Choosing the right Outside the Waistband (OWB) holster for your Glock 19 is a critical decision that balances security, accessibility, and comfort. Whether you’re on the range, in a duty capacity, or carrying openly, the ideal holster should offer a secure fit, a smooth draw, and durable construction to protect your firearm through daily use.
The market is flooded with options, from rugged Kydex to classic leather, each with unique retention systems and features. To simplify your search, we’ve compiled a list of the top ten OWB holsters for the Glock 19, highlighting their key benefits to help you find the perfect match for your carrying needs in 2025.
Our Top Picks for Glock 19 OWB Holsters
- Bedone G19 OWB Paddle Tactical Gun Holster
- 1791 GUNLEATHER XDS Thumb Break Holster
- Level III OWB Holster for Glock 17/19
- WARRIORLAND OWB Kydex Holster, Optic Ready
- Bravo Concealment Adaptive OWB Gun Holster
- OWB Leather Pancake Holster for Glock 17 19
- Bravo Concealment Holster for Glock 19 23 32
- OWB Thumb Release Holster for Glock 19/19X/45
- Relentless Tactical The Ultimate Leather Gun Holster
- Vedder Holsters LightTuck OWB Kydex Holster
Bedone G19 OWB Paddle Tactical Gun Holster
The Bedone holster offers a practical and accessible design with its convenient paddle platform. It features a 360-degree adjustable cant, allowing you to customize the draw angle to your preference. The integrated quick-release button is positioned to guide your index finger for a smooth and fast draw every time.
Security is a strong point with its auto-locking mechanism. When you reholster your Glock 19, 19X, or other compatible models, the holster automatically locks the firearm in place, providing an added layer of safety. This combination of quick access and secure retention makes it a solid choice for range use and tactical training.
1791 GUNLEATHER XDS Thumb Break Holster
For those who appreciate timeless craftsmanship, the 1791 GUNLEATHER holster is constructed from 100% American steerhide. This material is not only durable but also forms a custom fit to your firearm over time, enhancing both security and the draw. The classic thumb break strap provides positive retention you can trust.
This holster is designed for versatility, accommodating a wide range of popular handguns beyond just the Glock 19. Its multi-cant positioning allows for both an FBI cant for a quick reaction draw or a back cant for easier access when seated. The double-stitched construction ensures this is a piece of gear built to last for years.
Level III OWB Holster for Glock 17/19
This holster provides serious security with its dual-locking Level III retention system. It requires both a thumb release and an index finger release to draw the firearm, making it an excellent option for duty use or situations where maximum weapon retention is paramount. An audible click confirms your gun is securely locked in place.
Built from heavy-duty PA66 nylon polymer, this holster is engineered to withstand harsh conditions and rigorous use. The material offers excellent rigidity, preventing deformation and ensuring consistent performance in extreme heat or cold. It is a purpose-built piece of equipment for those who require the highest level of dependable retention.
WARRIORLAND OWB Kydex Holster, Optic Ready
The WARRIORLAND holster stands out with its optic-ready design, accommodating a variety of red dot sights mounted on compatible Glock models. It also features an over-cut muzzle, allowing threaded barrels to pass through without issue. This makes it a future-proof choice for users who plan to upgrade their pistol.
Constructed from US-made Kydex, it features a Posi-Click Audible Retention Lock System. You will hear a distinct “click” when your pistol is fully seated, providing both tactile and auditory confirmation of a secure fit. The adjustable retention allows you to fine-tune the draw to your exact preference.
Bravo Concealment Adaptive OWB Gun Holster
This Adaptive holster from Bravo Concealment is specifically designed to be compatible with the TLR-1 HL weapon light, a crucial feature for a modern defensive handgun. Its innovative polymer injection molding creates a shell that is both incredibly durable and perfectly formed to your Glock 19 with the light attached.
The holster includes an adjustable retention screw, letting you customize how firmly the holster grips your firearm. The curved comfort design is engineered to sit close to the body, making it suitable for both open carry and discreet concealed carry under a cover garment. It’s a robust solution for those who run a WML on their pistol.
OWB Leather Pancake Holster for Glock 17 19
This pancake-style holster offers a classic and secure method of carry. The design distributes the weight of the firearm evenly across your belt, providing exceptional stability and comfort for all-day wear. It is precision molded for a snug fit to your Glock 19 and features a reliable thumb break retention strap.
Crafted from premium full-grain leather, this holster is built to last and will develop a unique patina over time, adding to its character. The leather is tough and resists moisture, while the handcrafted details like smooth edges and clean stitching reflect a high level of quality and attention to detail.
Bravo Concealment Holster for Glock 19 23 32
This OWB holster from Bravo Concealment is designed with a low-profile, streamlined shape that minimizes printing. While it is an outside-the-waistband holster, its compact design makes it a viable option for concealed carry when worn under a jacket or untucked shirt, offering you greater versatility.
The custom fit for the Glock 19, 23, and 32 ensures a secure hold and facilitates a smooth, consistent draw. Built from a robust polymer, the holster is resistant to bending, moisture, and abrasions. An integrated sweat guard adds comfort and protects your firearm from the elements.
OWB Thumb Release Holster for Glock 19/19X/45
This holster offers excellent compatibility, fitting multiple generations of the Glock 19 and is also optic-ready for MOS models. The quick-release button is designed for intuitive thumb placement, promoting a fast and natural draw stroke from the holster. A 60-degree adjustable cant allows for further personalization of the carry angle.
