Recently I created a post about things to look for while selecting clothes to wear while carrying concealed. You can’t look at that topic without also considering what kind of holster you will be using! There are countless options for holsters, and again, the best option is to try a variety of different ways to carry. While doing so, here is a brief summary of some on-body holster options that you will find while researching.
IWB: IWB stands for in-the-waistband. In other words, this holster will be placed between your body and your pants, typically held in place by clipping onto your belt. This is my go-to when I am carrying concealed, because the location is easily adjustable, and it is one of the most versatile and commonly used concealed carry methods.
OWB: OWB stands for outside-the-waistband. These will also be attached to your waistband, typically to a belt, but the holster will be placed outside of the belt. As a law enforcement agent, OWB holsters are what I use when I am in any kind of overt law enforcement activity.
Drop waist holsters: These are overt, OWB holsters which will typically be hooked on your belt, but the holster will drop a few inches below your waistband. These are great holsters if you are carrying but you choose not to conceal, if you are concerned about your clothing, coat, or vest getting in the way of your draw, or if you just prefer to draw from slightly lower than your waist.
Thigh holsters: Thigh holsters can be either concealed or overt. Concealed versions typically strap directly around your thigh, and you can adjust the placement to the outside, inside, or front of your leg. These are great options when wearing a dress or skirt.
Belly band holster: As the name indicates, belly band holsters wrap around your midsection. You can adjust the location so that your firearm sits at the front or side of your midsection. These can be convenient for athletic wear or outfits without belt loops.
Less Common Holsters:
The following holsters are ones I rarely see, or I typically see only as a backup to a primary form of carrying:
Shoulder straps: These are the classic cross-body holsters, so you can grab the firearm from under the opposing arm.
Ankle holsters: Ankle holsters are usually used as a back-up, often by law enforcement personnel in case they end in a physical fight. Personally, I’ve never used these and I never plan to, because I don’t think I could conceal them effectively.
Retention Levels:
When researching holsters, you will likely find that four distinct levels of retentions: 1, 2, 3, and 4. In simple terms, the retention level refers to how many actions are needed to release the firearm.
Some holster brands will define friction as a level: in other words, the act of pulling the firearm out of the holster may be enough to qualify a holster as a Level 1 retention system. Other brands require a specific hand movement, such as pressing a lever with your thumb or activating a button with your finger, to qualify as retention.
Common retention mechanisms include straps, thumb locks, and finger-release buttons.
What retention level do you need? If you are in law enforcement, your agency will likely have specific holster requirements. If you are carrying for personal protection or to keep your loved ones safe, it is up to you to try a variety and see what works best for you.
A higher retention level does not automatically make a holster better; it is more important to research the brand, understand how the holsters are tested, and know what standards they are required to meet. Typically, levels 1 and 2 will be absolutely satisfactory for personal protection.
As I always say: train how you carry, and carry how you train. The responsibility for carrying safely and effectively lies entirely upon the person carrying.
These are the main holsters that you will encounter on your journey, but there really are endless types and brands of holsters. Don’t hesitate to reach out to me if you have any questions: https://www.hercarryapparel.com/contact
