Best IWB Holster
A Comprehensive Guide
The holster is a must-have for any concealed carry handgun. It’s the only way to keep your gun securely at your side and out of sight but still easily accessible in case you need it. The best IWB holster is the one that lets you carry your gun with ease, comfort, and without any hassle.
IWB stands for inside-the-waistband, and these holsters typically attach directly to your pants or shorts with clips or loops. Some people prefer them because they are more comfortable than other types of waistbands. But some might find them less secure if you wear tighter clothing since they rest against the body instead of resting on top of clothes as a normal belt would do.
Table of Contents
If you are in a hurry to purchase the best IWB holster, and you want to make the best decision, here are our top 3 picks:
Top 3 IWB Holster
The IWB holsters are designed for carrying guns in a concealed manner. Both men and women can use them because they come in different styles to suit individual needs. You can choose from various options, including belt holsters, ankle holsters, shoulder holsters, and more. The downside is that there are many different types of holsters available on the market. If you are looking for a holster to carry on the waist or inside the waistband, this article will help make your decision easier.
6 Best IWB Holster (Ranked And Reviewed)
Specifications
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Brand:
Relentless Tactical
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Material:
Leather
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Hand Orientation:
Left
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Style:
Charred Oak
The Defender Leather IWB Holster by Relentless Tactical is a great carry option to have when you want to carry your weapon more comfortably. The leather material used in constructing this concealed carry holster is very soft and will not irritate your skin or cause any discomfort while carrying it around. The Defender can be used with one hand by simply unsnapping the retention strap and drawing with your dominant hand. This holster is designed to be worn inside the waistband. The Defender has a slim profile that makes it easy to conceal, and it also has a built-in magazine carrier that can hold up to two spare magazines.
The Defender has an adjustable cant that allows the shooter to change the angle of carrying from straight up, forward, or anywhere in between. This holster also features a strong belt clip that will keep your firearm securely in place while not restricting movement or drawing/reholstering. Relentless Tactical’s Defender Leather IWB holster is designed for quick access and reliable retention. The Defender’s innovative design allows the user to draw quickly while providing a stable platform that keeps the gun in place until you need it.
Positive
- It has quickdraw capability
- Its retention is as strong as it gets
- Gun will always be secure and accessible
Negatives
- A little stiff for the magazine button
2. Fast Gunman IWB Holster
Specifications
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Brand:
Fast Gunman Holster
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Material:
Leather
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Hand Orientation:
Right
The Fast Gunman is a premium leather IWB holster. The top grain cowhide leather construction ensures durability for years of use. This high-quality cowhide leather holster will last longer. The full-grain leather backing helps prevent wear on your gun, so it will look new for years to come. The material used in this product is only 0.1 inches thick, making it one of the thinnest holsters available in the market today. The Fast Gunman IWB Holster is a handmade, hybrid holster worn inside or outside the waistband.
It is double reinforced. The fast gunman is designed with two ends: front and rear end. The front end of the IWB holster features a metal clip that you can use for attaching to the belt loops on pants or shorts. The rear end has a leather loop that can be attached to your belt without any hassle. The Fast Gunman IWB Holster is the most comfortable and durable holster on the market. It also has a 1.8-inch belt that will allow you to wear it comfortably over your clothing without any issues.
Positive
- The material is durable and will not wear or tear easily
- The holster is small and lightweight
- Keep your gun close and accessible
Negatives
- It causes the barrel to stuck sometimes
3. Concealment Express IWB Kydex Holster
Specifications
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Brand:
Concealment Express
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Material:
.08″ Kydex
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Hand Orientation:
Left
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Color:
Black
The Concealment Express IWB Kydex Holster is a minimalist and comfortable option for your everyday carry needs. The holster is constructed out of .08” Kydex, which makes it extremely lightweight and durable. It can be worn inside the waistband without your shirt tucked in. Kydex holsters are crafted from Aluminum molds to ensure they are lightweight yet durable. The design has been CAD designed to be as small and thin as possible, so it doesn’t print when concealed. With Concealment Express, you will always have a consistent holster in size, shape, retention, comfort, and concealability. This holster benefits from an undercut trigger guard, which allows you to carry without a round in the chamber and still have proper retention.
