daniel craig
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Even when I was thin I couldn’t do this carry comfortably. Maybe I wear my pants too high.
How do I carry IWB comfortably?
- Thread starter brewer12345
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PWC
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First off, losing weight is a great idea,however; easier said than done. The older you get, the harder it is, and I'm older than those here that have given their age. I can't just look down and see my toes, I have to lean over a little, but my belly doesn't hang over my belt either. I'm 6'1" and wear 45"-47" waist (try to find those), and I wear IWB.
Secondly, a good belt isn't a MUST. I have one and do use it when I want to. Most times I use 2" Carhardt suspenders from Sportsman"s warehouse; I like black or dark blue. Below are pics of what I have. The holster is an Uncle Mike's that is so old the tag has worn/fallen off. I don't know the model. There is a piece of type 13 nylon sewn on both sides that allows the clip to be moved for IWB or OWB for either right or left handed shooters. I wear it at the 2 o'clock position; that's just in front of my hip bone, on the side and in front of and next to the belt loop on that side. I wear a tee shirttucked in, then holster, then shirt untucked, (over the suspenders) long or short sleeved; weather dictates.
I've also worn OWB or more accurately hooked over the jeans pocket on strong side. still allows pocket access.
Secondly, a good belt isn't a MUST. I have one and do use it when I want to. Most times I use 2" Carhardt suspenders from Sportsman"s warehouse; I like black or dark blue. Below are pics of what I have. The holster is an Uncle Mike's that is so old the tag has worn/fallen off. I don't know the model. There is a piece of type 13 nylon sewn on both sides that allows the clip to be moved for IWB or OWB for either right or left handed shooters. I wear it at the 2 o'clock position; that's just in front of my hip bone, on the side and in front of and next to the belt loop on that side. I wear a tee shirttucked in, then holster, then shirt untucked, (over the suspenders) long or short sleeved; weather dictates.
I've also worn OWB or more accurately hooked over the jeans pocket on strong side. still allows pocket access.
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PWC
Member
Yes, I forgot to say the holster is between my tee shirt and jeans/pants. Thanks.
Wearing a wool tee-shirt may seem counterintuitive to many people, yet it is easily the best choice.
It is soft, dries nearly instantly, and is totally comfortable as a base layer in all four seasons.
Matching tee-shirt color to holster/firearm color incrementally helps if ever a split-second of flashing.
It is soft, dries nearly instantly, and is totally comfortable as a base layer in all four seasons.
Matching tee-shirt color to holster/firearm color incrementally helps if ever a split-second of flashing.
somethingbenign
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Plenty have mentioned a good belt and I will add a belt that has small adjustments. The current belt I use has a racheting systems that allows for very fine adjustment and that plays a big role in getting just enough tension that the gun doesn't weight down my pants but also doesn't make it hard to breathe.
https://www.koreessentials.com
On top of that the appendix carry is surprisingly comfortable with the right setup. It may not be the solution for you but I would recommend you at least read up on it a bit before you dismiss it. Lucky Gunner had some good information that helped me along the way.
https://www.luckygunner.com/lounge/search/Appendix
https://www.koreessentials.com
On top of that the appendix carry is surprisingly comfortable with the right setup. It may not be the solution for you but I would recommend you at least read up on it a bit before you dismiss it. Lucky Gunner had some good information that helped me along the way.
https://www.luckygunner.com/lounge/search/Appendix
JR24
Member
When doing the whole 12 o'clock appendix thing I found I had to slightly adjust when sitting to get the belt/gun to sit comfortably (or at least reasonably so) and readjust a smidge when I stood. Now it was very slight and not all that different than I would do anyway not carrying a gun, but I didn't like messing with my belt all the time.
Never understood the "you'll shoot your balls off" crowd either, guess because I carried a Glock 19 or officer 1911 AIWB but the holster always laid over my junk and pointed between my legs while holstered. I appreciated I could really look the gun in holstering (though I generally holstered off body anyway) and I've got enough draws not to worry overmuch about that. Never felt my jewels were in any danger. Didn't have kids yet either so I had a use for those still then
Still, I moved my holster to the 1-2 o'clock with a forward cant, puts the gun in my body/posture types ideal concealment area, the gun rides along my hip and doesn't point at anything vital (though, again I'm not super concerned there), draws nearly as fast and is as good standing as sitting, even in the car is an easy draw.
bdickens
Member
Good holster, good belt and get used to it.
