If I needed to get rid of it without drawing attention, it was quick and easy.
    * Soft - does not pinch and bind.
    * Washable. Ten hours per day inside my pants. Enough said.

    What I don’t like about it…well…nothing, really. I am happy with it. The case could be made that it is slow to re-holster a gun with it and it takes two hands to do (the soft nylon collapses when the gun is drawn), but in a self defense situation, I am not going to be putting back in until things are under control anyway. If you think you need to be able to quick-holster your self defense weapon, perhaps you should examine your rules of engagement on drawing it in the first place.

    So my point is that you can shop a long time and spend a lot of money on a “good” holster, but you should probably try one of these inexpensive nylon ones first. Then if for some reason you don’t like it, go out and spend more money.

    Honestly, your money is better spent on a good, stiff belt to clip the holster to than a fancy holster, and that is where I think a lot of people skimp. For my money I will take a $25 belt and a $10 holster any day.

  69. Buying my first gun. which of these 3 should i get? (Hi-Point) - Page 2 - SVTPerformance says:

    [...] are lots of diffferant styles of holsters made for conceal carrying. Concealed Carry Holsters

  70. Tim P says:

    I have a Taurus 911 , do you make a custom molded IWB holster for this model pistol ?

  71. Doug says:

    I agree with Jeff. Crossbreed makes a great IWB Holster. I can wear it all day. http://www.crossbreedholsters.com

  72. Mannhec says:

    I am 5′9′ really close to 250 on a bad day, most of that is up front. I find IWB at anything other than SOB(small of back) can be uncomfortable. I carry a Taurus PT 24/7 Pro DS .45 and a Bersa .380 (lets call it a Thunder, though I bought it before they started calling them a Thunder. I wear them at about 5:30 in an Uncle Mike’s and a High Noon, that I have removed the clip and moved it to a lower position on the holster using the same tension screws and grommets to allow me to wear it a bit lower and adjust the can’t. Both are very comfy with both weapons and I even nap in the recliner wearing them.

  73. Mannhec says:

    *Corrected* I am 5′9″ really close to 250lbs on a bad day, most of that is up front. I find IWB at anything other than SOB (small of back) can be really uncomfortable. I carry either a Taurus PT 24/7 Pro DS .45 and a Bersa .380 (lets call it a Thunder, though I bought it before they started calling them a Thunder.) I wear them at about 5:30 on the weak side, (I am right handed so the holsters are left handed), in an Uncle Mike’s (Taurus) and a High Noon (Bersa), that I have removed the clip and moved it to a lower position on the holster using the same tension screws and grommets to allow me to wear it a bit lower and adjust the cant. Both are very comfy with both weapons and I even nap in the recliner wearing them.

  74. Shawn says:

    Has anyone tried an IWB holster with a full-size Sig .45ACP P250? I just ordered one but while I wait for it, I was looking into plausible conceal carry options.

  75. Kristy says:

    Hi, I bought a holster for both my husband and cousin from peaceholsters. My hubby carries a glock and my cousin carries a kimber. Both are so happy with them. The people were great with me, and getting specifics and the holsters fit perfectly. The are a great value - and I got them super fast.

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