Best IWB Holster: Combining Comfort and Retention
When it comes to concealed carry, having a reliable and comfortable holster is essential. In this article, we will explore multiple exceptional IWB holsters that offer the perfect blend of comfort and retention. Whether you prefer a Kydex holster or need one for your 1911, we've got you covered. Read on to discover the best options available.
Overall Best IWB Holster
Choosing the best IWB holster depends on various factors such as body type, personal preferences, and specific needs. However, our editors have an honorable mention.
A604 L - Timeless Open-Top IWB Leather Custom Holster for Gun with Laser/Light
The A604 L is a custom inside-the-waistband holster available for over 3000 handguns and over 40 lights. It retains the slim and comfortable profile of the A604 while accommodating the additional accessory. Similar to its counterpart, it offers various carry positions and features a slight cant, open muzzle, and reinforced open top for easy reholstering.
The belt clip on the A604 L ensures stability on the belt, allowing for easy attachment and removal. Customization options for the belt clip width are available upon request. Just like the standard A604, this model is offered in mahogany or black and caters to both right-handed and left-handed shooters.
Crafted from premium 1/8" Italian leather, the A604 L undergoes the same meticulous stitching, molding, dyeing, oiling, and lacquering process as its sibling. It is a truly handcrafted piece that comes with a lifetime warranty, guaranteeing its quality and durability.
Pros:
- Custom design for Sig P365 with light/laser
- Slim and comfortable profile
- Multiple carry positions
- Easy reholstering with open top
- Stable belt clips for secure attachment
- Lifetime warranty
Cons:
- Available in black or mahagony leather only
- Leather might not be your cup of tea
Best IWB Kydex Holster
A907 - Compact Hybrid IWB Holster
The FALCO Holsters A907 is a remarkable EDC holster that combines the best of both worlds – the comfort of leather and the strength and retention of Kydex. Created in collaboration with Paul Glasco of Legally Armed America, this holster features premium FALCO leather that ensures a forgiving fit against the body. Additionally, the Kydex component provides positive retention, guaranteeing safe and repeatable firearm reholstering.
Designed specifically for over 3000 handguns, the A907 boasts a fully covered trigger guard and a double layer of leather on the sweat guard. These features deliver reliable access to your firearm and ensure repeatable reholstering. The perforations in the leather/Kydex design allow your skin to breathe, adding to your overall comfort during extended carry periods.
One standout feature of this hybrid holster is the extra-wide single belt clip with an integrated lip grasp at the bottom. This design enables easy, one-handed holster placement and removal without having to take the firearm out. This feature is particularly useful when changing clothes or using the restroom, as it allows you to keep your pistol holstered and ensures safer handling.
Crafted from luxurious Italian full-grain cowhide and U.S. Kydex, the A907 is a testament to FALCO's commitment to quality. Each holster is hand-dyed, hand-molded, and lacquered, ensuring a perfect fit for your firearm. The FALCO Signature Stitching adds a touch of elegance and longevity to the holster, while the hand-finished and colored edges protect it from everyday wear.
Pros:
- Combination of leather and Kydex provides comfort and retention
- Fully covered trigger guard and double layer of leather ensure reliable access and reholsterin
- Perforations in the design allow for breathability and added comfort
- Extra-wide belt clip with integrated lip grasp allows for easy one-handed holster placement and removal
- Handcrafted from premium materials for a perfect fit and exceptional quality
Cons:
- Kydex might not be as esthetically appealing as full leather holster
- Color options only for the leather portion of the holster
Best IWB Kydex Holster for Guns with Light
A908 L - Comfortable Hybrid IWB Holster with Grip Hook Clips
For those who carry handguns with lights, the A908 L is the ideal choice. This updated version of the best-selling light-bearing concealment A116 L holster combines the comfort of an airflow leather platform with the quick gun draw and shape stability of Kydex.
Handmade from genuine Italian leather and U.S. Kydex, the A908 L is specifically designed to fit handguns with tactical lights perfectly. The leather platform is perforated, allowing for increased breathability and making concealed carry with the A908 L exceptionally comfortable, even during extended periods of wear.