The holster also features an over-cut open-face design, which allows you to draw quickly with no interference from the grip of your weapon or shirt material. The sweat guard protects your pistol from corrosive perspiration and keeps it in place at all times. This Kydex Holster is designed with a sight shield to protect the rear sight. The belt clip has been reinforced with stealth fiber material. This helps ensure that the clip will not break off and allows you to adjust it. It features an adjustable retention screw and adjustable cant that allows you to adjust the angle of your firearm about your body. It comes with an adjustable cant from -5 to +20 degrees.
Positive
- The cant is adjustable for your comfort and preference
- Protects pistol from sweat and corrosion
- Allows for a quick draw
Negatives
- A little more snug for the magazine button
4. Amberide IWB Kydex Holster
Specifications
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Brand:
Amberide
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Material:
Kydex
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Hand Orientation:
Left
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Color:
Black
The Amberide IWB Kydex Holster is made of .08” Kydex. Made of lightweight Kydex material, this holster will not weigh you down. It has a waterproof design that will keep moisture out of the holster and away from your gun. Sweat guard keeps moisture away from your weapon, making it easy to draw and re-holster. The Amberide IWB Kydex Holster is a minimalist inside the waistband holster with a 1.5” standard belt clip. It has a black powder-coated stainless steel clip that attaches to the belt and quickly removes the holster when needed. The clip is adjustable so that you can set it at the angle most comfortable for you. The holster features an adjustable retention pressure screw to allow you to set the amount of friction needed to draw your firearm. The Amberide IWB Kydex Holster features a retention screw that allows you to adjust the retention level on your handgun.
Positive
- The holster is fully concealable
- Holds the weapon securely in place
- Waterproof holster design
Negatives
- The material used is good but not well finished
5. Concealment Express Holster
Specifications
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Brand:
Concealment Express
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Style:
1911 4.25″ Commander (NR) (Non-Sig)
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Material:
08″ Kydex
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Hand Orientation:
Left
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Color:
Black
Concealment Express holsters are made of .08” Kydex. The holster is crafted from aluminum molds and molded to fit your specific handgun model for maximum comfort and concealability. The Concealment Express IWB Holster is an inside waistband holster with a clean, minimalist design that offers unparalleled comfort for both men and women. Concealment Express holsters are the most durable. The Concealment Express Over-Cut Open Face Holster is the perfect solution for those who want to carry a gun in an exposed holster. The Over Cut design allows you to open carry without printing. It also allows you to wear it with or without a shirt, and even under your jacket if needed.
This model has a full-length sweat guard, which provides more protection for you and your weapon. The sweat guard also helps protect your skin from being pinched by the Kydex shell when re-holstering. The sweat guard can be trimmed down if desired. Threadlock holster is a revolutionary new design in concealed carry holsters. It features a unique, proprietary locking system that secures the gun and prevents it from moving out of position once it’s been cinched down. It is completely passive and self-adjusting. No matter how you move, stand, sit, bend over or run, your pistol will remain securely in place until you decide to remove it.
Positive
- The locking system is easy to use and intuitive
- No more sweat on your firearm
- Its made of durable materials
Negatives
- There is slight play inside the holster
6. WARRIORLAND IWB Holster
Specifications
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Brand:
WARRIORLAND
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Material:
Carbon Fiber
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Hand Orientation:
Right
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Closure Type:
Hook
The WarriorLand IWB Holster is the most comfortable and concealable inside-the-waistband holster on the market. This holster features an innovative design that keeps the trigger covered at all times, making it one of the safest holsters available today. The edges are polished to prevent the gun from rubbing against your skin or clothing. The WarriorLand IWB Holster features our Posi-Click Audible Retention Lock System that allows you to hear when your firearm is properly seated in the holster. This feature prevents any accidental discharges caused by improper weapon seating in the holster.
