At a Glance: Best Concealed Carry Holsters
- OUR TOP PICK: Concealed Carrier LLC Universal IWB Holster
- Concealed Carrier Kydex IWB Holster
- BEST BUDGET OPTION: Gootus Belly Band Holster
Comparison of The Best Concealed Carry Holsters
| PRODUCT | DETAILS | ||
|---|---|---|---|
Our Top Pick
|
Concealed Carrier LLC Universal IWB Holster |
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View Latest Price |
Our Top Pick
|
Concealed Carrier Kydex IWB Holster |
|
View Latest Price |
Our Top Pick
|
Gootus Belly Band Holster |
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View Latest Price |
Choosing a quality concealed carry holster is important to ensure that you will regularly carry your handgun. A good holster should securely and comfortably hold your firearm while still making it readily accessible in an emergency situation. All the training in the world with a high-quality firearm is useless if you cannot or do not carry it due to a poor-quality holster.
Our Guide to the 8 Best Concealed Carry Holsters Available for Your Glock
Glock produces some of the most reliable and user-friendly handguns on the market. As a result, the market is flooded with parts and accessories for Glock handguns. This abundance of choices may leave you unsure of where to begin in your search for a good quality concealed carry holster. No worries, our guide will help you determine which holster best meets your needs.
Choosing the right holster is important for many reasons. If the holster is uncomfortable, you are less likely to carry it. If it does not properly retain the firearm, the holster presents several safety hazards. Read on for our top 8 concealed carry holster picks for your Glock.
Concealed Carrier LLC Universal IWB Holster
The Concealed Carrier Universal IWB (inside the waistband) Holster is a simple, yet effective concealed carry holster. It is made out of neoprene, which improves the comfort of carrying firearms with this holster. Neoprene is perhaps the most comfortable material that concealed carry holsters are made out of.
This holster only comes in black. It can be purchased in either a right- or left-hand orientation. The holster has a thumb snap retention device to help secure your Glock in place. This is simply a strap that buttons over the back of your firearm to prevent it from accidentally dislodging while sitting or moving.
The Concealed Carrier Universal Holster also includes a pouch to hold a second magazine. This second item is included with your purchase for no additional charge.
I recommend that you always carry an additional magazine with your handgun, especially if you carry a compact or sub-compact handgun that holds fewer rounds.
This is a universal neoprene holster, meaning that the holster is designed to hold various sizes of handguns. This feature makes purchasing easier for you because the company claims that their product is compatible with all handguns and offers a generous return policy. Their holster will accommodate lights or lasers if you are interested in equipping your Glock with either of these items. However, a light equipped firearm is more difficult to draw from this holster.
The downside to universal fit holsters is that they do not offer the same retention as holsters sized to your model of Glock. It can also be more difficult to draw aa smaller firearm from these types of holsters because they can engulf them due to the excess material on the holster.
Pros
- Universal Fit
- Comfortable
- Includes magazine pouch
- Minimal printing
Cons
- Less retention
- Slower draw speed
- Magazine pouch may not properly hold smaller magazines
Concealed Carrier Kydex IWB Holster
Next up on our list is the Concealed Carrier Kydex IWB Holster. This holster fits 10 different models of Glocks and is available in black. Kydex is a rigid, plastic-like material that is frequently used to make holsters. It is extremely durable and provides a secure fit for your handgun.
Concealed Carrier offers a lifetime warranty on this holster and has a great reputation for standing behind their products.
This particular holster offers adjustable retention. That means that you can adjust how snug the fit is on your gun by turning a set screw on the holster. The adjustable retention allows you to make sure this holster provides you with adequate retention while still allowing you to efficiently draw your firearm.
This holster also has an adjustable “cant”. The “cant” is the angle of the holster. It is adjusted using two screws located on the waistband clip on this holster. The angle can be adjusted between 0 and 20 degrees, improving the comfort and ease of use of this holster. The customization options provided by this holster make it easy to carry in any position (appendix, hip, or back).
The only real downside to Kydex holsters is that some people find them a little uncomfortable on their skin. This could be remedied by adjusting the height of your pants slightly or by wearing an undershirt that rests between the holster and your skin.
