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Meta: If you’re just hearing about IWB holsters for concealed weapons and have no clue what they are, here are the essentials to know before you go off and buy…
One of the most popular types of gun holsters you’ll come across is an IWB holster. You’ll need it if you plan to carry a concealed weapon. In this article, we delve deeper into the IWB holster and the best places you should set it on your waistband.
IWB stands for ‘inside the waistband’. It is arguably the most popular, comfortable, and low-profile way to conceal carry handguns. Just as the name suggests, you wear this kind of holster between your clothing and skin.
In the past, you would only find holsters made from cowhide. But with gun styles evolving, so have gun holsters. As such, there are now various materials used to make them.
Kydex is the most common material used to make IWB holsters. A holster maker heats this rigid plastic and molds it to fit the particular frame details of a handgun, meaning it works for virtually any handgun caliber. Thanks to its rigid material, this type of holster will firmly keep your weapon in place. This is very important, especially in a situation requiring you to move around a lot.
On the downside, the rigidness might be slightly uncomfortable. But this is just for the first couple of times before you adjust to the holster. In addition, you can try moving the holster along your belt to find that sweet spot that’ll make it the most comfortable.
This is another common material for IWB holsters. If you like an aesthetic that reminds you of the Wild West, you’ll love the classic look of a leather IWB holster. One of the benefits of this material is its malleability, meaning it can easily be shaped to grip your weapon firmly.
Unfortunately, leather isn’t a breathable fabric, which may cause you to sweat on hot days. Aside from that, repeated use will cause the leather material to wear and tear. Also, leather is pliable, so the opening will close up after removing the firearm, making it hard to re-holster your gun.
Nylon holsters are the least expensive option on this list. The material is light, giving you the most portable option. Nylon IWB holsters are great for small handguns and are ideal for concealed carry, and they’re also great when you’re wearing loose clothing.
But be careful when picking a nylon holster. Poorly made holsters become loose after several uses, leading to discomfort and safety issues.
Hybrid IWB holsters are made of two materials. For instance, you can find ones made of kydex and leather or kydex and nylon. The beauty of a hybrid IWB holster is that you get the best of both worlds. The stability of kydex and the comfort of leather or nylon.
IWB holsters have been designed to accommodate virtually any small pistol caliber. Here are the most common pistols that work with IWB holsters.
Glocks are among the most popular pistols. Therefore, it makes sense to find IWB holsters designed for these weapons. For instance, models like the subcompact Glock 26 and the Glock 19 are common choices for concealed carry.
Most IWB holsters feature adjustable retention to accommodate different Glock models. That means an IWB holster for Glock 19 can also be an IWB holster for Glock 26, preventing you from needing to get two holsters.
The 1911 pistols are common defense guns in most people’s homes. As such, it’s easy to find an IWB holster for 1911. These holsters are usually designed to match the specific dimensions and contours of the 1911 firearm. This ensures a snug fit, minimizing movement. Just like with Glocks, 1911 IWB holsters also feature a retention mechanism to secure the firearm.
CZ P-10 series are compact pistols that also work with IWB holsters. These holsters are tailored to each model’s distinct features, providing a secure fit.
These are a few of the types of pistols you can use with IWB holsters. But in most cases, IWB holsters are custom-made, meaning if you have a pistol and need an IWB for it, you’ll likely get it.
One of the major reasons to use an IWB holster is to conceal your weapon. Since they go inside the waistband, they conceal the weapon better than an outside the waistband holster. In addition, an IWB holster is more flexible and prevents the gun from sliding out even with frequent movement.
Multiple spots along your waistline are suitable for wearing an IWB holster. The key is to discover the position that suits you best. Imagine your waist as an analog clock face. Below are the different potential placements:
When it comes to a holster, IWB means inside the waistband holster.
You can use an IWB for open carry, but this happens rarely because IWB holsters work well with concealed weapons.
You can sit with an IWB holster. However, practice with different positions and find the position you’re comfortable with that allows you to sit for extended periods.
Oscar Taylor is the owner of BarrettRifles.com, a world-leading blog for all things scopes and firearms. He has been an avid outdoorsman all his life. He’s hunted and fished most of the Eastern United States for over three decades. During his tenure as a hunter, he has hunted almost every North American game animal with either a rifle or a bow. He’s taken down more smaller game animals than you can count. He hunts, ducks, rabbits, birds, squirrels, and the occasional coyote.
