IWB VS OWB Holster: Which One is Better?

Whether you are a competitive shooter, a military personnel, or a civilian who keeps a handgun, knowing the best way to carry your weapon is essential. IWB (Inside-the-waistband) and OWB (Outside-the-waistband) are the two most common methods of carrying a gun. For this, you need to pick a corresponding holster so it's easy to access and use the weapon. If you are confused about picking the right holster, we are here to help. Read on to understand what sets these holsters apart and how to find one that is suitable for you.

What is IWB Holster?

A holster that goes inside the pants or trousers is an IWB holster. The design allows you to carry your weapon concealed as it sits close to your body. The bottom part of the gun in the holster hides under the trousers, and only the top area is visible. If the IWB holster has clips, you can tuck your shirt over the concealed carry gun. You can remove and attach the clips easily.

Key Features of IWB Holster

IWB holster facilitates discretion and easy access to the firearm. When you carry a concealed weapon, it prevents you from drawing the unwanted attention of the public. Here are some major features of this kind of holster:

• Offers a high level of concealment
• IWB holsters can be made of leather, Kydex, or nylon.
• It usually has a sturdy clip that attaches to the belt
• The holster may have adjustable cant to provide a tailored fit
• You can carry the gun in different positions, such as the appendix, hip, and small of the back, with an IWB holster
• The holster has a low profile, which minimizes printing.

When To Use IWB Holster?

An IWB holster is ideal when deep concealment and security matter the most. It is particularly useful in the following cases:

• a. You carry your firearm every day in public places.
• b. You are in a formal setting where you don't want your firearm to show.
• c. You frequently visit crowded areas.
• d. You want a concealed-carry holster that is compatible with a wide range of clothing.
• e. You engage in sports or outdoor activities

What Is OWB Holster?

OWB holsters are worn outside the waistband or belt on your pants. They are positioned similarly to where the IWB holster is but outside the waistband. So, the holster remains visible to you and others. Unlike the IWB holster, the OWB holster can have the opposite function as well. Although not meant for concealed carry, if you wear a loose jacket or coat, the holster does not show. OWB holster is not in contact with your body, which makes it a safe and comfortable way to carry your gun.

Key Features of OWB Holster

OWB holster is a comfortable carry option that allows easy accessibility to a duty-sized firearm. You can draw the gun quickly and also use it to carry subcompact pistols discreetly. It has the following features:

• It features a secure belt attachment system through belt loops or paddle clips.
• The holster materials include leather, Kydex, or nylon.
• OWB holster can be a pancake, paddle, or belt slide holster, with each having a specific OWB design.
• Retention features, like adjustable screws or thumb-break straps, are common parts of an OWB holster.

When to Use OWB Holster?

OWB holster is suitable for heavier firearms or when you need to access your gun frequently. Since it does not contact the skin, unlike the IWB holster, it facilitates extended carry. You should prefer it if the following applies to you:

• a. You participate in shooting sports.
• b. You are not much concerned about concealing your pistol.
• c. You don't need to sit for extended periods.
• d. You engage in outdoor activities, such as hiking or trail walking

Major Differences Between IWB and OWB Holster

A comparison of IWB vs OWB holsters brings several dissimilarities with regard to concealment, usage, wearing positions, and suitable activities. The following table sums it all up.

Where Can You Wear IWB Holster?

IWB holster can be worn in various locations across your waist. You must find a place that allows you to access and draw the weapon quickly.

• 1. Appendix Carry (1:00 or 2:00): This is a popular concealed-carry position. You carry the pistol on your dominant side in the area between your belly button or pant button and hip bone or front pocket.
• 2. 3:00: The 3 o'clock IWB carry position is a firearm worn on the right side of the body against your right hip.
• 3. 4:00 and 5:00: This is the carry position that is slightly behind the hip. It provides extra concealment.
• 4. Small of the back (6:00): It means carrying the weapon directly behind the hip. If you want to have a proper grip in this position and you're a right-handed person, you will need a left-handed holster. Its opposite is also true.

Where Can You Wear OWB Holster?

You wear an OWB holster on the strong side. Based on this, you can explore a variety of positions:

• 1. 3:00 or 9:00: In this position, you wear the gun on the right side of your body and against your right hip.
• 2. Kidney carry: This OWB position is used for concealment. It is behind the hip, near the kidneys (5 o’clock for right-handed people and 7 o’clock for lefties).
• 3. Small of the back: In this position, similar to the IWB carry position, you keep the holster over the spine in the small of your back.
• 4. Cross-draw: The holster is worn on the non-dominant or strong side, and you use your dominant hand while drawing the gun.

Choosing between IWB and OWB Holster

The choice between IWB and OWB holster depends on different factors, such as the holster's function and your preferences.

• a. Retention: An IWB holster keeps the gun pressed against your body, inside the waistband or belt, so there is no threat of unauthorized access. The inherent retention in the OWB holster is less than in the IWB.
• b. Concealability: If you prefer to carry the weapon discreetly, choosing an IWB holster will be more useful.
• c. Comfort: The OWB holster is more comfortable than the IWB holster as it is not stuck against your body. You can draw the gun more easily than the IWB holster.
• d. Types of guns: With an IWB holster, you can only carry smaller-framed pistols. Besides micro-compact and subcompact pistols, you cannot carry bigger pistols discreetly.
• e. Climate: Hot climates make people wear lighter clothing. So, an IWB holster is preferred. If its cold and you can wear layers of clothes, then you can use OWB holster and even make it concealed.

Types of Guns for IWB and OWB Holsters

IWB and OWB holsters each work well with smaller and large-sized guns, respectively. Here are the guns preferable for each of them.

IWB Holster

• Glock 19 (G19 Gen 3/4/5)
• Glock 19X, 44, 45, 23, and 32
• Sig Sauer P365
• Springfield Hellcat
• Smith & Wesson Shield
• Walther PPK
• CZ P10S

OWB Holster

• Glock 17,19, 31 and 32 (Gen1-5)
• Glock 22/23 (Gen 1-4), 19x
• Glock 44 and 45
• CZ P10C
• Smith & Wesson Model S&W500
• SIG P226
• Beretta 92FS

Concluding Words

You can now easily decide between IWB and OWB holsters and find a suitable pick. No holster is better than the other. The difference is majorly in its purpose and your carry preference. Your key concern should be whether you can access and draw the pistol effectively. Also, the holster should feel comfortable no matter how long you wear it. If you want to check some of the most secure and comfortable holsters for any kind of handgun, explore our selection at Wright Leather Works.