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When it comes to purchasing a concealed carry holster, there’s definitely not a shortage of options available. But the thing is, how do you know what holsters are the best? Or what type you need for your particular firearm? You want something that is both discreet and reliable. A holster isn’t a piece of gear that you want malfunctioning when you need it the most. In this article we will taking a close look at the 10 best concealed carry holsters on the market, and comparing them for price, functionality, and specifications. By the end of this article you will be armed with the knowledge needed to make the most informed choice possible, when purchasing a concealed carry holster.

Product FAQs

Here are a handful of frequently asked questions regarding the 10 best-concealed carry holsters.

1. What Is a Concealed Carry Holster?

2. Why Use One?

3. What Are the Different Types of Concealed Carry Holsters?

4. How Does It Work?

5. Where Can You Buy One?

6. How Do I Know if I Need a Permit to Carry a Concealed Weapon in My State?

How We Reviewed

Thunderbolt XL Concealed Carry Belly Band Gun Holster Most Comfortable...

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We compiled this best concealed carry holster list through intensive research and thorough testing and comparison of products. Price, functionality, and durability were all factored into account. We also surveyed concealed carry holster users, providing us with hands-on insight into the matter.

Overall Price Range Of This Product (and similar products)

Thunderbolt XL Concealed Carry Belly Band Gun Holster Most Comfortable...

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Our list of the best concealed carry holsters are very affordable. Basically, the higher you go on the price spectrum, the more features the holster will have. If you're just looking for a simple holster to conceal your weapon, you won't have to fork out as much, than if you're looking for something to take into the field.

What We Reviewed

  • Alien Gear Holsters ShapeShift Appendix Carry Holster
  • XL Concealed Carry Belly Band Holster by Thunderbolt
  • Houston IWB Gun Holster by ECO LEATHER
  • Sticky Holsters MD-4-GEN1 - Double Stack Sub Compact (IWB) Holster
  • Bulldog Cases Nylon Hip Holster
  • DTOM Denim Possum Pouch Crotch Carry Holster
  • DTOM Premium LEATHER (not synthetic) Universal
  • The Ultimate Suede Leather IWB Holster
  • CYA Supply Co.. IWB Left Handed Holsters Only
  • Daltech Force®® Universal ComfortWeight IWB Holster

Alien Gear Holsters ShapeShift Appendix Carry Holster Holster for a G...
  • Custom-molded IWB Appendix holster for perfect fit, secure carry and perfect performance while training or carrying!...
  • Adjustable Retention: Without any additional tools, fully adjust the retention to get the sweet spot for how much...
  • Conceal in Comfort: Reduced footprint while the soft neoprene backing is flexible to move and shift with your body...

Features

A comfortable IWB (though can be worn in other ways) holster, compatible with a wide range of compact single or double stack pistols. The Alien Gear ShapeShift features a breathable perforated neoprene base for extra comfort, and is compatible with both left and righthanded weapons. An extremely safe model, this holster features an optional thumb release, ensuring the ability for a quick draw.

PROS

  • Made in the USA
  • Made from top-of-the-line durable materials
  • Suitable for both left and righthanded users 
  • Features the ability to adjust retention

CONS

  • The thumb release has been known to cause users frustration 
  • Is slightly on the bulky side
  • Not the cheapest model on this list

Where to Buy

Amazon

Warranty

30-day trial period and lifetime warranty.

Features

Made with military grade neoprene, the Thunderbolt XL fits both men and women up to a waist measurement of 50". It's adjustable and its elastic strap fastener makes for a swift and silent draw. This holster not only holds your gun, but two extra mags and even your cell phone. This holster is a great choice if you carry a gun on the job. 

PROS

  • Fits most subcompact to large handguns   
  • Can support both left and righthanded users
  • Great price 

CONS

  • Your gun will need to be wiped down at the end of particularly hot days as moisture can develop
  • Can be uncomfortable whilst sitting

Where to Buy?

