It can feel like hitting a hard mark when you try to strike the best balance between comfort and concealment for your gun. Inside the waistband (IWB) holsters might get all the glory when it comes to concealed carry, but outside the waistband (OWB) holsters have some benefits that may surprise you. An OWB holster offers quicker draw times, easier access to your weapon and – if selected and worn correctly – highly effective concealment.
Whether you are a law enforcement officer, competitive shooter or good old-fashioned CCW, when it comes to OWB holsters for concealed carry, such as the best OWB holster leather options, this one is tough to beat. This detailed guide features practical advice, design considerations and expert reviews to help you get the most from your outside-the-waistband configuration.
Understanding OWB Holster Advantages
OWB holsters carry your gun outside the waistband, normally fastened to a belted option such as loops, clips or paddle attachments. This position gives a few advantages over the inside the waistband types.
The greatest benefit is convenience. It allows you to draw your weapon faster and more reliably when needed while also securing one-handed reholster. The positioning puts it so you don't have to shift your clothes re-adjust or pull up on re-holstering and being able to clear your clothing faster with out getting in the way from belt, putting precious seconds between draw time and fire time- that could mean life and death!
Comfort represents another major benefit. Because the handgun is designed to sit outside your waistband, less pressure applies against your body and you don’t have crisper edges that stab into you. The weight of the holster is more evenly distributed along your belt line, which helps with hot spots and pressure points over time from wearing a gun.
Additionally, many shooters prefer it because OWB carry can put less stress on their clothes. Your shirts see less wear over time because they don't have a gun pressing against them from the inside.
Choosing the Right OWB Holster Design
Proper selection of material is key to both comfort and concealment. Leather OWB Gun Holsters are for everyday carry duty to the range. Premium leather creates a custom fit and will mold itself to your firearm for an overall improved fit the more it is worn.
If it's not Kydex or a melt/infusion of a similar polymer, I'd have to wonder on the retention and consistency. This material is unaffected by weather and gives you substantive trigger guard coverage. Many newer Kydex holsters come with an adjustable retention system that allows you to adjust the amount of resistance that your draw will encounter.
Hybrid holsters utilize the Kydex front mounted on a leather backing, to attempt to capture both the features of Kydex and Leather. The leather feels great up against your body and won’t have you going nuts making sure there isn’t lint around the front sight or ejection port. The Kydex gives you solid retention and covers the trigger.
Are you going to carry inside the waistband or outside? Typical belt loops provide the most stability however, it may cause printing if you are carrying too close to your body. Paddle attachments allow for easy on and off, as the holster can be put on without taking the belt off. Paddle holsters can be worn with moderately tight pants; however, keep in mind that this is just a quick overview.
The newer clip systems are usually the best compromise for IWB carry. Quality clips that lock onto any belt or garment and allow for the holster to stay put when you draw your weapon.
Positioning for Optimal Concealment
Carry position dramatically affects your ability to conceal an OWB holster effectively. The classic 3 o’clock position (strong-side hip) works with most bodies, but can have some printing problems when sitting or bending.
Double stack beside 4 o'clock typically conceals better while retaining a good fighting grip. This gentle canting allows the grip to sit closer towards your body’s natural curves, preventing excessive printing while ensuring the gun is easily accessible.
At 1 o’clock, full concealment is possible if that is what you are looking for. This does take some careful holster choices and good training to do safely, it's true, but can offer great concealment with many outfits.
Height adjustment is equally important. Most guys carry their holsters too high, which results in the grip printing very visibly. Lowering the holster a little so that the grip is at or just below your beltline usually adds a lot of concealment.
Clothing Considerations for Concealment
OWB concealment success lives or dies on your choice of clothing. If you wear tight getup, your bulges and outlines are naked but so will you look unnatural if overclothed because this sensitive guy makes the items ride up.
Search for shirts with structured shoulders that hold their shape without hugging your body. Patterns and textures will help disrupt outlines that could otherwise show off your holster. One can also wear vertical stripes, or subtle plaids and textured fabrics for concealment.
Layering provides excellent concealment opportunities. An unbuttoned shirt, or even a light cardigan or casual blazer can easily hide even big firearms and it will barely look out of place in many professional or casual settings.
Take your daily activities into account when choosing concealment wear. If you often raise your arms or bend over, choose a coat that will remain covered when your arms are extended.
Maximizing Carrying Comfort
The choice of belt is the cornerstone of a comfortable OWB carry. The belt has to be strong enough so that it does not sink or bulge under the weight of your gun. Specially made belts for firearm carry are available that feature enhanced cores that hold their form under the weight of a firearm.
The belt to do the job well needs to be of sufficient width in order to place weight effectively (consistently 1.5 inches would work for most purposes). Thin, piddly belts can cut into your waist under the focal point pressure of a loaded gun.
Perfect fit means all-day comfort. Your holster should ride close to your body, but not too tight. If pain or discomfort occurs, modify yo ur holster cant and/or ride, dangle, or attachment system.
Leather holsters go through their own break-in period. Give it a few weeks, and the material will mould to your body and gun. The holster can be a bit stiff at first, and your gun may create pressure points, but they will all go away as the leather ‘breaks in'.
Advanced Concealment Techniques
Cant angle alteration has to do with both comfort and concealment. For most good holsters, you can customize the angle at which your firearm tilts forward or backward. A very modest forward cant can help both draw ergonomics and the grip being able to tuck into your body.
Think about seasonal changes to your organization. Winter wear doesn’t translate to bigger guns, possibly worn differently, and summer concealment may also need smaller weapons or different holsters.
Spend 15 minutes a day – during deer season, before you go, and off-season after it breaks – practicing your draw stroke with this setup. If you train to do this consistently, muscle memory takes over and your firearm presents itself whether your cover garment is present or not.
Maintenance and Longevity
Keep your OWB holster working like new with routine maintenance. For Leather holsters, we recommend, especially in high temperatures, keeping the leather soft with a dollop of hand cream on your finger and working it into the body of the holster. Regularly cleaning Kydex will ensure dirt, dust, and debris do not accumulate over time, which could impede retention or scratch the pistol.
Check Your Holster's Attachment Points Here And There Regularly. Screws can come loose with age, and clips can be worn from frequent use. Replace broken parts promptly for safe and secure fit.
Making the Right Choice
A OWB holster can offer you reasonable levels of concealment, comfort and easy access given the fact that it is purchased and used in an appropriate manner. Concentrate on quality construction, correct fit and steady application to make the most of your outside-the-waistband carry.
The trick is to select a holster that fits your individual use, body shape and life style. By paying special attention to design, placement and clothing selection you too can experience the same comfortable/convenient benefits experienced by countless other carriers who love what outside-the-waistband holsters have to offer.
