How to Choose the Best Bodyguard 380 Holster

The Smith & Wesson Bodyguard 380 is a popular choice for concealed carry thanks to its slim, compact design and reliability. When choosing a holster for this versatile firearm, it's essential to find one that complements the Bodyguard's features and enhances its concealability and comfort.

The best Bodyguard 380 holster is one that’s as low-profile and efficient as the gun itself. Look for a holster that's lightweight, ergonomic, and adjustable to ensure optimal comfort for daily carry.

Before diving into holster styles and options, it’s important to understand the core elements of the Smith & Wesson Bodyguard 380.

About the Smith & Wesson Bodyguard 380

The Smith & Wesson Bodyguard 380 is a compact semi-automatic pistol chambered in .380 ACP. Known for its ease of use and portability, this firearm is widely favored by those seeking a reliable option for personal defense.

Weighing just 12 ounces unloaded, the Bodyguard 380 is extremely lightweight, making it ideal for concealed carry. Despite its small size, it offers a solid 6-round magazine capacity. The 380 features stainless steel drift adjustable sights, an ergonomic grip, and an external takedown lever and slide stop. 

With an overall length of 5.25 inches and a width of just 0.75 inches, the Bodyguard 380 is incredibly slim, allowing it to be easily concealed in various carry positions. Its double-action-only trigger and optional manual safety make it a practical choice for everyday carriers, whether they are seasoned shooters or relatively new to concealed carry.

S&W Bodyguard 380 Specs

What to Look for in a Smith and Wesson Bodyguard 380 Holster

Now that you're familiar with the Bodyguard 380, let's explore what you should look for when selecting a holster for this specific model.

Holster Type

The first consideration is where you prefer to carry your firearm. The Bodyguard 380's ultra-compact frame makes it a popular choice for inside the waistband and pocket carry, though some users opt for outside the waistband setups as well.

One of the best Smith and Wesson Bodyguard holster options for inside the waistband is the Vedder LightTuck®, which offers superior adjustability and can be worn in any IWB position. Another great option is the SideTuck®, which is specifically designed for appendix carry and features an attached mag carrier. For those who are interested in pocket carry, the Pocket Locker® is a secure and discreet solution that can be used for off-body carry as well. 

Choosing your carry position helps narrow down your holster options, allowing you to focus on other aspects like material and adjustability. If you’re unsure which carry position suits you best, check out our guide to concealed carry positions for more information.

Material

When it comes to holster material, there are three main choices: leather, Kydex, and nylon. Although nylon holsters are commonly available, they’re generally not recommended for concealed carry due to their lack of durability and inability to hold their shape when the firearm is removed, which can make reholstering more challenging and potentially unsafe.

Leather holsters, on the other hand, offer a classic combination of comfort and durability. However, leather tends to retain moisture, making it less suitable in humid conditions or for all-day carry.

Kydex holsters are often the top choice for Bodyguard 380 owners due to their superior durability and concealability. Heat-molded specifically for the Smith & Wesson Bodyguard 380, Kydex holsters provide a snug fit, ensuring secure retention without sacrificing comfort.

If you want the benefits of both materials, consider a hybrid holster like the Vedder RapidTuck® or ComfortTuck®. Hybrid holsters pair a Kydex shell with a leather backing, providing a durable exterior and a soft, cushioned interior for all-day comfort.

Adjustability

For daily concealed carry, adjustability is a key factor to consider. One of the most important features is adjustable retention, which allows you to customize how tightly your Bodyguard 380 fits within the holster. This not only enhances safety but also ensures a personalized fit for your carry needs.

Additionally, adjustable cant is crucial for determining the angle at which your firearm sits. The Vedder LightTuck® offers up to 30 degrees of adjustable forward and reverse cant, which is more than double what many standard holsters provide.

Finally, adjustable ride height lets you control how high or low the holster sits on your waistline. This feature allows you to balance deep concealment with easy access, making your holster more versatile for everyday use.

Customization

Every gun owner has unique preferences and configurations for their carry setup, and your holster should accommodate these needs. The Vedder Holsters lineup offers a range of customization options, including various Kydex colors, belt clip sizes, and accessories like holster claws, wedges, and sweat shields. 

It’s also important to find a holster that can be customized to either right- or left-hand concealed carry, as well as one that accommodates aftermarket modifications and accessories. Vedder holsters are custom-made to order, so if you need something specific for your setup, feel free to reach out, and we’ll work to create the perfect holster for you.

