There is an art to concealed carry, the art of distraction. Much like an illusionist uses this skill to draw attention away from the trick being performed, a concealed carry holster and the handgun it contains should not appear to be where they are. With so many of today’s pocket pistols being smaller, lighter and easier to handle than small- to medium-caliber handguns were just a decade ago, equally new and innovative holsters have been developed to make concealment less complicated and more secure.
RELATED: 14 New Holsters Introduced In Fall 2014
No single carry gun or carry method will be ideal 100 percent of the time, as weather conditions and clothing choices can impose limitations on some combinations. There are five primary types of concealed carry methods: pocket holsters, inside the waistband (IWB), and belt, shoulder or ankle holsters. Each has distinct advantages and disadvantages, and finding the best carry rig is specific to an individual’s needs and choice of handgun. Here are the some of the best options for each category of concealed carry.
BELT HOLSTERS
The belt or paddle holster remains one of the most popular and most convenient methods for daily carry. Belt holsters allow for more support of the firearm and often feature thumb-break safety straps for added security. Paddle holsters are generally smaller, minimalist styles that are lighter in weight and more easily positioned around the waist.
RELATED: 10 New Breed Retention Holsters
3-Speed Holster
Material: Synthetic
Retention: Contour fit
Gun Type: Semi-autos/revolvers
MSRP: $85
http://www.3speedholster.com
Bianchi Frontier Gunleather Auto-Quick
Material: Leather
Retention: Contour fit
Gun Type: Semi-autos
MSRP: $48
http://www.frontiergunleather.com
Bianchi Frontier Gunleather Speed Scabbard
Material: Leather
Retention: Contour fit
Gun Type: Semi-autos
MSRP: $105
http://www.frontiergunleather.com
BlackHawk Nylon Laser Holster
Material: Cordura nylon
Retention: N/A
Gun Type: Semi-autos
MSRP: $24.99
http://www.blackhawk.com
BlackHawk Sportster CQC
Material: Polymer
Retention: Contour fit
Gun Type: Semi-autos
MSRP: $21.99
http://www.blackhawk.com
Blade-Tech Classic OWB Paddle Holster
Material: Polymer
Retention: Contour fit
Gun Type: Semi-autos/revolvers
MSRP: $64.99
http://shop.blade-tech.com
CrossBreed SnapSlide
Material: Leather/Kydex
Retention: Contour fit
Gun Type: Semi-autos/revolvers
MSRP: $48.50
http://www.crossbreedholsters.com
CrossBreed SuperSlide
Material: Leather/Kydex
Retention: Contour fit
Gun Type: Semi-autos/revolvers
MSRP: $52.50
http://www.crossbreedholsters.com
Crossfire Elite OWB/IWB Undercover
Material: Ballistic nylon
Retention: Thumb break
Gun Type: Semi-autos
MSRP: $36.96
http://www.crossfiregear.com
DeSantis The Maverick
Material: Leather
Retention: Thumb break
Gun Type: Small semi-autos
MSRP: $50.99
http://www.desantisholster.com
DeSantis Thumb Break Scabbard
Material: Leather
Retention: Thumb break
Gun Type: Semi-autos
MSRP: $72.99
http://www.desantisholster.com
DeSantis Yaqui Slide
Material: Leather
Retention: Contour fit
Gun Type: Semi-autos
MSRP: $50.99
http://www.desantisholster.com
Fobus Evolution Roto-Paddle
Material: Polymer
Retention: Level 2 Lock
Gun Type: Semi-autos
MSRP: $44.99
http://www.fobusholster.com
Galco M5X Matrix (paddle)
Material: Injection-molded
Retention: Contour fit
Gun Type: Semi-autos
MSRP: $35.95
http://www.galcogunleather.com
Galco SOB (Small of the Back)
Material: Leather
Retention: Contour fit
Gun Type: Semi-autos
MSRP: $109.95
