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What is the best conceal carry holster? This isn’t a question to be taken lightly. After you decide to carry concealed and purchase the handgun that fits your lifestyle, choosing the right holster is a very important decision.
There are many types of holsters on the market, today. Some are good and some aren’t. There’s an old saying, “you get what you pay for,” and that is something to keep in mind while shopping for concealed carry holsters. You want a good deal but you also want something to be safe, durable and last a long time.
My favorite concealed carry holster is the CYA Supply Company IWB Holster.
This holster is designed for IWB concealed carry. CYA Supply Company is a member of the NRA Business Alliance and they have a no question asked return policy. They stand behind their product. I like that in a company.
It is made from boltaron thermoplastic, which is similar to kydex. CYA Supply Company has taken the major wear and friction points out of this holster. It has an adjustable cant and is comfortable.
This is just one of several concealed carry holsters we review below.
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What Should You Look for When Buying a Concealed Carry Holster?
Why is it so important to have a good holster? What are the things a good holster is supposed to do? A good holster:
- Protects and holds the firearm secure
- Prevents discharge
- Prevents gun grab
- Provides quick and easy access
- Conceals well
SAFETY
Our first thought when shopping for a holster is safety. We don’t want to cause harm to ourselves or anyone around us. I’m sure you have heard the four gun safety rules. It’s always a good reminder to hear them again.
- Treat every gun like it’s loaded
- Don’t point your gun at anything you’re not willing to destroy
- Keep your finger off the trigger until you have made the decision to fire
- Know your target and what’s beyond it
These are all important gun safety rules, but when it comes to holsters, number 3 is what we will focus on. You want your finger off the trigger as you draw, and you don’t want anything to get caught up in the trigger as your gun is holstered. Clothing, a part of the holster, or any number of things can cause an accidental discharge.
The bottom line is, you should always make sure your gun is clear of objects, including your finger, while it is holstered, being drawn, and while re-holstering.
What Makes a Good Concealed Carry Holster?
As we talked about earlier, not all holsters are good holsters. Some styles are not good for concealed carry and some are just unsafe.
I’ve listed some important features that you want to look for in a concealed carry holster:
- Covers the trigger
- Made from durable material
- Good retention
- Conceals good
- You can get a good grip on the gun
- Protects the gun
Covers The Trigger
Some holster do not cover the trigger all the way, or it is covered with a cheap material. A quality holster will cover the trigger guard all the way. This is the most important factor for preventing an accidental discharge.
Holster Material
You want your holster to be made from a sturdy material. Leather and kydex (a hard, molded plastic) are the two sturdiest materials.
Some holsters are hybrid and are made from a kydex pocket for the gun and a leather backing that goes up against your body.
Good Weapon Retention
Your holster needs to keep your firearm in place. This is what retention is. You should be able to place your firearm in the holster and turn it upside down, without the gun falling out.
If it falls out, you need to adjust the retention. Most quality kydex holsters will have adjustable retention. Usually it is through a screw that can be loosened and tightened.
Conceals Good
Unless you are open carrying, you will want to make sure your gun is concealed well. IWB are the most concealable holsters. There are different positions to carry your IWB holster, but appendix carry is a favorite way for a lot of people.
Body type needs to be a consideration here. My body type may not be the same as your so you may find something comfortable and it wouldn’t work on me.
Best CCW Holster for Fat Guys
If you have a little extra luggage around the waist, it is important that you look for a concealed carry holster with a high retention and a good trigger guard if you are wanting a waistband holster. In the end you may be more comfortable with a shoulder holster.
Other ways to conceal carry are OWB, shoulder holster, ankle holster and pocket carry.
Good Grip
This is a very important point. If your holster doesn’t allow you to get a good, full grip on your gun, then it’s not the holster you should be using.
You will waste a lot of time, fiddling around with your gun to get a good grip, after you draw. This waste of time can mean the difference between life and death. Don’t chance it.
Protects The Gun
Your holster is meant to protect you gun. Retention is part of that, so it doesn’t fall out. Concealability is part of that, so someone doesn’t try to grab it. You should consider harder material holsters may leave wear marks on your gun. Softer material, like leather may allow moisture to get to your gun so you should wipe it down each day to prevent rust.
Types Of Concealed Carry Holsters
There are different types of concealed carry holsters. There will probably be a pretty good sampling of these in our top picks.
