Take a look at the most popular concealed carry holsters and wearing methods for concealed carry. We give a quick rundown of each concealed carry methods along with the pros and cons of each. Let us know what you think and if we missed something.
2. Fanny Packs
● Worn in front
● Very Comfortable
● No risk of your handgun being
revealed through full range of motion
● Attachment to the body removes risk
of forgetting your handgun
● A convenient way to conceal your
handgun and carry other necessities
● Not exactly current
3. Outside the Waistband
Holsters
● Sometime called belt holsters, the
OWB holster is the most common
concealed carry holster
● An easier method of carrying larger
handguns and good for a fast draw
and re-holstering
● Requires a coat to conceal which
limits movement and is conspicuous
during warm weather
4. Inside the Waistband
Holsters
● The IWB holster is unobtrusive and a
superior method of concealment
compared to the OWB holster
● Optimal for short-barreled handguns
● Can be concealed with everyday
wear including just an appropriately
sized t-shirt
● Reholstering can be more difficult
with soft-shelled variants
5. Shoulder Holsters
● Vertical or horizontal position makes
shoulder holsters a good candidate
for long or short handguns
respectively
● A good option for individuals who are
seated for most of the day
● Many find shoulder holsters to be
irritating after extended use
● Must be carefully adjusted and often
times custom made for comfort
6. Holster Shirts
● An undershirt with a pocket designed
to hold a handgun
● High level of concealment
● Poor access
● Typically very warm
● Expensive
● May need several of them because
the shirts need to be washed
regularly
7. Belly Bands
● A wide band made of fabric that has
a holster integrated and is
comfortable under a simple shirt or
blouse
● High level of concealment
● Cooler option than a holster shirt
● Poor access
● Reholstering is difficult
● Shirt with buttons or snaps must be
worn to access handgun
8. Lower Abdomen Holsters
● A pouch holster built into a belt meant
to be worn below the waistline
● High level of concealment
● Slow draw and reholster
● Difficult to access handgun
● Pants and belts must be purchased
to accommodate this holsters
location inside the pants
9. Thigh Holsters
● The handgun is held to your thigh
with an elastic band
● Good for sub-compact or mini guns
● High level of concealment
● Impractical for men or women
wearing pants
● Difficult to draw and reholster
10. Ankle Holsters
● A holster strapped to the ankle, most
suitable for smaller handguns
● One of the few holsters easily
concealed in formal attire
● Concealment may be compromised
during certain movements, such as
crossing legs
● Drawing and reholstering is difficult
while standing
● Cannot be used with shorts or skirts
11. Pocket Holsters
● A holster used for small handguns
that sits in the pockets of everyday
attire
● A good option to avoid “printing”
● Full firing grip easily obtained
● Normally easy to find for any type of
pocket
● Limited to small handguns
● Not the most comfortable option
12. Wallet Holsters
● A replacement for a wallet that
includes a cutout for a very small
handgun
● High level of concealment
● Only practical with smallest
handguns
● Isn't attached to the body and can be
left somewhere
13. Lanyard Holsters
● Worn around the neck and used with
very small handguns
● Concealable under many outfits
● Difficult to access
● Only practical with very small
handguns
14. Purses and Shoulder Bags
● Designed for men and women, these
bags have a holster compartment
built in
● High level of concealment
● Designed to hold any size handgun
● A purse or bag is often target of
robbers/thieves
● Not as secure