How to Make Concealed Carry Comfortable

Written by Mark Buff, GunZee founder and CEO.

Tired of uncomfortable concealed carry? Let’s look at the secrets of the pros, and how to make concealed carry super comfortable.

Quick links:

Why is CC uncomfortable?

How do I make CC comfortable?

What is the most comfortable gun?

What is the best CCW position?

What is the best CCW holster?

What are the best CCW clothes?

What makes a good CCW belt?

Carrying a CCW gun doesn’t need to be painful. We will show you how to carry comfortably every day!

Make your CCW experience comfortable with our memory foam pad. Apply it to the inside of your KYDEX holster and enjoy.

Why is Concealed Carry Uncomfortable?

Concealed carry can be uncomfortable because you’re packing a large object that has significant weight. It causes a bulge, creates pressure, and pulls on your body. Here are some factors that exacerbate uncomfortable CCW:

You are using a poorly designed or ill-fitting concealed carry holster.
You have a weak or unsuitable belt.
You wear clothing that is too tight or lacks proper concealment options.
Your CCW holster is in an improper position.
You carry a large or heavy firearm.
You don’t have a GunZee holster pad.

How do I Make CCW Carry Comfortable?

Here’s what you need to do to make concealed carry comfortable.

Buy the Right Gun

Choosing the right firearm for concealed carry is of utmost importance when it comes to comfort and the overall carry experience. Here's why:

A gun that is too large or heavy can cause discomfort and strain on the body, especially when carried for extended periods.
A gun that is too bulky or difficult to conceal can lead to self-consciousness, discomfort, and limited clothing options.
A comfortable pistol grip allows for better handling and reduces discomfort during shooting sessions and carry.
Some individuals may find excessive recoil uncomfortable or difficult to manage, leading to reduced accuracy and potential discomfort.
Comfort is subjective, and personal preference plays a significant role. Each individual may have different comfort levels with various firearm designs, such as striker-fired or hammer-fired, polymer or metal frames, etc.

See our article on the best concealed carry guns for criteria to watch out for.

Choose Your Preferred Carry Position

Inside the waistband, outside the waistband, over your appendix, in the small of your back, or over your ankle are some of the most popular options for CCW carry.

When it comes to carrying IWB, many people prefer to carry in the 4 o’clock position if they are right-handed or the 8 o'clock position if they are left-handed. This is a good place to conceal your weapon, and many people find it comfortable to draw from while standing.

For OWB carry, keep in mind that if your barrel pokes out from your shirt, you’ll need to wear an outer garment, such as a jacket, to cover it—unless you’re open carrying.

Some people prefer appendix carry, which is when you carry your gun a few inches to either side of your belly button. Make sure to get the right appendix carry holster and apply our holster pad to make it more comfortable.

If you spend a lot of time standing or leaning forward while seated, carrying your weapon in the small of your back can be convenient. Otherwise, the gun will most likely be pressing against your spine. And it will take you longer to draw your weapon relative to other positions.

Ankle carry is an option for tiny guns, but it is not the best for accessibility. You won't be able to draw nearly as fast as you would from appendix carry or other common positions.

Buy the Right Holster

The right holster can make all the difference in your concealed carry comfort.

IWB Holsters

IWB carry can be more uncomfortable than other concealed carry positions because you’re placing a large, heavy object between your waistband and your body. A good IWB holster can help, as can our holster pad.

Read our article on choosing the best IWB holster to learn more.

You can also go up one pants size to create a bit more space for your IWB gun and holster.

OWB Holsters

Springfield Hellcat OWB Holster. Image source:

https://store.springfield-armory.com/crucial-concealment-covert-owb-holster-hellcat-hellcat-osp/

Outside the waistband (OWB) carry is far more comfortable than IWB, but it’s also far less concealed. Most CCW enthusiasts don’t carry OWB because of the visibility of the weapon. If you opt for OWB, you can find a lot of great outside the waistband holsters that feel great—because they’re not jammed into your pants waistband.

Other Types of Holsters

While IWB and OWB holsters are the most popular categories, there are a number of other options:

Belly band holsters are made of elastic or neoprene. They wrap around your torso and keep the gun close to your body.
Purse and fanny pack holsters are popular CCW holsters for females. They are convenient, but you need to be careful not to lose them or allow them to be grabbed.
There are an increasing number of clothing items with built-in holsters. These include compression fit shirts, bras, underwear, yoga pants, and jackets.