One notable feature of this holster is the inclusion of two polymer Grip Hook clips. These clips are easy to attach and detach from the belt, making it possible to wear the holster without a gun belt as well. The placement of the strong Grip Hook belt clips on the far sides of the leather platform ensures a low-profile design, making it suitable for concealing even full-size handguns with weapon-mounted lights comfortably.
Pros:
- Combination of leather and Kydex provides comfort and shape stability
- Perforated leather platform allows for breathability and enhanced comfort
- Grip Hook clips enable easy attachment and detachment from the belt
- Suitable for carrying handguns with tactical lights
- Low-profile design for effective concealed carry
- Does not require gun belt
Cons:
- Kydex might not be as esthetically appealing as full leather holster
- Color options only for the leather portion of the holster
Best Leather IWB Holster
A105 Falcon - Comfortable and Reliable
The A105 Falcon is the epitome of a leather IWB holster, offering unmatched comfort, quick draw speed, and effortless re-holstering. This holster features a reinforced top section, ensuring that it remains open even when the handgun is not inserted. This design allows for easy one-handed re-holstering, making it a practical choice for everyday carry.
The matte black Falco steel clip adds to the holster's reliability and durability. Its corrosion-resistant properties ensure that the holster stays securely in place throughout the day, providing peace of mind during concealed carry.
Handcrafted from the finest Italian leather, the A105 Falcon is a true testament to craftsmanship. Only the highest-quality leather hides are used in its production, resulting in a holster that not only looks exceptional but also exudes a natural leathery fragrance. From the intricate hand-coloring to the meticulous shaping and lacquering, every detail is taken care of to deliver the utmost quality.
For those seeking a truly personalized touch, consider getting your initials embossed on the holster and pairing it with a matching leather belt from Falco's offerings. This premium variant of the A105 Falcon ensures that your firearm is housed in a holster that is worthy of its stature. With proper care, this holster may even endure the lifespan of your gun itself.
Pros:
- Reinforced top section keeps the holster open for easy re-holstering
- Falco steel clip in matte black provides sturdy and corrosion-resistant attachment
- Handcrafted from premium Italian leather for superior quality and durability
- Personalization options, including embossing initials & many more
Cons:
- Leather might not be your cup of tea
Best Leather IWB Holster for Guns with Light
A121 - PREMIUM Stable Easy On IWB Leather Holster for guns with WML
The A121 holster stands out as the best leather IWB holster for guns with lights, offering exceptional stability on the belt. The widely spread belt loops with snaps ensure that the weight of the firearm is evenly distributed across your gun belt. This feature not only enhances comfort but also allows for extended periods of concealed carry without discomfort.
Furthermore, the reinforced mouth of the holster ensures that it remains open even when the gun is drawn. This facilitates easier and safer re-holstering, providing peace of mind during tactical situations.
Like its counterpart, the A121 is handcrafted from the finest Italian leather, ensuring the highest level of quality and craftsmanship. From the delicate hand-coloring to the meticulous shaping and lacquering, this holster exudes excellence. The natural leathery fragrance that greets you upon opening the package is a testament to the premium materials used.
To truly personalize your holster, consider embossing your initials on it and pairing it with a matching leather belt from Falco's collection. This premium variant of the A121 holster not only offers practicality and reliability but also adds a touch of elegance to your concealed carry setup.
Pros:
- Provides exceptional stability on the belt for comfortable concealed carry
- Reinforced mouth keeps the holster open for easy re-holstering
- Handcrafted from premium Italian leather for superior quality and durability
- Personalization options, including embossing initials & many more
Cons:
- Leather might not be your cup of tea
Overall, both the A105 Falcon and the A121 offer outstanding options for those seeking a leather IWB holster. While the A105 Falcon excels in comfort and reliability, the A121 provides exceptional stability and ease of use for guns with lights. Consider your specific needs, setup and preferences to determine which holster suits you best. With Falco's commitment to quality and craftsmanship, you can be confident in your choice of a premium leather holster.