http://www.galcogunleather.com
Galco SSS (Side Snap Scabbard)
Material: Leather
Retention: Adjustable tension
Gun Type: Semi-autos
MSRP: $124.95
http://www.galcogunleather.com
Galco Yaqui Paddle
Material: Leather
Retention: Contour fit
Gun Type: Semi-autos
MSRP: $76.95
http://www.galcogunleather.com
Gould & Goodrich 891 Belt Slide
Material: Leather
Retention: Contour fit
Gun Type: Semi-autos/revolvers
MSRP: $31.03
http://www.gouldusa.com
Mernickle PS6
Material: Leather
Retention: Contour fit
Gun Type: Semi-autos
MSRP: $89.95
http://www.mernickleholsters.com
MTR Custom Leather Swan
Material: Leather
Retention: Contour fit
Gun Type: Semi-autos
MSRP: $70
Remora OWB
Material: Rubberized synthetic
Retention: Contour fit
Gun Type: Semi-autos/revolvers
MSRP: $34.95
http://www.remoraholsterstore.com
Sneaky Pete Belt Clip Holster
Material: Leather
Retention: Carry case w/flap
Gun Type: Semi-autos/revolvers
MSRP: $39-$69
http://www.sneakypeteholsters.com
INSIDE THE WAISTBAND HOLSTERS
For inside the waistband (IWB) carry, you need to place a handgun in a holster that supports as well as conceals it. This type of carry is particularly well suited to the latest generation of super thin semi-autos like the Glock 42 .380, Ruger LC9s and others. IWB carry will usually require a step up in pant waist size to make the gun and holster comfortable to wear, especially when sitting.
RELATED: 8 Holsters to Conceal Your Glock 42
Alien Gear Holsters Cloak Tuck 2.0
Material: Neoprene composite
Retention: Contour fit
Gun Type: Semi-autos
MSRP: $35.88
http://www.aliengearholsters.com
BlackHawk ISP 06 IWB/Pocket
Material: Rough-out suede
Retention: Contour fit
Gun Type: Small, medium semi-autos
MSRP: $38.99
http://www.blackhawk.com
BlackHawk Tuckable
Material: Leather
Retention: N/A
Gun Type: Semi-autos
MSRP: $42.99
http://www.blackhawk.com
Blade-Tech Ultimate Concealment Holster
Material: Synthetic
Retention: Contour fit
Gun Type: Semi-autos/revolvers
MSRP: $74.99
http://shop.blade-tech.com
Blue Stone Covert Comfort
Material: Leather/sheepskin
Retention: Contour fit
Gun Type: Semi-autos
MSRP: $54.95
https://www.bluestonesafety.com
Comp-Tac Infidel Ultra
Material: Leather/Kydex
Retention: Contour fit
Gun Type: Semi-autos
MSRP: $88
http://www.comp-tac.com
Comp-Tac Minotaur MTAC
Material: Leather/Kydex
Retention: Contour fit
Gun Type: Semi-autos
MSRP: $90
http://www.comp-tac.com
CrossBreed Appendix Carry
Material: Leather/Kydex
Retention: Contour fit
Gun Type: Semi-autos
MSRP: $62.50
http://www.crossbreedholsters.com
CrossBreed Minituck
Material: Leather/Kydex
Retention: Contour fit
Gun Type: Semi-autos
MSRP: $67.75
http://www.crossbreedholsters.com
CrossBreed SuperTuck Deluxe
Material: Leather/Kydex
Retention: Contour fit
Gun Type: Semi-autos/revolvers
MSRP: $69.75
http://www.crossbreedholsters.com
Crossfire IWB/OWB Undercover
Material: Denier fabric
Retention: Thumb break
Gun Type: Semi-autos
MSRP: $36.96
http://www.crossfiregear.com
DeSantis Cozy Partner
Material: Leather
Retention: Contour fit
Gun Type: Semi-autos/revolvers
MSRP: $75.99
http://www.desantisholster.com
DeSantis Intruder
Material: Leather/Kydex
Retention: Contour fit
Gun Type: J-Frames/semi-autos
MSRP: $65.99
http://www.desantisholster.com
Dillon Leather By Mitch Rosen Clipper-DL
Material: Leather
Retention: Contour fit
Gun Type: Semi-autos
MSRP: $65
http://www.mitchrosen.com
Elite Survival Systems BCH
Material: Ballistic nylon
Retention: N/A
Gun Type: Small semi-autos
MSRP: $27.95
http://www.elitesurvival.com
