Best Concealed Carry Positions

Which is the best concealed carry position? That’s often a question answered differently by each person. Concealed carry positions are numerous to give you options to ensure you have easy access but ample safety and comfort as you go about your day. Here are some of the most common concealed carry positions used today.

Outside the Waistband (OWB)

A common option is outside the waistband. If you carry your gun at the 3 to 9 o’clock position, chances are good an OWB holster is going to work well for you. With the right belt width for your concealed carry, this is a reliable option with many uses.

This option provides more flexibility, dependent on the size of the gun you choose. To conceal carry, however, you’ll need to wear additional layers of clothing, such as a jacket over the top. This position offers easy drawing and comfort for most people.

 

 

 

Inside the Waistband

Another best-concealed carry option, for people who like to have their gun easily accessible and on their person, is inside the waistband. When it comes to wearing your weapon like this, you can get a gun belt that allows you to wear a fitted shirt and tuck it in. For everyday life, in situations where your firearm must be truly concealed, this can be an ideal choice. 

Appendix Carry

 

Getting the best appendix carry is important for many people. This position, at the 1-2 o’clock placement, is a common option for those who want an inside waistband option. This option is beneficial because the gun is right at the front of your body, which allows for a fast draw. It tends to be comfortable overall. However, it is a bit more difficult to conceal because of its position at the front of your belt.

The wrong holster, though, can dig into your groin or thigh, making it a safety hazard since the gun could end up pointing into your body.

 

 

Pocket Carry

A pocket holster is an option for those who do not want to carry their gun at their waistband. Pocket carry simply means that you’ll need to wear clothing with a pocket to position the gun. It creates a good level of drawing ability but is not as fast as other forms.

This option is typically best for those who have a smaller frame. That allows you to conceal the firearm a bit more readily.

Shoulder Holster

If you're looking for a way to carry your gun without the discomfort of a3 waistband holster, a shoulder holster may be a great option for you. It can provide relief for those who carry heavier firearms on a daily basis, distributing the weight more evenly across the body.

However, it's important to note that using a shoulder holster does require some effort to get right. You'll need to find the right size and fit for your body, adjust the straps correctly, and practice drawing your firearm safely and quickly.

Another consideration when choosing a shoulder holster is the need for additional layers of clothing. Since the holster sits on your shoulder, you may need to wear a jacket, coat, or other outer layer to keep your firearm concealed. This can be convenient in colder weather, but may not be as practical in warmer climates.

Bra Holster

The bra holster can work well for some people. It is a good option for concealment, with various outfit types that don’t lend themselves to a belt. The difficulty here is safety. There is a risk that you could suffer damage if the gun goes off or the fact that when accessing your firearm you’ll need to sweep across not only yourself but those around you that aren’t an intended target.

The bra holster could be one of the best ways for women to conceal carry by some standards. For others, women’s belts are the better option for a good fit.

Belly Band

A belly band is a type of holster that is a bit different. Here, you have an elastic band that is positioned around your waist. It typically will have a pocket on it that fits your firearm. If you have a larger firearm, this makes the use of this position a bit more difficult, if not impossible. You will find that concealment is easier here for many people, but it can get hot and uncomfortable in some situations.

Ankle Holster

 

While ankle holsters are not as common as waistband or shoulder holsters, some gun owners find them to be a practical and comfortable way to carry their firearm. One of the biggest drawbacks of an ankle holster is the difficulty in accessing your firearm while standing. However, if you spend most of your time sitting, then an ankle holster may be a more convenient option for you. Additionally, ankle holsters are typically only suitable for smaller firearms such as micro pistols. That being said, ankle holsters can provide a more discreet way to carry your firearm, as they are less likely to be detected under clothing.

 

Carrying off Body

The off-body carry option can work well. You can carry your firearm in your fanny pack, a briefcase, or another type of bag. If you plan to do this, ensure that you have a holster within that bag – do not just place the firearm into it. This helps to prevent movement and shifting that could be dangerous.

Which is the Best Carrying Option for Me?

It’s up to you to choose the right carrying option for your needs and then the best belts to meet those needs. Clothing choice is an important factor since that will play a role in how easily (or limitedly) the weapon is concealed. Most of the time, wearing tight clothing is not ideal. You also want to choose the color wisely, as darker colors of clothing can make it easier to hide your firearm.

If you plan to use an EDC belt, you want to be sure you choose the right pants. Any time you want to use a gun belt, you’ll need a pair of pants with belt loops. If you choose a tighter pair of pants, add an extra size to allow your tactical EDC belt to holster your gun comfortably.

When choosing a position for your gun, there are a few questions to keep in mind:

• From any position, can you safely store and move with the gun?
• Can you quickly draw the gun when you need to do so?
• When drawing the gun, is there any risk of injury to yourself or bystanders?
• How much concealment is possible based on your body type and clothing in that position?
• If you were in a combat situation, does that position allow you to defend your gun?
• How comfortable is the positioning based on your activity level?
• What differences occur when sitting vs standing?

Nexbelt’s high-quality belts are made for carrying guns. Whether you’re buying your first belt or looking for alternatives, the best concealed carry position for you is one that feels good and provides you with the movement you need. Nexbelt offers solutions to fit every need. Check out our nylon belt series for more insight.