Are IWB Holsters Comfortable?

Inside the Waistband, or ‘IWB’ holsters, can be comfortable, but like any great pair of shoes, you have to find the right fit. And like shoes, there is no shortage of options when you’re looking for the most comfortable IWB holster. You may also be surprised to learn that your holster isn’t the only thing to consider when ensuring a comfortable carry.

With more than 18 million concealed carry permit holders in the United States today, we’d venture to say there are nearly as many opinions when it comes to how to carry your firearm.

IWB holsters can be comfortable, though there are many factors to consider, including how you wear it, your body type, your day-to-day activities, your clothing, and even how much time you spend driving.

To help you get up to speed, we’ll cover a few of these topics and share some tips for how to wear an IWB holster comfortably.

The Right Pant Size For Comfortable IWB Carry

You’ve heard the phrase ‘too big for your britches,’ right? Well, sometimes a holster can be too big for yours too. If you usually wear tight fitting clothes, you might find that having an IWB holster jammed between you and your favorite pair of jeans is less than desirable.

Consider going up a size or two in waist size on your next shopping trip. If you normally wear a 32 waist in your favorite pair of jeans, try a 33 or 34. This will help keep you comfortable and avoid ‘printing’ when you carry.

Are Kydex Holsters Comfortable?

Leather and Kydex are just a couple of the options available when it comes to concealed carry holsters. Kydex is very popular due to the ability to have a thin profile and a custom secure fit for your gun.

The physical security that comes with a comfortable IWB holster also includes a great deal of mental comfort. Its custom form-fitting shape holds your gun securely in place throughout the day and makes for easy reholstering.

There are plenty of different types of IWB holsters. Some larger with two clips and some smaller with a single clip. These are made with positioning and comfort in mind based on your preference. Vedder Holsters carries a great variety of holster options.

Check out our helpful video - "Make IWB Carry Comfortable."

Which Is The Most Comfortable IWB Holster Position?

While every user is different, some common carry positions are3 o’clock (on your hip), 4-5 o’clock (just behind your hip), or even the appendix (the front). You’ll want to try out different positions to see which is best for you.

Remember, it may take a day or two to determine the position you like, so don’t become discouraged while you’re learning how to wear an IWB holster comfortably.

Does Wearing a Gun Belt Make IWB Carry More Comfortable?

You should think of your holster as a part of your overall concealed carry system. Another important part of that system is your belt. Using your favorite well-worn dad belt will prove to be less than ideal, allowing your gun to sag. Consider a belt that is actually designed to carry your holster. This will ensure your holster stays comfortable and secure where it is supposed to be.

The biggest difference between a regular belt and a belt made to carry a gun is strength and stability. Gun belts are made with tougher, higher-grade materials, making them stiffer and better able to maintain shape, fit, and function when carrying.

And don’t worry, there are many options from tactical web styles to solid core leather that would work with your Sunday best suit. Check out our award-winning gun belts to learn more.

Does More Adjustability Means More Comfort With IWB?

Ride height refers to how high or low the holster sits on the waistband. Look for a holster that allows you to adjust the ride height. This will help you find your preferred position to draw and holster your sidearm. In addition to ride height, look for a holster with an adjustable cant. You can think of this as tilting the pistol grip forward or backward.

This feature improves your ability to draw and holster your weapon safely while maintaining overall comfort. It will also improve your comfort level when sitting down. The Vedder LightTuckTM IWB features both an adjustable -30 to +30 degree cant and an adjustable ride height. Most comfortable IWB holsters come with these features.

Choosing the Right Gun For Comfortable IWB Carry

In addition to finding a comfortable IWB holster, there are several other factors that can improve your comfort while carrying, including the type of gun you use. Even your body type can impact which gun will be the most comfortable for you to carry. Check out this article to help you determine which carry position is best for you based on your body type.

When choosing what size gun you want for concealed carry, you should also keep the barrel length and grip size in mind. A longer barrel can dig into your body, making it quite uncomfortable. A larger grip can also be uncomfortable and make the gun harder to conceal. Check out some of our recommendations for concealed carry guns here. 

How Long Should You Try Each IWB Setup?

Even if you have the most comfortable IWB holster there is, there are still plenty of other factors that can make a carry setup either comfortable or downright miserable. We know from experience that finding the right holster can be as personal as finding the right firearm or shoes. 

Just remember that even once you’ve made an informed choice about your holster, it might take some time to get used to carrying IWB as well as drawing and firing from that position. We recommend that you carry in one position for a few days and then try another until you find the best spot suited for your day-to-day activities.

Remember to choose the right pant size, a gun that best fits your frame, and a holster that allows for adjustments to ride height and cant. Also, consider your holster as a part of your CCW system and consider a proper gun belt to keep your holster safely in place. Try driving with your holster in different positions to find what works best for you.

Conclusion

Comfort is one of the most important factors to consider in not only your everyday clothing but in your concealed carry system too. Hopefully this article helped you learn how to wear an IWB holster comfortably.

IWB holsters are an excellent choice when opting to concealed carry, but ultimately it comes down to your individual preferences and needs. We recommend visiting our Holsters by Gun Model page if you are looking information to help you choose the carry system that works best for you, click here. 

Looking for items beyond holsters and belts? Check out our  Resources Page for popular links like lights, laser, first aid, maintenance, and more.