Appendix carry, or AIWB, has become the gold standard for concealed carry, offering unparalleled speed, comfort, and concealment when executed correctly. The key to a successful AIWB setup lies in selecting the right holster—one that provides a secure, consistent draw, minimizes printing, and is comfortable enough for all-day wear. With countless options on the market, finding the perfect holster can be a daunting task for any responsible gun owner.
To cut through the noise, we’ve put a range of popular AIWB holsters through rigorous, real-world testing. Our evaluation focuses on critical factors like retention, concealment, material quality, and overall comfort during extended use. Whether you prefer a minimalist kydex design, a hybrid holster, or a versatile belly band, this roundup is designed to help you find the ideal appendix carry solution for your needs in 2025.
Our Top Picks for Appendix Carry Holsters
- Alien Gear Cloak Tuck 3.5 IWB Holster
- Relentless Tactical The Defender Leather IWB Holster
- Vedder Holsters LightTuck IWB Kydex Gun Holster
- Raven Concealment Systems Ambidextrous Eidolon IWB Holster
- ComfortTac Belly Band Holster for Men and Women
- Texas Gun Holsters IWB Gun Holster & Belt Bundle
- ELVO Adjustable Vertical Shoulder Holster
- Tulster Oath IWB Kydex Holster for Glock
- 3pc Holster Claw Kit for IWB Kydex and Leather
- Black Arch Protos-M Dual Clip Hybrid Holster
Alien Gear Cloak Tuck 3.5 IWB Holster
The Alien Gear Cloak Tuck 3.5 is engineered for all-day comfort, making it a strong contender for your everyday carry. Its CoolVent neoprene backing is designed to sit comfortably against your skin while promoting airflow, a significant advantage during long wear periods. The holster also includes a built-in sweat guard to protect your firearm from moisture and corrosion.
Versatility is a key strength, as this holster is designed to fit over 800 different handgun models. Tool-less clips allow for easy adjustment of both ride height and cant, letting you fine-tune the positioning for optimal concealment and a quick, smooth draw. The steel-reinforced base adds a layer of durability, ensuring the holster maintains its shape and function over time.
Relentless Tactical The Defender Leather IWB Holster
For those who appreciate the classic feel and moldable nature of leather, the Relentless Tactical Defender is a robust choice. Crafted in the USA from high-quality leather, this holster is built to last and will form to your specific firearm over time, providing a custom fit. Its design prioritizes a secure hold while still allowing for a consistent and reliable draw.
This holster boasts an impressive compatibility list, fitting a wide array of popular Glock models, the Smith & Wesson M&P Shield, Taurus G-series, and many other similarly sized handguns. The simple yet effective clip provides a solid anchor on your belt, making it a reliable option for strong-side or appendix carry without unnecessary bulk.
Vedder Holsters LightTuck IWB Kydex Holster
The Vedder LightTuck is a favorite in the concealed carry community for its minimalist design and exceptional performance. Made from a single piece of molded kydex, it offers excellent trigger guard protection and consistent, audible retention. The holster is remarkably slim, which significantly reduces printing and makes it ideal for appendix carry.
A key feature is the tool-adjustable retention system, allowing you to set the exact level of hold you prefer. The claw kit, often included or available as an add-on, is a game-changer for concealment, rotating the grip of the pistol inward against your body. With a wide range of color and pattern options, you can also personalize your gear.
Raven Concealment Systems Ambidextrous Eidolon IWB Holster
The Raven Concealment Eidolon is a highly modular system designed for the shooter who demands maximum configurability. Its fully ambidextrous design means it can be set up for either right or left-hand draw, offering great flexibility. The holster is built to accommodate various attachments to enhance concealment and performance.
This holster fits a range of full-size Glock models like the 17, 22, and 31, and can also be used with their compact and subcompact counterparts. The adjustable ride height and cant allow you to find the perfect positioning. The inclusion of over-hook struts provides a very stable platform, preventing the holster from shifting during the draw.
ComfortTac Belly Band Holster for Men and Women
The ComfortTac Belly Band offers a unique and versatile carrying solution that does not require a belt. This makes it an excellent option for athletic wear, formal attire, or any situation where a traditional holster isn’t practical. The breathable, elastic band is designed for comfort and a secure fit against the body.
Its universal design accommodates a vast range of firearm sizes, from subcompacts to full-size pistols and revolvers. You can configure it for appendix, hip, or even cross-draw carry, providing exceptional adaptability. This holster is also available in both right and left-hand configurations, catering to all shooters.
Texas Gun Holsters IWB Gun Holster & Belt Bundle
This bundle from Texas Gun Holsters provides a complete concealed carry solution by including both a holster and a tactical belt. The holster itself is designed with versatility in mind, capable of accommodating pistols equipped with a red dot optic, flashlight, or laser attachment. This makes it a great fit for a modern, accessorized handgun.
It is compatible with a long list of popular compact and subcompact models from Glock, SIG, Springfield, and others. The inclusion of a sturdy belt is a major benefit, as a proper gun belt is essential for safely and comfortably supporting the weight of a holstered firearm, especially in the appendix position.
ELVO Adjustable Vertical Shoulder Holster
The ELVO Shoulder Holster system provides an alternative carry method that is ideal for driving, outdoor activities, or when wearing a jacket. Its vertical orientation can offer a very natural and accessible draw stroke. The system includes an integrated double magazine pouch, keeping your spare ammunition organized and within easy reach.
Constructed from durable ballistic nylon, this holster is built for stability and a long service life. The harness is fully adjustable to ensure a comfortable and secure fit for a wide range of body types. As an ambidextrous design, it can be easily configured for both left and right-handed shooters.
