When it comes to carrying a firearm, where you carry it is just as important as what you carry. The position of your concealed carry weapon (CCW) affects everything — comfort, accessibility, concealment, and safety. Choose the wrong spot, and you’re dealing with printing, awkward draws, or worse, a gun you can’t reach when it matters most.
In this guide, we break down the most effective CCW positions, covering their pros, cons, ideal use cases, and the gear that makes them work. Whether you're new to concealed carry or looking to optimize your current setup, this is the no-BS breakdown you need.
1. Appendix Carry (AIWB)
Position: Front of the waistband, typically between 12:00 and 1:30
Why It Works: Appendix carry has exploded in popularity for one reason — it's fast. The draw is natural, close to your centerline, and quick to access even when seated. Proper AIWB holsters enhance concealment by tucking the grip into the body with a wedge and claw.
Pros:
- Fastest draw, especially from concealment
- Minimal printing when standing
- Easier to protect in close quarters
Cons:
- Can dig into the abdomen when sitting or bending
- Risk of serious injury if mishandled (muzzle direction is downward toward femoral artery)
- Not ideal for larger body types
Best For: Slim to average builds, experienced carriers, urban environments, and everyday carry
2. Strong-Side Hip Carry (IWB/OWB – 3:00 to 5:00)
Position: Directly on the hip or just behind it (3 to 4:30 clock position)
Why It Works: This is the "default" concealed carry method. It's intuitive, easy to train, and compatible with most clothing styles. The 3:00 position (on-hip) offers fast draws and better comfort while standing, while the 4:00 or 4:30 (behind-hip/kidney) adds concealment at the cost of seated access.
Pros:
- Comfortable for long-term carry
- Highly concealable with jackets or untucked shirts
- Works well with both IWB and OWB holsters
Cons:
- Grip may print when bending forward
- Drawing while seated can be difficult
- Not ideal in confined spaces or vehicles
Best For: Most body types, OWB/IWB users, all-day carry, beginner to advanced
3. Small of Back (SOB)
Position: 5:30 to 6:30, directly at or near the spine
Why It Works: It disappears under clothing — even light shirts — making it a go-to for deep concealment. But it’s controversial for a reason.
Pros:
- Excellent concealment under thin clothing
- Easy to hide full-sized pistols
Cons:
- Extremely dangerous in a fall (risk of spinal injury)
- Difficult to draw quickly, especially under pressure
- Terrible for seated use
Best For: Backup carry, niche concealment needs, rarely recommended for primary carry
4. Crossdraw
Position: Opposite side of dominant hand (usually 10:00 to 11:00 for right-handers)
Why It Works: This method shines for seated access, like in vehicles. The draw is smooth across the body and works well with certain outfits.
Pros:
- Easier to draw while seated or belted
- Works with shoulder rigs or specialized belt holsters
- Great for limited mobility or shoulder injuries
Cons:
- Slower draw from standing
- Easy to telegraph movements in public
- Muzzle crosses body during draw unless properly trained
Best For: Drivers, older shooters, limited-mobility users, seated carry
5. Ankle Carry
Position: Inside the ankle, usually weak-side leg
Why It Works: Ideal for carrying a backup gun. It’s slow to draw, but nearly impossible to detect — especially with pants.
Pros:
- Deep concealment
- Comfortable for small pistols
- Excellent for backup gun (BUG)
Cons:
- Horrible draw speed
- Not usable from standing unless kneeling
- Limited to micro/subcompact pistols
Best For: Backup gun carry, security professionals, extreme deep concealment
Bonus: Shoulder, Pocket, and Off-Body Carry
These methods all have use cases — but each comes with caveats:
- Shoulder Holsters: Great for jackets and winter, but hard to conceal otherwise.
- Pocket Carry: Fast access, but only for small guns — and always use a proper pocket holster.
- Off-Body (bags, purses): Absolute last resort. Only use if the bag is always under your control.
Body Type Considerations: How Your Build Affects Concealed Carry
Your body type plays a massive role in how well you can conceal — and comfortably access — your firearm. Waistband carry is not one-size-fits-all.
Here’s how gut size, waist structure, and body curves impact your options — and which positions make the most sense based on your frame.
1. Slim Builds (Lean, low body fat, smaller waists)
Challenges:
- Firearms tend to "stick out" rather than sink into the body
- Limited natural padding for comfort
- Belt tension becomes critical — too tight = print; too loose = flops
What Works:
- Appendix Carry (AIWB): Excellent option due to flat stomach profile; grip tucks easily under the shirt
- 3:00 IWB with cant: Keeps grip tight to the side with minimal printing
- Claw + wedge system: Crucial for appendix to minimize forward tilt and print
Holster Tip: Use thin-profile holsters like the Cloak Tuck 3.5. Choose a smaller firearm (e.g., Glock 43, P365) for smoother concealment.
2. Athletic Builds (Broad shoulders, trim waist, muscular)
Challenges:
- Larger upper body can make shoulder holsters harder to hide
- Waistband carry may shift with dynamic movement (sprinting, grappling, lifting)
What Works:
- 4:00 IWB with forward cant: Leverages natural V-shape for grip concealment
- Appendix Carry with high sweat guard: Keeps slide off abs, great for speed
- OWB with aggressive cant: Works well under athletic outerwear
Holster Tip: Opt for a sweat guard and reinforced mouth for reholstering during active movement. Consider a neoprene backer for comfort under pressure.
3. Larger Builds (Dad bods, full waistlines, wider hips)
Challenges:
- Appendix carry can be extremely uncomfortable — especially sitting
- Gun may dig into belly or side fat when bending/sitting
- Printing becomes a major issue with tight shirts or shorter torsos
What Works:
- 4:30–5:00 carry (kidney): Leverages natural curve of back for concealment
- OWB with longer garment: Full-sized pistols are easier to carry comfortably here
- High-rise pants + strong belt: Helps stabilize the holster higher on the body
Avoid: Appendix carry without a deep wedge, belly band carry with mid-size guns, or any method where muzzle points into flesh when seated
Holster Tip: Look for holsters with adjustable ride height and aggressive cant — this helps you angle the grip to reduce printing and pressure.
Waist Length & Clothing Fit
- Short torsos: Benefit from higher ride holsters or shorter-barrel guns (to avoid digging into groin or ribs)
- Long torsos: Can carry larger guns appendix or hip without printing — more space to distribute the firearm
- High-waisted pants: Give more vertical real estate for IWB concealment, especially in appendix or crossdraw
Pro Tip: A high-quality gun belt (rigid, reinforced, and sized for carry) can do more for comfort and concealment than any holster upgrade.
Final Thoughts: What's the Best CCW Position?
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer — your best concealed carry position depends on:
- Your body type
- Your lifestyle and clothing
- Whether you sit or stand most of the day
- The type of handgun and holster you carry
If you're starting from scratch, test appendix and strong-side hip first. Train with your setup, dry-fire often, and don’t settle for “good enough” — your safety depends on it.