If you are a legal gun owner who practices concealed carry, an inside the waistband (IWB) holster can be a very good pick for you. Are you planning to buy an IWB holster but still have no idea on which to choose? Still can’t decide which to buy with the many kinds and styles of IWB holsters out in the market? Let me help you with that. In this article, I have listed the best IWB holsters to satisfy your needs and taste. But before we proceed to that, let us know about IWB holsters first.
Advantages of IWB Holsters
1. Easy to conceal
Compared to outside the waistband (OWB) holsters, IWB holsters conceals your gun easier since you can just simply tuck it inside your pants and cover its handle with your shirt.
2. Fast to draw
IWB holsters allow you to quickly draw your gun compared to other holsters like ankle holsters, pocket holsters, or shoulder holsters because it is placed in the part of your body where you can easily access it.
3. Secured
IWB holsters will be hard to be snatched away from you in case you happen to have a brawl with someone because it is not only tucked inside your pants; it is also secured in your belt.
Materials Used in IWB Holsters
The type of material used in holsters has its advantages and disadvantages. Mostly, the material used in an IWB holster affects the comfort of the person using it and the durability of the holster.
1. Leather
This material is durable and conforms to the shape of the gun overtime. Also, the look and feel of leather is really appealing. However, humid or moist environment will allow it to absorb moisture which may not only damage your holster but also induce rust-formation in your gun. Also, it has a tendency to collapse when the holster is not properly made.
2. Plastic
This material is strong and durable. It does not collapse easily from the regular drawing and tucking of your gun. It also allows smoother drawing of your gun. However, this material has a stiff design and gives a rough feeling, thus, it may be uncomfortable.
3. Nylon
This material is softer compared to the others so it is also more comfortable to wear. The actual material has an abrasive texture but in holsters, it is usually covered in a different material on the outside to make it more comfortable to wear. This material is not as durable as plastic but it is still stronger than leather.
4. Hybrid
As the name implies, this is a combination of the materials mentioned above that was blended to attain comfort, durability, and effectiveness. If this material will have its downside, it would be that it may lack visual appeal.
Ways of Securing IWB Holsters
1. Clips
Clips are wrapped around the belt and are connected to the holster which allows it to hang inside your pants. It can be made of plastic, metal, or leather. This type of attachment allows you to easily put your holster on and off. However, it can also be easily removed when you draw your gun too carelessly.
2. Straps
Straps allow your IWB holster to be slipped into your belt. It may be less convenient to put on and take off but it prevents your holster from being detached from your belt.
Factors to Consider in Choosing the Best IWB Holster
It is a given that we should consider our hand orientation when choosing our holster. Some holsters don’t offer a left-handed option, so if you are left-handed, always make sure to check if there is one available for you. We don’t want our gun positioned on the wrong side. But, aside from that, here are the basic factors that you should pay attention to when choosing your best IWB holster.
1. Comfort
Comfort is a very important factor in choosing the best IWB holsters. This may affect your decision of whether to carry your gun with you or just leave it at home. You don’t want your rough holster scratching your skin all the time. You don’t want your firearm digging into your side. For a comfortable holster it is good to use a soft but durable material. Examples of this are leather or nylon.
However, these materials are still less durable compared to plastic. To feel more comfortable in using IWB holsters, I recommend that you use pants or shorts with slightly larger waist sizes to provide some space for your gun.
2. Security
The best IWB holsters secure your gun in its position and prevent it from moving around your belt. You don’t want to constantly fix your gun’s position while walking or doing your everyday activities.
3. Size
Of course, every gun has a holster size that it fits into. Holsters have different shapes and sizes. Not all holster models may fit to your gun size. Some holsters are even specific to some gun models. An example of this is glock 26 holsters. So, before choosing the IWB holster of your type, consider the size of your gun first. Check if there is an available size of that type of holster for your gun. A good holster can accommodate different gun sizes.
4. Retention and Accessibility
Not all gun owners consider retention as an important factor, but if you are someone who greatly values safety, might as well consider it. Your IWB holster must be able to secure your gun so as to avoid accidents like accidental firing. However it must also allow fast access to your gun when you need it. The key is to find the right balance between these two.
Seven Best IWB Holsters
1. Ultimate Belly Band Holster – for “One Size Fits All” Concealed Carry
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This holster has a belly band which stretches to fit up to a 44″ belly so you don’t have to worry about it not fitting your waistline. It has a spare magazine pocket which you can use when you go hunting and you need more bullets. It is also available in both right hand and left hand draw.