Tulster Oath IWB Kydex Holster for Glock
The Tulster Oath is a purpose-built appendix carry holster that excels in concealment and comfort. It is precision-molded for specific Glock models, including the 19, 45, and 43X, ensuring a perfect fit and secure retention. The holster features a mid-sweat guard that protects your firearm from moisture without adding unnecessary bulk.
A significant advantage is its native compatibility with a wide variety of red dot sights, from the Trijicon RMR to the Holosun SRO. The Oath is also fully ambidextrous; by switching the hardware, it can be configured for either right or left-handed carry, providing great value and flexibility.
3pc Holster Claw Kit for IWB Kydex and Leather
This accessory kit is a simple and effective upgrade for improving the concealment of your existing IWB holster. The claw, or wing, works by pressing against the inside of your belt, which rotates the grip of the pistol inward towards your body. This dramatically reduces printing, especially with larger-framed handguns.
The kit includes three claws and the necessary hardware for installation, offering options to find the perfect amount of torque for your setup. It is designed to be ambidextrous and can be fitted to most kydex and some leather holsters, making it a universal solution for enhancing your appendix carry.
Black Arch Protos-M Dual Clip Hybrid Holster
The Black Arch Protos-M stands out in the hybrid holster category with its unique three-quarters kydex shell that completely surrounds the trigger guard. This design provides the security of a full-kydex holster with the comfort of a hybrid. The breathable mesh backing is designed for all-day comfort against your skin.
Dual clip attachment offers superior stability, preventing the holster from twisting or shifting on your belt throughout the day. This makes it a very secure and reliable option for appendix or strong-side carry. The Protos-M is available for a wide variety of firearm models, combining comfort and safety in a single package.
What to Look For in the Best Appendix Carry Holsters (AIWB)
Choosing the right appendix carry holster isn’t just about picking a popular brand; it’s about finding the tool that fits your body, your gun, and your lifestyle. Having carried in this position for years, I can tell you that a good holster disappears, while a bad one makes every moment miserable. Here are the key things I look at when I’m testing a holster for appendix carry.
First and foremost is safety. A proper AIWB holster must have a rigid, unyielding construction that completely covers the trigger guard. Kydex is the gold standard for this. You should never be able to accidentally press the trigger through the holster material. Many of the best appendix carry holsters in 2025 also feature a “claw” or “wing.” This small piece of plastic might not look like much, but it’s a game-changer. It presses against the inside of your belt, rotating the grip of the pistol inward toward your body. This drastically reduces printing, making your concealed weapon actually concealed.
Next up is comfort and concealment, which are two sides of the same coin. Look for a holster with a “wedge.” This is a soft pad, often made of foam, attached to the body-side of the holster. It pushes the muzzle end away from your body, which helps tuck the grip in even more and prevents the holster from digging into your thigh when you sit down. The combination of a claw and a wedge is what makes modern AIWB so effective. You also need to consider the ride height and cant (the angle of the pistol). Most AIWB holsters offer a neutral or slight forward cant, which helps with the draw stroke and keeps the grip accessible.
Finally, don’t overlook the hardware. A sturdy belt clip, preferably a Discreet Carry Concept (DCC) Monoblock or a similar metal clip, is non-negotiable. It needs to hold the holster securely to your belt without shifting. The adjustability of the clips is also important, allowing you to fine-tune the ride height. Remember, the goal is a system that is safe, comfortable, and allows for a fast, consistent draw. Your holster is a critical piece of gear, so take the time to find one that checks all these boxes.
FAQ
Is appendix carry actually safe?
This is the most common and important question. Yes, when done correctly with a proper, high-quality holster, appendix carry is a safe and effective method. The key is the holster. It must be rigid, fully cover the trigger guard, and be specifically designed for AIWB. A floppy nylon holster or one that doesn’t secure the trigger is dangerous in any position, but especially pointed at your femoral artery. With a dedicated kydex holster, the trigger is completely protected, making a negligent discharge virtually impossible during holstering and carry.
What is the most comfortable position for appendix carry?
Comfort in appendix carry is highly individual, but there’s a general sweet spot. For most people, positioning the holster so the pistol’s grip is aligned just to the off-side of your belt buckle is ideal. This places the slide in the natural crease of your hip, minimizing printing and pressure points. The exact position, often called the “pivot point,” allows the holster and gun to move comfortably with your body when you sit or bend. You’ll need to experiment an inch or two left or right to find what works best for your anatomy.
Can I carry a full-size handgun appendix style?
You absolutely can, and many people do. It was once thought that only subcompacts were suitable for AIWB, but modern holster design has changed that. A holster with a well-designed claw and a soft wedge is critical for concealing a full-size grip frame. The longer slide of a full-size pistol can actually aid in comfort by leveraging against your leg when sitting, preventing the grip from tipping out. The key is having a good gun belt that can support the weight and a holster built for the task.
What type of belt is best for appendix carry?
You need a purpose-built gun belt. A normal dress or casual belt will flex and sag under the weight of a pistol, compromising both concealment and comfort. A proper gun belt is stiff, often reinforced with a polymer core or being a single, rigid piece of material like those from companies that specialize in this gear. This stiffness creates a stable platform for your holster to clip onto, keeping everything secure and in place throughout the day. It is the foundation of your entire carry system.
How do I know if my holster is printing?
The best way to check for printing is in a mirror. Wear your typical concealment garment, stand normally, and then move around—bend forward, twist at the waist, and raise your arms. Look for the outline of the grip or the muzzle. Often, you are more aware of the gun’s presence than anyone else is. What feels like obvious printing to you might be completely invisible to the casual observer. If you see a distinct “L” shape or the grip is visibly pushing your shirt out, you may need to adjust your holster’s position, add a wedge, or consider a different garment.