Pros
- Great weapon retention
- Adjustable “cant”
- Lifetime warranty
- Smooth draw
Cons
- Rough Kydex surface may be uncomfortable on your skin
- Slightly thicker than neoprene or leather options
Gootus Belly Band Holster
This next holster switches from the traditional IWB style to a belly band holster. The Gootus Belly Band Holster is made out of neoprene and wraps around your waist. It is secured with Velcro, which holds the band securely in place. It is only available in black and can be purchased in a right or left-handed orientation.
This holster is extremely comfortable and includes a phone pouch and a pouch for an additional magazine. It also includes a thumb-snap retention device. Gootus states that this holster is “one size fits most” and is capable of accommodating firearms ranging from full size to sub-compact.
This holster is a great choice if you want to carry your firearm while exercising or while wearing clothing that cannot accommodate a belt (i.e. gym shorts, sweatpants). It allows you to carry your Glock in a variety of positions by simply adjusting the waistband. It can also be more comfortable for smaller framed individuals because it more evenly distributes the weight of your firearm.
As with other neoprene holsters, the retention strength of this device may not be as consistent as holsters made out of other materials. It can also make for a slower draw time if you wear the belt higher on your torso. This holster can be cumbersome and warm if you are using it in hot, humid environments.
Pros
- Fits multiple sizes of Glocks
- Includes a magazine pouch
- Includes phone pouch
- Comfortable on your skin
Cons
- Retention concerns
- Traps heat during warmer months
ComfortTac Ultimate Belly Band Holster
Sticking with the belly band class of holsters, the next entry on our list is the ComfortTac Ultimate Belly Band Holster. This holster is made of neoprene and is available in black or “nude” color options. It includes a magazine pouch and additional pocket, allowing you to carry your phone on the band as well. These features make this a great option for carrying your firearm during exercise.
Most new gun owners typically associate carrying their firearm daily with discomfort. That is not the case with this ComfortTac holster. It allows you to wear more comfortable clothing and distributes the weight of your items well.
A comfortable, secure-fitting holster is key to developing good habits of carrying your Glock.
This item includes an elastic holster, which provides slightly better retention. It also includes a thumb snap retention device. ComfortTac states that this holster is compatible with full-size and compact handguns. They also offer a version compatible with smaller handguns, making this holster a good option for you no matter what model and size Glock you own.
The neoprene band is comfortable against your skin, which makes belly bands a popular option. This holster is slightly cooler and more breathable than the Gootus holster but can also trap in excess heat when it is worn in warmer climates. The elastic holster improves retention over a neoprene option but can lose its shape and hold over time.
Pros
- Comfortable
- Elastic holster provides good retention
- Thumb retention
- Magazine pouch
Cons
- Elastic can wear over time
- Can be less comfortable in high temp environments
Vemingo Upgraded Belly Band Holster
The fifth entry on our list stays in the belly band category. The Vemingo Upgraded Belly Band Holster is also made out of neoprene. Like our other options, this holster includes an additional magazine pouch and a pocket to carry a phone. It is designed to fit most firearms of varying sizes and will accommodate any Glock handgun.
This band sets itself apart from the other belly band holsters with a few great features. One of which is a genuine leather buckle for the thumb-snap retention device. This makes the device more durable and ensures that your retention device will help keep your firearm in place.
It also comes in more user-specific size options. This allows you to choose the band size most appropriate for your waistline, eliminating excess material and making the holster more breathable. The band is also thinner, which improves the suitability of this band for warmer climates and use during exercise.
As with other neoprene and “one size fits most” options, the retention of this holster is not as good as with holsters made of other materials. Neoprene holsters can lead to an increase in draw time, depending on the size of your firearm and your skill level. Again, this is not always the case but is an important consideration when purchasing a concealed carry holster for your Glock.
Pros
- Variety of sizes available
- Breathable
- Leather thumb-snap buckle
- Additional pockets
- Accommodates all Glock handguns
Cons
- Varying retention quality due to “one size fits most” design
Relentless Tactical The Defender Leather IWB Holster
Let’s shift gears from the belly band category to a more traditional, leather IWB holster. The next entry on our list is the Relentless Tactical The Defender Leather IWB Holster. The Defender is available in three color options: Whiskey Barrel Brown, Midnight Black, and Charred Oak (light brown). This holster can accommodate full size and compact Glocks, but they also offer additional size options for smaller Glocks.
