Looking for Tips for OWB Concealed Carry? Outside-the-waistband (OWB) concealed carry offers unbeatable comfort and faster draw access — but making it truly concealed takes more planning than most people expect. The right holster setup, smart positioning, and clothing strategy are key to carrying confidently without giving yourself away.
Whether you’re new to OWB or trying to fine-tune your setup, these tips will help you conceal better, move more naturally, and avoid the rookie mistakes that lead to printing or discomfort.
Here’s how to conceal OWB holsters:
- Choosing the right cover garment for proper concealment
- Why a strong gun belt makes or breaks OWB carry
- How to select an OWB holster that stays tight to the body
- Matching the right firearm to your OWB setup
- How holster positioning changes concealability
- Bonus tips on movement, printing control, and seasonal carry adjustments
Let’s break it down and get your OWB carry setup dialed in right.
1. Choosing the Right Cover Garment for Proper Concealment
For most people using an OWB holster, the first question that comes up is: “How do I cover this without looking like I’m hiding something?” And the truth is, your shirt or jacket can either keep your carry invisible or make it obvious you're packing.
Start with the fabric. Light, clingy materials are terrible at masking the shape of a holster and gun. Look instead for thicker cotton, flannel, canvas, or fleece — fabrics that hang with some weight. A relaxed-fit flannel or an untucked button-down gives your setup the kind of natural drape that hides outlines without screaming “gun owner.”
Length matters too. You want a garment that fully covers the holster at your 3 to 4 o’clock position even when you bend forward or reach for something overhead. The moment your cover garment rides up, you lose your concealment — and that compromises your carry entirely.
Patterns help. Busy prints, plaid, or dark colors break up the silhouette better than solid whites or light greys.
And if you’re dealing with seasonal weather, think layers in winter (hoodies, jackets, coats) and breathable, looser shirts in the heat. Every season has its own concealment challenges, but planning your wardrobe around your carry position is a habit that pays off every day.
2. Why a Strong Gun Belt Makes or Breaks OWB Carry
A lot of guys underestimate the role of a belt — until they see their holster shifting around, sagging, or dragging their pants out of alignment. A strong gun belt isn’t an accessory. It’s the foundation.
A quality belt designed for carry distributes the weight of your gun evenly. It holds your holster tight to the body and prevents bounce or lean. This means less printing, more consistent draw angles, and no awkward fidgeting in public trying to reposition your setup.
Look for a gun belt that’s reinforced — double-stitched leather or nylon with a polymer core. A regular department store belt might look nice, but it’s going to flex under pressure. For OWB specifically, the belt needs to match the holster’s attachment system. If the holster rides on 1.75-inch loops, your belt better fill that space or you’ll get movement. If your holster shifts when you walk, that’s not just annoying — it’s a liability.
When you gear up every day, your belt is what carries the load. Skimp there, and everything else starts falling apart.
3. How to Select an OWB Holster that Stays Tight to the Body
People love the idea of OWB for comfort. But if your holster prints or flops outward when you move, that comfort turns into anxiety fast. Staying discreet with OWB requires a holster that hugs you like it was built for your shape.
Holsters that ride high and close — like pancake-style designs — do the job best. Dual loops keep the holster flush, preventing tilt and wobble. Material matters too. Kydex is rigid and precise, and when it’s molded to your specific firearm, the retention is consistent and secure. If you're leaning toward leather, make sure it's firm and double-layered, or it can get soft and start sagging after a few months of use.
The angle of the holster (cant) and ride height also play a major role in tightness and concealment. A slight forward cant (about 15 degrees) tends to push the grip of the pistol inward, tucking it closer to your ribs. That reduces printing and helps with draw ergonomics. Holsters like the Alien Gear Photon or Cloak Mod OWB give you that adjustability without having to buy extra parts.
You want a holster that fits your body and your carry gun like a second skin. Not just for looks — for safety, consistency, and confidence.
4. Matching the Right Firearm to Your OWB Setup
The gun you carry dictates how easily — or awkwardly — you’ll be able to conceal it with an OWB rig. A full-size pistol might shoot smooth and feel great on the range, but concealing it without a jacket is a real challenge. The longer grip, the wider frame — all of it works against concealment.