The WARRIORLAND IWB holster is a custom-made, handcrafted piece of art designed to fit the gun like a glove. It has an adjustable cant (angle) from -5° to 20°. This holster has a removable screwdriver that allows you to tighten or loosen your firearm in seconds. It features a retention screw that allows you to adjust the tightness of your draw so that your gun will always be secure and safe in its place. It has a 1.5’’ belt fit perfect design that gives you the most comfortable wearing experience.
Positive
- Keep your firearm secure and safe
- The perfect fit for your gun
- Durable and adjustable
Negatives
- A little bulky holster and not a snug fit
What To Consider While Buying The Best IWB Holster?
Many people have problems using holsters because they often stick or slip, making it hard for them to draw their weapons. If you’re looking for a holster that stays in place, you want to consider IWB (in the waistband) as it is the most stable type of pistol holster. IWB will not move around or move between your pants and shirt. IWB holsters are made in various colors, shapes, and sizes, but it is important to be aware that there’s no such thing as a perfect holster: there’s always something you like and don’t. So when you’re looking for the best IWB holster, make sure that you take into account both what you like and what you don’t.
Weight
An important factor that might influence how you feel about your holster is how much it weighs. The holster’s weight will depend on its material, size, and where it’s positioned on your body. It’s not bad to have a heavy holster, but it will feel uncomfortable if its weight is concentrated in one point.
Retention
The ability of your holster to keep the gun in place while you’re moving around is called retention, and this factor will also determine how much you enjoy using your weapon. Strong passive retention means that your gun will stay in its position even without a proper locking mechanism. However, if your holster is not designed for active retention, the only way to make sure that it won’t slip out of place when you draw your weapon is by putting your hand around it and holding it in place while you extract the gun.
Price
Even though the price will not always show how good the holster is, it is still one of the most important factors to consider when you’re looking for your first holster or trying to upgrade your current one. Cheap IWB holsters are usually made of synthetic materials, making them easy to break in, but they also lack durability. If you want to save money, thou might want to consider custom or semi-custom holsters that are more expensive than off-the-shelf ones but not as much as the most high-end gear. But keep in mind that these types of holsters are usually made for specific weapons, so if you want to use different guns, you might want to stick with off-the-shelf models.
Customization
Since most IWB holsters are made of synthetic materials, you cannot customize them in the same ways as leather or Kydex ones. You can make some minor changes like bending the clip, adjusting screws, and so on. However, you will need to find a custom holster that will be significantly more expensive than off-the-shelf models for any major changes.
Size
The size of your holster is usually determined by the size of its clip and the belt that goes with it. Still, the size of your belt is only one part of the whole equation because you have to consider how wide your waistband is as well. If your holster does not fit both the belt and the waistband t’s too tight, it will be uncomfortable no matter how good it is. In most cases, if the holster doesn’t fit, you won’t be able to use it because you will not get your gun out of its place even with an active retention mechanism.
Material
Kydex and plastic are some of the most popular materials for IWB holsters because they do a great job at retaining their shape, and they’re easy to break in. The best IWB holsters are made of strong materials that don’t lose shape over time and will not crack or warp under the influence of moisture.
Size of Gun
Smaller guns like subcompacts usually come with smaller clips, which means you might need a smaller holster. But keep in mind that concealed carry is all about balance. If your gun is too small, you might not be able to get a good grip on your weapon, making it nearly useless if you ever need to use it. You also have to consider the weight of your gun because putting one heavy object right next to another could make it uncomfortable to wear, even if it does fit your belt.
Concealability
The best IWB holsters are designed for people who want to carry their weapons all day long without anyone noticing. Browning processes and designs every holster with this specific purpose in mind, so you don’t need to worry about printing your weapon no matter how thin your shirt is.
Carry Comfort
It is also important to consider what the materials used in the construction of the holster will do on your skin. The sweat guard is going to help keep your skin dry and prevent chafing, but it can also contribute to “hot spots.” So if you’re a person who sweats a lot, then make sure that sweat guard isn’t going to be working against you. Another thing you want to consider when buying an IWB holster is how long it will take to break in. You don’t want to buy a holster that isn’t comfortable right away because then you’ll have to worry about breaking it, which can be hard if you don’t wear your holster daily.
