The original holster design - and according to some people, the best - is the outside-the-waistband or OWB holster. These holsters are secured to the waist via a belt, and are widely considered to be the most comfortable to wear. They are also usually considered .
However, aren't the most conducive to concealed carry in all cases though they can be in the right circumstances. The right gun and the right OWB holster can be easily concealed under light outerwear or even a t-shirt in some cases.
What Is an OWB Holster?
An OWB (outside-the-waistband) holster rides on the outside of your pants or belt. It offers fast, natural draw and better comfort for larger pistols, but is harder to conceal than IWB. Common for duty, range, and open carry.
Generally speaking, when concealed carrying OWB, the gun and holster combination are worn outside the pants, usually on the hip of your dominant side. There are some folks though, that prefer to carry OWB on their non-dominant side, so they draw across the body, usually referred to as cross-draw. It's a personal preference as to what makes for a faster, more comfortable draw.
Believe it or not, you can easily concealed carry an outside the waistband holster quite effectively for defensive purposes. Clint Eastwood pulled it off pretty well in his spaghetti westerns. Remember the old poncho-flip-over-the-shoulder revealing his trusty sidearm move? That's a perfect example of the concept.
It's true that an OWB holster is harder to conceal than an IWB holster, but most proponents of OWB concealed carry will tell you that the faster, smoother draw you get with OWB, outweighs the benefits of IWB concealment.
Concealed Carry With An OWB Holster
Carrying a firearm in an OWB (outside-the-waistband) holster offers comfort, quick access, and a natural drawstroke, but successful concealment requires deliberate choices. From clothing selection to holster positioning, every detail matters when blending OWB carry into everyday life.
Choosing the Right Firearm and Holster
The size of both your firearm and holster will directly affect concealability. A slim, compact handgun such as the Smith & Wesson Shield or Glock 19 typically conceals more easily than a full-size pistol like the Beretta 92 or Sig Sauer P226. Large-frame pistols create more bulk, which increases the likelihood of printing through clothing.
An OWB holster with a high ride height and close-to-body cant can significantly reduce printing. Look for models that contour to your waistline and use sturdy belt loops or clips to maintain consistent positioning.
Mastering Cover Garments
Cover garments are the most critical factor in OWB concealed carry. A loose, untucked shirt with an extended hem can provide adequate coverage for most compact pistols. Long-tail button-ups, polo shirts, or casual flannels are reliable options.
In professional settings, plainclothes officers and armed citizens alike often rely on sport coats or suit jackets. A fuller cut jacket not only conceals the holster but also allows for smoother movement and easier draw access.
Seasonal Considerations for OWB Carry
Concealment challenges vary depending on climate and time of year.
- Cold Weather: Jackets, hoodies, and heavier coats make OWB concealment nearly effortless. Winter clothing naturally breaks up the outline of both gun and holster.
- Warm Weather: Lightweight cover garments demand more strategy. Hawaiian-style button-ups, camp shirts, or untucked linen shirts work well, provided they are loose around the waist. Carrying slightly further back on the strong-side hip can help reduce printing when using lighter materials.
Comfort and Layering
Wearing a lightweight undershirt beneath your cover garment prevents direct contact between the holster and skin, reducing chafing during extended wear. This is especially important in warmer climates, where sweat and heat can cause discomfort with direct holster contact.
The Importance of a Sturdy Gun Belt
No OWB setup is complete without a proper gun belt. Unlike casual belts, a purpose-built gun belt distributes weight evenly and keeps the holster stable during movement and draws. Whether you wear pants or shorts, ensure your belt has the rigidity to support your firearm. Board shorts or thin fabric belts lack the structure necessary for safe OWB carry.
Types of OWB Holsters
OWB holster designs have come a long way from the western style holsters of the last century. Today's OWB holsters are available in leather, nylon, or low friction plastics such as Kydex or Boltaron.
Pancake holsters have been around for over 60 years. They get the name "pancake", because they are basically two pieces of material pancaked or joined together with a pouch in the middle where the gun sits. They usually come two or three belt slots and conceal fairly well.
