How to Choose the Best Way to Carry Concealed for Your Lifestyle

Choosing the right concealed carry position isn’t just about what’s popular or what looks tactical. It’s about balancing comfort, concealment and accessibility so your firearm is there when you need it and stays out of sight when you don’t.

Whether you’re brand new to concealed carry or looking to refine your setup, this guide walks through the most common carry positions to help you make an informed, confident choice. Options include inside-the-waistband carry, outside-the-waistband carry, ankle carry, pocket carry and more. Once you know the options, you can select the choice that best fits your needs.

On-Body Carry vs. Off-Body Carry

On-body carry means the firearm is secured directly to your body with a holster system (usually belt, shoulder or clothing-integrated). This provides better control, faster draw times and less chance of separation.

Off-body carry means the gun is stored in a purse, backpack, briefcase or sling bag. While this offers greater wardrobe flexibility, it demands constant vigilance to maintain control of the firearm. Off-body carry should never mean “out of reach.”

Top Concealed Carry Positions

With so many ways to carry a concealed firearm, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. Each position offers pros and cons, and what works for one person may not suit another. The right choice depends on your body type, lifestyle, typical clothing and how quickly you may need to access your firearm.

Below, we break down the most common concealed carry positions to help you understand the pros, cons and practical considerations of each method.

Outside-the-Waistband (OWB)

OWB is often the realm of open carriers, but not always. Carrying this way is usually done on your strong side (at your hip) so the gun falls directly under your hand when it comes time to draw.

If you’re thinking open carry doesn’t have practical uses, think again. For example, I am currently open carrying my Glock 48 in a Galco Gunleather TacSlide Belt Holster because I am writing today and not going out. This is what’s more comfortable for me.

Outside-the-waistband carry also makes sense for manual labor, manning a firing line at the range and during hunts. However, you don’t necessarily have to open carry with OWB. Concealing OWB can be as simple as selecting a good cover garment.

A loose sweatshirt easily conceals my Glock 48, and an oversized T-shirt gets the job done as well. If possible, try to avoid wearing one of those “shoot me first” vests recognizable from IDPA. If you want to wear a vest away from the range, invest in plain fleece designs.

OWB Holster Selection

When you’re carrying OWB, select a holster that fits snugly to your hip. Rather than placing your holster directly over the edge of your hip — the 3 o’clock position — put it farther back (between 3 o’clock and 4 o’clock). This helps with ease of draw, defense, concealment and comfort.

The RIGHT holster for your body type will:

• Help with ease of draw
• Hold your gun in a secure, defensible position
• Offer adequate clothing concealment
• Be comfortable

The WRONG holster for your body type will:

• Cause your gun to protrude through or past clothing
• Slip or shift on your body
• Hold your gun loosely and insecurely

Inside the Waistband Positions (IWB)

Carrying IWB offers many variations. For brevity’s sake, we’ll discuss IWB in general without getting into exact carry locations on your body. Overall, carrying your gun inside your pants rather than outside is a concealment no-brainer.

You may need to adjust your wardrobe to accommodate an object in your waistband. This applies especially for women’s concealed carry, as women’s clothing is typically more form-fitting.

A properly fitted IWB holster holds your handgun in a way that is comfortable and won’t print (i.e., it won’t be evident through clothing). These holsters carry your gun a bit higher on your body than OWB designs.

Your IWB holster must provide good retention and fully protect the trigger guard. Don’t slack off and get a soft, shapeless holster that attaches to your pants with a cheap clip or no clip at all.

Your holster should be made of quality, stiff material such as Kydex or well-designed leather, molded to your gun’s specific model and attached to your belt by secure loops or metal clips.

Appendix Inside the Waistband Carry (AIWB)

Carrying AIWB means you’ve holstered your gun in front of your hip bone at approximately the 1 o’clock position. This pelvically placed method often draws either outright horror or adoration from gun carriers; there is rarely middle ground.

Carry methods are unique to the individual. Aside from comfort and concealability, skill set matters. AIWB puts your gun in a spot more in line with the angle of your hands and allows for rapid presentation, but it requires the right holster, practice and attention to detail.

