How to Choose the Best Glock 19 Holster

Choosing the right holster to fit your needs (and gun) is not only one of the most important parts of carrying a firearm, but it can also be the most challenging. So, if you are looking for concealed carry holsters for Glock 19, we are here to help you know what to look for.

This article covers everything from design and comfort to material and holster types to help you choose a quality Glock 19 concealed carry holster that will fit your needs.

But before we talk about the fundamentals of a Glock 19 holster, let’s talk about the exceedingly popular pistol.

About the Glock 19

Whether you know the Glock 19 for its use as a service pistol or you have heard this popular gun mentioned more than once, we can all agree this is a great option for a concealed carry weapon.

Over the years, Glock pistols have become some of the most commonly carried firearms to date. They are known for their safety, durability, and reliability, which are only a few of the reasons they are the concealed carry firearm of choice for many shooters.

The Glock 19 is a compact and versatile striker-fired pistol that is chambered in 9mm Luger. This gun is built with a high-strength nylon-based polymer and comes complete with Glock’s Safe Action System.

While the Glock 19 comes standard with a 15-round magazine, extended magazines are available, allowing you to increase the capacity to an impressive 33 rounds. This popular firearm features the Glock Marksman Barrel and has an optics-ready variation if you are looking to customize this pistol even further.

For more information on the Glock 19, visit Glock’s website here.

Glock 19 Specs

 

How To Choose the Best Concealed Carry Holster for Glock 19

With so many holster options available, which one do you choose? Here are a few things you should look for when deciding which Glock 19 holster works best for you.

Holster Type

The first factor to consider when choosing a holster is how you plan to carry your firearm, as this will determine the type of holster you need.

Thanks to its compact size and frequent use as a backup weapon, inside the waistband (IWB) carry is one of the most common ways to carry the Glock 19. Its compact size allows it to be comfortably worn in a variety of traditional carry positions, including appendix and the 3-5 o’clock positions.

This is a key distinction since not every holster is designed for every carry method. For instance, our Vedder Holsters LightTuck® is an all-purpose option that works well in nearly any position, whereas models like our SideTuck are specifically built for appendix carry at the 1-2 o’clock position.

Once you’ve determined where you want to carry your handgun, you can narrow your choices to holsters that fit your needs. From there, you can focus on details like material and customization. Not sure which position is right for you? Take a look at our “Concealed Carry Positions: Ultimate Guide” for more insight.

Material

When it comes to material, there are three that you’ll find holsters are most commonly made of: Kydex, nylon, and leather.

If you want the most durable, concealable, and adjustable holster material, you will want to choose Kydex for your Glock 19 concealed carry holster. Kydex holsters are made of thermoplastic and are heat molded to fit your specific gun model. They are incredibly comfortable, easy to conceal and give you an audible “click” when you holster your weapon.

While leather holsters can be another comfortable, easy-to-use, and durable option for concealed carry, they tend to wear out quicker than a Kydex holster. Not to mention if they come in contact with water, sweat, or humidity, they can become sticky.

Hybrid holsters provide you the comfort of leather but the design and durability of Kydex. The combination of a leather backing and Kydex shell can give you the best of both worlds.

Nylon holsters, while comfortable, aren’t recommended for concealed carry for a few reasons. First, they tend to be less durable than their Kydex and leather counterparts. Nylon holsters also don’t hold their shape once your gun is removed. When reholstering, using a holster that doesn’t maintain its shape can be quite dangerous.

Design

An accurate and thought-out design is one of the most important elements of a quality Glock 19 holster.

Hearing and feeling your Glock 19 “click” into place as you holster it and knowing it will stay there until you are ready to draw is a sign of a good holster. One of the most critical elements of design is making sure your holster precisely fits your holster.

Once your pistol clicks into place, it should have almost zero wiggle room. At Vedder Holsters, we make sure that is the case. Our Kydex and hybrid Glock 19 holsters are designed with immense precision. Choosing a holster made with less accuracy could result in your gun having room to bounce around, which can cause gradual wear on your weapon.