Security is handled by an integrated auto-locking mechanism that engages as you reholster your firearm. This hands-free locking action ensures your pistol is held securely without requiring any additional steps from you, providing peace of mind during dynamic activities.
Relentless Tactical The Ultimate Leather Gun Holster
Relentless Tactical offers a high-quality, American-made leather holster without the custom shop price tag. This OWB pancake holster is built to last and is backed by a lifetime warranty, reflecting the confidence in its materials and construction. It provides a custom-molded feel that secures your firearm effectively.
Its versatility is a major advantage, as it is designed to fit a vast array of full-size and compact handguns, including the Glock 19 and many others in 9mm, .40, and .45 calibers. This makes it an excellent value if you own multiple pistols and want a single, high-quality leather holster that can serve several roles.
Vedder Holsters LightTuck OWB Kydex Holster
Vedder Holsters is a respected name in the industry, known for its precision and quality. The LightTuck OWB model is crafted from durable Kydex, offering a precise fit for the Glock 19 that ensures secure retention and a clean, snag-free draw. The attention to detail in the molding process is evident in its performance.
While details are limited for this specific listing, Vedder holsters typically feature fully adjustable retention and cant, allowing you to dial in the exact setup you prefer. Known for their customer service and reliable products, a Vedder holster is a trustworthy choice for anyone seeking a no-nonsense, high-performance OWB carrier.
Buying Guide: How to Choose the Best OWB Holster For Glock 19 in 2025
When I look for a holster to carry my Glock 19 outside the waistband, I focus on a few key things that make a big difference in comfort, safety, and performance. The right holster isn’t just a pouch for your pistol; it’s a critical piece of gear that affects how you carry all day and how quickly you can access your firearm if you need to.
First, I always consider the material. Kydex is my go-to for most situations. It’s a rigid polymer that offers a perfect, consistent fit, a satisfyingly positive “click” when the gun seats, and excellent protection for the trigger guard. Leather is a classic choice that breaks in over time and can be very comfortable, but it can also soften and lose its shape, which is a safety consideration. Some hybrid holsters use a combination, like a Kydex shell on a leather or synthetic backing, which tries to give you the best of both worlds.
Next, I look at the retention system. Passive retention relies on the fit of the holster itself, often using the trigger guard area to securely hold the gun. This is my preferred method for its simplicity and reliability. Active retention adds a mechanical lock, like a thumb break or a hood, that you must disengage to draw. This is a great feature for duty use or if you’re in situations where someone might try to grab your gun. The best OWB holster for Glock 19 in 2025 will offer adjustable retention so you can fine-tune how tightly it holds your pistol.
The mounting system, or how the holster attaches to your belt, is another big deal. A good paddle or belt loop setup should be stable and keep the holster from wobbling or shifting when you move or run. I prefer a solid, multi-hole pattern that allows for ride height and cant adjustment. Being able to angle the holster (cant) or change how high or low it sits on your belt (ride height) lets you customize the draw stroke to what feels natural for you.
Finally, think about the intended use. Are you looking for a concealed carry OWB holster that sits close to the body, or a competition holster built for speed? Maybe you need a rugged, level-II retention holster for outdoor work. Your daily activities will point you toward the right design. By focusing on material, retention, adjustability, and purpose, you can find a holster that works with you, not against you.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most comfortable OWB holster for a Glock 19?
Comfort is subjective and depends a lot on your body type and how you carry. For all-day comfort, I often find that holsters with a wider footprint or a padded backing distribute the weight of the Glock 19 more effectively. Many people report that a well-molded Kydex holster with rounded edges is very comfortable because it doesn’t have hard spots digging in. Leather holsters are also famous for molding to your hip over time. The real key to comfort is a stiff, quality gun belt that supports the weight; without one, even the best holster will feel awkward.
Can I effectively conceal an OWB holster with a Glock 19?
Yes, you absolutely can, but it requires some planning. Concealing an OWB holster is all about the cover garment. You’ll need an untucked shirt, jacket, or vest that is long enough and loose enough to completely break up the outline of the pistol without printing. I look for holsters designed specifically for concealment, which often have features like a “low-profile” design or a canted angle that helps tuck the grip of the Glock 19 closer to your body. It’s generally easier in cooler weather when layers are more common.
What is the difference between passive and active retention?
This is a fundamental safety question. Passive retention is built into the holster’s fit. The material, typically Kydex, is molded so snugly around the trigger guard and slide that it holds the gun securely through friction. You usually need to apply a firm, straight pull to draw the firearm. Active retention is a mechanical device you must disengage, like pushing a button, swiping a lever, or flipping a hood. Active systems are common on duty holsters for an extra layer of security, while passive systems are popular for everyday carry due to their simplicity and speed.
Are paddle holsters a good choice for carrying a Glock 19 OWB?
Paddle holsters have their place. The big benefit is convenience—you can put them on and take them off without removing your belt, which is great for a quick range trip. However, I find they can be less stable than a holster that uses solid belt loops, especially with a full-size pistol like the Glock 19. They can sometimes shift or even come off with the gun during a vigorous draw. For serious use or all-day carry, I generally prefer a holster that loops directly onto my belt for maximum stability.
How do I adjust the cant and ride height on my OWB holster?
Most modern holsters offer this adjustability. You’ll typically find a set of screws or bolts on the holster’s hanger or mounting platform. By loosening these screws, you can change the angle of the holster (cant) from a straight vertical draw to a forward or reverse FBI cant. You can also usually slide the entire holster up or down on the mount to change the ride height. After making adjustments, make sure to fully tighten the screws back down and practice your draw to ensure everything is secure and feels right.