Let's take a closer look at belly band holsters so you can make a more informed decision.

What's a Belly Band Holster?

A belly band is a type of holster that's worn around the waist. It's used to carry a handgun on your body, and some have additional pockets that allow you to hold other personal items like money, credit cards, or other self protection items like a knife or pepper spray. There are several different types of belly bands, including ones that are fitted for men, women and unisex styles, and they are typically made up of a stretchy elastic or neoprene material that can adapt to fit several sizes.

Is a Belly Band a Good Option for Carrying Concealed?

Belly bands are a great option for concealed carry. They offer many benefits when compared with other types of holsters. They conceal a variety of firearms well, they're comfortable since they don’t have any hard sides like Kydex or plastic, and they're affordable compared to more traditional types of holsters.  

Advantages of Belly Band Holsters

Belly band holsters offer many benefits. Belly bands have the benefit of being gun-independent, which means they can be used with a wide range of firearms. They can also be worn under or over clothing, which makes them perfect for those who want to conceal their gun while still being able to access it quickly when needed. For example, belly bands are a great option over or under leggings.

Another major advantage is their versatility — they stretch to fit many waist sizes, you can wear it high on your waist or low on your hips, and you can easily and quickly adjust your firearm in any position around your waist. For example, if you want to wear your firearm between the  3 and 4 o’clock position, you can simply rotate the entire holster until your firearm is in your desired position.

Using belly bands also eliminates the need for belt loops and clips. Because of this, they're an excellent choice when you want to carry at the gym, or while running or exercising. It also makes them suitable for carrying while wearing a dress or skirt.

Limitations of Belly Band Holsters

Belly band holsters can be a good option for carrying, but there are some things to keep in mind. Since belly bands take up a considerable amount of room around your waist, they can get sweaty in very hot climates. When carrying in excessively hot weather, choose a band designed to be breathable, like a neoprene belly band or a high-quality elastic belly band holster.

When carrying your gun in a belly band holster, it may take more time to draw than when using a traditional holster. This depends on where you wear the belly band and what clothes you’re wearing. For instance, if you’re wearing a dress, it’s probably going to take longer if if you’re wearing pants. Make sure to practice your draw with a belly band so you can be as proficient as possible.

There are inexpensive belly bands on the market, but they aren't made as thoughtfully, so they can roll up or have fit issues due to low-quality materials. As a result, they may become uncomfortable very quickly. Spending a few more dollars to get a high-quality holster will significantly reduce the chances of this happening.

How to Choose the Best Belly Band Holster for You

Choosing the right belly band holster is all about personal preference. To find your ideal option, start by measuring yourself and comparing that measurement to the size chart provided by each manufacturer. 

Once you have an idea of what size you need, it's time to look at features. Some belly band holsters come with several holster pockets for maximum functionality, and others with only one or two. If you’re planning on carrying more than your firearm, keep that in mind when you make your purchase.

You also need to consider what type of gun you want to carry. Make sure the holster pocket is compatible with the length and depth of your gun. You should also look at the depth of the holster pocket to decide where you want your firearm to ride. A deeper riding gun may slow down your draw a little, but can help with concealability. 

The Bottom Line

Belly bands can be a great way to conceal your firearm, but they aren’t the only option. Ultimately, it comes down to personal preference. If you’re looking for something comfortable and easy-to-use while being able to carry your firearm securely, a belly band could be a great option.

While it’s relatively easy to get started with IWB carry, there are some things you need to know and prepare for to make sure you are carrying safely.

Choosing the Right Holster

The first thing you will need to do is make sure you have a holster that’s specifically designed for IWB carry:

A traditional hard-sided inside-the-waistband holster will have some type of attachment that will allow you to place the holster inside your clothing while clipping to your belt. The attachments may be visible on the outside of your belt, but the holster will be fully concealed.

If you are going to carry inside the waistband with a hard-sided IWB holster, make sure your gun fits your holster perfectly and has the right amount of retention before trying to place the gun inside your waistband. To check for the right fit, with an unloaded gun, place your gun in your holster and test the retention. Your gun should fit inside the holster snuggly, but not be too difficult to pull out and there may be a positive click If your gun is too loose or too tight, make those adjustments now.

