Belly Band vs IWB Holster: Which One is Best?

Concealed carry is a vital component of self-defense. In fact, it can be as important as choosing the firearm itself. Nowadays, a lot of gun owners seek a balance between comfort, accessibility, and discretion. And checking all these boxes in concealed carry means knowing where on your body you would want to carry the firearm, and in what.

The two most popular options include a belly band and an IWB (Inside the Waistband) holster. Of course, both of them serve the same purpose, but they approach concealed carry very differently. So, which one is best for you? The answer depends on your unique lifestyle, clothing choices, body type, and how frequently you conceal carry.

So, without further blabber, let’s dive right into the belly band vs IWB holster discussion.

What Is Concealed Carry?

Yes, we will settle the belly band vs IWB holster debate, but let’s just do a quick rundown of concealed carry and why it’s important.

Concealed carry means ‘carrying’ a self-defense weapon, usually a type of firearm, in a way that it remains hidden from public view but still enables easy and seamless access, as and when needed. Its objective is to help individuals protect and safeguard themselves while maintaining a low profile.

Point to be noted: Concealed carry has different regulations across jurisdictions. So, be mindful of the local laws and requirements, such as obtaining a permit.

Belly Band - The Basics

A belly band is a wide elastic band that wraps around your torso (usually around the waist or abdomen). It secures firearms and sometimes additional gear like phones. A belly band is usually one-size-fits-most, and is made of stretch neoprene or elastic. You can wear it in various positions, such as cross-draw, appendix, etc.

IWB Holster - The Basics

An IWB holster is designed to be worn inside the waistband of your pants. It tucks the firearm inside your waistband, against your body, with the help of a clip or loop attached to your belt or waistband. IWB holsters come in an array of designs, ranging from minimalist options to padded leather models with adjustable retention and ride height. They are favoured and preferred for their balance of concealment and accessibility, thereby becoming a great choice for everyday carry.

Belly Band V/S IWB Holster: A Battle Begins

Concealment

A belly band wraps around your torso, which can conceal awkwardly shaped guns and firearms better under loose clothing. But the gun can shift or move if you sit or bend, especially with softer materials.

On the other hand, an IWB holster offers superior comfort because the firearm sits beside the pants, minimizing printing.

Winner: An IWB holster is the clear winner when it comes to consistent concealment.

Comfort

For a belly band, comfort depends on the fit and the climate. The elastic band distributes pressure across your abdomen, which some users find more comfortable, and a concentrated pressure point pressing against the hip or groin.

On the other hand, an IWB holster can be super comfortable if you’ve found your ideal fit and position.

The Winner: A belly band can be more comfortable for some body types, and if you are not wearing a belt.

Security

Retention depends on band tension and pocket design for a belly band. But, usually, retention is less secure than a molded holster, as the gun is wrapped in flexible fabric. And, there is a risk of shifting due to movement, running, or heavy-duty activities.

IWB holsters promise better retention and security as the firearm is seated in a rigid or semi-rigid pocket and is anchored to a belt or waistband. They have adjustable retention screws, friction points, or retention hoods - all of which minimize the chance of the firearm moving during activity.

Winner: IWB holsters

Accessibility & Efficiency

A belly band can offer very fast withdrawal depending on the fastening style (cross-draw or appendix-style). However, drawing consistency can be a problem as the elastic can slow down re-holstering.

IWB holsters give you consistent draw strokes, as the gun is fixed relative to the belt. And, with practice, your draws become even smoother and more consistent.

Winner: IWB holsters

Versatility

Last but not least, a belly band is supremely versatile and works well with a lot of clothing options. From gym shorts with no belts to dresses, skirts, or lounging clothes, a belly band can work its way around.

An IWB holster demands pants with a strong waistband and ideally a good belt. It does not work well with skirts or athleisure.

The Winner: Belly Bands

Belly Band V/S IWB Holsters - What Is Best For You

Well, if you have reached this part of the blog, you very well know that there is no one-size-fits-all answer to the belly band v/s IWB holsters question.

A belly band will work best for you in specific contexts, such as -

• Your wardrobe is flexible and dynamic and includes athleisure, yoga pants, workout gear, dresses, skirts, and more; a belly band will work great for you.
• Conceal carry is a temporary or occasional requirement, and not something that you have to indulge in regularly.
• Activities like hiking, jogging, gardening, household chores, etc, are a regular part of your life, a snug belly band is a great fit, as it will not pinch your hip like an IWB holster does, sometimes.
• Lastly, if you value comfort over speed, and are a beginner in the world of conceal carry, then a belly band will not let you down.

On the other hand, an IWB holster will work amazingly well for you in situations like-

• If you carry a belt regularly and wear jeans, chinos, and other belt-mandated bottoms, then an IWB will hide your firearm seamlessly without sacrificing retention.
• In real-world scenarios where speed, consistent placement, and secure retention are the top priority, the IWB outperforms belly bands.
• Want to conceal carry a slightly heavier and larger pistol? Go for an IWB holster!

Key Takeaways

A belly band and IWB holster are both great options for conceal carry. But, they fit in seamlessly in different scenarios.

Go for a belly band if you wear clothes without belts and are looking for a temporary conceal carry option. And, if budget-friendly options are your priority, then a belly band will definitely make the cut.

And, choose an IWB holster if you want to conceal carry regularly and need consistent retention and draw, superior concealment, and excellent safety.