Concealed Carry Corner: Inside The Waistband Holster Rundown

Welcome back to another edition of Concealed Carry Corner. Last week, we talked about range guns versus carry guns and how those guns differ from one another. If you missed that article, click the link here to check it out. This week, I wanted to look at different styles of inside-the-wistband (IWB) holsters. IWB holsters vary depending on configuration and style. Looking at various holsters whether it’s a monoclip, dual clip or a holster with a carry wing, it can be rather tricky to choose what’s best for you. Let’s take a closer look at the important parts of finding the right holster in the inside the waistband holster rundown.

Monoclip Holsters

One of the most common and easiest to throw on and off when heading around town has to be the monoclip system. Monoclips are just a singular large clip that clips knot your waistband securing it onto your belt. These are the easiest to put on and take off because there’s only a single clip centered on the holster to pull off making it incredibly easy to throw on in a hurry and be armed no matter what. In terms of availability, the monoclip style of holsters is by far the most common option if you’re looking at holsters in big box stores or your local gun shop. Kydex holsters are usually easier to conceal and less bulky with a monoclip since there’s less material riding in your waistband.

If we have to look at the downsides of the monoclip, it would be the issue of movement when walking around throughout the day. If you wear the incorrect belt size, the gun can shift in position on your belt as well as cant back and forth making your gun move in almost every direction. Usually, with the monoclip style of holsters, you have to have the correct belt fitness to ensure the gun doesn’t move or cant in any way. It’s not a huge deal but it can be a pain if you wear a thin dress belt and want your carry gun to stay in the same position. Another slight problem I’ve had is the monoclip holsters with no wings that can print your gun and show the frame of your handgun more than other style holsters because it’s so thin overall. Having a wing on your holster can greatly improve concealability but we will get more into that a little later on.

Dual Clip Holsters

Certain holsters like Blackpoint Tactical or Cross Breed Holsters are different from other style holsters because they are batwing style holsters that distribute the weight of your carry holster over a longer distance making it easier to carry a gun concealed on your body. The dual clips also allow you to attach the clips at any point where you’d like the handgun to be. This allows for a secure carry position for your gun with absolutely no movement. The dual clip holsters have two separate points of contact with your waistband and they are usually at the ends of the holster allowing little to no wiggle room or the ability to cant while walking around throughout the day.

When it comes to a downside with the dual clip holsters, it’s the fact they can be rather bulky and the larger area touching your body can make it tricky to carry comfortably for a long period of time. Having that much area for a holster can start to rub certain parts of your body and if you carry appendix style up front, having a dual clip can dig into various parts of your body if you sit a lot with your holster on. Comfort has been the biggest issue when it comes to the dual clip holsters but they are incredibly stable when moving around or going on with your day.

Wings and Wedges

The other big question I get from new shooters is whether or not holster wings or wedges help conceal guns or if they should keep their carry guns as simple as possible. It really depends on your body type. Certain accessories can help with concealment depending on how you are built. Our beloved James Reeves for example absolutely despises any type of claw attachment on his holsters because he says they are pointless. He prefers a simple holster with no attachments. I enjoy having a claw. I’m a larger stocky guy, and having just the monoclip with no accessory tends to print a little more than if I have a claw that pushes my waistband just a little extra which helps conceal my gun perfectly.

Other people like my good friend Marcee like to carry appendix and use a wedge to help push the gun in a better position which ends up printing less for her. Women have it usually the toughest since most holsters are created with a man’s frame in mind so they oftentimes have to get creative. Wedges can help keep your gun at a correct angle and help your carry gun not dig into your stomach and keep your holster straight adding to comfort and overall concealability. I always recommend people start out carrying a holster with no accessories and then try out options once they get some experience carrying to see what’s best for them.

Overall Thoughts

IWB holsters are by far the most common holsters for concealed carry but it's certainly not the only option. I oftentimes get a number of messages asking about holster selection, styles, and what works best for various guns but it really depends on what you want to do and what your body type looks like. It can be tricky. Monoclips are the easiest way but there are certainly benefits to having a two-clip system if you tend to move around a lot.

Let me know what your preferences are in the comments below. If you have questions about carrying concealed or firearms in general feel free to shoot me a message on Instagram @fridgeoperator. Stay safe out there and we will see you next week for another edition of Concealed Carry Corner.

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