- IWB
- OWB
- Ankle holsters
- Shoulder holsters
- Pocket holsters
- Belly bands
- Off body (which we won’t get into in this article)
Best Concealed Carry Holsters
Let’s get on with our top picks in concealed carry holsters.
| Product Name | Where to Buy | |
|---|---|---|
 | CYA SUPPLY IWB HOLSTER |  |
 | ALIEN GEAR IWB CLOAK TUCK HOLSTER 3.5 | |
 | COMFORTAC BELLY BAND HOLSTER | |
 | BLACKHAWK SERPA CONCEALMENT HOLSTER | |
1. CYA SUPPLY IWB HOLSTER
This is a top of the line holster for a great price. This holster has a smooth draw, easy re-holstering, is made of durable material, and has adjustable retention.
| Features | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Adjustable cant | High quality | Drawing may move the holster |
| Made from boltaron | Belt clip is sturdy and wide | |
| Made in the USA | Slim | |
| Less friction | Conceals well | |
| Satisfaction guarantee | Lightweight | |
| Made in USA |
2. ALIEN GEAR IWB CLOAK TUCK HOLSTER 3.5
This holster has won awards. It’s an IWB holster made with a neoprene backing for comfort. The retention shell is custom made for the make and model of your gun, and includes an adjustable retention so you can choose the right draw. No break in time needed. Perfect right out of the box.
| Features | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Made in America | Affordable | Hard to get on belt |
| Adjustable ride height, cant and retention | Conceals for a skinny person | Clips could be made stronger |
| No maintenance | Comfortable | |
| No break in time needed | Doesn’t move around | |
| Lifetime warranty | Good retention | |
| 30 day “trial” period | Sweat shield works good | |
| Waterproof neoprene back pad |
3. COMFORTAC BELLY BAND HOLSTER – Best CCW Holster for Women
This belly band holster is made from neoprene instead of elastic. Neoprene is softer against your skin and stronger to hold the gun. Belly bands can be used under wardrobe choices that do not work for a belt holster. Sweat pants, shorts, yoga pants, etc.
| Features | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| One size fits most | Works good for small females | Mag pouch squeezes the magazines out while bending |
| Fits subcompact, compact and even full sized firearms | Comfortable | No trigger guard besides the pocket |
| Versatile | High quality | Tendency to ride up |
| Spare mag pocket | Affordable | Difficulty re-holstering |
| Optional use retention strap | No printing | |
| Holds gun in place | ||
| Works with skinny jeans |
4. BLACKHAWK SERPA CONCEALMENT HOLSTER
This holster features a unique speed cut design allowing for smooth drawing and easy re-holstering. The patented SERPA auto lock system delivers security for your handgun and is automatically positioned to facilitate the correct drawing motion.
| Features | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| SERPA auto lock release system | Adjustable cant | Belt clip option is hard to get on and off |
| Reinforces full grip | Holds gun in place | Bulky |
| Audible click with re-holstering | Fits great | Clothes can get caught while re-holstering |
| Belt loop and paddle platforms included | Durable |
Final Thoughts
Choosing a holster is a decision based on many personal factors. As you can see, there are many choices out there. Finding the right one will make you want to carry every day. Comfort is the most important factor when it comes to consistent carry.
Our Pick for Best Concealed Carry Holster – CYA SUPPLY IWB HOLSTER
This is a top-of-the-line holster for a great price. This holster has a smooth draw, easy re-holstering, is made of durable material, and has adjustable retention.
Great Conceal Carry Holster for Thin People
The CYA IWB Holster is a great option for thinner people, who have a hard time finding a concealed carry holster that doesn’t print. They will find this holster works well for them.
Recommended Reading
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Comfortable OWB Holsters Concealed Carry
Concealed Carry T-Shirt Holsters
1911 IWB Concealed Carry Holster
7 Responses
I like how you pointed out that the most important thing to consider when picking a holster is something that covers the trigger to prevent discharge. This is definitely something I’d want to have on a holster for a gun. The more protection it gives over the trigger, the better since safety should always be your number one priority.
The CYA holster is my current Holster but I actually got to this page looking for a different one. The CYA holster works great but has no plastic or guarding where your skin meets the top of the holster. This means that my guns grips are constantly rubbing on my back, sides and stomach no matter where I put it, and I also pinch myself every time I holster it.
Now I’m thinking about the Alien Gear. Its more bulky but also looks more comfortable to wear daily while still maintaining the concealment, and it looks like the backing extends up the entire back of the gun, solving my issues with the CYA. I might give that one a shot.
Serpa? Really? Not a good selection. I’m wondering why any gun site would recommend them.
I love CYA Supply Company IWB Holster.
Great hand-made holsters that can be customized.
And they have a fantastic designed shoulder rig.
I prefer the Serpa. I cannot carry IWB. Belly bands won’t work either. Inside the pocket, nope. I like shoulder rigs (under arm) but only for a larger semi such as a 1911. Ankle holsters are out. Getting all the way down to my ankle…. it don’t happen like it did 30 years ago. So, OWB is my remaining option. The Serpa covers all of the requirements except hide ability. I wear loose clothing so a Serpa doesn’t “print” on my clothing. I’ve tried several OWB types but I keep coming back to Blackhawk.
I REALLY like my JM4 Tactical holster. All leather and magnets provide great weapon retention. Magnets also allow it to be placed on side of truck, metal door and to map pockets/steering column in my truck if I dont want it on me.
Comfortac belly band holster seems the most suitable for my gun. Thanks a lot for this amazing guide.