Best IWB Holster – Top 10 Best Rated IWB Holsters Reviews

If you want to conceal a handgun, an IWB holster is inarguably one of the best ways to do it. However, not all IWBs are created equal. Some models offer better concealment than others. Some models completely overlook comfort, which is a quality which will make or break the concealed carry experience. 

Choosing a holster is a difficult, but highly important decision. It is definitely a choice that should be taken seriously. After all, your firearm will spend more time in your holster than it will in your hands.  

If you’re in the market for a new IWB holster but aren’t sure which ones measure up and which leave a lot to be desired, you’ve come to the right place. We’ve done most of the heavy lifting for you by compiling this list of the best IWB holsters.

If you do not have time for the details, here are our top picks for IWB holsters:

1. Alien Gear Cloak Tuck 3.5
2. Crossbreed SuperTuck
3. FoxX Holsters Hybrid IWB
4. G-Code INCOG IWB Holster System
5. We The People IWB Kydex Holster
6. Concealment Express IWB Kydex Holster
7. Raven Concealment Eidolon Holster
8. T.Rex Arms Sidecar Holster
9. Galco Stow-N-Go Inside the Pant Holster
10. Cardini Leather Super Soft Holster

What is an IWB Holster?

IWB is simply an acronym for “Inside the Waistband”. An IWB holster is merely a holster you wear inside the waistband of your jeans, slacks, or skirt. This style of holster is one of the most popular carry options for modern shooters. 

Some shooters wear their IWB holster between their pants and their bare skin. Others find it more comfortable to wear between their trousers and underwear. 

IWB holsters can be used with a tucked-in shirt, or you can leave your shirt untucked for more effective concealed carry. 

IWB Advantages

IWB holsters are insanely popular for good reasons. Here are just a few of the advantages a quality IWB holster offers. 

Easy Concealment

Because an IWB holster helps hug your handgun to your body, it is less likely to print through your clothing. This makes IWBs an efficient method for concealed carry. 

Weapon Retention

When your weapon rides in an IWB holster, it is less likely to fall out than it is with many other holster styles. 

Also, with your handgun tucked inside your pants (and probably under your shirt or jacket), it is much more difficult for someone else to gain access to it. 

Carry Versatility

An IWB holster will work with most popular carry positions. That means you can use the same IWB holster for kidney, small of the back, 3 o’clock, and appendix carry. 

A tuckable IWB will even allow you to adjust your holster position throughout the day to suit your changing needs. For example, if you prefer to wear your sidearm in the small of your back, but find the position uncomfortable when sitting down, you can adjust to a better spot when you’re driving or sitting at your desk. 

Easy Drawing

In a self-defense situation, getting to your weapon quickly could save your life. The fastest, easiest draw point is where your hands naturally fall. Unless you have gorilla arms, the most natural position will be somewhere on your waist. 

While drawing from an IWB holster can be slower and clumsier than drawing from an OWB (outside the waistband) holster, it is easier than other holster types, including ankle and shoulder holsters. 

IWB Drawbacks

Although IWBs are convenient, they do have some disadvantages. 

Wardrobe Limitations

While IWB holsters are easy to conceal, they work best with loose clothing. If you like form-fitting attire or light, flowy fabrics, you could have some trouble covertly carrying your handgun in an IWB. 

Comfort

Having a bulky sidearm and a holster tucked inside of your pants isn’t exactly a recipe for extreme comfort. This is especially true if you prefer a full-sized handgun like a 1911 or a Glock 17. 

IWB holsters can be a particular pain for fat guys or other shooters with big bellies. 

While IWB holsters may not be the most comfortable option for some shooters, they can work for most people with the right clothing and some experimentation with position. 

Weapon Access

An IWB holster may allow you to carry your sidearm in a position that makes drawing easy. However, being so close to your body can sometimes make accessing your weapon difficult, especially if you have thick clothing or multiple layers in your way. 

The best remedy is to practice drawing your weapon from concealment. Drill your draw until your muscles remember exactly what to do, even if your brain checks out during a stressful situation. 

What to Look for in an IWB Holster?

There are a ton of different IWB options available for modern shooters. The sheer number can make it difficult to separate the wheat from the chaff. When you’re searching for a new IWB, here are a few important things to consider. 

Comfort

The importance of holster comfort cannot be stressed enough. Even a holster that is slightly uncomfortable can ruin your carry experience. Slight discomfort becomes major discomfort the longer you have it on. 

Plus, if your holster is comfy, you’re more likely to wear it. If you leave your firearm at home, you may not have it when you need it most. A firearm on your person is always better than the one at home.  

Your IWB holster should allow you to comfortably carry your firearm in your preferred position. It also needs to be comfortable the whole time you’re wearing it, especially while you’re moving around and going about your day. 

It should sit securely without shifting, rubbing, or pinching your skin. It also should be lightweight, so it doesn’t wear you out or drag down your pants. 

Weapon Protection

Your firearm’s job is to protect you. Your holster’s job is to protect your firearm. 