Fist Holsters #1
Material: Leather
Retention: Contour fit
Gun Type: Semi-autos
MSRP: $44.95
http://www.fist-inc.com
Galco KingTuk
Material: Leather/Kydex
Retention: Contour fit
Gun Type: Semi-autos
MSRP: $71.95
http://www.galcogunleather.com
Galco Tuck-N-Go
Material: Leather
Retention: Contour fit
Gun Type: Small semi-autos
MSRP: $34.95
http://www.galcogunleather.com
Mernickle PS2
Material: Leather
Retention: Contour or Thumb break
Gun Type: Semi-autos
MSRP: $79.95
http://www.mernickleholsters.com
MTR Custom Leather Sentinel
Material: Leather
Retention: Contour fit
Gun Type: Semi-autos
MSRP: $85
N82 Tactical Professional
Material: Leather/polycarbonate
Retention: Contour-fit
Gun Type: Semi-autos
MSRP: $69.95
https://www.n82tactical.com
Old Faithful IWB Hip Holster
Material: Leather/Kydex
Retention: Contour fit
Gun Type: Semi-autos/revolvers
MSRP: $75
http://www.oldfaithfulholsters.com
Remora Series 1
Material: Rubberized synthetic
Retention: Contour fit
Gun Type: Small semi-autos/revolvers
MSRP: $24.95
http://www.remoraholsterstore.com
StealthGear IWB
Material: Multi-synthetic/Kydex
Retention: Contour fit
Gun Type: Semi-autos
MSRP: $99
http://www.stealthgearusa.com
Sticky Holsters
Material: Synthetic
Retention: Contour fit
Gun Type: Semi-autos/revolvers
MSRP: $24.95
Tuff Products Tuff iTuck
Material: Synthetic
Retention: Contour fit
Gun Type: Semi-autos + smartphone
MSRP: $39.95
http://www.tuffproducts.com
X-Concealment Gen2 “C” IWB
Material: Kydex
Retention: Contour fit
Gun Type: Semi-autos
MSRP: $54.99-$74.99
http://www.flccw.com
POCKET HOLSTERS
With a pocket holster your pistol or revolver’s barrel and working parts are almost entirely covered, and the gun is properly oriented with the grips held upright for drawing. A pocket holster also disguises the shape of the gun and prevents it from being outlined in your pocket.
RELATED: 10 Tips for Choosing the Right Holster
Aker Pocket Protector Express
Material: Leather
Retention: Contour fit
Gun Type: Small semi-autos/revolvers
MSRP: $48
http://www.akerleather.com
Bianchi Frontier Gunleather Pocket Pal
Material: Leather
Retention: Contour fit
Gun Type: Small semi-autos/revolvers
MSRP: $28
http://www.frontiergunleather.com
BlackHawk ISP 06 Pocket/IWB
Material: Rough-out suede
Retention: Contour fit
Gun Type: Small, medium semi-autos
MSRP: $34.99
http://www.blackhawk.com
Blade-Tech Roughout Pocket Bug
Material: Leather/synthetic
Retention: Contour fit
Gun Type: Small semi-autos/revolvers
MSRP: $39.99
http://shop.blade-tech.com
CrossBreed Pocket Rocket
Material: Leather/Kydex
Retention: Contour fit
Gun Type: Small semi-autos
MSRP: $32.95
http://www.crossbreedholsters.com
DeSantis Pocket Shot
Material: Leather
Retention: Clamshell
Gun Type: LCP, Small semi-autos
MSRP: $41.99
http://www.desantisholster.com
DeSantis Sting
Material: Leather
Retention: Contour fit
Gun Type: Small semi-autos
MSRP: $33.99
http://www.desantisholster.com
DeSantis Super Fly
Material: Rubberized fabric
Retention: Contour fit
Gun Type: Small semi-autos/revolvers
MSRP: $38.99
http://www.desantisholster.com
DeSantis The Nemesis
Material: Rubberized fabric
Retention: Contour fit
Gun Type: Small semi-autos/revolvers
MSRP: $24.99
http://www.desantisholster.com
DeSantis The Trickster
Material: Leather
Retention: Contour fit
Gun Type: Small semi-autos
MSRP: $28.99
http://www.desantisholster.com
Elite Survival Systems
Material: Ballistic nylon
Retention: Contour fit
Gun Type: Small semi-autos
MSRP: $22.95
http://www.elitesurvival.com
