This inside-the-waistband holster was designed for comfort and concealment as it features a lightweight, soft neoprene fabric, ballistic nylon and a stainless spring-steel core. This spring-steel core delivers more retention and durability to the holster base, allowing for years of hard use without breakage. This, coupled with a new layer of ballistic nylon, provides more strength and support to the Cloak Tuck 3.0. The company has also evolved its surface material into an engineered thermo-elastomer “Alien Skin” texture, which enhances holster retention, drag and durability. (208-215-2046; http://www.aliengearholsters.com)
Available in brown or black, and in 14- and 18-ounce double English bridle leather, these belts are available with a spring-steel core to deliver the maximum support needed for all-day concealed carry. The premium roller buckle is nickel plated, allowing for buckling without scratching the belt. All Bigfoot Gun Belts accommodate standard 1.5-inch belt loops (http://www.gunbelts.com; 208-209-7321)
The Tech-Grip is an IWB holster constructed with an outer shell that will hold fast to most materials so there is no need for belt loops or clips. The holster’s interior offers a fast and smooth draw. A layer of closed-cell foam between the external surface material and internal lining protects your firearm from sweat and moisture. There are no retention straps to undo during your draw, and the outside is as smooth as possible for maximum comfort against your skin. Numerous sizes to fit subcompact, compact and full-sized pistols are available. (http://www.blackhawk.com; 800-379-1732)
The GripBreak is an OWB holster with a built-in locking retention system. Made to fit 1.5-inch belt loops, the holster offers security through a fast and quick thumb release that allows users to maintain a normal grip and draw. Constructed of injection-molded polymer and a 1,000-denier Cordura nylon shell, the GripBreak is compatible with Smith & Wesson M&P and Glock pistols. (http://www.blackhawk.com; 800-379-1732)
Constructed with an injection-molded polymer shell and a premium leather backing, the Leather Tuckable Pancake holster allows a user to wear the holster in IWB or OWB configurations. This holster combines the benefits of three holsters in one, giving you the choice between inside-the-waistband, tuckable or belt-mounted wear. No matter how you choose to wear it, each design will contour to your body for exceptional comfort and concealment. (http://www.blackhawk.com; 800-379-1732)
The A.R.C. (Appendix Reversible Carry) holster is an inside-the-waistband holster designed for appendix carry. Able to accommodate pistols with rear-mounted red-dot sights, the A.R.C. is constructed of a soft, durable, injection-molded polymer, making it comfortable for all-day carry. The design is also ambidextrous, so it will accommodate left- and right-handed users. Each A.R.C. includes two cant and ride height adjustment belt clips for 1.5- and 1.75-inch belts. (http://www.blackhawk.com; 800-379-1732)
The 1.5-inch-wide Instructor’s Belt from BlackHawk is built with a polyethylene spine to help bear the weight of belt holsters and other gear. It is made of nylon webbing that has a tensile strength of 5,000 pounds and features a black or MultiCam finish. Whether you wear it with jeans or khakis, for casual or duty carry, this belt is designed to offer extreme support. (http://www.blackhawk.com; 800-379-1732)
Blade-Tech uses a proprietary blend of super tough polymers to construct the Signature OWB holster. The holster allows for a fast draw and smooth reholstering and uses Blade-Tech’s locking triggerguard. The Signature OWB also offers users three-position cant adjustment, and it is made to accommodate many firearms designs, including those from Beretta, Glock, Springfield Armory as well as 1911s. (http://www.blade-tech.com; 877-331-5793)
The QH is a modular hybrid holster that comes in four sizes to accommodate most pistol models. These holsters are available for right-side carry only and are made with a funneled Kydex shell for a smooth draw and a leather backing for extended comfort. Polymer mounting clips allow for ride height and cant adjustment. (http://www.comp-tac.com; 866-441-9157)
The all-Kydex QI is an IWB holster designed for comfort and easy daily use. It comes in four sizes to fit multiple pistol makes, including Glocks and 1911s. The QI covers the pistol during carry and has smooth edges to maximize comfort. The holster’s Sight Enabled design accommodates up to 0.5-inch-tall night sights, suppressor sights and rear-mounted optics. (http://www.comp-tac.com; 866-441-9157)
