IWB Holsters - Galco, Bianchi, DeSantis, GunMate, Blade-Tech, and More! Free Shipping on Orders Over $49! | Free Shipping Available! — 6,551 products / 80,721 models — Page 1

IWB Holsters, otherwise known as inside-the-waistband holsters, are a must-have for armed civilians, law enforcement, the military, or anyone wanting the best and most convenient way to conceal the firearm they are carrying. For instance, a lot of Jewelers and pharmacists are often targets of robberies motivated by profit or addiction - the best way to not scare their clientele and stay protected at the same time is by using an IWB Holster. For comfort and security, the IWB Holster features either a strong belt clip or belt loops to secure the holster to the belt. The holsters come in several different materials, including - leather, synthetic, nylon, soft polymer, and more. The best IWB Holster brands can be found here - DeSantis IWB Holsters, Safariland IWB Holsters, Galco IWB Holsters, & more. If you are looking for other Holsters to compliment your IWB Holster, check out our selection of more than 20,000 Holsters. If you want to conceal your firearm with the highest-grade materials and ease of cloaking, be sure to buy from OpticsPlanet.

What Is an IWB Holster?

IWB has the firearm inside the waistband holster with the gun grip sticking out the belt. The gun wearer can secure a full firing grip before drawing the handgun. An IWB holster is more concealable than an OWB holster. IWB holsters are more stable due to having three contact points: two on the waistband and against the torso. There are also more carrying positions available to the wearer: the strong side of the hip, the appendix carry (AIWB), or the small of the back. However, IWB holsters may not always be the most comfortable, depending on the person or what is worn. A trick is to wear a larger size at the waist to accommodate the firearm. Of course, everyone is different, and a litany of different IWB holsters are available. You can test out different ones and find that many IWB holsters are far more comfortable than others.

What Is the Difference between a "Pancake" and a "Tuckable" IWB Holster?

A pancake holster is for a handgun secured the holster to the wearer and utilizes a flat, concave-shaped piece of plastic or stiffened leather designed to be worn against the body inside the pants. The broad surface area of the "paddle" and the material from which it is made use friction to prevent the holster from being pulled up and away when the handgun is drawn. Pancake holsters are ideal for those seeking a concealed carry holster that sits close to the body. Typically sitting high on the hip, these pancake holsters allow you to conceal your firearm more quickly, making it possible to wear lighter clothing. Pancake holsters are designed for discreet concealed carry with increased comfort, quicker accessibility, and more effortless reholstering than inside-the-waistband styles. This makes them a popular choice for long-term wear for law enforcement personnel and civilian firearm owners.

Tuckable holsters are great for concealability and are accessible for retention. Tuckable holsters have a clip that allows the wearer to tuck their shirt over the concealed gun worn inside the waistband. However, the wearer must practice drawing the weapon while wearing the tuckable holster.

Is It Better to Carry an IWB Holster or an OWB Holster?

When it comes to wearing a concealed firearm, there are many types of holsters and carry positions. It all depends on the safest option that works best for you. One safest and most convenient places to carry a firearm is on the solid side of your hip. This position is beneficial because your gun is easily accessible. It's natural to want to pull your hand down by your hip to draw your firearm.

If you choose a strong-side hip holster, you will have two primary options: OWB (or Outside-the-WaistBand) and IWB (or Inside-the-WaistBand). OWBs are held outside the waistband to either a gun belt or a paddle holster. At the same time, IWB has the firearm inside the waistband with the gun grip sticking out the waistband. The gun wearer can secure a full firing grip before drawing the handgun.

IWB and OWB holsters protect the trigger guard from preventing the chance of accidental discharge while keeping the gun secured in one place. Concealed carry holsters also protect and finish the firearm from the outside elements. 

As stated in the name, an IWB holster is more concealable than an OWB holster. IWB holsters are more stable due to having three contact points: two on the waistband and against the torso. There are also more carrying positions available to the wearer: the strong side of the hip, the appendix carry (AIWB), or the small of the back. However, IWB holsters may not always be the most comfortable, depending on the person or what is worn. A trick is to wear a larger size at the waist to accommodate the firearm. Of course, everyone is different, and a litany of different IWB holsters are available. You can test out different ones and find that many IWB holsters are far more comfortable than others. 

OWB holsters are the main alternative to IWB holsters. They are designed to be worn on your belt outside your pants.

The main alternative to an OWB holster over an IWB: OWBs is considered more comfortable strapped or secured to the outside of the waistband. Because it is on the outside, firearms secured in an OWB are a faster draw and are more accessible. Gun owners that want to conceal carry may overlook an OWB because they feel it is not as concealable as an IWB. However, if with a long enough t-shirt, sweatshirt or jacket, a firearm can be concealed by wearing an OWB. 

Shop IWB Holsters at OpticsPlanet!

At OpticsPlanet we carry all kinds of gun holsters to help fit your needs, from open carry to concealment holsters. OpticsPlanet has holsters from leather holsters, Kydex, neoprene, and more! Whether you’re a left-handed southpaw or right and ambidextrous. We’ve got all of the gun models so you can choose Sig Sauer, Bersa Thunder, Springfield Hellcat, M&P Shield, Beretta, and more!

If you are looking for more information about using our products or just want to learn more to hone your skills and understanding please check out our How-To Guides on Holsters.