Be aware that if you choose a hard-sided holster, you are going to need to wear loose-fitting pants, as you will need to make sure you have enough room to accommodate the holster and gun.

While hard-sided IWB holsters are the most common, there are additional options for carrying inside the waistband:

A belly band (like the Hip Hugger) is worn underneath your clothing and offers several different firearm placement options. It’s slim design also takes up less room inside your clothing than a traditional holster, so you may not need to go up a size in clothing to carry with a belly band.

A specially designed holster made from a non-slip material, like the Sticky Holster, can be placed inside your clothing and the pressure from your clothing will secure both the holster and the gun against your body.

Choosing The Right Belt

When you are carrying inside-the-waistband, it's extremely important to have a holster belt that is strong enough to handle the weight of the holster and the firearm and any extra magazines you plan on carrying. Belts made for concealed carry are reinforced to handle that weight and the most popular belts are made from leather or reinforced nylon.

Choosing an IWB Carry Position

Once you’ve got your holster and belt setup figured out, it’s time to decide where you want to carry your gun on your body. No two bodies are alike, so you will need to find the position that works best for you

When talking about IWB carry, it’s common to refer to the different locations around your waist as if they were the hours on a clock. For example, your right hip would be considered the 3 o’clock position and the center of your back would be considered the 6 o’clock position.

The most popular positions for inside-the-waistband carry are appendix, or AIWB (the 1 or 3 o’clock position (depending on your strong hand) and strong-side hip carry (the 3 or 9 o’clock position). These positions are popular because they are the most comfortable and they allow relatively easy access to your firearm.

Drawing from Inside-the-Waistband

After you’ve chosen a position, it's time to start practicing your draw. With an unloaded gun, make sure you are able to draw safely and quickly, without any hangups on your clothing or the holster. If you find that you are having trouble drawing your gun, you may need to adjust the location of your holster - adjust the location until you find a position that works well for you.

Once you have it all figured out, practice in dryfire sessions until you are comfortable and can draw smoothly, then head to the range for some live fire practice and training. If you’re still feeling uncomfortable, take a class that specifically covers drawing from IWB.

If you have any questions about carrying concealed (regardless of the position), please get in touch with us so we can help!

Today, there are several "alternative" ways to carry your firearm, including many types of holsters that don't fit into the traditional Outside the Waistband (OWB) or Inside the Waistband (IWB) categories.   Some options like ankle holsters and shoulder holsters have been around for quite some time, while others, such as bra holsters and corset holsters, are relatively new to the world of concealed carry.

Obviously, the latter holsters are designed with women in mind and their rise in popularity can readily be attributed to the increase in the number of women who are actively getting their license to carry a concealed handgun.

Thinking of trying an alternative carry holster? Here's list of the most popular options:

Shoulder Holster

If you have ever watched a police show or crime drama on television, you have likely seen the shoulder holster.  Normally made largely of leather, the shoulder holster is a holster attached to a shoulder belt, usually in a figure eight type configuration worn over both shoulders with the firearm on the non-dominant side.  There are other configurations as well as providing many options for the wearer.  The holster can be worn over a shirt but underneath a suit coat or jacket.

The benefit of a shoulder holster, especially for law enforcement, is that because it is not worn around the belt, it is more comfortable to wear, especially for someone that has a desk job or works from their car.  Also, the shoulder holster can conceal a larger handgun.  Deployment of the handgun requires a cross draw.  The downside of such a setup is that it does require the use of outerwear which may not be desirable in locations that have hot summer weather.

Bra Holster

There are holsters on the market now that attach to a bra for the female who wants to conceal carry.  Two of the more popular locations for the holster to attach to the bra is in the front and center right over the sternum and over to the non-dominant side under the arm.  These holsters are usually made of Kydex or other stiff plastic with suede or leather straps that have sturdy one way snaps to keep the holster secure.  The bra itself also acts to stabilize and secure the holster.  To draw the firearm from the front and center style holster requires the user to lift their shirt and pull straight down, snapping the firearm from the holster.

