In an age where personal safety is paramount, the rise in concealed carry permits among adults over 30 isn't just a trend; it's a testament to responsibility and self-reliance. Studies reveal a notable 9% reduction in workplace homicides with stricter concealed carry provisions. Even more compelling? According to research, those with concealed carry licenses are 5.7 times less likely to commit violent offenses and 13.5 times less likely for non-violent ones compared to the general public. Ready to join other responsible individuals and looking for the best concealed carry holster?

Before exploring our top picks, make sure you understand the process of getting your conceal carry permit, as this ensures you're not only carrying comfortably but also legally.

THE QUICK LIST

• Most Reliable: CrossBreed Holsters SuperTuck IWB Concealed Carry Holster
• Most Versatile: Alien Gear ShapeShift Appendix Holster for Concealed Carry
• Most Secure: Safariland 7378 ALS Concealment Paddle Holster
• Most Innovative: Strapt-Tac Belly Band
• Most Discreet: LPV Ankle Holster for Concealed Carry
• Best for Quick Draw: UAMAL 9mm Gun Holster
• Most Universal: Phlster Floodlight1
• Most Ergonomic: Tier 1 AXIS Elite Concealed
• Most Durable: Galco Combat Master

Why You Need a Good Holster

Having a good holster isn't just about carrying a firearm; it's about ensuring utmost safety and maximizing comfort. A quality holster provides secure housing for your firearm, minimizing the risk of accidental misfires—a scenario no one ever wants to face.

For those who choose to carry concealed throughout the day, comfort becomes paramount; a well-designed holster can make the difference between a barely noticeable presence and a constant distraction.

Moreover, in moments where every second counts, a quality holster ensures quick and reliable access to your firearm, empowering you to respond efficiently during emergencies.

Types of Holsters

With varying lifestyles and requirements, it's imperative to have an array of holster options. Let’s look at a breakdown of some popular concealed carry holster types.

IWB Holster (Inside the Waistband)

 A favorite among many, the IWB holster is the most common choice for concealed carry. Nestled inside your waistband, it offers deep concealment, making it harder for anyone to detect. This style is a perfect fit for those who prioritize discretion without compromising on quick access.

AIWB Holster (Appendix Inside the Waistband)

AIWB ("Appendix Inside the Waistband") holster is a type of firearm holster designed to be worn in the front of the body, specifically in the appendix position (typically between the navel and the hip).

This carrying method has gained popularity among concealed carry enthusiasts for several reasons. One of the primary advantages is the ease of access, allowing the user to quickly draw their firearm in high-pressure situations.

Additionally, when seated or in restrictive positions, drawing from the appendix can be more convenient than from other carry locations.

However, some individuals raise concerns about safety, especially the potential for a negligent discharge directed at sensitive areas of the body. As with any carry method, training, familiarity with one's equipment, and continuous safety practices are crucial.

Shoulder Holster

For those who spend a lot of time driving or typically wear jackets, shoulder holsters come into their own. Featuring adjustable straps, it allows users to find their comfortable concealed carry positions, ensuring the firearm is both concealed and readily accessible.

Belly Band Holster

This is not just a really good concealed carry holster; it's especially favored by women. Belly band holsters wrap around the waist, offering versatility in positioning. Its stretchable band ensures a snug fit, catering to different body shapes and sizes.

Ankle Holster

For those moments when you need an alternative draw position or are carrying a secondary firearm, the ankle holster is a go-to. Especially beneficial for individuals who sit frequently, ankle holsters offer discreet concealment just a leg's length away.

Pocket Holster

When dealing with compact handguns, pocket holsters shine. Designed to fit seamlessly into your pocket, it ensures your firearm remains safely positioned while providing a comfortable conceal carry experience.

What Makes a Great Concealed Carry Holster?

Not all concealed carry holsters are created equal. So, what elements elevate a holster from good to great?

Trigger and Material

 At the forefront of holster design is safety, and one of the primary safety features is ensuring that the trigger is fully covered. An exposed trigger is an accident waiting to happen, especially in a high-pressure situation.

The material used in holsters plays a pivotal role in this aspect.

Traditional leather holsters mold to the shape of the gun over time, offering a snug fit.

Kydex, a type of plastic, is rigid and maintains its shape, ensuring consistent protection.

Hybrid holsters combine the best of both worlds, with the sturdiness of Kydex holsters and the flexibility of leather ones, providing both comfort and reliability.

Good Retention

Beyond covering the trigger, a good concealed carry holster needs to keep the firearm securely in place, even during rigorous activities or if you find yourself in an unexpected tussle.

However, this retention shouldn't compromise the ease of drawing your firearm when needed. Striking the right balance between strong retention and a smooth draw is crucial.

