Pros and Cons of IWB vs. OWB Holsters

There are a variety of ways in which you can carry a concealed weapon. Among the most popular choices is a waistband holster in either IWB or OWB. Each carry option has its pros and cons, so it’s worth experimenting with several concealed-carry holsters to find the one that fits you best.

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Waistband Holsters

There are two primary carry methods in a waistband holster: IWB and OWB. When carrying Inside the waistband, you place the holster between your body and the waistband of your pants. IWB holsters attach to the gun belt or the hem of your pants via clips. As the holster rides inside your pants, part of the holster and firearm remains concealed below the beltline. Outside the waistband holsters attach to your gun belt via loops.

IWB vs. OWB

If you want to carry a handgun discreetly under clothing,  IWB holsters are easier to conceal. Concealed carry is superior to open carry for retaining the element of surprise. However, some gun owners regard open carry as a deterrent because it marks you as a potential target.

If criminals are casing an establishment for an armed robbery and see you wearing a firearm openly, they can plan accordingly. Concealed carry also avoids causing alarm among those unfamiliar with firearms or the laws regarding the carrying of weapons. If a bystander doesn’t know that it’s legal to carry a firearm, they may notify the authorities, causing you the hassle of being temporarily detained and questioned by law enforcement.

IWB holsters are also more seasonally versatile. Unlike an OWB holster in which a covering garment, such as a jacket or coat, is required, you can conceal an IWB holster under an untucked T-shirt or collared shirt.

This allows you to comfortably carry a concealed weapon during the summer months when scorching temperatures make wearing additional layers of clothing uncomfortable. For added concealment, you can add devices, such as claws and wedges, designed to drive or rotate the weapon toward your body, minimizing printing (weapon visibility.)

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Adapt to Your Wardrobe

If your profession requires you to adhere to a dress code, concealing a firearm can be challenging. Wearing a collared shirt tucked into a pair of slacks or dress pants limits your options for concealing a weapon and maintaining access. Fortunately, a tuckable IWB holster provides a viable alternative to leaving your gun at home or in your car.

In a tuckable holster, there’s a space between the holster face and the belt clip. This allows you to tuck the fabric of your shirt between the front of your holster and the rear of the belt clip, concealing your weapon.

Your belt clips will remain exposed, however. If that’s a concern, you have a few options. Some belt clips attach directly to the hem of the pants, allowing you to cover them with a dress belt. Others only attach to the belt from the top and bottom, minimizing exposure.

If you choose to carry a handgun this way, you’ll need to practice your draw stroke diligently. This is an unusual carry method for many gun owners. Practice untucking your shirt by gripping the fabric with two hands and pulling sharply upward to reveal your holster, enabling you to perform the draw stroke as normal.

IWB holsters are unsuitable for open carry. Some gun owners find IWB holsters uncomfortable because of the tight fit between the waistband and the body. For some body types, this may be less than ideal. If you have a pronounced beltline, you may also have to consider alternative positions, such as strong side instead of appendix.

In OWB carry, as the holster is worn outside of your pants, it’s less concealable than IWB. If you want to carry concealed using an OWB holster, you’ll need to wear a covering garment, such as a jacket. An untucked shirt can hide an OWB holster and gun, but the risk of printing is higher, as more of the holster is in contact with the fabric. Where OWB shines is open carry. If there’s no requirement to conceal the weapon, the snug fit isn’t necessary. As a result, many gun owners find carrying a gun OWB to be more comfortable.

If you can carry a gun comfortably, you should. An uncomfortable holster provides a disincentive to consistently carry. If you leave your weapon in a safe at home or the glove compartment of your vehicle, that defeats the purpose of carrying a firearm for self-defense. If you need to draw your weapon to deter or incapacitate an assailant, it may be on the one day that you do not have your weapon with you.

OWB holsters also have fewer limitations regarding firearm types. As an IWB holster places the weapon inside your pants, many gun owners choose to carry a compact or subcompact handgun to reduce the bulk. This is for both comfort and concealability.  OWB holsters are suitable for a more diverse range of handguns, including full-size service pistols.

Universal Considerations

Neither IWB nor OWB holsters have an advantage regarding safety — that depends, in part, on the brand. One of the most common features of modern gun holsters is a fully covered trigger guard. The index finger contacting the trigger when the sights are not on the target is one of the most common causes of an accidental discharge. Few unintentional discharges are truly accidental, resulting from negligence.

In addition, adjustable retention is essential. You should be able to adjust the tightness or looseness of the holster fit to suit your particular draw stroke. Adjustment is usually possible by tightening or loosening one or more screws.

A partial or full sweat guard is an optional extra and can protect your weapon from perspiration.

Above all, ensure you purchase a sturdy gun belt. This improves comfort and concealability, regardless of whether you carry IWB or OWB. A gun belt is more rigidly constructed and abrasion-resistant than a dress belt. As it’s less susceptible to flexing, it won’t sag, causing your weapon to jut out from your body.

Magazine Carriers

Consider carrying additional magazines if you carry a handgun with a limited number of rounds, such as a revolver or a subcompact semi-automatic pistol.  Magazine carriers, also called magazine pouches, are available in the same configurations as your gun holster, worn either inside or outside the waistband.

Incognito Concealment Has the Holsters You Need

Both IWB and OWB holsters have their uses, depending on your situation and carrying preference. Call us at  (586) 999-5820, and we’ll guide you through the different types of holsters to find the design that fits you and your requirements best.