Best Nylon IWB Holster
A805 Smith - Comfortable and Practical
The A805 Smith is a remarkable nylon IWB holster that offers the best in comfort, fast gun draw, and easy reholstering. This holster is highly regarded by CEO of Falco Holsters, who wears the leather version with a compact pistol on a daily basis. Constructed from premium nylon with black leather accents, the A805 Smith combines durability and functionality.
The main body of the holster is made from sturdy nylon that maintains its shape, while the top is reinforced with black leather. This design ensures that the holster remains open, facilitating quick and effortless reholstering. Additionally, the smooth gun draw enhances the overall user experience. The holster also features an integrated plastic sights rail, providing protection for the top sights.
Pros:
- Comfortable and fast gun draw & reholstering
- Sturdy and shape-holding nylon construction
- Reinforced top with black leather
- Integrated plastic sights rail
Cons:
- Limited color options
Best IWB Holster for Glock 19
A908 - Comfortable Hybrid IWB Holster with Grip Hook Clips
For Glock 19 owners, the A908 - Comfortable Hybrid IWB Holster with Grip Hook Clips is the optimal choice. This holster provides the perfect balance of comfort, stability, and quick gun draw. The combination of the airflow leather platform and shape-stable Kydex ensures a reliable and efficient concealed carry experience.
Handcrafted from genuine Italian leather and U.S. Kydex, the A908 is meticulously designed to fit your Glock 19 perfectly. The perforated leather platform enhances breathability, allowing for comfortable extended carry periods. The placement of the Grip Hook belt clips on the far sides of the leather platform creates a low-profile design, ideal for concealing even full-size handguns.
Pros:
- Comfortable hybrid design with leather and Kydex materials
- Perforated leather platform for breathability
- Strong Grip Hook belt clips for secure attachment
- Suitable for concealing full-size handguns
Cons:
- Kydex might not be as esthetically appealing as fully leather holster
- Color options only for the leather portion of the holster
Best IWB Holster for Glock 19 with Light
The A904 L 2021 - Appendix Kydex Holster with Magazine Pouch
This holster is handmade from genuine U.S. Kydex, ensuring a perfect fit for your Glock 19 with a light. Each holster is molded on a 1-to-1 copy of the individual handgun, guaranteeing optimal retention and functionality.
This holster is specifically designed for concealed appendix carry, offering a secure and comfortable carry position. The built-in magazine pouch provides convenient access to an additional magazine, enhancing your readiness. With its outstanding retention, durability, and smooth draw, the A904 L 2021 ensures that your firearm and magazine are reliably held in place.
To further enhance concealability, you have the option to add a holster claw, which brings the firearm even closer to your side and facilitates easy concealment under loose clothing such as t-shirts or jackets.
Pros:
- Specifically designed for Glock 19 with rail-mounted laser/light
- Open-top Kydex design with built-in magazine pouch
- Outstanding retention and durability
- Smooth draw for quick and efficient access to your firearm
- Optional holster claw for enhanced concealability
Cons:
- Kydex might not be as esthetically appealing as leather holster
- Available in black color only
Overall, the A904 L 2021 is the best IWB holster for Glock 19 owners who utilize a rail-mounted laser/light. Its precision-molded Kydex construction and thoughtful design elements make it a reliable and practical choice for concealed carry.
Best IWB Holster for Sig P365
A604 - Timeless Open-Top IWB Leather Holster
The A604 is a slim and comfortable inside-the-waistband holster designed for over 3000 handguns. Sig Sauer P365 is not exception. It offers various carry positions, including appendix carry or the 3 o'clock position. With its slight cant, open muzzle, and reinforced open top, the A604 ensures easy reholstering without sacrificing security.
The belt clip on this holster provides stability on the belt, and it makes it effortless to attach or remove the holster as needed. The standard width of the belt clip is 1.5", but customization options are available upon request. The A604 is available in mahogany or black, catering to both right-handed and left-handed shooters.
Crafted from premium 1/8" Italian leather, the A604 is meticulously stitched by our skilled craftsmen. Each holster is hand-molded on an exact replica of your Sig P365, ensuring a perfect fit. The leather is carefully dyed, oiled, and lacquered on our premises, resulting in a truly handcrafted piece. As a testament to its quality, the A604 comes with a lifetime warranty.
