Finding the right Inside-the-Waistband (IWB) holster is a critical decision for anyone who carries a firearm. It’s the essential link between safety, accessibility, and your ability to go about your day in complete comfort. A great holster should disappear on your body, securing your weapon while preventing printing, so you can carry with confidence in any situation.
The market is flooded with options, but Kydex has become a top choice for its perfect blend of durability, security, and slim profile. To help you find the ideal fit for your firearm and carry style, we’ve compiled a list of ten of the best Kydex IWB holsters that excel in both comfort and concealment.
Our Top Picks for Kydex IWB Holsters
- Deerco Appendix Carry Holster Compatible with Glock 19
- We The People Holsters – IWB Holster for Glock 19
- Fierce Defender IWB Kydex Holster Walther PPQ
- CYA Supply Co. Base IWB Holster for S&W Bodyguard
- Tulster IWB Profile Kydex Holster for Sig P365
- Crossbreed SuperTuck Deluxe 1911 Holster
- IWB Holster for Olight PL Mini 2 & Canik TP9SF Elite
- Quick Clip Pro Holster Tough Grip Clips
- Ronin OWB Holster for Glock 19 All Gens
- Tier 1 Concealed Axis Elite Holster
Deerco Appendix Carry Holster Compatible with Glock 19
The Deerco Appendix Carry Holster stands out with its ultra-comfortable hybrid design. It features a soft high-foam and ultra-fiber composite layer against your skin, which effectively eliminates the “belly dig” common with all-Kydex holsters. This breathable, padded backing ensures you can carry comfortably all day, even during extended periods.
This holster offers impressive versatility with its removable magazine pouch, allowing you to configure it for IWB, AIWB, or even OWB carry. The modular attachments provide tactical flexibility for different situations. A key point is to adjust the tightness of the claw screw for a smooth draw, making it a highly customizable option for your Glock 19.
We The People Holsters – IWB Holster for Glock 19
Proudly made in the USA, the We The People Holster is built with top-quality components and backed by a Lifetime Warranty. Its thick .08-inch Kydex construction is robust enough to maintain its shape forever, and unlike leather, it is waterproof, washable, and will never rot. This holster is designed for absolute functionality and security.
This holster accommodates any carry draw, whether appendix, strong side, or behind the hip. It features a fully adjustable clip, allowing you to easily set your desired carry height and cant angle for a smooth and consistent draw. It’s a no-nonsense, reliable holster built for everyday concealed carry.
Fierce Defender IWB Kydex Holster Walther PPQ
For Walther PPQ owners, the Fierce Defender holster offers a precise, durable solution made right in the USA. It is formed from thick .08 Kydex material that is molded specifically for your weapon, ensuring a perfect fit and secure retention. The holster fully covers the trigger guard and the backside of the gun, providing crucial safety and protection from sweat and debris.
A key benefit is the adjustable retention system, which allows you to dial in the exact level of tightness you prefer. You can customize the draw resistance to be exactly how you like it, making this holster a solid and safe choice for carrying your Walther PPQ.
CYA Supply Co. Base IWB Holster for S&W Bodyguard
This veteran-owned company produces its holsters in the USA with precision molds created from CAD designs milled in-house. The CYA Supply Co. holster for the Smith & Wesson Bodyguard 2.0 is made from .08-inch Boltaron, a high-performance thermoplastic similar to Kydex, known for its durability and excellent retention properties.
This inside-the-waistband holster is designed for all-day comfort and functionality. It features easily adjustable retention pressure and a carry angle (cant) that can be set between 0 and 15 degrees. The 1.5-inch wide belt clip and all stainless-steel hardware complete this reliable and well-made carry package.
Tulster IWB Profile Kydex Holster for Sig P365
The Tulster Profile holster is a top-tier option for Sig P365, P365X, and SAS owners. Each holster is precisely formed for the firearm, providing secure retention with minimal drag on the draw. It’s specifically engineered for everyday concealed carry, offering a slim profile that promotes deep concealment.