For the underarm style holster, the user would usually reach down the neck of the shirt to deploy the handgun.  While this type of holster may sound uncomfortable, most women, once they learn to properly wear the holster, find that it is very comfortable.  However, this does depend a bit on individual body styles and size.

Firearm size also makes a difference with these types of holsters, as a full-size handgun would likely be too heavy and too large to conceal.  Bra holsters can be worn under many different types of tops and shirts, from tank tops to business blouses.

Corset Holster

A corset holster is exactly as it sounds, a corset meant to be worn under a shirt or blouse, with holster pockets included made from a thick elastic.  The corset holster fits tight to the wearer’s body, making concealment easy to achieve.  The holster pockets provide maximum coverage on most micro and compact firearms.  Some women are able to carry a full-size firearm in them, especially when wearing a jacket or coat.

As it is made for women, most corset holsters also have the added benefit of body-shaping.  As with the bra holster, the comfort of the corset holster depends on the body shape and size of the user wearing it, but most women can find a corset holster that fits them comfortably.  The downside of the corset holster is that some may find it a little warm, especially in hot climates.  A real benefit of the corset holster is that the user can use the same corset holster with multiple handguns.

Belly Band Type Holsters

The belly band holster is worn around the waist undershirt and pants or shirt and skirt.  A belly band provides some options as far as either wearing high on the waist or lower on the hips.  It is constructed in much the same way as the corset holster with stretchy but sturdy pockets that hold the firearm close to the body.  In some of the belly band style holsters, there are multiple pockets, so in addition to holding a firearm, the wearer also has a place for additional magazines or perhaps a money clip.

Like the corset holster, the bellyband is best suited for a micro or compact carry firearm, but the same belly band will accommodate different handguns.  Many of the belly band style holsters include a retention strap to further secure the firearm

Leggings and Shorts Holsters

Another recent addition to the alternative holster choices is clothing that also functions as a holster.  Concealed carriers can choose from tank tops, compression shorts, and leggings that include a special built-in holster.  These types of holsters are especially attractive to women on the go who do not wish to wear jeans or slacks all the time.

The compression shorts or leggings allow women to carry their handgun concealed with they go for a walk or a run - situations where women can be particularly vulnerable if not armed.  These options come in a wide variety of sizes to allow a good fit for most women.

Thigh Holsters

Women who wear dresses, in particular, enjoy a thigh holster.  Some of these holsters are basically a wide elastic band with a holster pocket that fits securely on the thigh.  However, there are some that include garter-type straps for increased stability.  These holsters are also designed for smaller handguns.  They do allow the wearer multiple options with regard to the location of the handgun.  It can be worn with the firearm on the outside of the thigh, though most actually find the firearm more concealable if worn on the inside of the thigh. 

Ankle Holsters

Ankle holsters are not new.  Law enforcement officers frequently wear ankle holsters to hide a backup firearm if needed.  Like the thigh holster, the ankle holster is normally made of an elastic type material with a holster pocket for a small handgun.  In some cases, the holster and handgun can be worn inside of a boot, making it super concealable.  Ankle holsters are not gun specific so a single holster can accommodate several different types of firearms.  These may not be the first choice for concealed carry because the firearm is further from your hand.  A downside is that the weight of the firearm can be a bit uncomfortable and there is a slightly higher risk of accidentally exposing the firearm if the pants leg should ride up when sitting.

Safety Considerations

As with any other type of holster, it's important to familiarize yourself with the holster you choose and practice with it so you can become proficient. 

To practice, put an unloaded firearm in your holster of choice and carry it around the house.  Practice sitting, standing, reaching or any other movement that might be part of your routine.  Bend over, go to the restroom; does the handgun shift, slide out or otherwise feel unsecure?  Can you enter and exit your vehicle with ease and can you buckle your seatbelt?  Check the quality of construction.  If it is the corset or the belly band or another type of elastic pocket holster, are the seams strong and the fasteners secure?

Next, with an unloaded firearm, practice accessing and presenting or drawing your handgun.  Drawing a handgun from the elastic pocket of a corset holster is different than drawing from an IWB or OWB holster - you need to practice it to become proficient at it.  Do not wait until you need it to defend your life to discover that you are unable to deploy it efficiently and safely. 