- Comfort
- Security
- Size
- R & A
This holster is made up of a neoprene material which is soft and comfortable enough to wear directly against your skin. Unlike other elastic materials, it does not pinch your skin and body hairs. Also, this holster does not limit you to clothes which use belts. This is one of the best IWB holsters for ladies who love wearing different types of clothes.
The neoprene material of this product is thick enough to allow your holster to handle the weight of your gun very well. It also provides great support for your gun. I like this product because it really tucks my gun in place because the holster is part of the belly band which does not freely move in my waist.
This model fits small subcompact, compact and even full size pistols and revolvers. It can fit Glock 19, 17, 42, 43, P238, Ruger LCP, and other similar-sized guns. If you own many types of guns, this is the best IWB holster for you since you can use it in any of them.
This model has a retention strap which you can use optionally. Since it has a flexible, elastic holster, it is also easy to draw.
Pros
- Neoprene material is sift and comfortable
- No need for a belt so it can be used in different types of clothes
- Handles your gun’s weight very well
- One size fits all
- Has optional retention strap
- Has spare magazine pockets
- Has a belly band which stretches to fit up to a 44″ belly
Cons
- Clip of the retention strap might be blocked if worn under your pants
- Needs getting used to
2. Cloak Tuck 3.5 Holster
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This holster features a custom-molded retention shell available in right- or left-handed orientations. The sweat-wicking Neoprene backing fabric ensures that this holster remains comfortable throughout hours of wear.
- Comfort
- Security
- Size
- R & A
The Cloak Tuck 3.5 Holster features a breathable Neoprene backing for added comfort. Available in right- or left-handed orientations. Fabric-covered edges for wearing against the skin. Holster conforms to fit your body, no matter where you wear it.
With a custom-molded retention shell, your firearm is guaranteed to never budge when housed in this holster. Despite a snug, confident fit, you can easily and quickly withdraw your firearm when needed.
Available in an extremely wide range of custom-molded retention shells for the perfect fit every time.
This holster features a fully adjustable retention.
Pros
- Soft Neoprene fabric for more comfortable wear
- Custom-molded retention shell for a perfect fit
- Adjustable height, cant, and retention
- Made in the U.S.A.
- Lifetime warranty
- Excellent draw speed
Cons
- Plastic material can be uncomfortable
- Retention shell only fits one firearm
3. Concealment Express IWB KYDEX Holster – with Adjustable Cant & Retention
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This product is made of a plastic material which is thick enough to maintain its rigid structural integrity for a lifetime. It has an easily adjustable Carry Angle (Cant) from 0-15 degrees which allows you to position it at your convenience.
- Comfort
- Security
- Size
- R & A
This product is comfortable to use because it only adds minimal weight and size to your gun. You don’t have to worry about additional bulk inside your pants.
This product is custom made so it perfectly fits. Thus, you don’t have to worry of losing your gun in place.
This product is only specifically molded for Taurus 111 140 Millennium G2 pistols.
This model fully covers the trigger area so you can avoid accidental firing. Its retention pressure is also easily adjustable so you can regulate it so that you can also easily draw your gun. Another is that it has an audible retention lock system which lets you know when your weapon is properly holstered so you can trust its safety.
Pros
- Rigid structure for durability
- Custom made so it perfectly fits
- Minimal weight and size thus, more comfortable
- Fully covers trigger for safety
- Easily adjustable retention pressure and cant
Cons
- Limited to Taurus 111 140 Millennium G2 pistols
- Plastic material can be uncomfortable
4. S&W M&P Shield 9/40 IWB Holster – has High Impact and Temperature Resistance
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This product uses a plastic material that allows it to withstand high impact and resist temperature changes.
- Comfort
- Security
- Size
- R & A
Like the Concealment Express IWB KYDEX Holster, this product is also comfortable to use because it only adds minimal weight and size to your gun so you don’t have to worry about additional bulk and weight. Also it has adjustable cant which allows you to position it at your convenience.
This holster gives a good grip to your gun. It also has a wide clip that prevents your holster from moving around your belt.
This holster is for S&W M&P Shield 9/40 pistols.
This model fairly retains your gun while allowing easy drawing by minimizing friction points.