There is no one fits-all solution. Some prefer a stiff, sturdy belt, whereas as others want a belt that flexes, to allow the holster to “float” a bit, as one moves. Actually, both can work, for the same person, in differing conditions, in differing carry positions, with different weapons. I have been that person.
Some prefer that the entire weapon be flat, and will dislike revolvers inside the trousers. I have had less problem accommodating a cylinder, than autos with blocky slides and rails, and have appreciated that a revolver barrel does not have a slide and dust cover wrapped around it.
I have successfully concealed large revolvers all day, in IWB holsters. I have successfully concealed full-sized 1911 pistols, all day, in IWB holsters. Comfort has been tolerable. When I transitioned to wide-body duty pistols, in 2002, I tried to continue my usual habit of toting the duty pistol during personal time. Well, I could not make any Glock work tolerably IWB, and when I switched to railed SIG, in 2004, tried again, with the same result. Wide-bodied, railed autos are torture devices, when I try to carry them IWB.
One can age-out of wanting to tolerate IWB.
I do not claim to have all the answers. I can simply say what has worked for me, and none of what I have liked is still in production.
Some prefer that the entire weapon be flat, and will dislike revolvers inside the trousers. I have had less problem accommodating a cylinder, than autos with blocky slides and rails, and have appreciated that a revolver barrel does not have a slide and dust cover wrapped around it.
I have successfully concealed large revolvers all day, in IWB holsters. I have successfully concealed full-sized 1911 pistols, all day, in IWB holsters. Comfort has been tolerable. When I transitioned to wide-body duty pistols, in 2002, I tried to continue my usual habit of toting the duty pistol during personal time. Well, I could not make any Glock work tolerably IWB, and when I switched to railed SIG, in 2004, tried again, with the same result. Wide-bodied, railed autos are torture devices, when I try to carry them IWB.
One can age-out of wanting to tolerate IWB.
I do not claim to have all the answers. I can simply say what has worked for me, and none of what I have liked is still in production.
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I think everyone has covered the basics: belt, holster, body type, and weapon.
I’ll add one more: choice of pants. I find different pants with different cuts impact my carry comfort. Sometimes it’s just the location of belt loops that impact where I can locate the holster. Other times it’s how “deep” the front of the pants are. I generally wear jeans, but different brands (and different versions of the same brand) result in very different carry experiences. You have to experiment and find what works best for you.
On the weapon side, I’ve found the gun can make a big difference. I recently switched my EDC from an M&P 9 Compact (1.0 model) to a Sig P365XL. Although they are roughly the same length and height, the XL is about 1/4 inch narrower and weighs 5 oz less than the M&P. As much as I thought the M&P was a “comfortable” carry, the XL is an order of magnitude improvement in comfort. So finding a way to carry comfortably could mean an investment in a new set up. The advice about asking to tryout your friends’ rigs was sound.
Finally, just a plug for Tucker Gun Leather. I was going through something the other day and realized that I bought my Tucker gun belt in 2006! I wear it every day and it’s held up remarkably well. It’s not the shiny, new belt it was when I bought it, but I have no reason not to believe that I’ll get another 10 years out of it!
I’ll add one more: choice of pants. I find different pants with different cuts impact my carry comfort. Sometimes it’s just the location of belt loops that impact where I can locate the holster. Other times it’s how “deep” the front of the pants are. I generally wear jeans, but different brands (and different versions of the same brand) result in very different carry experiences. You have to experiment and find what works best for you.
On the weapon side, I’ve found the gun can make a big difference. I recently switched my EDC from an M&P 9 Compact (1.0 model) to a Sig P365XL. Although they are roughly the same length and height, the XL is about 1/4 inch narrower and weighs 5 oz less than the M&P. As much as I thought the M&P was a “comfortable” carry, the XL is an order of magnitude improvement in comfort. So finding a way to carry comfortably could mean an investment in a new set up. The advice about asking to tryout your friends’ rigs was sound.
