Concealed carry isn’t a one-size-fits-all decision. Factors like body type, wardrobe, and firearm size all influence which method works best.
In this guide, we’ll break down the most effective ways to conceal a handgun, examining the real advantages and limitations of each approach so you can choose what fits your needs—not just what’s popular.
What's the Best Way to Conceal Carry?
There’s no universally best method for conceal carry, only what works best for your specific needs. The right concealed carry setup depends on your body type, daily clothing, firearm size, and how you prioritize comfort, access, and concealment.
For most users, inside-the-waistband (IWB) and appendix inside-the-waistband (AIWB) holsters provide the best balance. These methods offer strong concealability, consistent access, and compatibility with a wide range of handgun sizes, especially when paired with adjustable holsters that allow for tuning ride height, cant, and retention.
OWB (outside-the-waistband) carry can also be effective—especially with compact pistols and a proper cover garment—but demands more attention to holster profile, garment length, and pistol dimensions to avoid printing.
Pocket carry is viable for small-frame pistols only if paired with a quality pocket holster that fully protects the trigger and anchors during the draw.
Ultimately, the best method is one that allows you to carry safely, access your firearm efficiently, and maintain concealment throughout daily movement. That means pairing the right holster design with the right position—and testing it under real conditions, not theory.
Best Concealed Carry Method: Inside the Waistband (IWB) Concealed Carry Holsters
No surprise here. Inside the waistband holsters are the standard for concealed carry with good reason. They conceal well and with a good range of pistols. If you select the right holster, they carry comfortably as well. Many people find little to no extra layering is necessary, though some people might.
When looking for an IWB holster, It's important to find a durable, comfortable that adjusts with the person's specs. Whether it's the standard 15deg cant used by the FBI or a custom configuration better suited for ergonomics, it's the best way to keep a pistol accessible.
While there are quite a variety of inside the waistband concealed carry holsters on the market, the best incorporate a pad, clips, and a sturdy polymer holster that is custom fitted to the weapon. Fit and retention of the pistol is especially important, as this ensures the pistol stays exactly where it needs to be until it needs to be used.
Pocket Carry Is Just Fine...If You Use A Pocket Holster
A lot has been said about pocket carry over the years, specifically about how it's dangerous. It CAN be...if you do it wrong. That said, it's easy to not do it wrong. All you need is a decent .
The issue with pocket carry is what happens when people do it wrong. They carry a pistol with a modern striker trigger in the pocket, without a pocket holster. What ends up happening is that the person carrying in this fashion has something else in their pocket, or sits down and starts fidgeting with the pistol. The trigger snags on something, either the fabric itself or something in the pocket, and next thing you know...BANG! Negligent discharge.
The person swears it's never happened before, but the people in the movie theater/restaurant/what have you are not amused and couldn't care less if it hadn't happened before; it just did and there's no excuse for it. Even less so if somebody was injured.
People who carry in this manner are mostly doing so out of carelessness. Carrying without a holster is unsafe no matter what. Luckily, however, there is an easy fix:
Carry with a pocket holster.
By carrying with a pocket holster, the trigger guard is protected, which is of paramount importance in any carry holster, let alone a pocket holster. If you have that base covered, so to speak, that goes a long way.
However, you should take care to select a quality pocket holster. Many are basically a cloth pouch and little more than that. That can cause problems on the draw, as the sights can snag if the holster isn't made to account for the draw...and many aren't. You also want to look for a pocket holster that has a pocket catch feature. Usually it's a wing on one or both edges that snags inside the pocket and lets the gun come free.
You should also take care to make sure that you can't manipulate the trigger through the fabric, if the pocket holster you select is made from some type of cloth. If you can feel the trigger, it's too thin. Leather or - better yet - molded polymer will be your best bets.
Middle Ground Concealed Carry Method: CCW Ankle Holster
It's not particularly easy to get access to an ankle holster. While concealed carry instructors have demonstrated some good techniques, it's sort of counterintuitive.
One of the biggest assets to a CCW is the ability to move around a potential battle space. Having to redirect focus from the target to the holster is a big issue. For those with weak ankles or heavier set - aren't the best option.
Ankle holsters work best only when they've been extensively trained with. For those who prefer a sub-compact or even micro-compact concealed carry pistol - it can be a viable concealed carry method.
OWB Concealed Carry: Works Very Well When It Works
OWB concealed carry isn't impossible...but is more complex than with an IWB holster, requiring a balance of factors in order to get it right.
You need to select a holster that works with your body type, as well as clothes that keep it concealed. You also need to select a pistol that works well with your setup as well. What will that be? That depends entirely on you.
Some people will find that with an OWB holster that rides high and tight, they can conceal darn near anything. Some find that compact pistols about the size of a Glock 19 are about the limit of what they can conceal without having to wear a jacket indoors. You might find that you can conceal slimmer pistols - such as a 1911 - but big, fat double-stack guns are a bridge too far.
Consider also the cover garments you'll be employing. Do you wear a suit every day or do you have a more casual wardrobe? A high-riding belt holster can be covered up fairly easily with an untucked button-up with a somewhat long hem. Many a pistol is concealed by an untucked, unbuttoned flannel shirt positioned just behind the hip on the strongside.
Your mileage, of course, will vary.
OWB concealed carry is, in many cases, the most comfortable way to wear a pistol...but does demand that you set yourself up for success with the right choice of pistol, holster and cover garment for you.
Additionally, keeping concealment while out and about requires good choice of cover garment. Tall sizes of shirt can be a godsend in this regard, so make sure you make a good selection.
Popular Concealed Carry Method: CCW Shoulder Holster
For those that don't wish to carry inside the waistband, one popular option is to use a just right or you won't conceal effectively. How you do that, though...is the rub, so to speak.