Made from durable carbon-fiber Kydex, the Atom holster has a small footprint but delivers big results with its adjustable belt loop to customize ride height, its tuckability for deep concealment and its ambidextrous configuration. Clinger Hoslters also offers a lifetime warranty for the holster should it ever need repair or replacement. (http://www.clingerholsters.com; 479-650-0379)
The IWB Stingray holster is made from Kydex and designed for either behind-the-hip or appendix carry with a 0-, 15-, 30-degree or flush-fit cant. It features a full sweat shield and rust-free hardware to ensure a long service life for both the holster and your firearm’s finish. Right- and left- handed configurations of the Stingray are available for many gun models, including those from Colt, Glock, Kahr, Kimber, HK, Ruger, Smith & Wesson and Sig Sauer. (479-650-0379; http://www.clingerholsters.com)
CrossBreed partnered with Rob Pincus, the owner of I.C.E. Firearm Training Services, to design the second-generation Belly Band. This new system uses an additional length of elastic band that extends over the Modular Holster to provide better support for smaller pistols as well as wider and heavier pistols. In addition to improved support, the Belly Band now incorporates a sewn magazine or flashlight pouch and an enclosed, horizontal accessory pouch for carrying a cell phone, a wallet or similar items. An optional Modular Magazine Carrier is available to add to the band. (http://www.crossbreedholsters.com; 888-732-5011)
The CrossBreed DropSlide combines features of the company’s popular SnapSlide and SuperSlide designs. It is designed to keep your firearm tight against your body, and the leather backer has been reconfigured to allow for a lower riding holster. With optional configurations that can accommodate slide-mounted electronic sights, the DropSlide comes standard with 1.75-inch belt slots that work with 1.25- and 1.5-inch belts. (http://www.crossbreedholsters.com; 888-732-5011)
The Slim-Tuk is a new ambidextrous IWB holster fashioned from Kydex. One of the most unique features about this IWB holster is that it uses the tuckable 360 C-Clip, which affords the wearer unlimited mounting options. The hardware can easily be reversed to change from right to left. The Slim-Tuk is precision molded from a sturdy Kydex sheet and features a rugged nylon clip. (http://www.desantisholster.com; 800-424-1236)
Made from premium saddle leather and rugged polymer, the patented Quick-Chek Scabbard is a self-locking concealment holster. For enhanced security, the holster features both inboard and outboard Redi-Lok technology that must be used simultaneously, which is rapidly accomplished in one fluid motion during the user’s draw. (http://www.desantisholster.com; 800-424-1236)
Built to meet the demands of concealed carry, the SafeCarry Ranger uses a two-part, non-mechanical Kydex retention system on the triggerguard and one on the rear of the gun. The shooter presses the thumb retention/release towards their body to draw the pistol. With a little practice, the thumb-release movement and the gun draw are done in tandem and become very natural. (512-516-1477; http://www.doubleclickholsters.com)
The injection-molded Scorpus holster is now available for 1911-platform pistols in Level 1 and Level 2 variants. Level 1 holsters feature a two-point, spring-based retention system for a fast draw yet secure carry. Level 2 uses a spring-and-pressure-based retention system for secure carry and protection against a potential weapon grab. (http://www.fab-defense.com; 631-843-0490)
Available in either paddle or IWB style, the budget-friendly Molded Polymer holsters from Front Line Defense offer comfortable, high-strength and flexible holsters for a variety of popular pistol models. Secure retention is achieved by the adjustable tension of the molded polymer. Belt loops are black leather and can be snapped to or removed from the belt without removing the belt from the pants. (http://www.idfholsters.com; 631-843-0630)
The new BlakGuard combines premium steerhide and injection-molded plastic into one ultra-reliable holster. Features include twin adjustable tension units that allow quick adjustment for ease of draw, while a neutral cant offers the most natural wrist-locked draw. A “trench” style sight rail easily accommodates most suppressor sights, and this generously beveled sight rail also allows an easy and efficient return to the holster. Secured by Velcro, a tunnel-style belt loop opens and closes to allow for swift on/off. (http://www.galcogunleather.com; 800-874-2526)
Now available for Sig Sauer P226 pistols, the ARS (Auto Retention System) Stage 2 holster features a unique rotating hood that gives the pistol greater protection while automatically retracting upon draw. The holster can also easily convert from a belt slide to paddle configuration. The ARS is made of injection-molded polymer for durability and weather resistance.