Finally, just a plug for Tucker Gun Leather. I was going through something the other day and realized that I bought my Tucker gun belt in 2006! I wear it every day and it’s held up remarkably well. It’s not the shiny, new belt it was when I bought it, but I have no reason not to believe that I’ll get another 10 years out of it!
md7
Member
I’ve tried numerous methods over the years from pocket carry to IWB at 4:30, and have ultimately landed on AIWB. Even tried belly bands (which I still do when I’m jogging)
In my case, a 34 waste is just about perfect but a 36 isn’t so big that it’s too baggy. So for me, I go up a size and carry my Glock 26 in an AIWB holster along with a spare mag that also rides in the holster. In some jeans (I’ve got wranglers that fit this category) I find they are stretchy. If they’re stretchy I’ll just wear a size 34. No need to go up a size to accommodate the holster and pistol.
It’s been the best option for me. But everyone has a different build and that may or may not work for others
In my case, a 34 waste is just about perfect but a 36 isn’t so big that it’s too baggy. So for me, I go up a size and carry my Glock 26 in an AIWB holster along with a spare mag that also rides in the holster. In some jeans (I’ve got wranglers that fit this category) I find they are stretchy. If they’re stretchy I’ll just wear a size 34. No need to go up a size to accommodate the holster and pistol.
It’s been the best option for me. But everyone has a different build and that may or may not work for others
GBExpat
Member
I have only read the OP ...
I can, however, carry AIWB with very little discomfort by simply switching to 33"waist jeans instead of my normal 32"waist jeans. Perhaps something like that may work for you?
EDIT: One additional thing ... my belts are of the ¼"x1½" leather, non-laminated type so that attached holsters get great support.
FWIW, I have never found a way to carry IWB comfortably (admittedly I have not tested extensively), but leather pancake holster have been my friends since the '70s.
I can, however, carry AIWB with very little discomfort by simply switching to 33"waist jeans instead of my normal 32"waist jeans. Perhaps something like that may work for you?
EDIT: One additional thing ... my belts are of the ¼"x1½" leather, non-laminated type so that attached holsters get great support.
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I wear 29 or 30 inch waist jeans. I have found that the Levi Signature and the Wrangler Slim and Boot from Walmart can work because they have 2% Lycra and can accommodate some guns/holsters. They can look fairly normal as they do not bag around me as if I bought oversized cloths so I can carry a big pistol. The stretch denim is the key. But I must wear a gun belt because the stretch denim does not assist support of the gun. I carry either an LCR or a S&W BG AIWB. I can also get a Glock 19 in there but I really need something slimmer, I do not generally tuck my t-shirts or button ups (Wrangler slim fit western shirts, untucked length, at Walmart ). The Glock 19 will print on a t-shirt, so still working that issue.
). The Glock 19 will print on a t-shirt, so still working that issue.
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AK103K
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I wear my normal sized pants, mostly Dickie and Carhartt carpenter type pants. I hear a lot of people say to "size up", but personally, I think that's a mistake. Unless youre not being honest with yourself as to what size you really wear, there should be enough give in the fabric that things will settle down, shortly after you slip the gun in. It will feel a tad snug at first, but that feeling goes away quickly as your pants and body adjust.
That little bit of snugness also helps to keep the gun in place, and requires less cinching of the belt to make up for any looseness you might have because your pants are oversized.
At least that's how its always worked for me. That way, for those odd times Im not carrying my gun, or need to take it off, my pants actually fit, and don't look like they don't. Just going from a 34 to a 36 makes a pretty big difference in how they look on you, if youre really a 34.
Another good thing about wearing pants that fit is, if you do start to get a bit heavy, you know it pretty quick, and you can head it off before you do need to size up.
That little bit of snugness also helps to keep the gun in place, and requires less cinching of the belt to make up for any looseness you might have because your pants are oversized.
At least that's how its always worked for me. That way, for those odd times Im not carrying my gun, or need to take it off, my pants actually fit, and don't look like they don't. Just going from a 34 to a 36 makes a pretty big difference in how they look on you, if youre really a 34.
