How to Choose the Best Concealed Carry Holster for Fat Guys

If you’re a bigger guy or have a large frame, you may wonder how you can comfortably and safely carry a concealed handgun for self-defense and what type of holster is the most suitable choice.

Finding a comfortable and effective way to carry concealed might seem tricky for larger men and women, but it’s doable. Check out these tips and advice to discover the perfect concealed carry holster for fat guys.

Waistband Carry Methods: IWB and OWB

Waistband holsters are available in two basic configurations: IWB and OWB (inside the waistband and outside the waistband). Each carry method has pros and cons, so you’ll need to evaluate and experiment with both to find the best concealed carry holsters for fat guys.

IWB

An IWB holster is the standard for concealed carry. It places the weapon between your waistband and body. IWB holsters use your pants and shirt to hide your firearm, minimizing printing as much as possible. However, they can also be an uncomfortable type of holster for fat guys.

While you can adjust your IWB holster setup to reduce discomfort, such as switching to a smaller gun and holster, you must be prepared to make wardrobe changes.

Many shooters find they must go up a pant size to fit their holster and weapon comfortably. Inside-the-waistband (IWB) holsters can limit the size and weight of your firearm, a challenge amplified for those with a larger build. The ideal IWB holsters for fat guys should avoid causing discomfort or requiring awkward bending to access the firearm.

OWB

An OWB holster may be a better alternative to IWB for those individuals who find inside-the-waistband carry uncomfortable. OWB doesn’t require you to change the size of your pants and won’t dig into your side or abdomen. OWB holsters are also more versatile regarding your choice of firearm and better suited for carrying larger handguns, such as full-size pistols.

OWB holsters are also the best holsters for fat guys who want to use their existing pants, making them an excellent choice if sizing your pants up is not an option. However, the main drawback is the need for an additional cover garment to conceal the gun. You must wear an appropriate shirt, jacket, or other clothing to conceal your gun and holster when carrying OWB.

What About Holster Design?

Regardless of position and carry method, a quality big-guy holster should still offer the features and performance expected of any self-defense and everyday carry (EDC) holster.

Retention

As with any other holster, the best holster for fat guys should provide sufficient retention to hold the weapon securely, especially when running or fighting. Passive retention, whether in an IWB or OWB holster, is ideal for concealed carry because it doesn’t impede your draw stroke.

Look for concealed-carry holsters with an adjustable retention screw; they allow you to choose how tightly your holster shell retains your firearm.

Active retention holsters are typically OWB only and intended for duty use, such as law enforcement, military, or security. While active retention features are an excellent way to prevent an assailant from stealing your gun, they are typically too large and bulky to conceal efficiently.

Safety

Your holster should fully cover the trigger guard, preventing your index finger from pressing the trigger until you’ve drawn your weapon. Keep your finger straight alongside the trigger guard or frame as you draw until the muzzle is parallel to the ground.

Adjustability

Holsters for fat guys should be fully adjustable. These features can make the difference between a barely suitable holster and one you can comfortably wear daily. Look for holsters that offer a fully adjustable cant angle, ride height, and compatibility with accessories, such as an appendix mod wing. These can help you find the perfect balance of comfort, accessibility, and concealment for your frame.

Durability

The best concealed-carry holsters for big guys are made from Kydex, as this material is strong, rigid, and resistant to abrasion and moisture. While these properties make Kydex holsters durable, they give less than softer alternatives like leather or nylon.

If worn incorrectly, it can make Kydex holsters feel uncomfortable or difficult to move. Take the holster shell’s rigidity into account to find the most comfortable carry position.

Waistband Positions

When you’ve selected the best type of waistband holster, you need to determine where you want to place it on your body. There are several waistband positions, but the most efficient to draw from are appendix and strong-side carry.

Appendix carry

In appendix carry, the firearm is usually positioned between 11 and 1 o’clock, with the area around your navel or belt buckle, often referred to as the 12 o’clock position, being the most prevalent placement. While an appendix-carry holster can allow for a quick draw stroke, it’s not ideal for a man or woman with a pronounced beltline.

The best appendix holster for fat guys should let you bend forward comfortably without printing or causing discomfort. Pairing an appendix holster with high-waisted pants can improve concealability with longer or heavier handguns, making it a suitable fat guy holster for shooters who prefer full-sized models. However, if the holster digs into your body in any way, consider another option.

Strong-side carry

You place the weapon on or behind your dominant-side hip in strong-side carry. If you’re a right-handed shooter, this is usually between 3 and 5 o’clock. If you’re a left-handed shooter, the position is usually between 7 and 9 o’clock. Many IWB holsters for fat guys are designed with strong-side carry in mind.

Non-Waistband Alternatives

If neither IWB nor OWB holsters are compatible with your physique or manner of dress, consider a non-waistband concealed carry holster for fat guys. While these holster types and positions have drawbacks, choose what works best for you if the alternative is not carrying a firearm.

Shoulder holsters

If you find waistband holsters uncomfortable or inappropriate for your daily activities, you can consider a shoulder holster. This holster bypasses the abdomen entirely, using a harness to suspend the weapon under your non-dominant arm.

The primary disadvantages regarding a shoulder holster are similar to those of an OWB holster: you need to wear a jacket or coat to hide your weapon. Additionally, unlike a belt holster, the muzzle of a gun inside a shoulder holster will point rearwards, potentially making it unsafe for people standing behind you.

Belly band holsters

A belly band holster is a thick elastic band that wraps around the waist and doesn’t rely on a gun belt. Instead, the band closes in the front, usually with Velcro. You’ll need to experiment with different options to find the best belly band holster for fat guys, as not every product is designed to accommodate all body types.

Pocket holsters

Pocket carry can be an alternative for backup guns; subcompact firearms that can fit snugly into a front pants pocket. However, even with a holster to protect the trigger guard and keep the weapon facing forward, there’s still a possibility the weapon can snag on the fabric inside your pocket.

Ankle holsters

An ankle holster is best used with a backup gun, such as a small pistol or revolver. However, the ankle holster can be difficult to access quickly for a primary concealed carry weapon. You must typically bend down or kneel to reach a gun in an ankle holster. It may not be a good choice if you have difficulties doing so or if your current situation makes bending or kneeling unfeasible.

Find the Ideal Holster for Your Needs

At Incognito Concealment, we specialize in manufacturing high-quality Kydex holsters for a wide variety of body types and carry methods. Give us a call and tell us your needs, and we’ll be more than happy to recommend a concealed carry holster for fat guys that fits your gun and your preferences.