How to Choose the Best Glock 45 Concealed Carry Holster

If you’ve just picked up a new Glock 45 or are considering upgrading your carry setup, finding a holster that fits this versatile firearm perfectly is essential.

So, what should you keep in mind when selecting a holster for a Glock 45?

The best Glock 45 concealed carry holster will be crafted to match the pistol’s balanced design, offering a combination of comfort, concealability, and durability. Prioritizing high-quality materials, adjustable retention, and reliable safety features ensures you can carry your Glock 45 with confidence.

Before choosing the ideal holster, it’s crucial to understand the Glock 45’s design and features to help you make the most informed decision for your carry needs.

About the Glock 45

The Glock 45 has quickly become a top choice for concealed carry enthusiasts and personal defense, and it’s easy to see why. Designed for reliability, ease of use, and functionality, the G45 offers the perfect balance between capacity and concealability, making it an excellent option for everyday carry.

Chambered in 9mm, the Glock 45 is a crossover pistol that combines a compact slide with a full-size frame. Built with Glock’s signature "Safe Action" system, the pistol offers three independent safety mechanisms, making it incredibly safe to carry and handle. The Glock 45 also boasts a full-length slide that provides better accuracy and performance compared to some other compact options, with a smooth, crisp trigger pull that enhances precision and control.

The Glock 45 comes standard with a 17-round magazine, offering plenty of firepower for a defensive scenario. It also includes the Glock Marksman Barrel, which improves accuracy and overall shooting experience. Whether you’re a law enforcement officer, military personnel, or someone looking for a reliable personal defense weapon, the Glock 45 is a versatile and dependable choice. 

Glock 45 Specs

What to Look for in a Glock 45 Holster

Now that you have a clearer understanding of the Glock 45’s design and intended use, it’s time to find a holster that complements this reliable duty pistol.

Holster Type

The first thing to consider when choosing a holster is how you plan to carry, as this will determine the style that best suits your needs.

Since the Glock 45 is a compact, duty-ready firearm, it’s commonly carried inside the waistband. It works well in various traditional carry positions, including appendix and the 3-5 o’clock range.

Not all holsters are designed for every carry style, so this decision is important. For instance, our Vedder Holsters LightTuck® is a versatile option that works well in nearly any position, while the SideTuck® is specifically designed for appendix carry in the 12-2 o’clock position.

Once you’ve settled on your preferred carry position, you can narrow your options by eliminating holsters that don’t fit your needs. From there, you can focus on details like material, adjustability, and customization. If you’re unsure which carry position is right for you, check out our “Concealed Carry Positions: Ultimate Guide” for more guidance.

Material

Holsters are most commonly made from one of three materials: leather, Kydex, or nylon.

While nylon holsters are widely available, they aren’t the best choice for concealed carry. They lack the durability of other materials and don’t retain their shape after the firearm is drawn, making reholstering more difficult and potentially unsafe.

Leather holsters are another popular option, valued for their comfort and longevity. However, they can become tacky when exposed to moisture, whether from sweat, humidity, or rain. While leather is fairly durable, it doesn’t quite match the resilience of Kydex and tends to wear out more quickly.

Kydex is the top choice for many gun owners today, and for good reason. These holsters offer superior durability, retention, and concealability. Heat-molded to fit specific firearm models, Kydex holsters provide a precise and secure fit while remaining surprisingly comfortable despite their rigid structure.

For those who want the best of both worlds, a hybrid holster combines a durable Kydex shell with a leather backing for added comfort. This option balances the security of Kydex with the softer feel of leather.

You can check out our entire selection of Kydex and hybrid holsters here to learn more about the benefits of each. 

Adjustability

Since the Glock 45 is designed for everyday carry, having an adjustable holster is key to achieving both comfort and concealment.

One of the most important adjustable features is retention. This allows you to fine-tune how securely your pistol is held, ensuring a balance between ease of draw and safety.