Galco Front Pocket Horsehide
Material: Leather
Retention: Contour fit
Gun Type: Small semi-autos/revolvers
MSRP: $64.95
http://www.galcogunleather.com
Galco Pocket Protector
Material: Leather
Retention: Contour fit
Gun Type: Small semi-autos/revolvers
MSRP: $27.95
http://www.galcogunleather.com
Gould & Goodrich Wallet Holster
Material: Nylon
Retention: Band
Gun Type: Small semi-autos/revolvers
MSRP: $18
http://www.gouldusa.com
Milt Sparks Pocket Holster
Material: Leather
Retention: Contour fit
Gun Type: Small semi-autos/revolvers
MSRP: $82.50-$88
Remora Holsters No Clip Series 2
Material: Synthetic
Retention: Contour fit
Gun Type: Semi-autos
MSRP: $24.95-$29.95
http://www.remoraholsterstore.com
Safariland Pocket Piece
Material: Leather
Retention: Contour fit
Gun Type: Small semi-autos/revolvers
MSRP: $29.75
http://www.safariland.com
Sticky Holsters MD-1
Material: Synthetic
Retention: Contour fit
Gun Type: Semi-autos/revolvers
MSRP: $24.95
Tuff Products Pocket-Roo
Material: Synthetic
Retention: Contour fit
Gun Type: Small semi-autos/revolvers
MSRP: $20
http://www.tuffproducts.com
Uncle Mike’s
Material: Nylon/synthetic
Retention: Contour fit
Gun Type: Small semi-autos/revolvers
MSRP: $13.95
http://www.unclemikes.com
Wright Insider Pocket Holster
Material: Leather
Retention: Contour fit
Gun Type: Small semi-autos/revolvers
MSRP: $59.99
http://www.wrightleatherworks.com
SHOULDER HOLSTERS
The shoulder holster is one of the most secure and easily accessed means of concealed carry, but it comes with certain limitations. Proper outer clothing must be worn for concealment; this generally means nothing less than an outer shirt, lightweight jacket, blazer or dress jacket. Shoulder rigs provide better weight distribution, the capability to carry a slightly larger weapon and extra ammo.
RELATED: Top 16 Women’s Concealed Carry Items
A.E. Nelson Upside Down
Material: Leather
Retention: Integral spring clip
Gun Type: S&W J-Frame
MSRP: $180
http://www.nelsonleather.com
Bianchi Frontier Gunleather Magnum X-10
Material: Leather
Retention: Integral spring clip
Gun Type: Semi-autos
MSRP: $225
http://www.frontiergunleather.com
Deep Conceal Ultra
Material: Fabric/elastic
Retention: Hook and loop
Gun Type: Semi-autos
MSRP: $43.95
http://www.deepconceal.com
DeSantis C.E.O.
Material: Leather
Retention: Thumb break
Gun Type: Semi-autos
MSRP: $124.99
http://www.desantisholster.com
DeSantis New York Undercover
Material: Leather
Retention: Thumb break
Gun Type: Semi-autos/revolvers
MSRP: $172.99
http://www.desantisholster.com
DeSantis Patriot
Material: Ballistic nylon
Retention: Contour fit
Gun Type: Semi-autos
MSRP: $79.99
http://www.desantisholster.com
Galco Classic Lite
Material: Leather
Retention: Thumb break
Gun Type: Semi-autos
MSRP: $94.95
http://www.galcogunleather.com
Galco Executive
Material: Italian calfskin
Retention: Tension
Gun Type: Small semi-autos
MSRP: $199.95
http://www.galcogunleather.com
Gould & Goodrich 804
Material: Leather
Retention: Thumb break
Gun Type: Semi-autos
MSRP: $175.47
http://www.gouldusa.com
Mernickle SH5
Material: Leather
Retention: Thumb break
Gun Type: Semi-autos
MSRP: $179.95
http://www.mernickleholsters.com
ANKLE HOLSTERS
The ankle holster truly defines the term “backup gun,” as this is the least rapidly accessible means of concealed carry, but also one of the most secure and unobtrusive. An ankle holster offers one notable benefit, the ability to be accessed naturally when sitting in a chair or car seat, or if kneeling or on the ground.