A good holster safeguards against bumps, thumps, scratches, and scuffs. It also keeps your weapon out of the hands of thieves and protects innocent bystanders from accidental discharge. 

A good holster is made from durable materials and made to last through hundreds of hours of regular wear. Holster retention is also an important factor, and is crucial for keeping strangers from gaining access to the weapon riding in your holster. It should also adequately protect your gun’s trigger.  

Kydex Vs Leather

Leather and Kydex are the most common holster materials used today. Each has its own set of advantages and disadvantages.

Kydex is a synthetic plastic resin that molds easily into different shapes. With some heat, manufacturers form Kydex to the exact outline of your firearm. Once molded, Kydex holds its shape forever, unlike leather which can stretch or shrink over time. 

Kydex is relatively inexpensive, and its rigid design provides plenty of protection for your gun. However, because it is basically hard plastic, Kydex can be quite uncomfortable when worn next to your body.

Leather holsters are much more comfortable to wear inside your waistband. Because it is soft and pliable, leather usually needs to be “broken in.” During the break in period, the leather will begin to mold itself, comfortably conforming to the contours of your body.

However, leather doesn’t offer the same level of protection or retention that Kydex provides. It can stretch or shrink when exposed to moisture and body heat, especially when worn frequently. Leather also doesn’t allow you to adjust weapon retention, nor does it provide the same level of protection from bumps and bangs. 

Hybrid Holsters – The Best of Both Worlds

Hybrid holsters use both Kydex and leather components to increase comfort without compromising durability, protection, or adjustability. 

Most hybrid holsters feature a leather backing or leather paddle that is worn against the body. Attached to the backing is a hard Kydex pocket that holds and protects the firearm. 

Best IWB Holster on the Market Reviews

Best Hybrid IWB Holsters

 1   Alien Gear Cloak Tuck 3.5

The Alien Gear Cloak Tuck is a quality hybrid holster with a surprisingly affordable price tag. The holster features a wide, flexible neoprene backing that is plenty breathable so you can stay cool and comfortable all day. It also features a tough Kydex to provide secure protection for your everyday carry weapon. 

Alien Gear included two flexible polymer clips to keep the holster firmly positioned. And the holster’s retention level, cant angle, and ride height are all fully adjustable. 

One of the coolest features of Alien Gear holsters is their interchangeable Kydex shells. If you have more than one handgun, you can use multiple, model-specific shells with the same holster. You simply pop out a few Allen screws, swap out the shells, and you can go between a Glock 19, an M&P Shield, and a Bodyguard 380, all with the same IWB holster. This can save some considerable cash compared to buying a whole new holster for each individual sidearm in your arsenal. 

Alien Gear provides a 30-day trial period, so you can fully test drive the Cloak Tuck before you commit. The Cloak Tuck is also backed by the company’s Forever Warranty, which covers all defects and cosmetic damages for the life of the holster. 

 2   Crossbreed SuperTuck

As the company name implies, Crossbreed specializes in hybrid holsters. Their SuperTuck IWB holster is a great example of their work. 

The SuperTuck features a tough, molded Kydex retention pocket and a comfortable cowhide leather backing. Shooters can choose to upgrade to premium horsehide for extra comfort. Personally, I fully endorse the upgrade, as the horsehide takes the holster’s comfort level up several notches. 

You can also choose between Crossbreed’s standard design and their “combat cut.” The combat cut holster has some of the extra leather trimmed away to make drawing and re-holstering your weapon extra easy. That missing leather does take away some of the holster’s comfort, however. 

The SuperTuck attaches to your belt with two powder coated steel clips. The clips allow you to adjust both the cant and ride height to suit your personal needs.

 3   FoxX Holsters Hybrid IWB

This hybrid IWB from FoxX Holsters features two sturdy steel belt clips to ensure your weapon doesn’t shift position inside your waistband as you move around. These black spring clips can be adjusted to the perfect ride height and cant to meet your needs.  

The holster’s Kydex compartment is precision molded to securely fit your specific firearm. Unlike many IWB models, FoxX extends the Kydex to the end of the barrel and covers the muzzle for extra protection. 

The leather backing is soft, pliable, and comfortable. Shooters can choose from natural or black leather, or upgrade to premium horsehide for extra luxury.

Best Kydex IWB Holsters

 4   G-Code INCOG IWB Holster System

The INCOG is the result of an exciting partnership between G-Code Holsters and Haley Strategic Partners. Together, these two companies have designed a multi-positional holster with minimal bulk that is perfect for deep concealment. 

The INCOG is distinctive because it can be carried in a variety of positions while still promoting a full grip before the weapon is fully drawn. The design allows shooters to completely personalize the way they wear their firearm, allowing adjustments in carry position, retention, angle, and depth of carry. This allows for a customized experience that maximizes the holster’s effectiveness regardless of the user’s body type, draw stroke, or personal preferences. 

With a unique mounting clip that uses a negative angle, the holster pushes the sidearm closer to your body. This design improves concealability and promotes a higher, easy-drawing carry position that doesn’t compromise the security of your firearm. 