The Defender holster includes a lifetime warranty and is made from genuine leather. It provides a great mix of comfort, retention, and draw speed. The clip on this holster will snugly secure it to the waistband of your pants, provided a secure base from which to draw your firearm.
This holster looks and feels great. It offers firmer retention qualities than a neoprene holster and maintains its form for years.
Most shooters, myself included, find that leather is more comfortable on your skin than Kydex holsters while providing a similar amount of retention. This holster also provides a minimal amount of “printing”, which refers to the outline produced in your clothing from concealed carrying a handgun.
The only real downside to this holster is that you need a traditional waistband and most likely, a belt, to effectively carry your Glock in this holster. This is especially true if you are carrying a full-sized or compact handgun.
Leather holsters such as The Defender are also more expensive than neoprene and some Kydex options. However, a good quality leather holster is worth every penny.
Pros
- High-quality genuine leather
- Lifetime warranty
- Smooth draw
- Limited printing
- Classic look
- Good retention
Cons
- Requires traditional waistband and belt
Fonrroni Concealed Carry Holster
Our seventh entry is the Fonrroni Concealed Carry Holster. This is an IWB universal holster designed to fit all full size, compact, and sub-compact Glocks.
It is made out of a combination of Nylon and Neoprene. The belt clip is reversible to suit both left and right-handed shooters.
This is an extremely budget-friendly option. It is comfortable due to the material and includes a thumb-snap retention device. It is also lightweight and thin, making carrying without printing very manageable.
The downsides to this option are the lack of quality retention, the design of the thumb-snap, and the material. Nylon holsters offer minimal retention aside from the thumb-snap. The thumb-snap retention device on this holster is not the most user-friendly and can take some practice to efficiently utilize.
Nylon holsters, while cost-effective, must be replaced more frequently than leather or Kydex holsters. You must ensure your holster is in good working order. If your holster begins to wear and lose shape, it may not effectively secure your handgun.
It can also expose the trigger guard, making you susceptible to an accidental discharge as a result of the trigger snagging on a foreign object.
The Fonrroni is a good budget option holster, especially if you don’t mind having to replace it more frequently than some other holsters. It is probably better suited for full size or compact handguns as opposed to smaller framed Glocks due to its design.
Pros
- Minimal Printing
- Universal fit
- Thumb-snap retention strap
Cons
- Nylon wears quicker than other materials
- Sub-optimal draw speed
- Inconsistent retention strength
BRAVOBELT Belly Band Holster
The final entry in our roundup of the 8 best concealed carry holsters for you Glock is the BRAVOBELT Belly Band Holster.
This holster is a neoprene belly band style holster. It comes in two size options and three-color options. The color options are black, thin blue line, and camo design.
This holster includes a phone pocket and is a “one size fits most” style holster. Unlike most other belly band holsters, this holster includes pockets for two additional magazines. It can be worn inside or outside the waistband of your pants and covered by your shirt. It is only five inches wide, which greatly reduces the amount of heat trapped in by the neoprene material.
The BRAVOBELT includes an optional thumb snap safety and securely holds your firearm. While the retention of this belt is not as good as a Kydex or quality leather holster, it provides a more secure fit than the other neoprene options on our list without the use of the thumb snap.
As with other neoprene belt options, you must position the belt the same way every time and practice drawing from your holster. Small variations in the height or positioning of the belt could negatively affect your drawing efficiency in a high-stress situation.
This belt presents some of the same drawbacks as other neoprene belly band holsters, but BRAVOBELT does a good job of minimizing those shortcomings to produce a reliable belly band style holster.
Pros
- Comfortable
- Holds two spare magazines
- Better retention than most neoprene holsters
- Breathable and cool
- Three color options
Cons
- Thumb-snap safety is not ergonomically designed.
- Minimal warranty
Types of concealed carry holsters
There are three general types of concealed carry holsters. These are IWB, OWB (outside waistband), and belly band holsters.
- IWB holsters are the most common and come in a variety of styles and materials. IWB holsters are the most versatile of the concealed carry holster styles and can be designed to meet the needs of all types of shooters.
- Belly band holsters have become increasingly popular in recent years and are a great option for women, smaller framed individuals, and those who want to carry their firearm during outdoor fitness activities such as running or cycling. They are also a good option if you like to wear more form-fitting clothing.