Amazon

Warranty

None.

Houston IWB Gun Holster for Men - Fits Glock SIG S&W Springfield...
  • Strong Metal Clip for Maximum Retention *** Refer to Diagram to pick correct Size Holster ***
  • Safe, Easy and Comfortable to Use as Concealment
  • Double Stitched for Strength and Durability **** This is a RIGHT HAND DRAW PRODUCT ****

Features

This IWB holster is a compact and great looking piece of gear. Double stitched for durability and featuring a metal clip for maximum retention, the Houston IWB Gun Holster by ECO LEATHER gives you bang for your buck.

PROS

  • Simple and easy to use   
  • Extremely affordable 
  • Both water and sweat proof

CONS

  • Doesn't easily bend to body shape 
  • Works best with smaller pistols, it's not well-suited to larger pieces
  • Separate models for left and righthanded users

Where to Buy

Amazon 

Warranty

None  

Sale
Sticky Holsters Concealed Carry Holster for Men and Women - MD-4-GEN1...
  • The sheath is made of a super non-slip material and with a little pressure, it cleaves solidly to any surface, may it be...
  • Say goodbye to clips and loops that may get in the way, Sticky Holsters' super tacky sheath material is designed to...
  • The MD-4-GEN1 is designed for sub-compact medium frames with up to 3.8" barrels. It has an ambidextrous design that can...

Features

This holster is unique in design and function. Its sticky outer layer is what secures the holster to clothing, making for numerous positions in which to wear it. This holster also includes a bonus American flag patch!

PROS

  • Ambidextrous  
  • Can function as both an IWB and pocket holster
  • Sticky outer layer provides a plethora of  positioning options

CONS

  • Only supports up to a 3.6" barrel, limiting compatibility
  • Difficult to clean due to sticky outer layer

Where to Buy

Amazon 

Warranty

None

Bulldog Cases Nylon Hip Holster designed for Revolver Fits Gluck, S&W,...
  • If you are looking for holsters, Bulldog Nylon holsters offer what you’re looking for as it is lightweight Gun Holder...
  • Pistol Holster order shell is made with Water-Resistant and Sunlight resistant material which is durable and virtually...
  • Bulldog Ambidextrous Concealed carry holster features both a belt loop and pants clip having adjustable Thumb break...

Features

This holster is very nice. Its durable nylon water-resistant outer shell will not fade or crack from heat, even after repeated firing. It can be used by both left and righthanded shooters. It’s very durable and comes in models for both revolvers and semi-autos. It also features a scratch resistant spine lining and additional padding for comfort. 

PROS

  • Extremely durable
  • Comes in a choice of different colors
  • Ambidextrous belt loop and clip        

CONS

  • No spare mag pouch
  • Clips can feel loose on a narrow belt 

Where to Buy

Amazon 

Warranty

None.

Large - Denim Possum Pouch Crotch Carry Holster
  • Made from soft light padded yet very tough Denim with extra heavy duty double layer elastic nylon and velcro belt
  • Duck Back Water Resistant Layer keeps body moisture from reaching your gun.
  • Heavy Duty DOUBLE Elastic belt with Industrial Strength Velcro........2 Pockets for gun and spare magazine

Features 

The Denim Possum Pouch by Don’t Tread On Me holsters is an above the undergarment holster with a lot of room. It features an additional pouch for a spare magazine or tactical knife and has a water-resistant layer to keep moisture from your weapon. 

PROS

  • Extremely lightweight    
  • Made from quality denim 
  • Ambidextrous 

CONS

  • Holster isn't easily removed
  • Trigger guard isn't terribly rigid

Where to Buy

Amazon 

Warranty

1-year manufacturer warranty.

