How to Concealed Carry IWB
How to Concealed Carry IWB
Imagine how you'll feel once you've mastered how to carry IWB concealed. Your friends and family will quickly notice your infectious confidence. You'll feel safe, and empowered. You'll be prepared for an unexpected attack, and you'll carry yourself assuredly, even in new environments.The Best Way to Carry IWB
In this article, you'll discover how to carry an IWB holster so that it's comfortable and concealable. You'll need to practice your draw, but you'll have the fundamental knowledge you need to progress in your concealed carry journey, no matter your current skill level.
Why IWB Holsters are so Popular
IWB holsters are the most popular method of concealed carry. Why? Because this method of carry, if the holster is well designed, is both comfortable, and highly concealable. Even if you prefer to wear tighter-fitting clothes, many inside-the-waistband holster designs can help you avoid printing.
This is an especially appealing advantage for women, whose fashion options gravitate towards form-fitting styles. For women, concealed carry can be more difficult, which is why our IWB Holster employs an ultra-slim design with sacrificing safety or comfort.
The process of putting on your IWB holster will go smoothly if you do it correctly. However, it's important to keep in mind that not all IWB holsters are designed the same, so they require various installment methods.
Types of IWB Holsters
Some IWB holsters are designed for easy installation; they don't feature belt clips, and the idea is to simply shove them into the waistband. If you purchase a cloth holster of this type, you'll encounter two common problems:
- The holster can easily come loose as your draw
- It's difficult to reholster due to the pocket space inside the holster collapsing
Conversely, a plastic holster of this type is easy to reholster (assuming the holster doesn't come out as you draw), since it retains its shape. However, plastic holsters are typically uncomfortable.
When it comes to EDC, comfort is key. If your holster isn't comfortable, you're more likely to leave your holster, along with your firearm, at home. And that, obviously, defeats the entire purpose.
So, how do you wear an inside-the-waistband holster? What are the best concealed carry IWB positions?
This is why the hybrid IWB holster design is popular; it simply works better. Tactica's IWB hybrid holster features two belt clips that securely fasten your holster to your gun belt, and will prevent your holster from moving, no matter how many times you draw.
The custom-molded shell securely retains your firearm, and the soft, neoprene backing provides comfort while distributing the weight of your firearm. This smart and slim design is perfect for concealed carry; however, the installation process is slightly more involved.
But don't worry, once you master the process of putting on your IWB holster, the extra few seconds of effort in the morning will serve you greatly throughout the day. You'll be carrying comfortably and securely.
How to Put on Your IWB Concealed Carry Holster
If this is your first time putting on your IWB holster, we recommend that your gun isn't in your holster.
To put on your IWB holster, follow this step-by-step process:
- Unhook your belt
- Unfasten your pant button
- Slide the holster into the carry position of your choice
- Place the clips over your belt
- Fasten your waistband and belt
After you get comfortable with this process, you can start holstering with your firearm inserted. However, you don't have to; choose the method that works best for you.
What Are the IWB Holster Carry Positions?
Concealed carry positions are akin to a clock. Since your waist is a roundish shape, the basic concealed carry positions are as follows:
- Belly button - 12 o'clock position
- Point of your hips - 3 o'clock and 9 o'clock
- Small of your back - 6 o'clock.
Small of the back carry is not recommended because if you're pinned to the ground not only will your firearm be nearly impossible to access, but it could cause serious damage to your spine.
What is the best place to conceal carry your IWB? That depends on your personal preference and your build. The 4'clock and 4:30 positions are very natural, popular concealed carry positions for IWB and OWB carry. If you're larger, it may be more comfortable to carry on your side at the 3 o'clock position, considering the extra weight may cause discomfort in the 4:30 position.
With time, through the process of trial and error, you'll discover the position that's most comfortable for you, and you'll be feeling more confident than ever.
Customizing Your Draw on Your IWB Concealed Carry Holster
You may want to customize your retention before you put on your holster. The retention is essentially how tight or loose your gun is inside your holster.
If drawing your firearm is too difficult, or if it's too easy, you should probably make an adjustment. Your firearm shouldn't be floating around loosely in your holster, but the retention also shouldn't be too tight that you can't draw your firearm swiftly.
Unlike some other holsters, the retention on Tactica's IWB Holster can be easily adjusted. Simply use the Allen wrench that's included with the holster to make your adjustments. Make your adjustments slowly and in small increments until you're happy with your retention.
You can also adjust the cant and ride height with removable, toolless clips. The cant is the angle of your gun (you might discover that it feels more natural to draw from one specific angle over others). The ride height is how high up the holster sits on your side.
With three clip hole options on each side, you can create the cant of your choice, and choose your preferable ride height. It might take a while to find the positioning that's most comfortable for you, but once you find your sweet spot, you'll be able to carry comfortably and easily with your IWB holster daily. Keep going, because you're well on your way.