Carrying a concealed pistol can be a pain... LITERALLY! In this article we'll show you how to carry comfortably every day.

1. Buy The Right Gun

Too big and you will struggle to conceal the firearm and the weight of the gun will be more than you can handle all day long causing hip and back pain.

Too small and you won’t be able to shoot the gun well.

There’s a fine line between too big or too small. I suggest focusing on guns between 6”-6.5” in overall length. Popular models include the S&W M&P Shield, Glock 26 and Glock 43, Taurus G2, Walther CCP, and many more.

Also note you’ll typically shoot a gun with a full grip better than one that only allows a partial grip but having a full grip tends to result in your gun printing through your clothing when carrying concealed.

2. Buy The Right Style Holster

IWB Holsters (inside the waistband) holsters are the most uncomfortable because you have to tuck them into your pants. They also require you to wear pants 1 size larger than normal. If you are new to concealed carry buying a new wardrobe will add up to a big expense.

OWB Holsters (outside the waistband) are more comfortable because your gun is not tucked into your pants. However, because they attach to a belt they tend to stick out farther from your body and make concealment more difficult. Also carrying OWB requires a belt which restricts your wardrobe considerably.

Belly Band Holsters use elastic or neoprene that wraps around your torso and allows you to carry without tucking a gun into your pants while keeping it pulled tight to your body. They work great for guns in the Compact and Subcompact size range but they’ll struggle to carry full size pistols. The Ultimate Belly Band Holster is my go to holster for every day carry.

Purse Holsters & Fanny Pack Holsters are great for comfort but present other potential hazards. Specifically, someone taking them from you or accidentally leaving them behind by mistake.

Alternative Holsters include clothing with built in holsters like compression fit shirts, underwear, yoga pants, jackets, etc. I’ve tried all of them (except yoga pants) and I’m not a fan. The shirts were not comfortable in hot climates. The underwear are just IWB holsters and again require pants 1 size larger than normal and cause pressure on your body. Jackets are great until you take them off.

3. Dress Appropriately

If you have to completely change the way you dress to conceal your firearm it is unlikely that you will carry daily. An OWB Belt Holster requires that you wear pants with a belt. To conceal when carrying OWB you will probably need an undershirt with another over shirt like a flannel or vest. This is fine for some but not an option for most especially in hot climates.

My personal focus is on being able to carry in shorts and a t-shirt. If I can’t conceal my firearm while wearing a pair of shorts and a t-shirt then the gun/holster combo won’t work for me.

The best thing you can do is look at your wardrobe and see what you tend to wear during the hottest months in your area. It is easy to conceal when it's cold as a sweatshirt or flannel will always do the trick. It's the hot months that pose the largest challenge so focus on that and you'll be set year round.

SEE OUR LINE OF COMFORTABLE HOLSTERS

Founder of ComfortTac Joe Cochran says "I almost gave up carrying before I found the Belly Band Holster."

I started carrying concealed around 2006 and like most people at that time I purchased a nice leather inside the waistband holster for my gun.

At first I was dedicated to carrying every single day. But within 2 weeks I remember waking up, looking at my gun, and deciding to leave it in the safe because I didn't feel like carrying it.

The novelty wore off quickly and the reality of discomfort had set in.

In my search to find something more comfortable I purchased a custom made kydex holster. This made sense to me because the kydex material was thinner than the leather and light weight.

What I didn't factor in was that it was hard as a rock and it ended up no more comfortable than the leather IWB holster.

Again my gun was left in the safe more days than it was carried.

Next I switched to an OWB leather holster. This was more comfortable but nearly impossible for me to conceal in a t-shirt which is what I wear most of the time. I was printing like crazy and my shirt was constantly getting hung up revealing my gun.

Not good!

I even tried one of those cheap $20 neoprene IWB holsters with a plastic clip and to be honest it was more comfortable than either of the previous holsters but the retention was terrible and one day my gun literally fell out of the holster and hit the pavement.

I went on to try just about everything the market had to offer. Shirts and underwear with built in holsters. Hybrid kydex/leather holsters. I tried every position on my waistline from the small of my back to 5 O clock to on my hip to appendix to cross draw. Nothing I did seemed to work.

I was ready to give up until I remembered why I started carrying in the first place. I made a decision not to be a victim. To stand up to predators if they threatened violence against me or my loved ones.

I couldn't give up!

So I started experimenting with alternative holsters and eventually I found something called a belly band. To my surprise it was much more comfortable than any other holster I had ever worn before because it took the gun out of my waistband.

It was made of elastic so it was breathable. It attached around my waist with Velcro so it was adjustable and easy to find a good snug fit. It held my gun tight to my body without putting pressure on it which avoided painful pressure points. I could shift the holster into any position on my torso and literally carry anywhere.

It was almost perfect.

Then one night I was watching late night TV and saw an ad for athletic back brace and I thought, that would make a great platform for a belly band holster.

So I bought one and got out my wife's sewing kit... and The Ultimate Belly Band Holster was born.

I was able to sew an elastic holster to the neoprene band to create a belly band holster that would stand up to every day carry. After my family and friends agreed that it was the most comfortable holster they had ever worn I knew I was on to something, so I contracted with a professional seamstress to work on a prototype...

and the rest is history.

The Original Ultimate Belly Band Holster is hands down the most comfortable and versatile concealed carry holster you'll ever own... Guaranteed! It will immediately become your "go to" holster for everyday carry.

The Original is designed to be worn around your belly and above your waistline (note the retention snap is about mid way down the holster).

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The Ultimate Belly Band Holster for Deep Concealment has all the same great features as the Original with one small difference.

We moved the retention strap from mid way down the holster to up on the grip of the gun so it can be worn below your waistline when wearing sweatpants, yoga pants, or gym shorts.

This allows for "Deep Concealment" while still having access to the retention strap to draw your gun.

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What people are saying about us...

“I bought this to try out - and it really works better then I expected. Comfortably fits my 5-10" frame with a 36" waist - easy to change the gun position, holds an extra clip just fine. Velcro adjustment works great - I wouldn't hesitate to recommend it to anyone else.”

Dennis K.

"Just what I was looking for. Very comfortable. Works great for my Glock 43. Highly recommend."

Larry P.

"I have tried several different concealed carry holsters and by far this Belly Band holster is the best and most comfortable one I own. It works well with many different gun sizes. I have carried a LC9 , SR40c and a SR1911 Commander without any issues . Works great under a untucked shirt. Highly recommend it!!!”

Mark S.

"Love love this holster! You can't even tell I'm packing! Its very comfortable,don't even know it's there. "

Barbara S.

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