IWB vs OWB for HOT weather carry?

[Dollar An Hour]

It's hot where I live much of the year and I've got a P32 for pocket carry but want to carry something with more power on the belt.

I'll be wearing shorts and an oversize tucked-out T-shirt or camp shirt/hawaiian shirt (you get the idea).

I think OWB on a high-riding belt slide would hide just fine and should be cooler than IWB. Also seems IWB would be harder on the holster sweating all over it. Leather would soak and Kydex IWB is just hot since it doesn't breathe.

Anybody have alot of hot-weather carry experience that can comment on IWB versus OWB carry?

Guns in question aren't too big - S&W 442 or a Glock 19 or 26.

Input appreciated.

 

[MCgunner]

I like leather, heat or no. I think a good, thick leather IWB is the way to go. My own is a Mitch Rosen Workman for my P11 Kel Tec. But, there are lots of other quality IWBs. I believe in spending some scratch on a quality holster. It doesn't soak with sweat that I can tell, not like a thinner, cheaper rig will. I haven't tried the Kydex stuff, but don't think I'd like it for IWB. The Rosen is comfy.

Main thing I've found is I can't carry anything much bigger than a compact 9 or a J frame without some printing. I've been thinking about the printing thing, how much does it really matter. I normally wear just a long tailed T shirt and jeans. My service size guns sorta make me a little paranoid of the printing thing. Only way I'll wear my Sparks Summer Special is if it's cool enough to wear a light weight vest over my T shirt. Heck, in south Texas, between the humidity and the heat in summer, a vest is oppressive. I've finally found some jeans that have big enough pockets for my P11. I'm thinkin' I'll be pocket carrying the 9 more this summer. It has already replaced my .380 in those jeans for pocket duty. A light, small 9mm is a good option to something like a .32 or .380 if you can find the wardrobe to handle the extra size.

 

[SnakeEater]

I only carry IWB when absolutely necessary, I much prefer OWB in all weather. I have found that the best solution, for me anyway, is a leather belt holster that stays snug against the body. Kydex is nice but I haven't found one that gets as snug as a good leather holster. My personal favorite at the moment is a High Noon Topless. I've comfortably carried large and small autos this way.

 

[TOADMAN]

Pocket carry a S&W 642/442 in a #3 Uncle Mikes Pocket Holster - OWB Jit Belt Slide for Glock 26. Works for me No worries...I don't CC IWB..

 

[fvf]

How about Uncle MIke's Askins type OWB holsters?

What do you think about them for OWB use?

 

[TOADMAN]

Will check out the Askins...I often CC a G26 in a Uncle Mikes #12 Sidekick...Very user friendly...It comes with a detachable thumb-break but I don't recommend the use of thumb-breaks with Glocks...The glock fits in there good and draws very easy..Requires no break-in like leather holsters.. I just got it two months ago and it is rapidly becomming my favorite. Cost $24. I have several hundred dollars worth of big name holsters sitting in a box in my attic that I will never use now that I have the Sidekick.

 

[CAPTAIN MIKE]

....That's Why God Made Hawaiian Shirts

Spring has sprung and summer is next. I always carry OWB discreetly, using concealment attuned to the clothing required for what I'm doing that day.

In the warmer weather, do what you do. I like the moisture wicking t-shirts made by UnderArmor, Magnum (less $$$) and others. But over that t-shirt I'll put something like another OWB shirt -- and that's why God invented the OWB Hawaii shirt. It has flexibilty. The Hawaiian shirt can be worn IWB or OWB and works fine. They are inexpensive and plentiful.

Oh...and Wal-Mart still sells Hawaiian shirts on the next aisle over from where I get my White Box ammunition.

 

[TOADMAN]

CAPT. Mike, I got me bunches of them shirts you mentioned above...Most of-em non-discript square bottom lookin shirts - perfect for OWB CC. Bought-em at WalMart.

 

[Dollar An Hour]

What's the consensus on the Yaqui design sold by several holster makers? Looks like it'd be light and hold the gun high, but it leaves more gun exposed than other designs. If a shirt is over it, no big deal right?

I have a few Hawaiian shirts and will get a few more, plus some less obnoxious camp shirts.

Capt. Mike's idea with the sweat-wicking undershirt is a good one. I know from cycling that you can actually be cooler with an extra layer close to the skin wicking sweat away.

I'm assuming you wear the Under Armor shirt tight and IWB, since they have to fit tight to work properly right?

 

[Plainmark]

IWB for me..

wife beater t-shirts and cuban, hawaiian or other non-tucked in are my way with a Sam Andrews IWB for my Para 14-45 LDA double stack! Florida is HOT.. today it is pushing 90 already. Been out twice.. I am not skinny and not tall, but Sam's IWB (leather of the finest quality) holds that lump of firepower up against me under my ribs and it is perfect.

Big as my belly is, OWB LOOKS like a purse under my shirt!

I also use a concealment pouch....... nother thing to discuss.

Plain