Discover The 3 Best Types Of Waistband Holster For Concealed Carry

Looking for the best waistband holster for concealed carry? A waistband holster is any holster worn on the waistband — whether inside (IWB) or outside (OWB) — and it's the most common, practical option for daily concealed carry. But not all waistband holsters are created equal, and choosing the wrong type can make carry uncomfortable, slow, or hard to conceal.

Here are the 3 best waistband holster types for concealed carry:

• Strongside IWB Holster

• Appendix Carry Holster (AIWB)

• High-Ride OWB Holster

Each offers different benefits in terms of comfort, concealment, access, and compatibility with your body and your gear. In this guide, we’ll break down what makes each of them work, when they shine, and what you need to know before you pick one.

Let’s dive in and find out which waistband holster fits your carry style best.

1. Strongside IWB Holster: The Everyday Concealed Carry Standard

If you're just getting started with waistband carry, this is where most people begin — and for good reason. The strongside IWB (inside-the-waistband) holster rides between the 3 and 5 o’clock position (right side, behind the hip for right-handers). It's one of the most versatile, proven ways to conceal a firearm day after day, with thousands of carriers trusting it from morning commute to midnight gas stops.

Why It Works

• Easy to conceal in most clothing. A plain t-shirt, flannel, or hoodie is usually all it takes.

• Compatible with almost any handgun. From subcompact Glocks to full-size 1911s — this carry style handles it all.

• Keeps the gun close to your body. That means tighter concealment, reduced printing, and more control in a scuffle.

• Widely supported. There are more strongside IWB holsters on the market than any other — which means more options, more adjustability, more proven setups.

What to Consider

• Comfort depends on the setup. Ride height, cant, padding, materials — they all matter. Cheap holsters feel cheap.

• Can get uncomfortable while sitting. In a car for long periods or working at a desk? You’ll feel it.

• Draw speed is average. Not slow, but not as fast as appendix or OWB for most people.

Why This Holster Matters

This is the holster you can wear all day, every day, in most outfits, with most guns. It’s the jack-of-all-trades solution. You’re not relying on a jacket, not limiting yourself to micro-compacts, and not locked into special clothing choices. If you want something stable, discreet, and battle-tested, this is the baseline every shooter should understand first.

2. Appendix Carry Holster (AIWB): Fastest Draw, Most Debated Fit

Appendix carry lives in the front — usually between 12 and 2 o’clock — and it’s the go-to for shooters who prioritize speed, control, and mobility. It’s also the most polarizing waistband carry method: some swear by it, others swear it off after day one.

But when it works, it works hard.

Why It Works

• Fastest draw of any waistband setup. Your hand is already halfway there.

• Clean, compact footprint. Ideal for tight carry environments or minimalist gear setups.

• Sits right where you can reach it. In a fight, in a vehicle, on your back? Your gun is right in front of you.

• Supports a range of pistol sizes. Despite myths, you can carry full-size guns appendix — if the holster is built right.

What to Consider

• Comfort is body-dependent. A long torso and high waist make appendix carry more forgiving. Low waist? Short torso? Expect a steeper learning curve.

• Movement can cause digging or pressure. Sitting, bending, crouching — your holster moves with you, for better or worse.

• Holster design is critical. Look for wedge systems, padded backers, and claw attachments that rotate the grip in and spread the pressure out.

Why This Holster Matters

Appendix carry is built for people who need speed. If you’re a civilian preparing for high-threat scenarios, if you're often seated and need instant access, or if you train hard and want your gear to respond fast — this holster delivers.

It’s a lifestyle setup. If it fits you, it will feel like the fastest draw you’ve ever owned. If not, you’ll know in about 10 minutes of sitting down.

3. High-Ride OWB Holster: Classic Comfort with Speed on Tap

Old-school in all the right ways, the high-ride OWB (outside-the-waistband) holster offers unmatched comfort, smoother draws, and long-lasting durability. It rides high and tight on your hip, making concealment possible — but not effortless.

This is for the shooter who values comfort first, trains regularly, and is willing to dress around their setup.

Why It Works

• Most comfortable waistband carry style. Nothing is pressing against your body or riding inside your waistband.

• Faster draw speed with open garments. Button-up shirt? Unzipped hoodie? That gun is in your hand now.

• Ideal for large-frame pistols. Carrying a full-size gun? This holster doesn’t care.

• Easy retention tuning. Most OWB holsters offer adjustable tension, retention screws, and serious holster rigidity.

What to Consider

• Requires smarter clothing choices. Short shirts or tight fits won't cut it. You’ll need coverage and drape.

• Bulkier for day-to-day concealment. It’s not the best summer carry setup unless you downsize your gun.

• More noticeable printing risk. A thick grip or tall slide can show easily if you’re not careful.

Why This Holster Matters

If comfort matters more than deep concealment, or if you’re carrying full-size handguns as a daily routine, OWB is hard to beat. It’s the range gunner’s favorite, the trainer’s daily rig, and a rock-solid choice when concealment isn’t the only priority.

If you’re layering up, carrying in fall or winter, or just want your gear to ride easy without digging into your body — this setup wins every time.

The Real Question: What’s the Best Waistband Holster For You?

All three waistband holster types work. But not all three will work for you. That depends on:

• Your body shape

• Your lifestyle (office? outdoors? driving?)

• Your wardrobe

• Your firearm size

• How much comfort vs speed vs concealment you want

You don’t pick a waistband holster to just “have one.” You pick it because you’re planning to carry daily — comfortably, discreetly, and with confidence.

Holster Type	Best For	Key Strength
Strongside IWB	Most body types, all-day carry	Versatility & concealment
Appendix Carry	Fast draw, seated access, minimal gear	Speed & front access
High-Ride OWB	Comfort, range use, cooler months	Comfort & draw speed

Which Holster Will You Trust to Be There When It Counts?

Choosing the right waistband holster isn’t just about comfort or style — it’s about being ready. Every carry position comes with trade-offs. What matters is choosing the one that fits your lifestyle, your body, and your real-world needs.

Here’s the breakdown one last time:

• Strongside IWB is the most versatile, most proven choice for daily concealed carry. It balances concealment and comfort better than anything else.

• Appendix carry (AIWB) offers unmatched speed and front-side access — ideal for seated draws, defensive readiness, and low-profile setups.

• High-Ride OWB delivers the most comfort, faster draws, and rock-solid retention — perfect for colder weather, bigger guns, and all-day carry.

There's no universal “best.” There's only the holster that works best for you — and you only figure that out by understanding your carry environment, your body, and your weapon.

Ready to Find the Holster That Actually Fits You?

Explore our full lineup of waistband holsters — from IWB to AIWB to OWB — all backed by the craftsmanship and comfort that serious carriers trust every day.

👉 Shop at Alien Gear