Another useful feature is adjustable cant, which lets you tilt your firearm forward or backward to find the ideal angle for comfort, concealment, and accessibility. Many Vedder Holsters models offer up to 30 degrees of forward and reverse cant—far more versatile than many holsters on the market, which often allow only limited or single-direction adjustments.

Lastly, adjustable ride height gives you control over how high or low your holster sits on your waistband. Whether you prefer deeper concealment or easier access with a higher ride position, this feature allows you to customize your setup for the best fit.

Customization 

Every concealed carry setup is unique. Personal preferences, shooting styles, and firearm modifications all play a role in determining the perfect holster. With so many aftermarket accessories available, it’s essential to find a holster that accommodates your specific needs.

Fortunately, all Vedder Holsters are handcrafted to order and can be customized to fit your Glock 45 perfectly. We offer a wide range of Kydex colors, along with holster designs that feature full sight channels and custom cuts to accommodate lights, lasers, and optics.

Beyond that, our holsters can be configured for both right- and left-handed users and come with multiple belt clip sizes and optional attachments, such as our holster claw. Some models also feature sweat shields or combat cuts for enhanced comfort and accessibility.

If you have a firearm modification not listed on our site, feel free to reach out to us. We’re happy to work with you to create a holster that meets your specific needs.

Design

A holster’s design is about more than just its aesthetics and adjustability. Some design elements are essential safety features that shouldn’t be overlooked.

The most crucial aspect of any holster is a secure, precise fit. With Kydex holsters, your Glock 45 should snap into place with an audible “click,” confirming that it’s seated properly. This not only provides peace of mind but also prevents unnecessary movement that could compromise retention.

Vedder Holsters are crafted with exacting precision, ensuring virtually zero wiggle room once your pistol is holstered. Poorly fitted holsters can be unsafe and may even cause premature wear on your firearm.

Another key safety feature is a well-designed trigger guard and secure belt clips. Without a strong attachment to your belt, a holster can shift or even fall off throughout the day.

Equally important, the trigger guard should provide full coverage with minimal “daylight,” meaning no open gaps that could allow foreign objects to make contact with the trigger. A holster that doesn’t fully enclose the trigger presents a serious safety risk.

Every Vedder Holster is designed with a full-coverage trigger guard, ensuring your Glock 45 remains protected and secure at all times.

Comfort

The Glock 45 is built for daily carry, so your holster should offer maximum comfort to ensure a seamless experience.

Thanks to its lightweight design, the Glock 45 pairs well with various holster types. However, there are some features to consider if you’re aiming for the ultimate in comfort.

A hybrid holster is typically the most comfortable option. The leather backing molds to your body, spreading the weight of the gun more evenly, which makes it feel lighter and more secure.

For those who prefer an all-Kydex holster, look for models that make contact with your body at two points. This design can provide a similar weight distribution effect as a hybrid holster. Additionally, Kydex holsters with adjustable ride height and cant give you the flexibility to find the best position for comfort and concealment.

If you’re carrying a Kydex holster like the LightTuck®, consider adding the Vedder HolsterPad. This cushioned layer sits between the holster and your body, providing extra comfort. You can adjust the pad to fit your holster or leave it long to wrap around the muzzle end, preventing it from digging into your leg when carrying appendix-style.

Though inside the waistband carry is common for the Glock 45, many users find outside the waistband carry to be even more comfortable. If IWB carry isn’t providing the comfort you need, it’s worth trying OWB as an alternative.

Concealment

Concealment is the primary purpose of any EDC holster, and the Glock 45 is no exception.

The Glock 45 is designed to be discreet. Its slim frame and subcompact size make it an ideal choice for concealed carry, whether as a backup weapon or your primary pistol. Pairing it with a bulky or cumbersome holster could seriously hinder its concealability.

So, what makes a holster truly concealable?

First, look at the shell. To prevent your firearm from printing, the shell should be smooth, snag-free, and as thin as possible without sacrificing durability.

The clip is another important factor. Many holster clips are large and made of plastic, which can cause printing. Opt for a holster with a sleek steel clip instead. Our patented Rock Solid Spring Steel Belt Clip is made from smooth spring steel, allowing it to remain discreet even under a simple T-shirt.

