There’s no getting around the fact that exercising your concealed carry rights can sometimes be a burden. Being discreet while being ready for a self-defense situation can affect your day-to-day comfort. Many handguns are bulky, especially if stopping power is a priority. Yet, comfortable concealed carry is essential to maintain the practice of maximum protection in public. Your holster, clothing, and supporting equipment, like a laser sight, need to support this objective. With this in mind, we’ll explore the essentials that every concealed carry-minded gun owner should consider.
Choosing a Comfortable Holster
Being successful with concealed carry starts with selecting the right holster, which involves three fundamentals: comfort, safety, and quick firearm access. Whatever holster you choose shouldn’t compromise these factors, but consider the different carrying positions.
IWB vs. OWB vs. Appendix – Finding What Suits Your Body
How to conceal carry comfortably can be affected by the carrying style you choose. Think about the advantages and disadvantages of each option that best aligns with your lifestyle, preferences, and self-defense needs:
Inside Waistband (IWB)
An IWB holster secures the weapon between your body and pants, typically at the 3 to 5 o’clock position for a right-handed carrier.
Pros: Exceptional concealment; ideal for untucked shirts
Cons: Can feel intrusive against the body; may require larger-sized pants
Outside Waistband (OWB)
An OWB holster attaches to your belt and is positioned next to your outer hip.
Pros: Generally more comfortable than IWB (especially when sitting); easier weapon access; less pressure against the body
Cons: Requires more substantial cover garments (less comfortable in warm weather as a result); more likely to print through clothing; potential for visibility by others
Appendix Carry
A form of IWB, appendix carry positions the handgun in the front of your body, usually between 12 to 2 o’clock.
Pros: Excellent concealment; quick access; compatible with most body types
Cons: Can be uncomfortable when sitting or driving; muzzle direction is psychologically uncomfortable for some users
You’ll come across many CCW holster tips, but one that can be overlooked is finding a carry position that matches your body type. A larger midsection may dictate a strong-side IWB position, while a leaner profile may be better paired with appendix carry. It’s not unusual to have different holsters for different situations. You may want to use OWB if you’re mostly driving and switch to IWB/AIWB if standing is the priority. If you take this approach, be sure to incorporate the different carry positions into your training regimen.
Ensuring Holster Compatibility with Laser Sights
For many handgun owners, laser sights are must-haves. These essential devices make aiming effortless—especially during critical self-defense situations—and can have an intimidation factor. At the same time, finding the best holsters for laser-equipped pistols requires additional considerations. Standard holsters aren’t usually designed to accommodate laser sights and may cause:
Improper firearm retention
Difficulties seating the handgun
Increased pressure points that affect comfort
Opt for a holster engineered for your particular handgun and laser sight; generic units are less likely to provide what you need. Look for a purpose-built option that secures the firearm and laser without adding body pressure. For trigger-guard mounted lasers, ensure the holster has the appropriate cut to accommodate the unit without affecting retention.
Dressing for Concealment and Comfort
Keep concealed carry clothing advice in mind when looking at the entire comfort picture. Your wardrobe is integral to practical concealed carry.
Clothing Selection to Reduce Printing
“Printing” happens when a firearm’s outline is visible through clothing. The trick is to wear clothing that minimizes this undesirable effect while maintaining comfort.
Select shirts with a slightly looser fit, especially around your carry position.
Opt for patterned fabrics that help break up revealing outlines and shadows.
Darker colors are better for hiding shadows and preventing “show-throughs.”
Layering multiple thin garments is better for concealment than a single, thick layer.
Seasonal Adjustments
Correct concealed carry protocols include adapting your wardrobe for the season. Summer carry presents unique challenges, as lighter fabrics are more likely to print, and layering isn’t practical. Plus, heat and perspiration add to the discomfort. Lightweight cover garments, like a fishing vest or an oversized T-shirt, can help. Alternative carry methods—like a smaller handgun in a pocket holster or belly band—are also realistic in extremely hot weather.
In contrast, winter carry offers more concealment options. Multiple layers prevent printing, and bulkier clothing is well suited for carrying larger handguns. The greatest challenge is draw accessibility through multiple layers. Be sure to address this issue in your training, even if you’re doing dry-fire practice at home (follow all safety standards).
Gun Belts and Support
A high-quality gun belt is another essential for comfortable concealed carry. Generic store-bought belts are made to support a firearm holster, compromising comfort, readiness, and concealment. Look for a belt that evenly distributes weight around your waist while maintaining rigidity throughout the day. Investing in a purpose-built belt can noticeably improve the concealed carry experience.
Optimizing Your Carry Setup
While a stock gun setup offers simplicity, it may not meet your needs, especially with concealed carry. Adding a laser sight can be invaluable, especially in split-second situations. However, you may need to adapt how you approach concealed carry.
Positioning Your Laser-Equipped Handgun
While a laser sight can affect your firearm’s profile, you can make adjustments to support an optimal carry position.
Try different cant angles (the forward tilt of the holster) that accommodate the laser without affecting comfort.
Consider an adjustable-retention holster to secure the firearm and laser combination.
A rail-mounted laser may require positioning the holster slightly forward or backward to improve comfort.
Incorporating a laser sight into your concealed carry routine may require some trial and error; keep this in mind as you identify the optimal position for your setup.
Testing Your Draw with Clothing and Laser
The adage “practice makes perfect” is worth remembering when it comes to concealed carry firearms with laser sights. Ideally, a well-engineered laser won’t interfere with draw, but there’s no substitute for hands-on training. Train to draw your weapon without snagging clothing, ensuring effortless laser activation (touch-activated units are ideal). The process should be smooth and natural, allowing for rapid target acquisition. While some ranges don’t allow drawing a weapon from a holster, you can practice at home via dry-fire exercises. Follow all safety protocols (unloading the gun, keeping ammunition on a separate table, and aiming safely) and refine your draw technique with applicable clothing and gear combinations.
Staying Comfortable All Day
Discomfort may be less of an issue for gun owners who only practice concealed carry occasionally, but it’s a significant issue with daily wear. Irritation and pain are distractions that affect your readiness. Develop strategies that make concealed carry as effortless as possible.
Taking Breaks and Readjusting Discreetly
Unfortunately, concealed carry isn’t usually a set-it-and-forget-it situation. You’ll need to make adjustments throughout the day:
Being in a car may require holster re-positioning to ensure driving comfort
Readjust your setup as needed in a restroom or setting where privacy is assured
Learn what adjustments are necessary for extended periods of sitting or standing.
Situational awareness should always include being mindful of your surroundings so adjustments are discreet
Listening to Your Body—Pain Points
In a perfect world, a concealed carry setup should be comfy 100% of the time. However, reality means that our bodies change, as do the other factors that impact comfort. Pain is a sign that something isn’t right and should be addressed immediately.
Common discomfort areas include:
Chafing indicates a holster compatibility issue (add moleskin or padding or use a different holster)
Pressure points may require trying a different carry position
Lower back pain may signal insufficient belt support
Next-Level Concealed Carry with ArmaLaser
A handgun laser sight offers advantages ideal for concealed carry: rapid targeting and deterrence. ArmaLaser sights are precision-engineered in the U.S. for compatibility with dozens of popular sidearms. These compact units, available in trigger guard or rail-mounted styles, help gun owners conceal carry comfortably. In addition, ArmaLaser offers laser-compatible holsters for a one-stop solution. You can find it all at the ArmaLaser store. Have questions or need help? Contact the ArmaLaser customer support team online or call (800) 680-5020.
DISCLAIMER: This article is for educational purposes only and is based on correct firearm handling and lawful use. This information is not a substitute for proper training.