The new EVO holster from High Threat Concealment is a modular holster capable of being used for OWB, IWB and appendix carry. The EVO is made of Boltaron, a high-impact thermoplastic resistant to extreme temperatures and abuse. Available for Glock and Sig pistols, each holster comes with a Foldover Belt Clip for IWB carry and a set of closed belt loops for OWB carry. Combine the Foldover Belt Clip with one of the closed loops to switch to appendix carry. (http://www.highthreatconcealment.com; 757-750-0300)
The Kydex Fusion holster from Kaos Concealment is specifically designed to carry a pistol in the appendix position. It is comfortable in the 3-, 4-, and 5-o’clock positions and is completely ambidextrous with high guards to protect bare skin. Available for Glock, Springfield Armory and Smith & Wesson M&P pistols, the holster’s loop struts are adjustable for ride height and belt size. (661-496-3707; http://www.kaosconcealment.com)
The Hidden Heat Lace belly band features a handgun pocket that allows for a wide variety of handgun sizes, from subcompact to full-sized pistols, plus a cell phone pocket and two magazine pockets. It is comfortable thanks to its feminine elastic lace that has an ample stretch, allowing a gun to be carried in any position on the body. Additional padding and polyurethane laminate (PUL) create a moisture-proof barrier between your gun and your body. (http://www.missconcealed.com)
The Tactical series by Nexbelt features one-size-fit-all belts in either nylon or leather. The belts are cut to size and will fit up to a 52-inch pants size. Each belt adjusts in 0.25-inch increments versus the 1-inch increments of traditional belts. The belt backing is made of water-resistant nylon for enhanced wear and sweat protection. (http://www.nexbelt.com; 909-758-0079)
“The Boss” is an organizer that turns any purse, bag or briefcase into a concealed-carry bag. This insert features a holster and five integrated pockets that correctly position a pistol for fast access. The Boss is made from durable nylon to keep your firearm in position for a clean draw when seconds count! (http://www.packinneat.com; 239-887-8004)
Ragsdale holsters are constructed on a wide platform in order to distribute the weight of the gun over more of the belt, which helps prevent belt sag. Their holsters are handcrafted, hand dyed and then sealed with a natural wax to insure a lifetime of use. Their leather Compression holster is available in black or saddle brown. (352-895-2534; http://www.ragsdaleholsters.com)
At the core of the Eidolon system is the holster shell. The shell is precisely fitted to the weapon on the inside and is designed to be smooth on the outside and work with the body, belt and clothing in any carry position to maximize comfort and concealment. At the same time, the shell provides attachment points for a host of accessories to allow the user to tailor the system for their specific carry needs. The holster shells feature an innovative adjustable retention feature that isolates the tension on only the front of the triggerguard. This provides for an extremely clean feel when drawing and holstering with minimal adjustment. (http://www.rcsgear.com)
Sneaky Pete’s line of holsters offers the ability to hide in plain sight as its rigs attach easily to the user’s belt and resemble a cell phone pouch. If the basic black leather or nylon holsters are too buttoned down for you, the company has unveiled a new camouflage pattern version that is made of high-quality ballistic nylon that evokes a very different fashion sense. (http://www.sneakypeteholsters.com)
The new 4 In 1 Inside The Pant holster from Tagua Gunleather offers four carry positions—inside the waistband, belt, small of back and crossdraw—making it versatile and comfortable to wear. With features like line stitching, ultra-premium leather and a new reinforced clip, the 4 In 1 adapts to your carry method and gives you the versatility you need to carry concealed 24/7. (http://www.taguagunleather.com; 866-638-2482)
The minimalist Techna Clip is now available for Smith & Wesson Shield pistols. This simple spring-steel clip installs quickly to the pistol with no modifications and allows a user to discreetly and securely carry a pistol in a boot, pocket, waistband or small-of-the-back position. Just clip it and go! (http://www.technaclip.com; 801-2216-4790)
The Ulticlip is designed to deliver over 10 times the retention of traditional holster clips while increasing your gun’s concealability. Simply replace the retention clip on your holster clip with Ulticlip, clip the Ulticlip to the waistband of your pants and a belt will completely hide the Ulticlip and the fact that you are carrying a concealed firearm. (http://www.ulticlip.com; 239-400-2547)
UnderTech UnderCover Concealment Leggings feature two holsters, one in the front in a traditional appendix position and one in the back for a traditional kidney position. This means you can wear leggings with whatever and for whatever activity you are doing and stay armed against a deadly attack. They are currently available in mid-calf lengths only. (http://www.undertechundercover.com; 800-601-8273)
The Urban Carry holster offers quick access to your firearm. Simply pull the flap and the handle of your firearm is easily exposed. With only the magnetic flap exposed the only people who will know that you are carrying in an urban environment are the other people with an Urban Carry. The holster rides about an inch below the waistline which puts your firearm parallel to your leg. Avail-able in black or brown. (844-446-5783; http://www.ubrancarryholsters.com)
Vega Codura holsters are made of Cordura that is thermally molded to the shape of the pistol and designed to be worn inside the pants. A large polymer-coated steel belt clip keeps the holster secure. A Quick Release model features a thumb break for added retention safety. (http://www.vegaholster.com)
Versacarry’s new Quick Slide Micro Series of OWB holsters combines a holster and a spare magazine pouch. Constructed of heavy-duty English bridle leather, these holsters are finely stitched and handcrafted in Texas. They are also specifically designed to clear the magazine-release button to ensure no accidental magazine dumps occur. Available in black or brown, these holsters weigh an impressively light 0.15 pounds. (http://www.versacarry.com; 855-278-9678)
Choosing a reliable holster that fits your needs and body type is one of the most important decisions you can make regarding everyday carry. From injection-molded Kydex to classic leather and everything in between, the 2016 holster market has a wide variety of choices to help keep you armed and ready to defend yourself at all times. Click through the gallery above to see how you can enhance your everyday carry today!