Pros
- Has high impact and temperature resistance
- Perfectly fits
- Minimal weight and size for more comfort
- Minimized friction points for easier drawing
- Easily adjustable retention pressure and cant
Cons
- Limited to S&W M&P Shield 9/40 pistols
- Plastic material can be uncomfortable
5. The Defender Leather IWB Holster – for Optimum Performance and Comfort
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This product is made of genuine leather which gives a satisfying feel and appearance.
- Comfort
- Security
- Size
- R & A
Compared to plastic, this leather holster feels more comfortable to the skin. It also adds minimal size to your gun so you don’t have to be uneasy because of bulks inside your pants.
This product has a strap that allows you to slip it into your belt so you don’t have to worry about it being detached.
This holster fits lock 17, 19, 21, 23, 26, S&W M&P, S&W Shield, Sig P239 and all Similar Guns.
This product fully covers the trigger to avoid accidental firing. It is also form-fitted so you can be sure your gun is in perfect fit. This holster also allows quick access.
Pros
- Leather feels more comfortable to the skin
- Form fitting
- Strap secures holster in belt
- Allows quick access
- Fits many different types of handguns
Cons
- Leather material is less durable than plastic and can absorb moisture
6. The Ultimate Suede Leather IWB Holster – for Maximum Comfort
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This product is almost the same as the Defender Leather IWB Holster except that it is made of suede leather instead of defender leather. Being made of genuine leather, it gives a satisfying feel and appearance.
- Comfort
- Security
- Size
- R & A
Compared to plastic, this leather holster feels more comfortable to the skin. Compared to defender leather, it is more comfortable because of its velvety texture. It also adds minimal size to your gun so you don’t have to be uneasy because of bulks inside your pants.
This product has a strap that allows you to slip it into your belt so you don’t have to worry about it being detached.
This holster fits lock 17, 19, 21, 23, 26, S&W M&P, S&W Shield, Sig P239 and all Similar Guns.
This product fully covers the trigger to avoid accidental firing. This holster also allows quick access.
Pros
- Leather feels more comfortable to the skin
- Strap secures holster in belt
- Allows quick access
- Fits many different types of handguns
Cons
- Leather material is less durable than plastic and can absorb moisture
- May be hard to re-holster
7. Uncle Mike’s Nylon Open Top Style Inside-The-Pant Holster – with Internal Moisture Barrier
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This product has an internal moisture barrier which prevents perspiration or moisture to be transmitted to your gun. This can be one of the best IWB holsters for you if you are someone who lives in a place with high humidity or if you are someone who perspires a lot.
- Comfort
- Security
- Size
- R & A
This model has ultra-thin, four-layer laminate which is no thicker than conventional suede leather holsters which makes it comfortable to use. The material used is also soft so you won’t feel uneasy as it touches your skin. You will not be uneasy of extra large mass inside your pants because this holster takes up minimal space.
This product has a belt clip that will be slipped over your pant top and belt to hold your gun securely.
This product has different sizes that you can choose from to suit your gun size.
This holster fully covers the trigger so you can avoid accidental firing. It also has a smooth lining that allows you to draw your gun more easily.
Pros
- Has internal moisture barrier
- Has ultra-thin, four-layer laminate for comfort
- Soft material
- Has good belt clip for security
- Has different holster sizes
- Has smooth lining for easier drawing
Cons
- May not perfectly fit on all gun types
- Can be unsteady if not fit perfectly
Conclusion
Now that we have laid you the options for the best IWB holsters, let us now pick the best choice of them all.
OUR TOP CHOICE
Before we end, I’ll give you the top choice and best value for this selection. If you’re really looking for durability and comfort, select the Cloak Tuck 3.0 IWB Holster.
Why is this my top choice?
This particular brand is tried and tested for me: it’s sturdy, comfortable to wear in any position and any angle, and securely fits my weapon without being too heavy.
BEST VALUE
On the other hand, if you really want to get the best value for your money, select the Ultimate Suede Leather IWB Holster.
It fits a wide range of handguns, which means you can use it for a lot of your collection.
Furthermore, this holster also features great quality material (original leather), comfort, and excellent fit for your gun.
And we end at that. Did you find this article helpful? If you did, leave a comment below and tell me what you think. Don’t forget to share with your friends, too!
One more thing, I have the list of Best Hunting Boots here and show you how to choose it! Check this article for more information!