IWB stands for Inside the Waistband. In this style of concealed carry, your firearm is held between your body and the waistband of your pants, shorts or sometimes skirts. While this may not seem like a comfortable place for a holster, we encourage you to give it a try. You might be surprised!

Why IWB?

While Outside the Waistband (OWB) holsters are normally worn on the strong side hip, an IWB holster can be worn literally anywhere inside your waistband, depending on the firearm, your individual build, and comfort. An IWB is a good choice for concealed carry because it hides the majority of your firearm, which reduces the chances of printing.

Just as with any holster, the key elements are retention, trigger safety, and gun fit. When referring to the location of an IWB on your waistband, it is easy to think of your waist as a clock, with 12 o'clock being your belly button and 6 o'clock being the small of your back. So if you were wearing your IWB on your right side hip, you would refer to that position as 3 o'clock.

IWB Materials

Just as with OWB holsters, the primary materials for construction of the holster itself are Kydex (or another kind of molded, hard plastic), leather and nylon.

One of the most common types of material for an IWB is Kydex or a Kydex-like material. Kydex is a rigid plastic that a holster maker can heat and mold to fit all the frame details of your particular handgun. There are two popular types of IWB made from Kydex, one that is more minimalist in nature is a Kydex shell with a strong metal clip that goes over your waistband and belt. Other IWB holsters have a large piece of leather or suede that actually lays against your skin to create a more comfortable fit.

Just as with an OWB, many Kydex IWB holsters have retention screws to adjust how snug the gun fits within the holster. The benefit of Kydex IWB is that it feels secure and sturdy. One potential downside may be the rigid holster is a bit uncomfortable. But again, this is very personal and with the versatility of an IWB, just moving it along your belt a little bit forward or back to find the “sweet spot” for your comfort can make all the difference.

Leather is another common material for inside the waistband holsters. Leather holsters and the leather part of the holster that creates a barrier between the holster and your skin will break in with wear, creating an almost custom fit to your particular body type that will make the holster more comfortable.  Some wearers do experience sweatiness from leather holsters, especially in really hot locales. If the leather is pliable and not rigid, it can be difficult to reholster your firearm because the opening will close up once the firearm is removed.

Nylon holsters are generally a less expensive option. There are some soft side holsters that have no clip -  they are made of a material that grips, depending on friction to keep the holster in place. These holsters are not a good choice with loose clothing - you'll need a tighter waistband or belt for this type of holster.

Waist Locations

There are several popular locations along your waist where you can wear an IWB holster. The key to determining what works for you is actually wearing the holster as well as practicing the draw from the location of choice.

Starting from the belly button and working around the belt, some people do carry directly in the 12 o'clock position or right under the belly button. This is not the most popular location and depending on build, could limit you to smaller firearms.

The 1:00 or 2:00 location - this is also called appendix carry. Appendix carry is very popular among concealed carry holders because most people can find a very comfortable spot to wear the holster. Depending on the size of the gun, sitting, standing, getting in and out of a vehicle and other physical movement is not hindered while carrying here.

The 3:00 location - this is a popular location for strong side carry if you are right-handed. If you learned and regularly take classes where you draw from strong side outside the waistband holster, an IWB in this location is a natural fit.

If you are left-handed, this would be a cross draw location for you. Remember that even though wearing an IWB on the right side would still require you to purchase a left-handed holster so the grip is in the right position for cross drawing the firearm.

The 4:00 and 5:00 position - this position is not as popular, but it's still used by some. Normally, this would require a change in cant or angle of the firearms so that it is readily accessible on your strong side. If you are a left handed shooter, this position on the right side of the body is not easy to access safely. On this portion of your body, sitting, especially in a vehicle might be a tad uncomfortable with an IWB holster.

Small of the back or 6:00 position - this is another popular location for concealed carry. The key to this position is that if you are a right-handed person, you will need a left-handed holster and vice versa in order for the grip to be in a position to make the draw.

Conclusion

Carrying Inside the Waistband is a versatile way to carry because it is easy to make adjustments to position to get the correct fit for your needs. Most people find that IWB is an easy, comfortable way to carry your firearm concealed and some holsters even allow a shirt to be tucked in without giving away the position of the gun.

