Whether you’re brand new to concealed carry or looking to refine your everyday setup, appendix carry—commonly referred to as AIWB—has become one of the most popular carry methods available today. Its appeal lies in the balance it offers between concealment, speed, and accessibility, making it a strong option for many responsibly armed citizens.
What Is Appendix Carry (AIWB)?
Appendix carry simply means carrying your firearm in the front of your waistband, typically between the 12:30 and 2:00 position for right-handed shooters, with left-handed shooters mirroring that placement.
This positioning allows for a fast, efficient draw and excellent concealment, especially while standing or moving. However, appendix carry also emphasizes proper equipment and safe handling.
Why Appendix Carry Requires Purpose-Built Gear
Because the firearm is carried at the front of the body, appendix carry requires a holster designed specifically for this position. Proper trigger guard coverage, rigid construction, and stable retention are non-negotiable for safe and effective AIWB carry.
This is where purpose-built holsters like the Alien Gear PHOTON® Holster come into play, engineered to meet the specific requirements of appendix carry.
How the Alien Gear PHOTON® Holster Supports Appendix Carry
What truly separates appendix carry from other methods isn’t just where the firearm sits, but how the holster interacts with the body. A proper appendix carry holster must fully cover the trigger guard and maintain rigid construction to help prevent negligent discharges.
The PHOTON® Holster checks these boxes while also incorporating appendix-specific design elements that support both safety and concealment.
Reducing Printing and Improving Concealment
One of the most common challenges with appendix carry is printing. The PHOTON® Holster addresses this with an integrated claw that rotates the grip inward toward the body, significantly reducing the firearm’s profile under clothing.
This subtle rotation helps keep the grip tucked in, making concealment more consistent across a wide range of body types and clothing styles.
Adjustability, Fit, and All-Day Comfort
Adjustability is a key component of a successful appendix carry setup. The PHOTON® Holster allows users to fine-tune ride height and retention, making it easier to achieve a consistent draw and a full firing grip without sacrificing comfort.
Pairing the holster with a quality gun belt is equally important, as a proper belt keeps everything stable and supported throughout the day. For extended wear, the PHOTON® Holster backer is a valuable addition, acting as a soft barrier between the firearm and the body to reduce pressure points and improve all-day comfort.
Choosing the Right Firearm for Appendix Carry
Firearm selection also plays an important role in the comfort and concealment of appendix carry.
Compact and subcompact pistols are often preferred for AIWB, and the PHOTON® Holster is designed to accommodate these sizes while still supporting full-sized firearms. Its slim profile keeps the firearm close to the body, helping strike a balance between concealability, capacity, and shootability.
With the right adjustments, appendix carry can be both practical and comfortable for daily use.
Safety Considerations for Appendix Carry
Safety is especially important with appendix carry, and holster design has a direct impact here. Drawing from an appendix carry follows the same fundamental firearm safety rules—maintaining proper muzzle awareness and keeping the finger off the trigger—but reholstering deserves extra care.
The rigid mouth of the PHOTON® Holster stays open when the firearm is removed, enabling safer, more controlled reholstering. Taking an extra moment to visually confirm alignment and slowly guide the firearm back into the holster can significantly reduce risk.
Clothing and Setup Tips for Better Concealment
Comfort and concealment are also influenced by clothing choices, though a well-designed holster makes adaptation easier. Looser shirts, higher-rise pants, and naturally draping fabrics tend to work well with appendix carry.
The PHOTON® Holster’s claw further minimizes printing, even under lighter cover garments. Small adjustments to ride height, cant, or belt tension often lead to noticeable improvements, and the PHOTON® Holster is designed to make those adjustments quick and straightforward.
Pros and Cons of Appendix Carry
Like any carry method, appendix carry has its advantages and drawbacks. It offers fast access, excellent concealment, and strong weapon retention, but it can feel unfamiliar at first and requires discipline—particularly during reholstering.
Understanding these tradeoffs helps carriers decide whether AIWB is the right fit for their lifestyle and training level.
Is Appendix Carry Right for You?
With proper training, thoughtful setup, and an appendix-specific holster like the Alien Gear PHOTON® Holster, many carriers find appendix carry to be one of the most effective and comfortable concealed carry options available.
If you’re exploring appendix carry or looking to upgrade your current setup, the PHOTON® Holster is purpose-built around safety, comfort, and concealment—making it a strong choice for responsible everyday carry.
Stay safe, train smart, and carry confidently