The small details of a holster’s design can have a big impact on how well it functions, so fit isn’t always everything. To ensure a safe carry experience, your Glock 19 holster should have a proper trigger guard, adjustability, and durable clips.

One of the most important aspects of a trigger guard is how much “daylight” is revealed. Your trigger should be completely enclosed by your Glock 19 holster. An inadequate trigger guard design could result in a foreign object or your finger making it into the holster and reaching your trigger. This results in an increased chance of a negligent discharge.

You never have to worry about trigger exposure with any Vedder Holsters because our team has carefully designed the trigger guard to eliminate any trace of daylight.

Adjustability

Adjustability is one of the most important elements of any holster, but specifically for your Glock 19 concealed carry holster. Concealing your weapon in a comfortable position with little to no printing is made easier by adjusting the cant and ride height of your holster. Adjustable retention can give you that satisfying “click” that lets you know your gun is safe and secure in your holster.

Cant is the backward or forward tilt of your holster that allows you to find the perfect spot, giving you concealment, ease of draw, and the ultimate comfort. While many Glock 19 holsters only allow for a 15-degree cant in one direction, our holsters have 30 degrees of adjustable forward and reverse cant. This provides you the most adjustability in your holster and makes our holsters a top choice for concealed carry weapons.

Adjustable ride height, a key element of a quality holster, can allow you to carry your holster higher on your waist or achieve deep concealment.

One of the most vital features of a Glock 19 holster is retention. Retention is not just key for safety, but everyone has a preference on how easy or difficult it is to draw and holster their gun.

Customization

From a variety of optics to aftermarket slides and extended magazines, you’ll want a holster that is just as customizable as your Glock 19.

At Vedder Holsters, each holster is hand-made to order because we understand how critical customization is, so we tailor each one to your individual needs. Whether you have added an accessory rail and now use your favorite lights or lasers or have chosen to add optics to your Glock 19, our holsters can be cut to accommodate your gun’s modifications.

All Vedder Kydex holsters are complete with your choice of clip size and are available in both left- and right-hand orientations. To achieve deeper concealment, our IWB holsters can be ordered with a claw attachment.

Additional options, depending on the holster, are available, including sweat shields, combat cuts, and additional clips. All of our holsters are available in a variety of colors to suit your personal preferences.

Have a gun with unique customizations? We can work with you to craft a holster that works for you – just reach out to us with the details or include them in your order notes.

Comfort

If comfort is your sole focus in choosing a holster, then a Kydex/leather hybrid is likely the best choice for you. Hybrid holsters give you the flexibility and comfort of leather combined with the durability and adjustability of a plastic holster by featuring a sturdy Kydex shell and leather backing.

The Vedder ComfortTuck™ is one of our most popular hybrid IWB holsters. It is exceedingly comfortable due to the dual belt clips and leather backing. However, if you prefer to carry OWB, the Quick Draw is another hybrid holster with the same comfortable leather backing and weight distribution.

A classic Kydex holster is always an option, too, of course. The Vedder LightTuck™, our most popular holster, might be the perfect choice for you if you are looking for that classic Kydex. It features an easy-to-conceal design and is comfortable to wear in almost any position.

For an extra boost of comfort when carrying a Kydex holster like the LightTuck®, the Vedder HolsterPad provides a cushioned layer between your holster and body. It can be adjusted to fit your holster, or left long to wrap abound the muzzle end of your holster to prevent it from digging into your leg during appendix carry. 

Concealment

Even though the Glock 19 is designed for concealed carry, if your holster is bulky, awkward, or snags, nothing will be able to help you conceal your pistol.

The shell of your Glock 19 holster should be smooth and slim to help reduce printing and keep it from clinging to your clothes. The Kydex of your holster should be thin while still allowing the holster to maintain its durability.

While a quality shell is important, so are clips. Our Vedder Holsters Rock Solid Spring Steel Belt Clips are designed to help you conceal your holster. Made of smooth spring steel, these tuckable clips can oftentimes be hidden by a simple T-shirt, unlike other bulky plastic clips.

