The Ultimate Guide to Concealed Carry Holster Types

Choosing the right concealed carry holster is one of the most important decisions a new firearm owner can make. The holster you choose directly impacts comfort, concealment, accessibility, and safety—and the “best” option often depends on how you carry, what you wear, and how you move throughout the day.

This guide breaks down the most common concealed carry holster types, explains how each works, and helps you determine which option best fits your lifestyle.

Whether you’re brand new to concealed carry or upgrading your setup, this article will give you the clarity you need to carry with confidence.

Two people carrying the same firearm may need completely different holsters based on:

• Body type and build

• Clothing choices

• Daily activities (sitting, driving, bending)

• Carry position preference

• Experience level

A quality holster should secure the firearm, protect the trigger, and allow a consistent, safe draw, while staying comfortable enough that you’ll actually wear it every day.

An Inside the Waistband (IWB) holster is worn inside your pants, between your body and your waistband. This design pulls the firearm closer to the body, making it one of the most popular choices for concealed carry.

• Excellent concealment under everyday clothing

• Works well with compact and full-size firearms

• Ideal for appendix, strong-side, or behind-the-hip carry

• Minimal printing when properly adjusted

• Requires pants with enough waistband room

• Can feel uncomfortable without proper ride height and cant

• Less forgiving with poor belt support

Best for: Everyday concealed carry, especially for users prioritizing concealment over quick on/off convenience.

Appendix carry is a specific IWB position, typically located between the 12 o’clock and 2 o’clock position on the waistband.

• Faster, more natural draw stroke

• Excellent concealment from most angles

• Easier to protect firearm in crowded environments

• Proper holster design is critical

• Trigger coverage and retention are non-negotiable

• Body type and firearm length matter

Best for: Experienced carriers looking for speed and concealment with disciplined training habits.

An Outside the Waistband (OWB) holster sits on the exterior of your belt and pants. While traditionally associated with open carry, many OWB designs are slim enough for concealed use.

• Superior comfort for extended wear

• Easier draw due to natural hand position

• Less pressure against the body

• Ideal for larger or heavier firearms

• Requires outer garments (jacket, hoodie, overshirt)

• Less discreet in warm weather

• Slightly increased printing risk

Best for: Cooler climates, range use, or users prioritizing comfort and draw consistency.

Paddle holsters use a rigid paddle that slides inside the waistband or inside the belt while the holster body remains outside the pants/belt.

• Quick on/off without removing belt

• Good stability with proper fit

• Comfortable for casual or intermittent carry

• Slightly bulkier than belt-loop OWB

• Less secure during physical activity

Best for: Users who need convenience and flexibility without full belt removal.

A tuckable holster allows a shirt to be tucked in between the holster and the clip, leaving only discreet hardware visible.

• Ideal for business casual or professional attire

• Enables concealed carry with tucked-in shirts

• Maintains concealment without jackets

• Slightly slower draw

• Clip placement and quality matter

Best for: Office environments or situations requiring tucked-in shirts.

Sidecar holsters combine the firearm holster with an attached spare magazine carrier in a single appendix-style rig.

• Balanced weight distribution

• Faster reload access

• Streamlined appendix setup

• Larger footprint

• May feel bulky for some body types

Best for: Dedicated appendix carriers who value spare magazine access.

Universal holsters are designed to fit multiple firearm models, often through adjustable retention systems.

• Fewer SKUs to manage

• Ideal for households with multiple firearms

• Cost-effective and flexible

• Not quite as form-fitted as model-specific holsters

• Retention adjustment is critical

Best for: New gun owners, multi-firearm households, or users seeking versatility.

Trigger guard holsters cover only the trigger area and are often used with lanyards or minimalist carry setups.

• Ultra-low profile

• Lightweight and discreet

• Must be used correctly

• Not ideal for reholstering on-body

Best for: Deep concealment or secondary carry with experienced users.

• Carry position you prefer

• Daily clothing choices

• Time spent sitting or driving

• Firearm size and weight

• Comfort vs concealment priority

• Maximum concealment: IWB / AIWB

• Maximum comfort: OWB

• Professional attire: Tuckable

• Speed & access: Appendix / Sidecar

• Flexibility: Universal holsters