As to concealment, additional layers are just necessary, period. There's no getting away with it otherwise. Granted, how MUCH layering is going to be necessary is the trick. As a general rule, the bigger the gun you carry the more layering is necessary. Body type matters too. If your shoulders are wider than your hips, concealment will be easier for obvious reasons.
Shoulder holsters are oriented vertically or horizontally. The former is easier to conceal than the latter, though horizontally-oriented shoulder holsters can still effectively conceal a pistol for plenty of folks. Concealment with a horizontal shoulder holster will get more difficult
Some people will find a compact pistol can be concealed in either orientation with a roomy button-up shirt, worn unbuttoned or buttoned. Others may find that a light jacket may be necessary, and others still will find it only works with a bulky winter coat.
Gun selection also plays a role. Again, a moderately-sized compact may easily conceal in either position for many people. A subcompact will conceal easily for many as well. Full-size guns, however, will conceal easily for some people and not at all for others.
A very popular shoulder holster and gun pairing is a 1911 with a vertical shoulder holster; the slim frame and length pair well in this regard. However, a Sig P220 on a relatively slim person with narrow shoulders in a horizontal shoulder holster...may not work out.
However, some just don't like shoulder carry. Some critics point out that you end up "flagging" yourself or others (meaning the muzzle is pointing at them) and that isn't in the strictest keeping with the , though the truth is carrying inside the waistband flags your legs too. Appendix carry flags something even more sensitive!
Another common complaint is poor strapping, as a good shoulder holster will distribute the weight of the gun to more than one shoulder. This is the Achilles heel of shoulder holsters, as many people have found them uncomfortable.
In short, it's great if you can get it right...but doing so takes some doing.
Middle Ground Concealed Carry Method: CCW Ankle Holster
It's not particularly easy to get access to an ankle holster. While concealed carry instructors have demonstrated some good techniques, it's sort of counterintuitive.
One of the biggest assets to a CCW is the ability to move around a potential battle space. Having to redirect focus from the target to the holster is a big issue. For those with weak ankles or heavier set – ankle holsters aren't the best option.
Ankle holsters work best only when they've been extensively trained with. For those who prefer a sub-compact or even micro-compact concealed carry pistol – it can be a viable concealed carry method.
Concealed Carry Techniques
Selecting the right holster and carry position is only half the equation. To carry effectively and responsibly, you need to apply techniques that maximize concealment, accessibility, and control in real-world scenarios.
Below are key principles and expert-level practices that elevate your concealed carry setup from basic to truly proficient.
Establish a Consistent Draw Stroke
Train for a repeatable draw that works from seated, standing, and moving positions. Whether you carry IWB at the hip or appendix, your draw should follow the same motion path every time. Consistency under pressure is built through repetition.
- Use dry fire practice at home to reinforce muscle memory
- Ensure your grip acquisition begins immediately upon contact with the firearm
- Clear your cover garment with your support hand before drawing
Dress Around the Gun
Successful concealed carry often means adapting your clothing choices:
- Choose dark colors and patterns to reduce printing
- Use longer shirts with structured fabric that hang away from the waist
- Select tall sizes or shirts with extended hems for better OWB concealment
- Avoid overly tight or clingy garments that silhouette the firearm
Layering helps, but smart garment choice can make even a compact pistol disappear without added bulk.
Use Holster Adjustments Intentionally
If your holster offers adjustable ride height, cant, or retention—tune them with purpose:
- Lower ride height typically improves concealment but can slow access
- Forward cant aids concealment at the 4–5 o’clock position
- Higher ride and neutral cant benefit AIWB setups for faster draw
Set retention tight enough to hold the firearm securely under movement, but loose enough to allow a clean, one-handed draw.
Test Your Setup in Motion
You’re not standing still all day. You’re sitting, reaching, driving, walking, and bending.
- Practice drawing from a seated position (especially in vehicles)
- Check for printing when you squat or twist
- Ensure your holster doesn’t shift, pinch, or dig after extended wear
Your gear should remain secure, conceal well, and not interfere with movement or everyday tasks.
Carry Condition Awareness
Make a deliberate decision about carry condition (round chambered or not) and manual safety use. Whatever you choose, train to operate the firearm exactly as you carry it.
- If you carry with a manual safety, train to disengage it on the draw
- If you carry with a chambered round (Condition 1), ensure holster coverage of the trigger is absolute
Reholster slowly and deliberately every time—this is where most negligent discharges occur
Use Spare Magazine Carry When Practical
Low-capacity single-stacks or compact 1911s often benefit from a spare magazine, not just for capacity but for clearing malfunctions. Carry in a dedicated mag pouch, or use combo holsters that accommodate both gun and mag. Avoid loose pocket carry, which allows dirt, movement, and inconsistent orientation.
Practice Realistic Concealed Carry Drills
Go beyond the draw:
- Practice one-handed draws and reloads
- Run malfunction clearance drills from concealment
- Simulate real-world movements—draw while backing up, sidestepping, or verbalizing commands
Train for what actually happens, not just what looks clean on the range.
Conclusion
Carrying concealed is a personal responsibility that extends far beyond simply owning a holster and firearm. Success lies in applying the right method, choosing a configuration that suits your body and lifestyle, and mastering the techniques that support real-world readiness.
Whether you're using an IWB holster for daily carry, exploring appendix positioning for faster access, or carefully tuning your OWB setup for seasonal concealment—your decisions must be based on function, fit, and safety.
More than anything, effective concealed carry comes down to deliberate practice, smart gear selection, and an ongoing commitment to awareness. The more realistic your training, the more reliable your draw will be when it matters. Prioritize comfort, retention, and discretion—but never at the cost of consistency or control.
The right method is the one you can execute flawlessly—every time.