As with any method of carrying a firearm, practicing your draw is extremely important to make sure you can draw and reholster safely. Many ranges will not allow you to draw from an inside the waistband holster with a loaded firearm, but you can practice with an unloaded firearm. When practicing your draw, make sure your gun is unloaded and there is no ammunition near you.

This may not be the holster you are looking at when it comes to concealed carry, especially if you are a female, but outside the waistband holsters or OWB have their purpose.

Why OWB?

When you are first learning to draw from a holster, which is more than just grabbing the firearm and pulling it out, an OWB provides a solid base while learning.  It gives you a chance to understand about retention, trigger safety and gun fit.  Also, since you are going to be taking classes, it is good to know that almost all basic handgun classes that utilize a holster require that holster to be an outside the waistband, on your strong side hip kind of holster.  A good quality OWB is also a solid choice if you live in a state that allows open carry.  So they are a good investment that you will be using as you improve your handgun skills.

Materials

There are several kinds of materials used to make OWB holsters, such as Kydex, leather, and nylon. 

Kydex:  Probably the most common type of material for an OWB is Kydex.  Kydex is a rigid plastic that a holster maker can heat and mold to fit all the frame details of your particular handgun.  A good Kydex holster generally has screws as part of the construction that you can use to adjust handgun retention.  If you have difficulty drawing the gun from your holster, you make it looser.  Or, if your gun will slip out of the holster if you turn it upside down, you can tighten it a bit.  Since a Kydex holster is a piece of rigid plastic, it will not fold in on itself after you have drawn your gun, making it easier to holster your handgun without trying to hold it with your other hand. (Two-in-One Holster pictured)

Leather: Leather is another material for outside the waistband holsters.  Sometimes a new leather holster will be very snug and will break in and become easier to draw from with wear, just like a pair of good leather shoes.  And some leather holsters are very rigid, similar to Kydex rather than pliable.  But, some leather holsters are soft and will consequently collapse in on themselves after you draw your handgun.  This might make it a bit trickier to holster your handgun safely. (Floral OWB Holster pictured)

Nylon: Nylon holsters are generally a less expensive option.  Many instructors will not allow students to use a nylon holster in a class because they can be rather flimsy and often do not have any form of retention because they are essentially a pocket that fits on your waistband.  However, some of them do have retention straps that fasten over the back of the handgun to enhance their safety. 

Styles

There are several different types of styles of OWB holsters that refer to how you wear them, such as a paddle holster or a belt holster. 

Paddle: A paddle holster has a large flat piece, usually plastic that slides over the waistband of your pants and rests against your body, between your pants and your side.  Some people wear these successfully without a belt at all, but that depends on how sturdy your pants are.  Using a belt with the paddle holster makes it very stable. (Adjustable OWB Holster pictured)

Loops: There are other holsters with loops that allow a belt to thread through.  In the case of the belt holster, the material of the belt itself becomes important.  A flimsy belt or a belt that is too thin will not hold a belt holster, plus the firearm with a loaded magazine.  So the belt must be made of a sturdy material in order to hold the gun and allow for the distribution of weight of the firearm making it not only safer but a bit more comfortable to wear. (Thrasos OWB Holster pictured)

Cant

Cant refers to the angle of the firearm on your hip.  There are basically two different possible cants when referring to an OWB worn on the strong side hip, a neutral cant or vertical cant and a forward cant, also referred to as positive cant or FBI cant. 

Neutral Cant: The neutral cant is the holster in a straight vertical position on the hip, holding the firearm in a straight up and down position. 

Forward Cant: The forward cant rotates the grip of the firearm to a position that is about 20 degrees off the vertical line.  With this cant the grip is more forward, while the muzzles points back just a bit rather than straight at the ground as with the neutral cant. 

While the neutral cant is popular in classes, out on the range and in an open carry situation, the forward cant usually makes concealment a little easier if you are choosing to conceal carry with an outside the waistband holster.

There is much to think about when learning about and purchasing holsters for your firearms.  While you may not wear your OWB all the time, it is a good piece of equipment to have when you need it.