Collection: Concealed Carry Holsters

Benefits of Getting the Right Holster for Concealed Carry

Choosing the right concealed carry holster isn’t just about gear — it’s about comfort, safety, and reliability throughout your day. The wrong fit can lead to printing, discomfort, poor retention, or even unsafe conditions. By understanding how holsters address real-world carry challenges, you can avoid common mistakes and carry with confidence.

Reduced Printing

The right holster helps prevent printing — when the outline of your firearm shows through clothing. Features like adjustable cant, ride height, and claw attachments are specifically designed to angle the grip inward and keep the gun discreet under light clothing.

All-Day Comfort

Poorly designed holsters can cause pinching, sweating, or pressure points. The best concealed carry holsters prioritize comfort by distributing weight evenly and using materials that contour to the body. Alien Gear’s use of neoprene backers in hybrid designs helps reduce irritation, even when sitting or driving for extended periods.

Enhanced Safety

A proper holster fully covers the trigger guard, provides secure retention, and allows for safe, one-handed reholstering. These features reduce the risk of accidental discharge — especially critical when carrying appendix inside the waistband (AIWB).

Better Draw Consistency

Consistent draw strokes matter under pressure. A holster with the correct ride height, retention, and cant angle ensures your firearm is always in the same place, oriented for fast and repeatable access — whether you're carrying at 3 o’clock, 4 o’clock, or appendix.

Adaptability to Your Lifestyle

Whether you're in business attire, activewear, or casual clothing, the right holster should adapt to your environment. Modular designs, tuckable clips, and compact profiles help integrate concealed carry into your daily routine without drawing attention.

Material Comparison: Kydex vs Leather vs Hybrid (Neoprene)

Key Takeaway: For users seeking the best balance of comfort, retention, and modularity, hybrid holsters with a neoprene backer and Kydex shell offer a highly functional solution for daily concealed carry.

Tips to Choose the Best Concealed Carry Holster

1. Prioritize Safety First

A proper concealed carry holster must fully cover the trigger guard and hold your gun securely. Passive retention should be tight enough to keep the firearm in place during movement, but not so tight that it impedes your draw.

2. Match the Holster to Your Clothing Style

If you wear fitted shirts, consider appendix carry with a claw to reduce printing. For tucked-in shirts, look for tuckable clips. Wearing athletic gear? A belly band holster or low-profile IWB rig may suit better. The best concealment holsters disappear under your clothing without compromise.

3. Consider Your Body Type and Carry Position

Appendix carry works well for lean or average builds, while 3–5 o’clock IWB holsters may be better for broader torsos. Try different ride heights and cant angles to find what aligns with your draw stroke and comfort zone.

4. Look for Adjustability and Modularity

Holsters with adjustable cant and ride height give you flexibility to fine-tune your draw and concealment. Modular systems like Alien Gear’s ShapeShift allow you to change carry configurations (IWB, OWB, appendix) with one shell.

5. Verify Fitment for Your Exact Firearm

Make sure the holster is molded to your specific handgun make, model, and configuration — especially if you carry with a red dot sight, threaded barrel, or weapon-mounted light. Poor fitment can compromise both safety and retention.

6. Don’t Underestimate Comfort

Even the best holster will end up in a drawer if it’s uncomfortable. Look for features like neoprene padding, vented backing, and minimal pressure points. Comfort matters most when carrying for long hours or in seated positions (like driving).

7. Test Your Setup at Home First

Before carrying in public, spend time wearing your holster around the house. Practice drawing, reholstering, sitting, and bending. Small adjustments in clip position or cant angle can make a big difference in concealment and access.