Sale
DTOM Premium Leather (not Synthetic) Universal IWB or OWB Ambidextrous...
  • IMPORTANT - Know the difference in what you are buying. Ours is full grain leather thickness inside and out and not a...
  • Works inside or outside of the belt ( IWB or OWB ) ***We do not give away product to people for reviews. All our reviews...
  • Removable clip for wearing inside or belt loops for outside waistband carry

Features

Another great holster from Don’t Tread On Me. An ambidextrous holster that can function both as an IWB and OWB with its removable clip. It can hold larger pistols and medium-sized semi-autos without adding bulkiness. Its genuine leather construction makes this holster one of our favorites on our best concealed carry holsters list. 

PROS

  • Made from genuine leather
  • Fits most semi-autos 
  • Great retention 

CONS

  • Holster isn't easily removed
  • Doesn't feature as many pockets as other holsters 

Where to Buy

Amazon 

Warranty

1-year manufacturer warranty.

Made In USA 1911 Holster | Ultimate Suede Leather IWB Holsters - Fits...
  • FITS MOST 1911 STYLE HANDGUNS WITH ANY BARREL LENGTH! 4" or 5" Kimber, S & W, Colt, Remington, Browning, Rock Island,...
  • COMFORT & QUALITY WITHOUT SPENDING A FORTUNE! You don't have to wait months or spend hundreds to get a perfect fit. Why...
  • BACKED BY RELENTLESS TACTICAL’S LIFETIME WARRANTY! Carry the best 1911 Holster with confidence, for the rest of your...

Features

Handmade in the USA by Relentless Tactical with genuine suede leather, this holster is classic-looking, and fits most 1911-style handguns with various barrel lengths. Designed for optimal performance and comfort at an affordable price, this holster is well-worth your money. Relentless Tactical also make similar holsters for .38s. 

PROS

  • Handmade from genuine leather      
  • Lifetime warranty 
  • Discreet and comfortable 

CONS

  • It'll cost you a few more bucks than some other holsters on this list 

Where to Buy

Amazon

Warranty

Lifetime warranty.

Features

This one’s for the southpaws. The CYA Supply Co.’s lefthanded holster features a Boltaron shell with stainless steel black powder coated hardware. Made in the USA this holster is built to last, and CYA’s lifetime warranty proves it.

PROS

  • Made using Boltaron material, which is extremely durable  
  • Adjustable retention 
  • Adjustable draw angle 

CONS

  • Only available for lefthanded shooters 

Where to Buy

Amazon 

Warranty

Lifetime warranty.

Daltech Force® Universal ComfortWeight™ IWB Holster - Concealed...
  • ComfortWeight Universal Holster for any Small Sized Gun.
  • Custom Made in our Leather shop. Very comfortable and flexible fit to carry in all seasons.
  • Flexible and comfortable Carry for all seasons.

Features

Another holster handmade in right here the USA. This model features rough leather on the outside to help grip clothing, and smooth leather on the interior for a smoother, faster draw. Comes in three different sizes, which fully covers all makes and models of handguns. 

PROS

  • Handmade     
  • Durable and comfortable

CONS

  • Not the cheapest on this list

Where to Buy

Amazon

Warranty

Lifetime warranty.

Comparison Table 

The Verdict - Best Concealed Carry Holsters

There's something for everyone looking to carry and conceal their weapon on this list. Our choice is the handmade in the USA Ultimate Suede Leather IWB Holster. It's compact and well-crafted and helps support industry in this great country of ours. If you carry for your job, Thunderbolt's XL Concealed Carry Belly Band Holster is a brilliant choice. It fits both men and women, has a swift and silent draw, and with its extra pouches, means you'll always be prepared when in the field or on the beat. Alien Gear's ShapeShift Appendix Carry Holster will appeal to gear junkies, while CYA Supply Co.'s holster will be the go-to for all you lefthanded shooters out there. 

But, when it comes down to it, selecting a holster is a personal thing. We all have our favorite materials and look with accessories for our firearms, and both our weapon of choice and where we carry, it comes heavily into play. Stay safe out there, folks.

Last update on 2022-12-30 at 06:47 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API