 5   We The People IWB Kydex Holster

By using thin, yet durable, Kydex, We The People holsters has designed a comfortable, lightweight IWB that is easy to conceal and perfect for EDC. The company also added a protective sweat guard to the back of their IWB holster to increase comfort. The backing minimizes contact between your skin and your weapon, which not only makes the holster more enjoyable to wear, but also helps protect your sidearm from damaging sweat and body oils.  

Ride height, cant, and tilt angle are easy to adjust. Simply unscrew the clip, adjust the holster until you find your preferred position, and then screw the clip back into place. 

We The People offers their Kydex IWB for a wide array of firearms. Shooters can easily find options for popular models like the Glock 26, Sig P365, and Walther PPS M2, as well as more obscure models. 

Proudly made in the USA, We The People holsters are backed by a full Lifetime Warranty.

 6   Concealment Express IWB Kydex Holster

If you’re looking for a super affordable IWB holster that manages to get the job done quite well, this one from Concealment Express definitely fits the bill. This highly versatile holster works for a wide variety of carry positions, including hip, back, cross draw, and palm out. However, this one really shines as an appendix carry IWB.

Sturdy, lightweight, and refreshingly comfy for a Kydex model, this holster features a full-length sweat guard, adjustable posi-click retention, and an undercut trigger guard for a sweet, easy draw. 

Concealment Express uses a fiber-reinforced belt clip that allows you to carry without anyone even knowing. The holster is also Claw compatible if you want to further reduce weapon printing.

 7   Raven Concealment Eidolon Holster

Although a little on the pricier side, the Eidolon from Raven Concealment is refined, stylish, and seriously functional. The holster’s Kydex shell is molded to provide a precise fit for your weapon. It is also designed to fit smoothly and comfortably against your body, working with your belt and clothing in virtually any carry position.

Raven Concealment has revolutionized the industry with their innovative adjustable tension system that isolates tension at the front of the trigger guard. This design provides a smooth, clean draw every time you access your sidearm. It also makes reholstering a breeze.

The Eidolon comes with a set of tuckable overhooks, a tall spacer block (which allows you to adjust weapon cant), a holster wedge (which mounts inside the holster face to push the firearm’s grip into the body for more effective concealment), and a belt claw set (which also helps with deep concealment).

 8   T.Rex Arms Sidecar Holster

Designed specifically for appendix carry, the Sidecar IWB from T.Rex Arms features a built-in mag carrier so you always have quick access to extra ammo. Although this Kydex holster may seem a bit bulky at first glance, the extra magazine actually helps balance the weight of your sidearm. The design also distributes the tell-tale weapon bulge characteristic of appendix carry so there is less distinct printing in this position. 

The Sidecar’s mag carrier is canted for easy access and extra comfort. The retention on both the firearm and mag carrier are fully adjustable. 

Each holster features two tuckable clips on the front and a Raptor Claw near the trigger guard. The Claw pulls your handgun close to your torso to improve concealment. It can be adjusted or removed completely to meet your personal comfort requirements.

Best Leather IWB Holsters

 9   Galco Stow-N-Go Inside the Pant Holster

Originally known as The Famous Jackass Leather Company, Galco Holsters has been the top name in leather holsters for more than half a century. The company is most famous for its Jackass Shoulder Rig (which made several appearances on the 80s hit TV show, Miami Vice). Their Stow-N-Go IWB features the same high-quality leather as their iconic shoulder system. 

This simple holster has a sleek design and is made with handsome premium center-cut steer hide. The mouth of the holster is reinforced with a metal frame to ensure safe, easy reholstering. 

The Stow-N-Go comes with an injection-molded polymer belt clip to help keep your holster right where you want it. It also features a neutral cant that works well for strong side carry, cross draw, or appendix carry.

These holsters are model-specific to ensure appropriate retention. Fortunately, Galco offers the Stow-N-Go for all the most popular handgun models, including j frame revolvers, subcompact pistols (like the Sig P938), and compact models (including the Glock 23). These holsters are also offered in left hand and right hand configurations to fit every shooter.

 10   Cardini Leather Super Soft Holster

The Super Soft Holster from Cardini Leather is an attractive option for inside the waistband carry. It is crafted from 100% quality leather and stitched together with durable yarn. In addition to the leather being comfortable against your body, the interior of the holster is extra soft to prevent wear and scratching. It also has a raised back sweat shield to protect your firearm from corrosive sweat and body oil. 

The leather is extra supple, and will bend and move with your body. This is easily one of the most comfortable IWB holsters on the market today. 

Cardini Leather Holsters are backed by a 100% Satisfaction Guarantee and a limited lifetime warranty for manufacturer defects.

Final Thoughts

When it comes to IWB holsters, what works for one shooter might not work for another. Difference in body type, preferred carry position, and draw style make choosing an IWB a highly personal decision. 

All of the products on our list of Best IWB Holsters are proven, high-quality options. However, choosing a holster at random from a list may not yield good results for you. If at all possible, try a few different holsters on for size to find out what fit and feel will work best for you.