Another good thing about wearing pants that fit is, if you do start to get a bit heavy, you know it pretty quick, and you can head it off before you do need to size up.
GBExpat
Member
Heck, I can see a definite difference in the mirror when I don the 33s instead of my normal 32s. They are a little bit "baggedy" (technical term). 34s on me would probably approach a tent-like feel & look.
Huh ... MC Hammer just came to mind. UH OH! Now I have U Can't Touch This stuck in a mental loop ...
... could be worse, I suppose, like something from Madonna.
RetiredUSNChief
Member
Good point.
One of my brothers will cut belt loops off old pants as he buys new pants and sew them exactly where he wants his holster to ride.
.308 Norma
Member
That IS a good point.
I'm still carrying OWB - as I said in my earlier post, I'm slowly loosing waistline inches before trying IWB carry. Nevertheless, when I shop for jeans, I always look for ones with 7 belt loops instead of just 5 or 6. With 7 belt loops, there's usually a belt loop at 4:00 o'clock, and I thread my belt so that my pancake holster "straddles" it.
JR24
Member
That IS a good point.
I'm still carrying OWB - as I said in my earlier post, I'm slowly loosing waistline inches before trying IWB carry. Nevertheless, when I shop for jeans, I always look for ones with 7 belt loops instead of just 5 or 6. With 7 belt loops, there's usually a belt loop at 4:00 o'clock, and I thread my belt so that my pancake holster "straddles" it.
Yep, one of the main reasons I transitioned away from hybrid or two clip IWB options for a single clip, very few pants had belt loops in the correct location for me to get a hybrid holster in the area that conceals best/is most comfortable for me
Armored farmer
Member
Desantis SofTuck is my favorite. I have four of them. One for each ofmy ccw's.
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WheelGunMan
Member
I purchased a leather holster like the one pictured with the single mounting point for my Kimber Micro 9. I could not get the holster to stay at the desired cant angle and it flopped around to much. I ended up returning it and purchased a Kydex unit instead. Are you experiencing a similar problem? I'm beginning to think I should have let it rotate and found its own comfort zone. I now carry it IWB with a Desantis Pocket Holster and find it very comfortable and surprisingly it stays put.
I have never found IWB comfortable. I tried AIWB and at the 3 o'clock and 4-5 o'clock positions. It is great if your standing, but less so if sitting. I also found small of back to print badly when bending over with only a t-shirt over it. I use a wilderness belt and have tried various holsters, some off brands, stealth gear and alien gear. I gave up and carry OWB a little in front of 3 o'clock. I wear untucked shirts, and it is concealed nearly as well as IWB at the same position. I plan on trying IWB one more time this summer, but with the holster riding higher, not so deep in the pants. I carry a single stack nine, and have a flat stomach, so no issues there.
Armored farmer
Member
I like a forward cant. I think they send an allen wrench to tighten the adjustment screw and lock the cant in place....?
The holster can he worn all the way from crossdraw around to s.o.b.(small of back).
I lock the forward cant, then the J-hook locks under my Azula gunbelt.
I have four of these holsters...this pic is of the smallest one, my lcp holster.
As has been said; belt, holster, pants, ect. Then there's what is comfortable, and what feels concealed. When I started carrying iwb, I always felt like I was printing, which made me feel uncomfortable. Couple of things on that, Glock 19 while short, is quite fat, so I find thinner is better. 4 o'clock with a p365/CW9/Hellcat size piece I can be comfortable with. Also, I tend to be much more self conscious of printing than is necessary. Most folks don't even notice, because most folks don't think to look. The average person is much more concerned with themselves than anything else. For me I carried IWB at 5'9" 260lbs, it wasn't the most comfortable thing in the world, but it wasn't bad. I dropped 60lbs on keto, I can carry AIWB now, which wasn't an option before, but 4 o'clock is still the most comfortable for me.
WheelGunMan
Member
That appears to be the identical setup I had. Locks by an "O"ring compression. Might have to give the Desantis a try. I have other products from them that work well. The one thing I prefer is for the bottom side of the grip to ride right on the edge of the belt...keeps the gun from flopping around.
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