The Ultimate Guide to Choosing the Best Concealed Carry Holster: Top Picks for Everyday Comfort and Security
For firearm owners in search of a subtle, discreet way to keep their weapon close at hand, the best concealed carry holster is a must-have purchase. More than just an effective way to wear your firearm mindfully, well-designed concealed carry holsters ensure comfort, safety, and quick accessibility to your pistol or weapon in critical situations.
The right choice will secure your firearm against accidental discharge, allow for smooth, reliable drawing experiences when necessary, and enhance your overall carrying experience. Choosing the right holster, however, is far from simple. There are countless options to choose from depending on your preferred materials, carrying style, and priorities.
In this guide, we’ll show you how to select a high-quality carry holster that will give you the peace of mind and confidence you need.
What to Look for in a Concealed Carry Holster
A concealed carry holster is often a popular choice for firearm owners who need a discreet way to take their pistol with them on the move. These holsters hold your firearm securely, while allowing for quick, easy access, when necessary. Beyond simply improving comfort, a good holster keeps your gun safe – but there’s no one-size-fits-all option.
In many cases, the best strategy is to try multiple different types of holsters, to see what really works best for you. Trying out holsters ensures you can find the one that feels comfortable and naturally attuned to your specific, everyday needs.
Factors to Consider
The right option for you will depend on various factors such as:
- Your daily needs: Lifestyle factors, such as the amount of time you spend standing, sitting, or driving with your gun will influence the type of holster you select. If you spend a lot of time sitting, for instance, an appendix or IWB holster may offer more comfort and accessibility than a standard OWB holster.
- Comfort: Since you’ll be wearing your holster for extended periods, it needs to sit comfortably against your body. Consider the holster’s material, shape, and how effectively it distributes the weight of your firearm to reduce discomfort or irritation.
- Durability: The best concealed carry holster should be made from long-lasting materials, that can withstand daily wear and tear. Leather is a popular choice for its ability to effectively mold to your body over time, creating a secure, custom fit.
- Concealability: A concealed carry holster needs to be able to hide easily under your clothing without revealing the outline of the firearm. This is particularly important for those who want to maintain a low profile.
- Draw speed: In an emergency situation, quick access to your firearm is essential. The best concealed carry holster should hide your pistol, while still allowing for a smooth, unimpeded draw in critical circumstances.
- Retention: A good holster needs to securely hold your firearm in place, preventing it from falling out, and minimizing the risk of accidental discharge. Retention mechanisms like thumb breaks and adjustable retention screws are valuable for keeping your firearm stable and safe during physical activity.
- Carrying positions: Considering your preferred carrying position, such as appendix carry (in front of the hip), strong side (on the hip), cross-draw (over the hip), and shoulder carry (under the arm) is crucial to preserving comfort, and accessibility.
The Types of Concealed Carry Holster
When sorting through your options for the best concealed carry holster, you’ll have numerous “types” of holster to choose from. All of these types, from the IWB holster, to shoulder holsters, come with their own advantages and disadvantages to consider:
- IWB (Inside the waistband) holsters: Worn inside the waistband of your pants, IWB holsters are some of the most popular options for concealed carry. They position the firearm securely against your body, offering a snug, and well-concealed fit.
- OWB (Outside the waistband) holsters: Worn outside of the waistband, OWB holsters are typically attached to a belt. They can be more comfortable, because they don’t press against the body, but they can be harder to conceal under your clothing.
- Appendix carry: These holsters are worn in front of the body, offering fast access to the firearm, making them ideal for those who prioritize speed and security. They can also offer excellent concealment under looser clothing, but may be uncomfortable when you’re in a sitting or bending position.
- Pocket holsters: Designed to fit in your pocket, these holsters are great for smaller firearms, but may not be ideal for larger pistols. They can offer quick access, but you’ll need to ensure that your pocket is large enough to fit the holster, without impeding access.
- Shoulder holsters: Worn underneath the arm, shoulder holsters are great for those who frequently wear jackets and spend long periods seated. They can distribute the weight of your holster more effectively over your body, improving comfort.
The Best Concealed Carry Holster Materials
One essential point to keep in mind when choosing the best concealed carry holster, is the material used for your accessory. The right material will influence everything from the security of your holster, to its durability, comfort, and ease of use.
There are a few great options to consider, depending on your specific needs, such as:
Leather Holsters
Leather holsters offer the perfect combination of durability and long-term comfort. They’re designed to withstand wear and tear, and are soft and sturdy, making them a favorite for everyday carrying. Leather molds naturally to the shape of your body and gun over time, creating a custom fit that improves with use. They also have a naturally timeless aesthetic appeal.