Design

A holster’s design is integral to its safety, particularly when carrying a firearm like the Bodyguard 380. The most important aspect is a precise fit that keeps your gun secure. With a Kydex holster, your weapon should click into place without any unwanted movement. A well-fitted holster minimizes wear on your pistol and enhances safety during daily carry.

Additionally, it’s essential to ensure your holster has a fully covered trigger guard to prevent an accidental discharge. All of Vedder Holsters' options for the Bodyguard 380 include fully enclosed trigger guards for maximum safety. Our quality control team also fit checks each holster with a real gun, not a BlueGun like most on the market, ensuring a precise fit every time. 

Comfort and Concealment

Comfort is a top priority for concealed carriers, especially when carrying smaller firearms like the Bodyguard 380 inside the waistband. The right holster will distribute the weight of the gun evenly, preventing discomfort throughout the day. Hybrid holsters like the Vedder RapidTuck® and ComfortTuck® are excellent for this, as the leather backing molds to your body over time.

For maximum concealment, choose a holster with a low-profile design that doesn’t print under clothing. While many holsters on the market feature a chunky plastic clip, Vedder's Rock Solid Spring Steel Belt Clips offer a sleek, minimal design that holds securely and reduces printing, even under light garments.

Best Holsters for the Smith & Wesson Bodyguard 380

Now that you know what to look for, here are our top holster recommendations for the Bodyguard 380:

Best IWB Holster for Bodyguard 380

The Vedder LightTuck® is by far one of the best IWB holsters for the Bodyguard 380. It’s lightweight, fully adjustable, and can be customized for cant, retention, and ride height. The LightTuck® is also tuckable, offering superior concealment for daily carry.

If comfort is your top priority, consider a hybrid holster like the Vedder Holsters RapidTuck® or ComfortTuck® designed for the 3-5 o'clock carry position. Their premium cowhide or horsehide leather backings mold smoothly to your waistline for superior weight distribution and all-day comfort. The RapidTuck® also offers adjustability for ride height and cant.

Another great hybrid M&P Bodyguard 380 holster is the Vedder ProTuck®, contouring naturally to your body with two points of contact in the 3-5 o'clock position. It combines comfort with fully adjustable retention.

For those wanting an all-in-one carry system, the Vedder SideTuck® matches the LightTuck's® concealability while integrating an adjustable Kydex mag carrier. This model includes two claw attachments and adjustable retention with two points of contact.

Best Bodyguard 380 OWB Holster

For outside the waistband, the Vedder LightDraw® is a standout option. This holster is designed for quick access and ease of use, with adjustable retention and a reinforced shell for one-handed reholstering.

If you prefer a hybrid OWB holster, the Vedder Quick Draw offers the best of both worlds, combining a leather backing with a Kydex shell for comfort and durability. It’s great for secure, everyday carry in an OWB position.

For anyone who likes paddle-style holsters, the Vedder ProDraw® is a great adjustable OWB option. In addition to adjustable retention, it offers 15 degrees of forward and reverse cant for a customized carry angle. Its lightweight build incorporates an OWB Paddle Clip, making it easy to put on and take off without removing your belt.

Best Pocket Holster for Bodyguard 380

If you’re looking for a quality Bodyguard 380 pocket holster, the Vedder Pocket Locker® is an outstanding option. Its slim design and minimalistic profile make it easy to slip into your pocket without adding bulk. Crafted from durable Kydex, the Pocket Locker® features adjustable retention and prevents printing, keeping your firearm discreet and easy to access.

The Pocket Locker® is also designed with a full trigger guard for safety and a rigid body that ensures your Bodyguard 380 stays firmly in place until needed. This holster is a top choice for gun owners who prioritize ease of access while maintaining a high level of concealment, without having to carry along the waistline. 

Conclusion

If you’re looking for a new IWB, OWB, or pocket carry Bodyguard 380 holster, you can customize one on our site. For all other pistols, head to our Holsters by Gun Model page for Kydex holsters that are custom-made for your weapon of choice. 

Interested in items beyond holsters? Take a look at our Resources Page for links to recommended products like lights, lasers, first aid, maintenance, and more. Or, browse our selection of apparel, gun belts, and accessories. And be sure to visit our sister company, GeoGrit, to view our collection of durable, RFID-blocking minimalist wallets. 

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