For AIWB carry, both ride height and gun cant need to be just right for comfort and practicality. A favorite AIWB holster of mine is the PHLster Glock Classic Holster. “The Keeper,” by Keepers Concealment, is another option to consider.

Other Concealed Carry Methods

There are a wide variety of other methods for concealed carry, including:

Cross-Draw Concealed Carry

• Best For: Seated drivers; those with limited range of motion
• Pros: Easier access while seated
• Cons: Cross-body draw can flag bystanders; requires training to master

Carrying Small of Back (SOB)

• Best For: Deep concealment under untucked shirts or jackets
• Pros: Discreet and hidden
• Cons: Hard to draw quickly; increased risk of injury to spine if you fall

Pocket Carry

• Best For: Backup carry or ultra-concealed situations
• Pros: Easy to carry with light clothing; minimal printing
• Cons: Draw angle is limited; requires consistent orientation

Ankle Concealed Carry

• Best For: Backup gun; seated professionals
• Pros: Deep concealment
• Cons: Slow access; awkward draw

Belly Bands, Bra & Corset Holsters

• Best For: Women or active users in light clothing
• Pros: Flexible and adaptable to body type and outfit

Beginner Advice: Start Simple, Train Often

If you’re new to concealed carry, start with a proven method like IWB at the 3–4 o’clock position. Pair it with a molded Kydex holster and a sturdy gun belt. Wear around the house to test comfort and access.

Practice drawing from concealment with an unloaded gun until it becomes second nature. Remember, a gun in the safe doesn’t protect you. Carry consistently.

Considering becoming a concealed carry permit holder? Don’t forget about your holster. Grab this resource: FREE Gun Holster Guide.

Consider the table below for a quick reference on the pros and cons of these top three concealed carry methods:

Carry Type	OWB	IWB	AIWB
Faster Draw Access	✓	X	✓
Ease of Access	✓	X	✓
Greater Comfort	✓	X	✓
Ease of Reholstering	✓	X	X
Protected From Gun Grabs	✓	✓	✓
Superior Natural Concealment	X	✓	✓
Requires NO Clothing Modification (Sizing)	✓	X	X
Easily Concealed With Clothing	X	✓	✓
Gun Positioned Away From Major Organs	✓	✓	X

Training > Gear

It doesn’t matter how expensive your holster is if you can’t draw safely under stress. Whichever method and holster you choose, ask yourself the following questions:

• Can I draw quickly and safely without endangering myself or someone near me?
• Is my gun defendable in a hand-to-hand scenario?
• Is my gun concealable?
• Are my holster and belt good quality?
• Could I do it better if I carried differently?

Then practice safe holstering and unholstering, commit to dry-fire drills and get professional training. Ultimately, all carry methods require diligence. Being a responsible gun owner involves regular training.

If you expect the pieces to magically fall into place when it comes time to draw your firearm, you will be surprised — and possibly fatally disappointed.

There Is No One-Size-Fits-All

There is no universally “best” concealed carry position. Your needs, lifestyle, body type and wardrobe will shape what works best for you. Take the time to test different holsters and positions at home, at the range and in real life.

Invest in good equipment, train like it counts and take concealed carrying seriously. A gun left in a safe doesn’t help you at all.

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Concealed Carry Positions FAQs

What is the safest concealed carry position? Safety depends on your training and equipment. Appendix carry is controversial but safe when practiced with a rigid holster and proper discipline. OWB is generally safest for beginners.

What is the most comfortable concealed carry position? OWB is often the most comfortable but hardest to conceal. For concealment and comfort balance, IWB is preferred.

Is appendix carry dangerous? With improper holsters or careless reholstering, yes. Using a proper AIWB holster with good trigger protection and practicing slow, safe reholstering greatly reduces risk.

What is the best carry position for women? It depends on body type and clothing. Many women prefer belly bands, bra holsters or inside-the-waistband holsters at the appendix or hip.

Can I switch positions depending on my outfit? Absolutely. Many experienced carriers have multiple holsters and positions depending on weather, clothing and activity.