Hybrid holsters are OWB holsters constructed from a combination of plastic and leather fabric materials. Almost always, come with a plastic retention shell that can be custom-molded to fit a specific make and model handgun. They also have a cloth or cloth-like backer and provide a secure fit.
OWB holsters tend to come with one of two dominant belt attachment methods: belt slide or paddle. Belt slide holsters employ some sort of enclosed slot that the belt is threaded through. Some employ a leather or hard plastic loop, though many kydex and leather pancake/scabbard holsters have two or three slots cut into the leather. Leather holsters with belt slots usually have reinforcing stitches sewn into the leather to ensure longevity of wear.
Some models are adjustable for ride height, grip cant and retention. Three-slot pancake/scabbard holsters, for instance, will carry higher with a straight drop in the lowest slot, and with a forward cant (but lower ride height) in the upper slot on the side with two slots.
Paddle holsters are secured to the wearer by a flat leather or plastic flap or "paddle". The paddle is worn inside the waistband or gun belt, and is designed to prevent the entire holster from being pulled away from the wearer when the gun is drawn. One of the primary benefits of carrying a paddle holster is that it can be worn at any position around the waistline, and is easier to remove when the situation warrants.
Final Word About Paddle Holsters
Paddle holsters offer the user more options and features than most other OWB concealed carry holsters. The plastic paddle attachments are normally contoured in shape to comfortably and securely match the wearers waistline. Many leather paddle holsters don't offer this feature.
Most models of plastic come with the standard FBI cant, but have features that allow you to adjust the wear angle to your preference. One model in particular, the Alien Gear Cloak Mod has swappable attachments that allow you to wear the holster in a closed belt slide configuration or a paddle holster configuration, along with cant and ride height adjustability.
No matter which style or model of OWB concealed carry is chosen, it is essential that you use a strong, sturdy gun belt. You'll be glad you did.
Concealed Carry With An OWB Holster FAQs
What is an Outside the Waistband (OWB) holster for concealed carry?
An OWB holster is worn outside the pants, attached to the belt, offering easy access and enhanced comfort. Unlike inside the waistband holsters, OWB holsters sit externally, making draw speed quicker and re-holstering easier. They are often preferred for larger firearms and by those who prioritize comfort during extended wear.
How does concealment differ between OWB and IWB holsters?
OWB holsters generally provide less concealment because the entire holster and firearm are visible unless covered by loose or layered clothing. In contrast, IWB holsters tuck the gun inside the pants, making them harder to detect. Concealing an OWB setup often requires garments like jackets or untucked shirts.
What are the main comfort advantages of carrying OWB?
Carrying OWB eliminates the direct pressure on the body caused by IWB holsters since the holster rests outside the pants. This allows for more comfort, particularly when sitting or driving, and does not necessitate wearing larger pants or specialized belts beyond a sturdy gun belt.
Is carry security affected by choosing an OWB holster?
OWB holsters can be more exposed, potentially increasing the risk of weapon snatching during confrontations. However, many high-quality OWB holsters feature retention devices such as thumb breaks, snaps, or screws to secure the firearm firmly and prevent accidental loss during physical activity.
How does draw speed compare using an OWB holster?
Draws from an OWB holster are typically faster because the firearm is more accessible and not buried under clothing. This can be critical in defensive situations where seconds count, making OWB a favored choice for those who need rapid presentation of their weapon.
What clothing considerations are important when carrying OWB?
Effective concealment of OWB carry often requires layering or loose-fitting clothing to prevent printing (visible outline of the firearm). In warmer weather or with tight garments, concealing an OWB holster can be challenging without additional cover garments.
What types of firearms are suitable for OWB concealed carry?
Larger pistols that may be uncomfortable or difficult to conceal when carried inside the waistband are more manageable with OWB holsters. OWB allows carriers to use full-size handguns comfortably, though concealment depends heavily on clothing choices.
When might someone choose OWB over IWB for concealed carry?
Individuals prioritizing comfort, faster access, or carrying larger firearms often choose OWB holsters. Those working in environments where open carry is legal or who regularly wear jackets find OWB practical. Conversely, users requiring deeper concealment typically favor IWB setups.