Clothing-Supported Carry

Clothing-supported holsters use parts of your clothing to attach the handgun to your body. They include belt holsters and pocket holsters.

Belt Holsters

The belt holster is the most common clothing-supported holster. This type of holster is commonly divided into two categories: inside the waistband and outside the waistband.

• Inside the Waistband (IWB)
  • An IWB holster can rest anywhere inside the belt line from in front of where your appendix would be to the small of your back.
  • The holster offers maximum concealment but can be uncomfortable to wear.
• Outside the Waistband (OWB)
  • An OWB holster is typically worn at the three o’clock position to the six o’clock position.
  • The holster can be worn as a cross draw if you are seated. In this position, the handgun’s butt is toward the potential threat.
  • Most holsters worn on a person’s strong side will come with a slightly forward tilt to aid in concealment. This tilt is often called the FBI cant.

Pocket Holsters

The pocket holster enables you to carry a handgun in your pocket when other holsters may be too conspicuous. It keeps the gun in a steady position in the pocket.

• The holster can provide excellent concealment.
• Some pocket holsters have a feature such as a specific shape or a little tab that prevents the holster from being removed from the pocket when the gun is drawn.
• Some limitations of the pocket holster include the following.
  • Items such as keys or a wallet cannot be placed in the same pocket as the gun.
  • Handgun choices are limited to guns with smaller frames.
  • Drawing a gun from a seated position may be difficult.