- OWB holsters, are somewhat impractical for concealed carry applications unless you are always willing to wear baggie, long shirts, or jackets. This style of holster presents the largest imprint and can be the most difficult to conceal.
Check out our comparison of the 8 Best Glocks for Beginners.
Breakdown of the IWB holsters on our list
| IWB Holsters | Concealed Carrier Universal IWB | Concealed Carrier Kydex IWB | Relentless Tactical The Defender IWB | Fonrroni CC IWB |
| Material | Neoprene hybrid | Kydex | Leather | Nylon hybrid |
| Adjustable | No | Yes | No | No |
| Retention passive/active | Active-thumb snap | Passive | Passive | Active-thumb snap |
| Color options | 1 | 1 | 3 | 1 |
Breakdown of the belly band holsters on our list
| Belly band Holsters | Gootus Belly Band holster | ComfortTact belly band holster | Vemingo belly band | BRAVOBELT holster |
| Material | Neopren | Neoprene | Neoprene | Neoprene |
| # of extra mag pouches | 1 | 1 | 1 | 2 |
| Phone pocket | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Color options | 1 | 2 | 1 | 3 |
What to Look for in a Glock Concealed Carry Holster
There are three key considerations when purchasing a concealed carry holster for your Glock. These are retention qualities, draw speed, and comfort.
All three are of equal importance and you should look for a holster that provides the best balance of all three categories.
Retention
Retention is your holster’s ability to securely hold your Glock inside the holster. This may include active retention devices that require you to interact with them to retrieve your gun, such as a thumb-snap safety.
This also includes passive retention, such as the mold of the holster fitting the shape of your handgun to prevent it from falling or shifting inside the holster.
Draw speed
A good quality holster will allow you to efficiently retrieve your handgun and get it on target. If the holster is not securely attached to your waist, the holster will move with the handgun as you attempt to draw. It could even come unclasped from your waistband, causing you to draw a still holstered handgun.
Comfort
If your holster is uncomfortable and unreliable, you most likely will not wear it. Most firearm owners that have a concealed carry permit site comfort and fear of accidentally displaying their handgun as the primary reasons that they do not carry their firearm. A good quality holster will address both of these concerns.
Concealed Carry Holster Materials
The material of the concealed carry holster that you choose for your Glock will affect the comfort, retention, and draw speed.
It will also affect the durability of your holster. While holsters can be made from a wide variety of materials, the most common are leather, Kydex, or a hybrid blend.
Leather holsters
Leather holsters provide good retention and draw speed as long as they are the correct size for your Glock. That is why you must follow manufacturer recommendations and ensure that your model of Glock is supported by the holster that you are purchasing.
Over time, the leather will “break-in” and form to the shape of your Glock, providing a smoother draw while keeping its retention qualities. As a result, I recommend purchasing a separate leather holster for each handgun.
Kydex
Kydex holsters generally provide the best retention qualities and are extremely durable. They often allow you to adjust the retention strength and the angle of the waistband clip for a custom fit.
The two drawbacks of Kydex holsters is that they are generally thicker than a leather or neoprene option and can be less comfortable due to their rigid material.
Hybrid
Hybrid holsters are holsters that utilize a combination of different materials. Several of the holsters on our list are hybrid holsters.
Frequent combinations are Nylon and Neoprene or Neoprene and Elastic. The goal of these types of holsters is to improve performance while still keeping the holsters affordable.
Will a holster fit any generation of Glock?
The holsters featured on our list do not exclude any generations of Glock firearms. If your model of Glock is listed in the product description, then it will be compatible with your generation of the firearm. For example, if the holster description states that it can accommodate a Glock 22, then your firearm should be supported whether it is a Generation 2 or 4 Glock.
It is important to read the product description provided by the manufacture to ensure that the holster you are purchasing is suitable for your specific model.
Some of the concealed carry holsters on our list are “one size fits most” and are listed as being compatible with most or all Glocks. However, a few of the companies, such as Relentless
Tactical, sell different size holsters for different models. Selecting the correct holster size is vital to ensuring that it functions properly.
Is it hard to conceal a Glock?
Concealing a Glock is not difficult provided you purchase a model compatible with your frame and preferences.