This holster is designed to be versatile, with an easily adjustable cant from 0 to 30 degrees, allowing for perfect positioning whether you carry appendix, at 3 o’clock, or in the kidney position. It also accommodates suppressor-height sights and threaded barrels, making it a future-proof choice for your P365.
Crossbreed SuperTuck Deluxe 1911 Holster
The Crossbreed SuperTuck Deluxe is a legendary hybrid holster that combines a Kydex shell with a comfortable leather backing. This design spreads the weight and profile of a larger firearm like a 1911 over a wider area, significantly increasing comfort against your body. It is a proven solution for all-day carry of full-sized handguns.
As an inside-the-waistband holster, the SuperTuck offers excellent concealment by tucking the grip close to the body. The hybrid design reduces printing and provides a stable, secure platform that has made it a favorite among concealed carriers for years.
IWB Holster for Olight PL Mini 2 & Canik TP9SF Elite
This holster addresses the specific need of carrying a pistol with a weapon-mounted light. It is designed to function only when the Olight PL-MINI 2 is installed on your Canik TP9SF Elite, providing a secure, custom-fit holster solution for a modern setup. This ensures your equipment is carried safely and is ready when needed.
Constructed from .080 Kydex, this inside-the-waistband holster is durable and offers the secure retention expected from a Kydex holster. The adjustable cant from 0-15 degrees allows you to find the perfect positioning for a fast and efficient draw, even with a light attached.
Quick Clip Pro Holster Tough Grip Clips
While not a complete holster, the Quick Clip Pro is an essential upgrade for many IWB setups. These clips are made in the USA from a very strong, durable, injection-molded proprietary polymer and are backed by a lifetime guarantee. They provide a tough grip on your belt, ensuring your holster stays securely in place.
The three-hole design provides an adjustable cant, allowing you to fine-tune the angle of your holster for optimal concealment and draw. They are also tuckable, meaning you can wear a shirt tucked in between the clip and the holster, and the overall ride height remains consistent.
Ronin OWB Holster for Glock 19 All Gens
Although an Outside-the-Waistband (OWB) holster, the Ronin is included for its excellent concealment properties. It is designed for everyday carry and range use, featuring a 10-degree forward cant that aids in concealment by reducing printing under a cover garment. The hand-formed Kydex and no-slip belt loops provide a stable platform.
This holster offers a comfortable and accessible way to carry your Glock 19, especially in situations where IWB carry may not be preferable. Its design focuses on keeping the firearm close to the body while allowing for a quick and natural draw stroke.
Tier 1 Concealed Axis Elite Holster
The Tier 1 Concealed Axis Elite is a premium appendix carry holster system renowned for its superior comfort and concealment. It features a modular design that connects the pistol holster to a separate magazine carrier with a flexible mid-section. This flexibility allows the holster to conform to your body’s movements, significantly increasing comfort.
This holster is engineered to promote a consistent and secure grip while pushing the grip of the pistol and magazine into your body to minimize printing. Built with high-quality materials and attention to detail, the Axis Elite is a top-of-the-line choice for those who demand the best in appendix carry performance.
Buying Guide: How to Choose the Best Kydex IWB Holster
Choosing the right inside-the-waistband holster is a personal decision that directly impacts your comfort and your ability to conceal your firearm effectively. Since you’ll be wearing it for hours, getting it wrong can be a real pain, literally and figuratively. I’ve carried with a lot of different holsters, and I want to share what I look for to help you make a good choice for your needs.
First, let’s talk about comfort. This is often about the holster’s profile and the materials against your body. A single-clip holster is minimalist and can be very comfortable, but it might have less stability, leading to the gun “rolling” over your belt. Dual-clip holsters are bulkier but offer superior stability, keeping the gun firmly in place. The “claw” or “wing” attachment has become almost standard for a reason; it presses against your belt to rotate the grip of the pistol inward, dramatically improving concealment. Also, look at the holster body itself. A “wedge” on the bottom or a rounded muzzle can prevent the holster from digging into your leg or groin when you sit down.
