Question about IWB carry?

[megatronrules]

I have a galco summer comfort for my g26 and I wear it at about 4:00 my pants/shorts are a size bigger than what I wear. I take a 36 so I have a size 38 for IWB carry my belt is also a size 38 and I think this is were the dis comfort comes in its to tight . I was told I should get a size 40 belt to go with the size 38 pants. The reason being that the extra few inchs will give more room to fasen the belt around the added girth of the holster and gun is this right?

I ask because I am going to be buying a gun belt and want to be sure I get the right size. So is the general rule for IWB carry to go a size bigger with the belt then the pants? Thanks

 

[Doc]

I wear my pants 2 inches too big, belt is same size. Try dillon for inexpensive (but QUALITY) gunbelts

 

[Jesse H]

Yup.

Imma size 30, but I wear 32 pants and belt for IWB.

 

[KpEng16]

The proper size for a belt is to wear it comfortably in the 3rd hole...meaning you have 2 holes left to extend if needed after a big meal. I dont know where I heard this, I think it was Men's Health magazine, and I really dont know why I remember it. Go to a store and try a few on. Buy what is comfy.

 

[TarpleyG]

As a general rule, proper belt size, ANY belt, should be one size bigger than your pant size. Having said that, I have a Desantis belt marked 44" but I wear it with 44" pants and use the middle, or third hole. That tells me that Desantis belts, at least mine, run big. Some may run small and some may be right on.

GT

 

[Preacherman]

For those wanting a cheap, but high-quality, belt to wear with a holster, check out the work belts at Wal-Mart. They're of thick leather, about 1¾" wide, and plenty tough enough to support a holster and gun. They cost less than $12, IIRC.

 

[Standing Wolf]

I solved the whole problem by talking to the good folks at http://www.mitchrosen.com

 

[Bainx]

Also, check Goodwill and other thrift stores for good, thick belts needed for carry. Once, I found a Bianchi belt at Goodwill for $.50 so help me, in new condition. Friends at work gasped in disbelief when I showed it to them.

 

[Doc]

mitch rosen would be my second choice only because of the reinforced mouth preference. If I wanted pretty holsters, especially those with exotic leathers Mitch would win hands down

 

[PCRCCW]

Pant size and adjusting it is not a rule...you have to try what works for you. If your built different than other people its not the same...I wear 1" bigger pants and 1" bigger belt...Im a 32" and carry full sized guns IWB daily.
Its also very true..you can stumble across "good belts" at a great price...but usually they dont last and stretch fairly quickly...making carrying a heavy gun a real PITA!
If I get a good one for cheap cool....but will stick with gun belts until then.....You can find a by design gun belt for 30$ if you look.
Shoot well

 

[Seeker]

Preacherman is right. I've been using one from wal-mart for over a year and it has held up great! Even with me drag a clip-on iwb holster over frequently.

The backside is rough leather and makes a nice strop.

 

[dinosaur]

Ah, the fashion police strike THR. The belt I use is a black police duty belt like I used when I was working. Not a Sam Browne type, just the regular pants belt but one size bigger. Outside belt holsters will shorten the belt a bit too. I had a belt made up by a guy at a gunshow (cheap) a couple of years ago but still don`t need it. Never checked out the Wal Mart belts.

The pants thing is very important especially if you carry IWB all the time. You can damage your sciatic nerve. I speak from experience. :banghead:

 

[AK103K]

You need a Wilderness "instructor" type belt. Its meant to be used as a pistol belt and has no "holes to hit". Its infinitely adjustable through out its size range. They are very comfortable and can take up or let out "just enough" when you need to. If you call to order they will tell you how to size it.

 

[El Tejon]

Guess I'm built strange (O.K., maybe I just look strange), but I use the same size pants with or without my pistols.

meg, I'm afraid you just have to discover for yourself. Squaring your gear is more than half the battle and involves the most frustration. However, once you get it, you're set.

 

[megatronrules]

Well guys I went to wally world last night and found a great belt it made by wrangler I believe and is very stiff and thick to. I ended up going with a size 42 its the leanth that gave me the most room and comfort now the hi power sit at 4:00 just great and very comfy to FWIW I was told that some the belts in walmart run smaller then they should i.e. a 38 may not be an exact 38 reason being they are made over seas slot of times and thay use metric measurements vs. our inchs. So I guess they are trying to get it close enough maybe?

If anyone can coment on this it would be great an BTW I need a good leather IWB for my hi power now I was thinking galco summer comfort or maybe mitch rosen? Any suggestions?

 

[Doc]

I use the same size pants with or without my pistols.

That's cause you are still young my good friend. In a few years life will catch up with your waistband.

Either one or two inches larger would work, maybe only one inch would give tighter fit and less pant droop...

I believe you will find that any double thickness belt will work adequately. Cheaper belts dont last as long. I find the more I sweat, the sooner the belt softens up and needs to be replaced.

 

[Double Naught Spy]

Just to screw things up here a bit, one thing I have noticed about various belts is that there are sometimes more than one way to measure a belt. Some companies make belts with the belt size/length stated as the actual size/length. Some other companies' stated size/length indicates the size waist/pants it goes with and not the actual length.

 

[El Tejon]

[El Tejon smacking lips after chicken makhani and rotti for lunch]

*Urph* Doc, you may be right. Now where are my running shoes?