Kydex Holsters
Made from rigid thermoplastic, Kydex holsters are durable, solid, and offer a fantastic quick-draw capability. They don’t require the breaking-in period of leather, and have an excellent level of weather resistance, making them great for tactical use. However, they can be somewhat less comfortable and stylish than leather holsters.
Hybrid Holsters
Hybrid holsters combine the features of leather and Kydex into a single solution. They include a Kydex shell for excellent firearm retention and exceptional quick draw functionality, while offering the comfort of leather against the body. For those seeking balance between performance and comfort, hybrid options are an excellent choice.
Nylon Holsters
Lightweight and affordable, nylon holsters are soft and flexible, making them very comfortable to wear. However, they lack the durability and retention features of leather, Kydex, and hybrid models, and may wear out faster over time. These holsters are generally better for short-term or temporary use, rather than everyday wear.
The Top Concealed Carry Holsters for Everyday Users
The Best Leather Concealed Carry Holsters
Kirkpatrick Leather OWB Holster
Kirkpatrick holsters are renowned for their premium craftmanship, and the leather OWB holster is no exception. This holster will be custom-fit to suit your specific firearm, ensuring we can deliver the perfect match for each gun. Plus, we deliver exceptional premium craftmanship and attention to detail in every holster, ensuring the perfect blend of comfort, durability, and security.
Kirkpatrick Leather IWB Holster
For those seeking additional discretion, the Kirkpatrick Leather IWB holster is an excellent choice. This high-quality holster offers fantastic concealability without sacrificing comfort. The high-quality leather naturally molds to your body over time, creating a personalized fit that delivers a more comfortable experience over time. Plus, the slim profile make it an ideal option for subtle carrying.
The Best Hybrid Concealed Carry Holsters
Alien Gear Cloak Tuck 3.5 IWB Holster
Kydex holsters are excellent for firm retention, fast draw speed, and weather resistance. The Alien Gear Cloak Tuck 3.5 IWB Holster is one of the most popular options for those who appreciate the benefits of a hybrid approach. It combines the strength and retention of Kydex with the comfort of a flexible backing for improved all-day comfort. It also features an adjustable ride and cant height, ensuring you can tailor your holster to your preferences.
Crossbreed SuperTuck Deluxe
This hybrid holster is another popular choice for those in search of a premium experience. It combines a rigid Kydex shell with a premium leather back, balancing security and comfort. Known for its versatility, this holster is great for varying various firearms comfortably for extended periods. Plus, it can adapt to various carrying styles, with adjustable cant and depth settings.
The Best Western Concealed Carry
For a more stylish and traditional concealed carry solution, the Wild Bunch Rig by Kirkpatrick Leather is an excellent choice. Designed for Wild Bunch competitions, this specialized function combines comfort with a robust design, and convenient functionality. It includes four magazine holders on the belt, providing quick access to ammunition during competitions.
Crafted specifically for women participating in shooting competitions, the Tequila Ladies Rig is lightweight, and comes with a tailored fit for exceptional comfort. The holster’s sleek design allows it to sit comfortably around the waist, allowing women to move freely. Plus, it’s streamlined design allows for easy quick draws and reholstering.
Originally made for the Sheriff’s Office in Laredo, Texas, the Texas BBQ Rig is a perfect combination of style and functionality. Great for those who want to make a statement with a practical and reliable carrying solution, this holster is both attractive and easy to conceal. It features high-quality leather with intricate detailing, for a premium feel.
Maintaining your Concealed Carry Holster
Notably, once you’ve chosen the best concealed carry holster for your needs, ensuring you care for it properly is crucial. The right maintenance helps to ensure the longevity of your holster, and sustain reliable performance.
Leather holsters, such as some of the top glock holsters offered by Kirkpatrick need to be regularly cleaned and conditioned to prevent drying, cracking, or warping. Use a soft cloth to wipe away dirt and debris, and apply leather conditioner periodically to keep the leather supple. This will help to extend the lifespan of your firearm accessory.
Kydex holsters require less maintenance, but still need to be inspected regularly for cracks, and cleaned to reduce the risk of damage to your firearms’ finish. All forms of holster need to be regularly checked for signs of wear, such as loose stitching, or weakened retention, to ensure your holster or firearm belt continues to function at its finest.
Find the Ideal Concealed Carry Holster
Ultimately, choosing the best concealed carry holster comes down to assessing your options based on comfort, retention, safety, durability, and material quality. A comfortable holster that fits your lifestyle, and keeps your firearm secure is crucial to a strong concealed carrying experience.
Kirkpatrick’s custom leather holsters provide the perfect blend of craftsmanship, durability, and comfort. Each product is designed to match your firearm and body perfectly, guaranteeing long-term comfort, security, and aesthetic appeal.
Contact Kirkpatrick Leather today to learn more about the wide range of custom crafted holsters we can create to suit any carrying style, firearm, or preference.