Pros:
- Slim and comfortable design
- Offers multiple carry position
- Open top for easy reholstering
- Stable belt clip for secure attachment
- Available in mahogany or black
- Lifetime warranty
Cons:
- Limited color options
- Leather might not be your cup of tea
In conclusion, whether you need an IWB holster for your Sig Sauer P365 with or without light, the A604 and A604 L offer exceptional comfort, reliability, and craftsmanship. Their timeless design and attention to detail make them reliable choices for concealed carry.
Best IWB Holster for 1911
A112 Hawk - Stable Easy on IWB Leather Holster
The A112 Hawk combines the best features of clip-on IWB holsters with a pancake design, resulting in a thinner profile. It features an open top for a quick draw and a reinforced top that keeps the holster open for easy reholstering of your 1911. The inclusion of a sweat guard helps to separate the gun from the body, ensuring comfort and preventing moisture buildup.
Crafted from hand-colored, hand-shaped lacquered natural Italian leather, the A112 Hawk is made from only the highest quality hides. The premium variant of this holster showcases the utmost craftsmanship, from the intricate hand-coloring to the natural leathery fragrance that greets you upon opening the package. It is a holster that truly complements your firearm, and with proper care, it may even outlast the lifespan of your gun.
Pros:
- Thinner profile due to pancake design
- Open top for quick draw
- Reinforced top keep the holster open
- Sweat guard for added comfort
- Handcrafted from premium Italian leather
- Superior craftsmanship
- A lot of possible customization options
Cons:
- Does not have thumb-break
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an IWB holster?
An IWB (Inside the Waistband) holster is a type of holster designed to be worn inside the waistband of your pants or skirt, allowing you to conceal and carry a firearm discreetly. It is typically made of a durable material like Kydex, leather, or nylon and has a clip or belt loop to secure it to your waistband.
How do I choose the right IWB holster for my firearm?
When selecting an IWB holster for your firearm, there are a few factors to consider. Firstly, ensure that the holster is specifically designed for your gun model to ensure a secure fit. Next, consider the material and construction quality, as well as the comfort and retention features. Look for adjustable retention screws, sweat guards, and a proper belt clip or loop that will securely hold the holster in place. Lastly, try out different holsters and wear them for extended periods to determine which one offers the best comfort, accessibility, and concealment for your needs.
Are IWB holsters safe to use?
Yes, IWB holsters are safe to use when properly utilized and combined with responsible firearm handling practices. It is crucial to ensure that the trigger guard of your firearm is fully covered by the holster to prevent accidental discharges. Additionally, always follow proper firearm safety rules, such as keeping your finger off the trigger until you are ready to shoot, and only drawing your firearm when necessary and in a safe direction. Regularly inspect your IWB holster for signs of wear or damage, and replace it if needed to maintain safety and functionality.
The Best IWB Holster: Last Thoughts
Choosing the right IWB holster is a crucial decision when it comes to concealed carry. It's a matter of finding the perfect fit that offers comfort, reliability, and quick access to your firearm. While personal preferences and individual requirements vary, there are several outstanding options to consider.
Whether you prefer the stability and craftsmanship of a leather holster like the A105 Falcon, A604, or A112 Hawk, or the versatility and durability of a nylon holster like the A805 Smith, each one has its unique features that cater to different needs.
If you're looking for a holster specifically designed for guns with lights, the A121, A904 L or A604 L are excellent choices, offering stability and easy on/off functionality.
While these holsters excel in their respective categories, it's essential to remember that choosing the best IWB holster ultimately depends on your unique needs, body type, and personal preferences. Take the time to evaluate your requirements and select a holster that provides a secure and comfortable fit for your specific firearm.
In conclusion, the Best IWB Holster encompasses a range of options that cater to different firearms, carry positions, and preferences. Whether you prioritize comfort, quick draw, stability, or customization, there is a holster out there that will perfectly complement your concealed carry needs. Remember to prioritize safety, quality craftsmanship, and a secure fit, ensuring that your chosen holster allows you to confidently carry your firearm while keeping it easily accessible when needed.
Martin Lukačko
2.6.2023
