IWB Holsters
Inside-the-waistband carry is the most popular way to carry concealed, because the gun sits between your body and your belt and only the grip needs covering. These IWB holsters run from Kydex to soft leather and from tuckable clips to clip-free friction holsters, in sizes for pocket pistols up to full-size autos and revolvers. For carry outside the belt, see OWB holsters or the full gun holster collection.
Shop more holsters
- All gun holsters, the full collection
- Revolver holsters for J, K, L and N frames and single actions
- Glock 19 holsters in IWB, OWB, optics-ready and light-bearing cuts
- OWB holsters: belt, paddle and scabbard
- Leather holsters from DeSantis and 1791 Gunleather
- Shoulder holsters and chest rigs for long barrels
- Ankle holsters for backup and deep concealment
- Women's holsters, belly bands and off-body carry
- Holsters for big dudes, comfortable carry on a bigger build
- Holsters for guns with lights or lasers
Kydex IWB holsters
Kydex is thin, rigid and keeps its shape when the gun is out, so you can reholster one-handed. We The People, Blackhawk and Mission First Tactical make up most of the Kydex here, with model-specific cuts for popular carry pistols like the Glock 19, MOS or optics-ready versions for slide-mounted red dots, and light-bearing versions for pistols with a weapon light.
Leather IWB holsters
Leather is softer against skin and quieter on the draw. DeSantis makes the deepest range, including the Insider, the Inside Heat and the Summer Heat. The 1791 Smooth Concealment is soft, breathable cowhide with an open top, made in numbered multi-fit sizes so one holster covers a family of similar pistols.
Tuckable holsters
A tuckable holster lets you tuck a shirt in over the gun, with only the clip showing at the belt. The DeSantis Slim Tuck is Kydex with a 360-degree C-clip that adjusts for cant and ride height and switches between left and right hand. The DeSantis Soft Tuck, Flex-Tuk and Pocket Tuk are leather tuckable options.
Appendix and strong side
Appendix carry, in front of the hip, is fast and easy to conceal for slimmer builds. Strong-side carry at 3 to 4 o'clock is more comfortable when you sit for long stretches and on bigger builds. Many holsters here, including the Mission First Tactical AIWB/OWB, adjust for either. Many women find appendix the most comfortable position; see women's holsters for belly bands and other options.
Clip-free IWB
Sticky Holsters skip the clip altogether and hold by friction against your waistband, which also lets them double as pocket holsters and pair with an ankle holster leg rig.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need bigger pants for IWB carry?
Usually one waist size up, or an inch or two of room in your current pants. A full-size pistol in a leather holster takes more room than a micro pistol in Kydex.
What is cant, and does it matter?
Cant is the forward tilt of the holster. A forward cant at strong side makes the gun easier to reach and helps the grip follow the curve of your side. Holsters with adjustable cant let you set it yourself.
Does a leather IWB holster need breaking in?
Yes. A new leather holster is snug on purpose. Wear it with the unloaded gun for a few days and it will ease to a smooth draw while keeping its retention.