FAQs
Important Note:
Any activity using a firearm has the potential to be harmful and can lead to death, serious injury, permanent disability, or property damage. Only general educational and informational purposes are served by the advice, graphics, photographs, videos, and information found on Ballachy firearm reviews. The knowledge provided about guns, gun handling, tactics, training, legal issues, and marksmanship skills on this page is the author’s opinion based on his experience and education. This knowledge, which includes advice and training methods, is applicable only in a given set of conditions that the reader cannot precisely recreate. The author disclaims any liability for improper use or incorrect interpretation of the information on this website. Use of this website as a replacement for training or any information found on this website is not legal advice of any kind.
IWB can be uncomfortable, but this is mainly because it’s new and different. However, in time you adjust and appreciate how much better your back feels.
Important Note:
Any activity using a firearm has the potential to be harmful and can lead to death, serious injury, permanent disability, or property damage. Only general educational and informational purposes are served by the advice, graphics, photographs, videos, and information found on Ballachy firearm reviews. The knowledge provided about guns, gun handling, tactics, training, legal issues, and marksmanship skills on this page is the author’s opinion based on his experience and education. This knowledge, which includes advice and training methods, is applicable only in a given set of conditions that the reader cannot precisely recreate. The author disclaims any liability for improper use or incorrect interpretation of the information on this website. Use of this website as a replacement for training or any information found on this website is not legal advice of any kind.
The most comfortable IWB holster is the one that fits your needs.
Important Note:
Any activity using a firearm has the potential to be harmful and can lead to death, serious injury, permanent disability, or property damage. Only general educational and informational purposes are served by the advice, graphics, photographs, videos, and information found on Ballachy firearm reviews. The knowledge provided about guns, gun handling, tactics, training, legal issues, and marksmanship skills on this page is the author’s opinion based on his experience and education. This knowledge, which includes advice and training methods, is applicable only in a given set of conditions that the reader cannot precisely recreate. The author disclaims any liability for improper use or incorrect interpretation of the information on this website. Use of this website as a replacement for training or any information found on this website is not legal advice of any kind.
An inside waistband holster is a type of holster that goes inside the waistband. You can use this in place of or alongside an outside-the-waistband (OWB) holster for carrying a firearm.
Important Note:
Any activity using a firearm has the potential to be harmful and can lead to death, serious injury, permanent disability, or property damage. Only general educational and informational purposes are served by the advice, graphics, photographs, videos, and information found on Ballachy firearm reviews. The knowledge provided about guns, gun handling, tactics, training, legal issues, and marksmanship skills on this page is the author’s opinion based on his experience and education. This knowledge, which includes advice and training methods, is applicable only in a given set of conditions that the reader cannot precisely recreate. The author disclaims any liability for improper use or incorrect interpretation of the information on this website. Use of this website as a replacement for training or any information found on this website is not legal advice of any kind.
It depends on your needs and goals. For example, if you want to conceal a weapon while wearing form-fitting clothing, the appendix carry method may be your best bet. If you want to be able to draw your weapon in case of an emergency quickly, then choose between one of these four positions: behind-the-back, cross-draw at waist level, underarm across chest or hip with dominant hand-holding grip away from the body.
Conclusion
In conclusion, there’s a lot more you should know about IWB holsters, especially if you want to try and make a smart purchase. IWB holsters are pretty simple, but they can be as comfortable as they need to be or as uncomfortable as you make them. A few common things come up whenever someone talks about the best IWB holster, but the general rule of thumb is this: find something comfortable and concealable and do some research if it meets your needs for competitive shooting. Other considerations include safety, comfort, and price. If the safety of your new holster doesn’t work well, then it probably isn’t going to be a great option for you. You should make sure that whatever you buy is comfortable for everyday use and fits within your budget.
Author Profile
- Gabriel Tackett is an experienced shooter and hunter for over 15 years with a degree in Engineering from the University of Minnesota. He is also a certified National Rifle Association (NRA) officer for 10 years And his passion lies in teaching others how to safely enjoy the hobby by recommending the best practices & products in the gun industry.
