Are IWB Holsters Comfortable?
With more than 18 million concealed carry permit holders in the United States today, we’d venture to say there are nearly as many opinions when it comes to how to carry your firearm.
Inside the waistband, or “IWB” holsters, can be comfortable, but like any great pair of shoes, you have to find the right fit. And like shoes, there is no shortage of options when you’re looking for the most comfortable IWB holster. You may also be surprised to learn that your holster isn’t the only thing to consider when ensuring a comfortable carry experience.
When it comes to carrying IWB comfortably, there are many factors to consider, including how you wear it, your body type, day-to-day activities, clothing, and even how much time you spend driving.
To help you get up to speed, we’ll cover a few of these topics and share some tips for how to wear an IWB holster comfortably.
Is Concealed Carry Supposed to Be Comfortable?
Although it would be misleading to say that carrying a blocky chunk of metal all day is the epitome of comfort, concealed carrying with the right setup should not cause you any real discomfort throughout the day.
Once you get your concealed carry system narrowed down to what works for you by choosing the right gun, holster, carry position, and belt, you should be able to carry comfortably — yes, even inside the waistband. If your setup is causing you pain, it’s high time to rethink your system.
The problem could be as simple as needing to size up your pants, or it could be that you need to try a different area along your waistline. An adjustable holster can also do wonders in helping you find a comfortable spot, allowing you to change your gun’s height and angle on your waistline. If you find you’re still a little uncomfortable, or are just interested in the cushiest experience possible, holster accessories like the Vedder HolsterPad are designed to provide a padded barrier between your body and holster to eliminate any pressure.
In the following sections, we’ll share some tips for how to create a carry system that is comfortable, efficient, and tailored to your needs.
Tips For Comfortable IWB Carry
With so many options on the market and so much conflicting advice about how to carry, it can be difficult to know what really works and what doesn’t. The truth is that what works for one person may not work for another. A concealed carry system should be personalized to your preferences, and may take some trial and error to perfect.
Here are some tips to help you make an informed decision about what might work best for you and what may not be right for your situation.
Be Selective About Your Carry Gun
The gun you choose obviously has a major impact on how easy your carry experience will be. Although smaller guns tend to be more comfortable for IWB carry, that’s not the only factor to consider.
Weight, of course, is an important element. The less your gun weighs, the less it will weigh you down. The overall size of the weapon is just as essential, for comfort as well as concealment. So, picking a gun that is compact or smaller is usually a good choice, as is looking for one with a polymer frame as opposed to steel if weight is a concern.
The grip size and barrel length are also critical aspects to look at. While it may not seem like a big deal, a long barrel can cause discomfort when it jabs into your leg as you sit or walk. On the flip side, the grip of your gun can poke into your stomach. A proper holster can help you avoid this, but choosing a gun with a grip that’s large enough to hold while being small enough to carry is what you should aim for.
If you need some inspiration, you can browse our many gun comparisons and guides here.
Choose Your Holster’s Material Wisely
Leather, Kydex, and nylon are among the most common materials for holsters. But what is the most comfortable material for an IWB Holster?
While nylon holsters are comfortable, they pose important safety risks that shouldn’t be ignored. Because they are so flexible, they tend to collapse in on themselves once the gun is drawn, making reholstering difficult and even dangerous.
Leather holsters are a safer choice than nylon, while also being known for comfort. However, they aren’t as adjustable as some and can become sticky and uncomfortable when carried in hot or humid environments, and aren’t the best choice for everyone.
Kydex is an aircraft-grade thermoplastic that is heat-molded around a specific gun model to create a precise fit and consistent retention. But, are Kydex holsters comfortable? Despite being made of rigid plastic, Kydex holsters are surprisingly comfortable thanks to their thin profile and adjustable positions.
The physical security that comes with a Kydex holster also includes a great deal of mental comfort. Its precise, form-fitting shape holds your gun in place throughout the day and makes for easy reholstering.
There are plenty of different types of Kydex IWB holsters. Some are larger with two clips, and some are smaller with a single clip. Those with two points of contact evenly distribute the weight of your gun, while those with one clip are generally lower profile, but both are comfortable in their own way.
If you’re looking for a little extra comfort without sacrificing the safety that comes with a Kydex holster, a hybrid holster with a Kydex shell and a soft leather backing may be the ideal choice for you.
Invest in an Adjustable Holster
Perhaps even more important than material is a holster’s adjustability. Features like adjustable ride height and cant go a long way in helping you find that “sweet spot” of comfort and concealment.
Adjustable ride height allows you to change how high or low your holster sits on your waistband. This allows you to choose between deep concealment or a higher ride for easier access. All Vedder Holsters IWB holsters feature three levels of ride height, so you can decide what you like best or switch it up depending on the day.
Adjustable cant allows you to change the angle your gun sits on your hip. This is especially helpful for IWB carry, as it allows you to position the grip at different angles until you find something that is both comfortable and concealable.
The LightTuck® is our most adjustable IWB holster, featuring three levels of adjustable ride height and 30 degrees of forward and reverse cant, which is twice what most other holsters on the market offer.
Find the Right Carry Position
When it comes to waistband carry, it can feel like there are countless options to choose from. The good news is, there are actually only 12. Since your body is, at least somewhat, round, concealed carry positions are based on the different hours on a clock. The 12 o’clock position is located directly under your belly button, the 6 o’clock position is right on the small of your back, etc.
But, what is the most comfortable IWB carry position?
While every user is different, some of the most comfortable carry positions are strong side (3 or 9 o’clock), kidney (4–5 or 7–8 o’clock), or appendix (10–2 o’clock). While small of back carry (6 o’clock) is known to be a comfortable option, it’s also a dangerous one, and isn’t recommended.