That’s why so many OWB carriers gravitate toward mid-size handguns. Something like a Glock 19, a Sig P365 XMacro, or a Springfield Hellcat Pro. These guns strike a balance — big enough to shoot well and hold decent capacity, but small enough to tuck into a well-fitted holster and disappear under a flannel.
Shorter barrels help — but not for the reason you think. A slightly longer slide can actually help the grip angle push into your body, reducing printing. So, don’t default to the shortest gun possible. Focus more on grip height, frame width, and compatibility with your carry style.
Lastly, always match your gun to a holster that's purpose-built for that model. Alien Gear OWB holsters are molded to exact specs, and their modular shells mean you can adapt as your gun or preferences change — without buying an entirely new rig.
5. How Holster Positioning Changes Concealability
Positioning is the key to keeping your carry invisible in plain sight. If you’re wearing your OWB rig dead on your hip at 3 o’clock, the butt of the pistol is likely sticking out every time you turn or move. Go too far back at 5 o’clock and you’ve got slower access and harder concealment when sitting down.
The sweet spot for most right-handed carriers is around 3:30 to 4:00. At this angle, the gun sits just behind the hip bone, angled slightly forward. The natural curve of your torso helps cover the grip, and your shirt falls more naturally over it. It’s also one of the fastest positions to draw from under a cover garment.
Fine-tune the cant to match your draw preference. A slight forward tilt (10–15 degrees) helps align the grip with your wrist and forearm during the draw stroke, especially when seated or moving.
Also, body type plays a role. If you’ve got broader shoulders or a stocky build, test positions in front of a mirror. A few inches forward or back on the belt can make the difference between “stealth mode” and “hey, what’s that bump?”
6. Movement, Printing Control, and Seasonal Carry Adjustments
Here’s the real-world test for OWB carry: walking, sitting, driving, reaching for the top shelf at the grocery store. That’s when most carriers start second-guessing their setup.
When you move, your shirt rides up, your jacket flares, and the grip of your pistol can start to show. That’s why practicing movement in your chosen clothing is non-negotiable. Look at your profile in mirrors. Sit in a chair. Reach high and watch what your shirt does.
In cooler months, you’re in luck. Hoodies, flannel overshirts, and jackets give you natural concealment. But in the summer, you’ll need to get more strategic — opt for dark t-shirts with loose hems or untucked polos, and maybe drop from a full-size gun to a compact with a shorter grip.
Also, get used to subtle movement tricks. When sitting down, use your forearm to push the holster forward slightly — it looks like you’re adjusting your shirt or stretching, but it keeps your pistol from printing or peeking out. In the car, unbuckle your seatbelt before reaching for the gun. And always sweep your shirt clear before sitting — most printing happens because the cover garment gets trapped between your back and the seat.
Don’t just wear the gun — learn to move with it. That’s the difference between carrying and carrying confidently.
Are You Carrying in a Way That Actually Works for Your Life?
OWB concealed carry brings comfort and faster access, but it also comes with real challenges. Printing, shifting holsters, and poor concealment often frustrate carriers who haven’t fine-tuned their setup. The way you carry needs to work with your body, your clothes, and your environment — not just look good in a product photo.
Here’s a quick recap of the most practical tips for getting it right:
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Cover garments make the difference. Go for loose, heavier fabrics and longer hems that move with you and conceal reliably.
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A proper gun belt isn’t optional. If your holster leans, shifts, or prints, it’s probably your belt that’s letting you down.
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Your OWB holster should sit tight to the body. Models with dual belt loops or paddle options that hug the waist reduce printing and improve comfort.
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Gun size matters — but it’s about more than just barrel length. Slim grips, shorter slides, and low-profile designs improve concealment without sacrificing shootability.
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Your carry position changes everything. Find the right balance at 3:30–4:00 with a forward cant to keep the grip tucked and accessible.
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Don’t forget about movement and seasonal changes. What works in winter may fail in summer. Adjust your setup and practice accordingly.
So if you're looking for OWB concealed carry tips, or trying to solve for better concealment, quicker access, and more reliable gear — the solution is to build around the right foundation.
Alien Gear Holsters offers some of the most thoughtfully designed OWB holsters on the market. Whether you go with the Cloak Mod OWB Holster, Photon Paddle Holster, or belt slide options, you're getting a holster engineered to sit closer, draw smoother, and stay stable throughout your day. Each model is adjustable, molded for specific firearms, and made for real-world concealed carry — not just range days.
Ready to carry with less printing and more control?