RELATED: 10 Deep-Cover Holster Designs for 24/7 Concealed Carry Protection
Aker Comfort-Flex PRO
Material: Leather/elastic
Retention: Thumb break
Gun Type: Semi-autos/revolvers
MSRP: $62.50
https://www.akerleather.com
Blue Stone Deluxe
Material: Nylon/elastic/sheepskin
Retention: Thumb break
Gun Type: Small semi-autos/revolvers
MSRP: $42
https://www.bluestonesafety.com
DeSantis Leather Ankle Holster
Material: Leather/elastic
Retention: Thumb break
Gun Type: Small semi-autos/revolvers
MSRP: $78.99
http://www.desantisholster.com
Elite Survival Systems Ankle Holster
Material: Ballistic nylon
Retention: Thumb break
Gun Type: Semi-autos/revolvers
MSRP: $46.95
http://www.elitesurvival.com
Galco Ankle Glove
Material: Leather/elastic
Retention: Thumb break
Gun Type: Semi-autos/revolvers
MSRP: $98.95
http://www.galcogunleather.com
Gould & Goodrich B516
Material: Sheepskin-lined
Retention: Thumb break
Gun Type: Small semi-autos/revolvers
MSRP: $52.48
http://www.gouldusa.com
Remora 3 in 1
Material: Rubberized synthetic
Retention: Thumb break
Gun Type: Small semi-autos/revolvers
MSRP: $35.95
http://www.remoraholsterstore.com
FOR MORE INFORMATION
3-Speed Holsters
http://www.3speedholster.com; 954-561-2042
A.E. Nelson
http://www.nelsonleather.com; 503-394-3412
Alien Gear Holsters
http://www.aliengearholsters.com; 208-215-2046
Aker International
http://www.akerleather.com; 800-645-2537
Bianchi Frontier Gunleather
http://www.frontiergunleather.com; 877-877-4704
Blackhawk
http://www.blackhawk.com; 800-379-1732
Blade-Tech
http://www.blade-tech.com; 877-331-5793
Blue Stone Safety Products
http://www.bluestonesafety.com; 888-776-6220
Comp-Tac
http://www.comp-tac.com; 866-441-9157
CrossBreed Holsters
http://www.crossbreedholsters.com; 888-732-5011
Crossfire Elite
http://www.crossfiregear.com; 208-461-8888
Deep Conceal
http://www.deepconceal.com; 877-443-3486
DeSantis
http://www.desantisholster.com; 800-424-1236
Dillon Precision
http://www.dillonprecision.com; 800-762-3845
Elite Survival Systems
http://www.elitesurvival.com; 866-340-2778
Fist Holsters
http://www.fist-holsters.com; 800-443-3478
Fobus Holsters
http://www.fobusholster.com; 267-803-1517
Galco
http://www.galcogunleather.com; 800-874-2526
Gould & Goodrich
http://www.gouldusa.com; 800-277-0732
Mernickle
http://www.mernickleholsters.com; 800-497-3166
Milt Sparks
http://www.miltsparks.com; 208-377-5577
MTR Custom Leather
http://www.mtrcustomleather.com; 336-879-2166
N82 Tactical
http://www.n82tactical.com; 336-237-1943
Old Faithful Holsters
http://www.oldfaithfulholsters.com; 208-215-2145
Remora Holsters
http://www.remoraholsters.com; 239-434-7200
Safariland
http://www.safariland.com; 800-347-1200
Sneaky Pete Holsters
http://www.sneakypete.com
StealthGear Holsters
http://www.stealthgearusa.com; 801-407-4239
Sticky Holsters
http://www.stickyholsters.com; 239-434-1844
TUFF Products
http://www.tuffproducts.com; 877-883-3776
Wright Leather Works
http://www.wrightleatherworks.com; 419-559-9417
X-Concealment
http://www.x-concealment.com