Optional accessories like pancake clips, holster claws, and holster wedges can also help pull the gun closer to your body for better concealment. These add-ons make it even easier to carry your Glock 45 securely and without any unwanted attention.

Warranty

When shopping for a holster, factors like concealability, comfort, and adjustability are crucial—but don't overlook the importance of a product warranty.

A solid warranty not only gives you peace of mind, knowing that you can get your holster repaired or replaced if something goes wrong, but it also shows that the company stands behind the quality of its products.

At Vedder Holsters, we offer a 30-day risk-free trial and a lifetime guarantee. This ensures that if you're not completely satisfied with your purchase or if any issues arise in the future, you're fully covered. Learn more about our warranty policy here. 

Best Glock 45 Holster Options

Now that you’re familiar with the key features to consider when selecting a holster, let's dive into our top recommendations for the best holster for Glock 45 pistols.

Best Glock 45 IWB Holster

Every concealed carry setup is unique, so the ideal holster will depend on your specific needs and preferences. Let’s start with the overall best IWB holster for the Glock 45: the Vedder Holsters LightTuck®. This Kydex holster is highly versatile and can be worn in virtually any carry position. It boasts fully adjustable retention, three levels of adjustable ride height, and 30 degrees of forward and reverse cant. Lightweight, tuckable, and equipped with our patented Rock Solid Spring Steel Belt Clip, the LightTuck® is the ultimate inside the waistband holster.

If comfort is your top priority for carrying the Glock 45 IWB, you might want to explore hybrid holsters. The Vedder Holsters RapidTuck® and ComfortTuck® are designed for the 3-5 o’clock position and come with premium cowhide or horsehide leather backing. These holsters are built to mold to your waistline, offering exceptional comfort and concealability. The RapidTuck® is also adjustable, allowing you to customize your ride height and cant.

Another excellent hybrid option is the Vedder ProTuck®. This holster combines the comfort of the ComfortTuck® with a design that provides two points of contact, naturally conforming to your body. It's also intended for the 3-5 o’clock carry position and offers fully adjustable retention.

For those looking to carry a spare magazine along with their Glock 45, the Vedder SideTuck® is a fantastic choice. It combines the concealability of the popular LightTuck® with a fully adjustable, custom Kydex mag carrier. This holster also includes a claw attachment, adjustable retention, and two points of contact.

Best Glock 45 OWB Holster

For those who prefer carrying outside the waistband, selecting the right holster is crucial for both comfort and accessibility. Here are our top recommendations for the best Glock 45 OWB holsters based on your preferences.

One of the best outside the waistband holsters for the Glock 45 is the Vedder Holsters LightDraw®. This Kydex holster is designed for both functionality and comfort. It features adjustable retention and a double-sided, fully reinforced shell, making reholstering a breeze with one hand.

If you're leaning toward a hybrid OWB holster, the Vedder Quick Draw is an excellent option. This holster comes with a premium leather backing and two built-in belt loops. Crafted for comfort and quick access, it’s a fantastic choice for most outside the waistband positions.

For those who prefer a paddle holster, Vedder’s ProDraw® stands out. This holster is the most adjustable option among OWB styles, offering adjustable retention and 15 degrees of forward and reverse cant. Lightweight and equipped with our OWB Paddle Clip, the ProDraw® is comfortable and easy to wear, providing the convenience of quick attachment and removal at the end of the day.

Summary

Whether you’re searching for an inside the waistband or outside the waistband concealed carry holster, finding the right fit for your system is crucial.

Ultimately, the best Glock 45 concealed carry holster for you will depend on your personal preferences and specific needs. Take the time to evaluate what features are most important, compare your options, and make an informed choice based on the key factors discussed.

Looking for a reliable, custom-fit holster? Visit our Holsters by Gun Model page to find Kydex holsters tailored to your firearm. Plus, explore our Resources Page for gear recommendations, concealed carry guides, and exclusive content to elevate your carry system.