A holster that holds too tightly might hinder quick access in emergencies, while one that's too loose could lead to the firearm dislodging accidentally. The best gun holsters find the sweet spot between these two requirements, providing wearers with confidence in both safety and accessibility.

Best Concealed Carry Holster - Top 9 Picks for 2023

After choosing from the top concealed carry guns for your personal defense needs, selecting the right holster is the next crucial step for both safety and comfort.

The importance of a reliable holster cannot be overstated—it ensures not only the safety of the user but also the effectiveness of a firearm when needed the most.

Understanding the nuances of different designs, materials, and functionalities can greatly enhance your concealed carry experience. How to find the best concealed carry holster?

We've meticulously reviewed and curated a list of the top 9 holsters available today. From the universally accommodating to the specialized, these selections are a culmination of functionality, safety, and comfort.

Without further ado, here are our top 9 picks:

Best Concealed Carry Holster #1 - CrossBreed Holsters SuperTuck IWB Concealed Carry Holster

CrossBreed Holsters, an esteemed American company, presented the SuperTuck IWB Concealed Carry Holster as a testament to its commitment to quality, comfort, and functionality.

This made-in-the-USA holster, designed with a right-hand draw, is tailored for placement inside the waistband, specifically between the 3 to 5 o'clock position.

The integration of a black cowhide leather backer ensures maximum comfort against the body, while the molded Kydex retention pocket provides a snug and secure fit for Glock 17, 19, 22, and 23 frames. Among the various options for concealed carry, certain Glock models for concealed carry stand out for their reliability and compatibility with top holsters, making them a preferred choice for many gun owners.

What sets the SuperTuck apart is its patented design. Each holster is meticulously handcrafted in the USA, underscoring the brand's dedication to American craftsmanship and quality.

The SuperTuck's adaptability is also noteworthy; whether you prefer your shirt tucked in or out, this holster caters to both styles seamlessly. The durable, modular SnapLok powder-coated steel belt clips further allow users to customize both the cant and ride height.

To cap it off, this premium holster comes with a lifetime warranty, reinforcing the brand's confidence in its product's longevity and performance.

#CommissionsEarned

Best Concealed Carry Holster #2 - Alien Gear ShapeShift Appendix Holster for Concealed Carry

The Alien Gear ShapeShift Appendix Holster sets a new standard in concealed carry options.

Designed meticulously for the Springfield XD Mod.2 Subcompact 9/40 3 in, this holster boasts a custom fit that ensures both security and optimum performance, whether you're in a training session or navigating your everyday activities.

What distinguishes this holster is its intuitive adjustable retention system; without the need for any tools, carriers can modify the retention to suit their unique draw style, guaranteeing a swift and seamless firearm presentation.

Prioritizing comfort, Alien Gear has incorporated a soft neoprene backing that flexes with your body's natural movements. This material also excels at sweat-wicking, ensuring dryness and minimizing irritation even with prolonged use.

Flexibility in carrying is further enhanced by the holster's compatibility with the broader ShapeShift Line from Alien Gear, which facilitates effortless transitions between different carry modes.

To round it off, this holster is a testament to superior American craftsmanship. Made with pride in the USA, it embodies top-tier quality, supported by Alien Gear's renowned Iron Clad program.

#CommissionsEarned

Best Concealed Carry Holster #3 - Safariland 7378 ALS Concealment Paddle Holster

For those who value function and durability, the Safariland 7378 stands out. Its non-marking nylon construction ensures resistance to extreme temperatures, while the unique Automatic Locking System (ALS) promises unparalleled security.

The design emphasizes easy access while minimizing the potential for accidental firearm discharges. With its body-contoured paddle and the renowned ALS, you've ensured both comfort and rapid, safe draw capabilities.

Proudly made in the USA, this holster offers versatile accommodation for a wide range of pistol and light combinations.

#CommissionsEarned

Best Concealed Carry Holster #4 - Strapt-Tac Belly Band

While our list focuses on a range of holsters suitable for various preferences and needs, we also recognize the importance of specific concealed carry choices for women, which cater to their unique requirements and comfort.

Challenging conventional holster designs, the Strapt-Tac Belly Band offers a versatile solution, especially when typical waistband carry is impractical.

Instead of an inbuilt holster, it's designed to work seamlessly with IWB holsters, providing the familiarity and safety of your chosen holster. This ensures quicker draw times without the need for over-the-top snaps.

The aeroprene construction ensures breathability and comfort, allowing for extended wear.

#CommissionsEarned

Best Concealed Carry Holster #5 - LPV - Ankle Holster for Concealed Carry

Safety and discretion are at the core of LPV's Ankle Holster design. It offers an anti-slip mechanism, ensuring your Glock 43 or other compact handguns remain firmly in place.