When deciding which position may work best for you, considering things like your daily activities, physical limitations, and clothing choices can help you narrow it down. If you tend to sit for long periods, for example, you may find that appendix carry, strong side, or even cross draw is most comfortable. Those who spend a lot of time on the move, alternatively, may find that kidney carry is better.
Keep in mind that it may take time to determine the position you like, so don’t become discouraged while you’re learning how to wear an IWB holster comfortably. You may need to try out a few different positions to see which is best for you.
Make Some Wardrobe Adjustments
Sometimes an uncomfortable IWB carry setup has nothing to do with your gun, holster, or carry position at all. The issue may be as simple as what you’re wearing.
For example, if you usually wear tight-fitting clothes, you might find that having an IWB holster jammed between you and your favorite pair of jeans is less than desirable. A good rule of thumb is to wear pants that are a size or two up from normal to make room for your gun and holster. If you normally wear a 32 waist in your favorite pair of jeans, try a 33 or 34. This will help keep you comfortable and avoid printing when you carry.
If having the holster itself against your skin is causing discomfort, wearing an undershirt tucked into your pants will help with this. If you live in a hot environment and the idea of extra layers is already making you sweat, the Vedder HolsterPad is a great alternative. This pad is designed to add a cushioned layer between your body and holster, which keeps the Kydex off of your skin and prevents your carry setup from digging into your leg or torso.
Another important part of your carry system is a solid gun belt. Using your favorite well-worn dad belt will prove to be less than ideal, allowing your gun to sag under the weight of your pistol, which we don’t have to tell you is a highly uncomfortable experience.
The biggest difference between a regular belt and a gun belt is strength and stability. Gun belts are made with tougher, higher-grade materials, making them stiffer and better able to maintain shape, fit, and function when carrying. And don’t worry — you don’t have to sacrifice style for a tactical look to do this. At Vedder Holsters, we offer a range of nylon and leather CCW belts that are both functional and stylish.
Utilize Holster Accessories
Sometimes, even the most comfortable holsters need a boost. If you find that you’re still experiencing some discomfort even after adjusting your holster, you may want to consider using a holster accessory.
The Vedder HolsterPad is king when it comes to comfort. Designed to provide a cushioned layer between your body and holster, it effectively reduces pressure points and shields your holster from sweat. This pad can be custom-fit to your firearm size or left long to wrap around the muzzle end for extra protection when carrying appendix.
The Holster Wedge can also provide comfort while aiding in concealment. Designed to draw the top of your gun closer to your body, this cushioned “wedge” is made from the same foam as the HolsterPad, offering padding as well as security.
What is the Most Comfortable IWB Holster?
Although it’s probably not what you want to hear, the most comfortable holster for you depends on, well, you. Your lifestyle, needs, and body type will determine what works and what doesn’t. That said, we’ll share our recommendations for the most comfortable holsters.
Hybrid holsters tend to be among the most comfortable by nature. Combining a secure Kydex shell with a flexible leather backing, these holsters mold to your body for a personalized carry experience. The ComfortTuck® is specifically designed for all-day comfort (as the name implies) and features a wide leather backing with two clips, or points of contact, for peak weight distribution. If you’re looking for something with a bit of a smaller footprint, the RapidTuck® is very similar in design but with only one clip, making it a bit more versatile as far as carry positions and adjustability go while maintaining even weight distribution and a full lather backing.
If an all-leather backing is not your thing, the ProTuck® is an excellent alternative. With a curved shell and two leather-backed “winged” clips, this holster provides great weight distribution and molds to your body while maintaining a fully-reinforced shell and adjustable features.
Fans of appendix carry who plan to carry a spare magazine should definitely consider the SideTuck®, which is an all-Kydex AIWB holster with an attached sidecar for a mag. With two clips, weight is still distributed evenly, and two Holster Claws make concealment easy.
Finally, the LightTuck® is our number one selling holster for a reason. This all-Kydex holster is lightweight, compact, and fully adjustable. It works great in any carry position and features 30 degrees of forward and reverse cant, making it super easy to find a comfortable angle.
If you’re still not sure which is right for you, you can compare these holsters side-by-side to get a better idea of each of their features and narrow down your choices.
How Long Should You Test an IWB Setup?
Even if you have the most comfortable IWB holster there is, there are still plenty of other factors that can make a carry setup either comfortable or downright miserable. We know from experience that finding the right holster can be as personal as finding the right firearm or shoes.
Just remember that even once you’ve made an informed decision about your holster, it might take some time to get used to carrying IWB as well as drawing and firing from that position. We recommend carrying in one position for a few days and then trying another until you find the best spot suited for your day-to-day activities.
Remember to choose the right pant size, a gun that best fits your frame, and a holster that allows for adjustments to ride height and cant. Also, consider your holster as a part of your CCW system, and choose a proper gun belt to keep your holster safely in place. Try carrying your holster in different positions to find what works best for you.
Summary
Comfort is one of the most important factors to consider when creating a concealed carry system. IWB holsters are an excellent choice for concealed carry and can be quite comfortable when chosen and worn correctly. It all comes down to the holster you choose, the position you carry in, and even the clothing you wear.
Ultimately, whether you pick an IWB, OWB, or pocket carry pistol comes down to your personal needs and preferences. If you find you need a little extra support when carrying IWB, using a holster accessory like the Vedder Wedge or HolsterPad can give you the boost of comfort you need.
Looking for a reliable, custom-fit holster? Visit our Holsters by Gun Model page to find Kydex holsters tailored to your firearm. Not sure which holster is right for you? Take a look at our interactive comparison tool to view holsters side-by-side and filter by feature. Plus, explore our Resources Page for gear recommendations, concealed carry guides, and exclusive content to elevate your carry system.