Holster claws and pancake clips can aid in further concealment by drawing your holster closer to your body. These add-ons can help you keep your pistol in place and reduce printing, so you don’t have to worry about it being noticed.

Warranty

While factors like concealability, comfort, and adjustability should be top priorities when selecting a holster, one detail you don’t want to overlook is the product warranty.

A solid warranty not only provides peace of mind, ensuring that if anything happens to your holster, you can have it repaired or replaced, but it also speaks to the manufacturer’s confidence in their craftsmanship. A company that backs its products demonstrates a commitment to quality and customer satisfaction.

At Vedder Holsters, we stand behind our products with a 30-day risk-free trial and a lifetime guarantee. That means if you're not completely satisfied with your holster or if an issue arises down the road, we've got you covered. Learn more about our warranty policy here. 

Best Glock 19 Holster Options

Now that you know what features to look for in a quality holster, let’s get straight to the point. Below are our top picks for the best holsters for the Glock 19.

Best Glock 19 IWB Holster

Every gun owner has unique needs when it comes to concealed carry, so we’ve broken down the best inside the waistband holster options based on different preferences.

First up is the best all-around IWB holster for the Glock 19: the Vedder Holsters LightTuck®. Crafted from durable Kydex, this versatile holster can be worn in virtually any carry position. It features fully adjustable retention, three ride height settings, and 30 degrees of forward and reverse cant. Lightweight, tuckable, and designed with our patented Rock Solid Spring Steel Belt Clip, this is the ultimate IWB holster for everyday carry.

For those prioritizing comfort, a hybrid holster might be the way to go. Both the Vedder Holsters RapidTuck® and ComfortTuck® are excellent choices for carrying in the 3-5 o’clock position. Each features a premium cowhide or horsehide leather backing that molds to your body over time for enhanced comfort and concealability.

The RapidTuck® also includes adjustable ride height and cant, allowing for a more customized fit. Another standout option is the Vedder ProTuck®, which combines the comfort of the ComfortTuck® with an ergonomic shape that contours to your body, along with two points of contact for added stability.

If you’re looking for a Glock 19 appendix carry holster that includes space for an extra magazine, consider the Vedder SideTuck®. This holster offers the same concealability as the LightTuck® but includes an attached, fully adjustable Kydex mag carrier. It also features adjustable retention, two points of contact, and an integrated claw attachment for improved concealment.

Best Glock 19 Holster: OWB

If outside the waistband carry is your preference, selecting the right holster is key. Here are our top OWB holster recommendations for the Glock 19.

One of the best OWB options available is the Vedder Holsters LightDraw®. This Kydex holster is engineered for both comfort and performance, featuring adjustable retention and a fully reinforced double-sided shell that allows for effortless one-handed reholstering.

For those who prefer a hybrid OWB holster, the Vedder Quick Draw is an excellent choice. With a premium leather backing and two built-in belt loops, this holster is designed for a secure fit while offering easy access to your firearm.

If a paddle holster is more your style, the Vedder ProDraw® is a top-tier option. This OWB holster stands out for its adjustability, offering customizable retention and 15 degrees of forward and reverse cant. Lightweight and fitted with our OWB Paddle Clip, the ProDraw® ensures a secure, comfortable fit while making it easy to put on and remove at the end of the day.

Summary

Whether you’re looking for an inside the waistband or outside the waistband concealed carry holster, it’s important to find the one that best suits your carry system. 

At the end of the day, the best Glock 19 holster for you depends on your personal needs and preferences. So, consider what you want out of a holster, compare your options, and make an informed decision based on what you’ve learned about what to look for in a quality holster.

Looking for a reliable, custom-fit holster? Visit our Holsters by Gun Model page to find Kydex holsters tailored to your firearm. Plus, explore our Resources Page for gear recommendations, concealed carry guides, and exclusive content to elevate your carry system.