Apart from accommodating your firearm, it also provides a pouch for magazines or a tactical knife, enhancing its utility. Crafted for long-term use, this ankle carry holster is compatible with a wide range of handguns, promising comfort and quick access.

#CommissionsEarned

Best Concealed Carry Holster #6 - UAMAL - 9mm Gun Holster

Prioritizing security and accessibility, UAMAL's 9mm Gun Holster is designed for those who need a reliable sidearm companion.

Made with 1000D nylon and reinforced with TPU elastic cords, this holster promises durability. It's versatile, suitable for both right and left-handed users, and can be attached to any belt less than 2 inches.

Its thoughtful design ensures that the gun remains stable and ready for quick draw, making it an excellent choice for those who prioritize self-defense. However, potential buyers should note its incompatibility with certain gun models.

Best Gun Holsters #7 - Phlster Floodlight1

The Phlster Floodlight1 is a uniquely universalized holster. While most holsters are designed to fit one specific gun model, the Floodlight1 stands out. It focuses on fitting a range of service-grade pistols as long as they can attach to lights like the Modlite PL350.

The holster's strength comes from its innovative design, friction retention that indexes on the light, not the gun. This means, that as long as you have the correct light attached, you can switch between a range of pistol types without needing to change your holster.

The adjustable retention allows users to personalize the friction retention on the WML to fine-tune their draw. The two-piece design ensures that there's an impeccable fit and retention across a variety of pistol dimensions.

Not only is the Floodlight flexible in terms of the gun it carries, but it's also ambidextrous and suitable for AIWB (Appendix Inside Waistband Carry) or strong-side IWB (Inside the Waistband).

Best Gun Holsters #8 - Tier 1 AXIS Elite Concealed

With its slim profile and an array of impressive features, the AXIS ELITE holster from Tier 1 is purpose-built for appendix carry.

This new design stands out with its built-in concealment ridge on the magazine, reduced size due to interior magazine retention, and a slight cant in the magazine angle that makes accessing it more ergonomic.

Its innovative use of military-grade shock cord lets the firearm and magazine flex independently, offering optimal concealment and ease during movements. The cord's replaceable nature ensures longevity and the opportunity to customize it with different colors.

Best Gun Holsters #9 - Galco Combat Master

Galco's Combat Master epitomizes craftsmanship in holster design. Expertly hand-molded to fit specific handguns, it not only boasts an aesthetic appeal but also offers robust retention capabilities.

The high-riding, pancake-style design ensures maximum concealment even under light clothing. This open-top holster ensures quick drawing while retaining the firearm securely.

Made with premium steer hide and double-stitched seams, the Combat Master is a testament to longevity and quality.

Talking About Tactical Gear - Check out TradeSmart American Flag Hat

Following our comprehensive look at holsters, TradeSmart presents yet another essential gear for firearm enthusiasts – the American Flag Hat.

Constructed from 100% all-natural cotton, this hat promises unmatched comfort and a design that avoids the common irritants of many hats on the market.

Its key features include a moisture-wicking, super-thin sweatband, ensuring comfort during long hours, and an easy-clip closure that's adjustable to your fit and can even be clipped onto other gear.

Its super-thin build make it a perfect companion for wearing with TradeSmart earmuffs.

The hat’s ponytail-friendly architecture ensures all hairstyles are accommodated, and the added Velcro means personalization is a breeze.

With a 2-year warranty, it's clear that TradeSmart is committed to providing gear that lasts.

Join Thousands of Responsible Gun Owners

In addition to quality gear, mastering firearm safety and confidence is paramount.

TradeSmart, understanding the need for comprehensive firearm education, offers the Firearm Confidence Course. This in-depth course spans ten modules, from getting started with firearms to a complete recap of everything learned.

Directly learning from industry specialists like Candy Sugarman and Hunter Elliott, you'll be equipped with crucial insights into firearms classification, operations, safety measures, and more.

Whether you're a beginner or seeking to refresh your knowledge, this course provides over an hour of expert instruction, guaranteeing that by the end, you'll have a profound understanding of firearms and their responsible usage.

With both top-tier gear and education at your fingertips, TradeSmart truly stands as a one-stop destination for all firearm enthusiasts.

Conclusion

Our exploration into the world of concealed carry holsters underscores the need for quality, design, and functionality. It's evident that a reliable holster is not just a mere accessory but a critical component in ensuring the safety of the user and the effectiveness of the firearm.

As the demand for concealed carry permits grows, so does the responsibility of choosing the best equipment. Armed with the insights from this guide, individuals are well-positioned to make informed decisions, championing safety, comfort, and readiness in every situation.