Glock offers models and calibers in all sizes to suit your preferences and body size. These sizes include the following: full size, compact, subcompact, and slimline. These sizes vary in width, height, length, and magazine capacity.
I carried a full-sized Glock 22 for several years using an IWB holster without any issues. However, I was committed to wearing shorts or pants with belt loops and a belt daily. I also wore shirts that were slightly oversized to ensure that I had enough fabric to cover the firearm. I also have a large frame to accommodate a full-sized handgun.
If you do not want to make these wardrobe adjustments, you should consider a compact or subcompact option and potentially a belly band style holster. Carrying either a smaller Glock or using a belly band holster can make the need for a belt and oversized shirts unnecessary.
How to wear a concealed carry Glock holster?
There are many ways to carry your Glock with a concealed carry holster. How you carry your firearm will depend on your personal preference and the style of the holster that you purchase.
Three common concealment positions are appendix carry, behind the back carry (also known as a 5 o’clock carry), and hip carry. Whatever positioning you choose; it is important that you are consistent and that you practice drawing from this position regularly.
Consistency and practice are key to safely and proficiently carrying your Glock.
Appendix carry
Many people opt for an appendix carry with belly band and IWB style holsters. An appendix carry essentially places the firearm between your hip and midline of your abdomen. This position is very comfortable with a belly band because the firearm is not wedged in your beltline and should not be touching your thigh when seated.
Appendix carry is also achievable with an IWB holster and can be more comfortable than other carry options. Having the IWB holster against the soft tissue of your abdomen as opposed to your hip bones or lower back appeals to many shooters.
An appendix carry also allows for a short, natural draw when you need to retrieve your firearm. The downside to appendix carry with an IWB holster is that larger Glocks will likely press into your thigh when seated.
Behind the back carry
Another popular carry option is behind the back. It is important to note that you need an opposite-handed holster if you intend to carry in this manner. For example, if you are a right-handed shooter, you will need to purchase a left-handed holster for behind the back carry.
Female and smaller framed shooters tend to prefer a behind the back carrying positioning because this does not require the wearing of baggie or oversized shirts.
Most people’s clothing fits looser on the backside, making it easier to conceal your firearm. This carry method can be accomplished with both IWB and belly band holsters.
Shoulder mobility is an oft-overlooked consideration for the behind the back carry positioning. If you have less than ideal shoulder mobility like I do, than this positioning may be difficult for you to efficiently retrieve your firearm.
Hip Carry
Carrying your concealed firearm on your hip is a good option for many reasons.
Drawing from the hip is a natural movement and carrying in this position is comfortable while sitting or driving. As with the other carry options discussed above, this carrying position can be accomplished with either an IWB or a belly band style holster.
Some shooters find this carry option uncomfortable, especially with an IWB holster. No carry option is perfect and all of them require practice to maximize comfort, safety, and efficiency.
That is why it is important to try different options and see which one best meets your needs and skill level.
Tips on concealed carry
I can’t repeat this enough, practice, practice, practice.
No matter how expensive your firearm is our how good your holster is, you cannot become an effective shooter without practice. Once you purchase a quality holster and determine your preferred carry method, you should practice drawing your firearm.
I recommend unloading your firearm and repeatedly drawing from a concealed position.
You should try your holster on in various positions and practice from each of these carry positions. You should also practice drawing from seated, standing, and kneeling positions. By practicing in these various positions, you can determine which of these carry positions are best suited for you. Do this with an unloaded handgun while you are getting acclimated to your new holster.
Personally, I combine the appendix and hip carry positions. When I am driving, I carry my Glock on my hip. As soon as I exit my vehicle, I will slide the holster slightly forward so that it is in an appendix carry positioning. I find the hip carry position comfortable with my body type while driving and the appendix carry most pragmatic while I am standing or walking.
The Defender for the win – Best Concealed Carry Holster
The Relentless Tactical Defender holster provides the best balance of comfort, retention, and draw speed for conceal carrying your Glock handgun. It provides far more durability than the neoprene and nylon holsters and has a lifetime warranty to boot. The genuine leather will allow you to comfortably and confidently carry your
The Tactical Defender is a great investment that will support any concealed carry positioning. It also allows for a smooth, efficient draw and comes in several sizes to accommodate a variety of Glock models.
No matter your choice, practice like your life depends on it. One day, it might.