Next is concealment. This goes hand-in-hand with comfort. A holster that prints (shows the outline of your gun) isn’t doing its job. The claw I mentioned is the biggest factor here. Beyond that, consider the ride height and cant. Ride height is how high or low the gun sits on your belt. A lower ride can help with concealment but might make the draw slower. Cant refers to the angle of the gun. Most people find a slight forward cant (called the FBI cant) helps conceal the grip better and allows for a more natural draw stroke from under a cover garment.
Don’t forget about safety and retention. Kydex is fantastic because you can form it precisely to your specific firearm model. This creates excellent passive retention through a satisfying “click” when the gun is seated. You should be able to hold the holster upside down and shake it without the gun falling out, yet be able to draw smoothly with a firm, intentional pull. A fully covered trigger guard is a non-negotiable safety feature. Make absolutely certain that no part of the trigger or trigger guard is exposed.
Finally, think about the hardware and adjustability. Good holsters use durable, quality hardware that won’t loosen up over time. Look for holsters that allow you to easily adjust the ride height and cant to find your personal sweet spot. The belt clips are also important. Plastic clips are low-profile and good for casual wear, but metal clips, often with a discreet design, provide a stronger hold on your belt, which is crucial for security. When you’re looking for the 10 best Kydex IWB holsters for comfort and concealment, prioritizing these features will guide you toward a model you can trust and forget you’re wearing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the most comfortable position to wear an IWB holster?
Comfort is subjective and depends a lot on your body type, but the most common and generally comfortable positions are the appendix (around the 12 to 1 o’clock position) and the strong-side hip (around the 3 to 5 o’clock for right-handed shooters). Appendix carry is great for concealment and access, while strong-side is often more comfortable for all-day wear, especially when sitting. You’ll need to experiment a little to find what works best for you. I started at 3 o’clock and eventually moved to appendix after finding the right holster with a claw and a wedge.
How do I stop my Kydex holster from digging into my skin?
This is a common issue, especially with new holsters. The two best solutions are wearing an undershirt or investing in a holster with a “sweat guard.” A sweat guard is a part of the Kydex that extends up the side of the slide, creating a smooth barrier between the gun’s sharp edges and your skin. Some holsters offer a full-length guard, while others are partial. If your holster doesn’t have one, a simple undershirt is a foolproof fix. Also, check if the bottom of the holster is rounded; a sharp, square corner will dig in much more.
Is a single-clip or dual-clip IWB holster better?
Both have their pros and cons. A single-clip holster is ultra-low profile, easy to put on and take off, and is often more comfortable for smaller guns. The downside is that it can be less stable and might shift or “roll” on your belt. A dual-clip holster is significantly more stable, spreads the weight of the gun out, and stays exactly where you put it. The trade-off is that it’s bulkier and a bit more of a hassle to put on. For a full-size or compact pistol, I almost always go with a dual-clip for the stability.
What is the purpose of the “claw” on a holster?
The claw, also called a wing, is a small plastic piece that attaches to the holster near the belt clip. Its job is simple but brilliant. As you tighten your belt, the claw presses against the inside of your belt. This pressure forces the butt of the pistol grip to tuck in tighter against your body. This single feature has a huge impact on concealment, especially for those of us who don’t want the grip printing through a t-shirt. It’s a must-have feature in my opinion for the 10 best Kydex IWB holsters for comfort and concealment.
Can I use the same IWB holster for different positions?
Many modern Kydex IWB holsters are designed to be adjustable, allowing you to change the cant and ride height. This means you can, in theory, set one holster up for appendix carry and then later adjust it for strong-side hip carry. However, some holsters are specifically molded for a certain position. A holster designed for appendix will often have a built-in wedge and a more pronounced claw, which might feel awkward at the 4 o’clock position. While it’s possible, you’ll usually get the best performance by dedicating a holster to your primary carry position.
How tight should my belt be for IWB carry?
Your belt needs to be snug, but not so tight that it’s uncomfortable or cuts off circulation. A good, stiff gun belt is essential—it acts as the foundation for your entire carry setup. The belt needs to be tight enough to support the weight of the gun and holster without sagging, which would hurt both concealment and comfort. You should be able to take a full breath and sit down without feeling like you’re being cut in half. If you find yourself constantly re-tightening your belt, you probably need a sturdier, purpose-made gun belt.