Experimentation is Key

The best concealed carry holster for your friend may not work for you. Ultimately, you need to try a variety of holster types—with different guns as well—to find what is most comfortable and convenient for you and your body type.

Pick the Right Clothes

Choosing the right clothing for concealed carry is crucial for both comfort and effective concealment. Here are some key considerations:

Opt for well-fitting garments that allow for freedom of movement while ensuring proper firearm concealment.
Look for smooth and non-abrasive materials that minimize friction against your skin and the firearm.
Choose breathable fabrics like cotton or moisture-wicking blends to stay cool and reduce potential irritation.
Incorporate lightweight outer layers or patterned shirts/jackets to break up the firearm outline and maintain a low profile.
Layer your clothing to adapt to different weather conditions and personal preferences.
Prioritize comfort around the waistband, especially for IWB carry. Consider stretchable or adjustable waistbands for enhanced comfort and flexibility.

If you wear your gun in an IWB KYDEX holster, get our holster pad and thank us later!

Get a Good Gun Belt

Tenicor Zero belt. Image source: https://tenicor.com/products/zero-belt

A reliable gun belt is an essential component for comfortable and secure concealed carry. Here's why it’s important to get a good gun belt (and why a regular belt won’t do):

A regular belt may not provide sufficient strength and rigidity to securely hold the weight of your firearm, leading to discomfort, sagging, and safety concerns.
A dedicated gun belt is specifically designed to handle the demands of carrying a concealed firearm. It's wider and thicker, offering increased stiffness to prevent shifting or sagging during daily activities.
The added rigidity of a gun belt helps evenly distribute the weight of the firearm, enhancing comfort and reducing strain on your body throughout the day.
High-quality gun belts are constructed from durable materials like reinforced leather, nylon webbing, or sturdy synthetics, ensuring long-lasting reliability and support.
Look for a belt with a secure and robust buckle mechanism to withstand the weight and movement associated with concealed carry, providing peace of mind and easy access to your firearm when needed.

Apply our holster pad for the most comfortable IWB carry ever!

Concealed Carry Comfort FAQ

What is the most comfortable concealed carry?

The most comfortable concealed carry for one person is different for another. There are just too many individual preferences, fashion choices, and body types. That said, many people find appendix carry with a well-fitted, quality holster to be the most comfortable option, as it offers excellent concealment, quick access, and optimal weight distribution.

Is it uncomfortable to carry concealed?

Carrying concealed doesn't have to be uncomfortable. By choosing the right gear and methods, you can make it a comfortable experience. It starts with finding a comfortable concealed carry holster that suits your needs. Pair it with appropriate clothing and discover the ideal carry position that works for you. For added comfort, use a GunZee holster pad.

What is the best concealed carry position for sitting?

The appendix carry position is often considered the best for sitting, as it allows for easy access to the firearm while maintaining a comfortable sitting position. Placing the holster near the front of the body, around the midline, ensures a secure and accessible position for drawing the firearm when needed.

What is the most comfortable concealed carry position for fat guys?

For fat guys, the strong side hip carry position is often the most comfortable for concealed carry. Placing the holster on the strong side of the hip distributes the weight of the firearm more evenly and avoids excessive pressure on the midsection.

What is the easiest position to conceal carry?

The easiest position to conceal carry for one person may be awkward for another. Factors like body size, body shape, body composition, lifestyle, and fashion all affect how easy or difficult a position is.

Appendix carry is easy for some and difficult for others. Ditto for other IWB positions. Or for belly band carry, bra holsters, and other carry options. The most important thing is to find what is easiest for you and go with that.

Why is concealed carry a good idea?

Concealed carry is a good idea for several reasons:

Carrying a concealed firearm is ideal for personal defense.
The presence of concealed carry holders in society can act as a deterrent to criminals, as they are less likely to target individuals they suspect may be armed.
With a concealed firearm, you have the ability to respond quickly to threats, potentially preventing harm or minimizing the impact of a dangerous situation.
Carrying a concealed weapon empowers individuals by giving them a greater sense of control over their personal safety and the ability to take responsibility for their own protection.

Why is appendix carry uncomfortable when sitting?

When you're sitting down, carrying your firearm in the appendix position can put pressure on your abdomen and become uncomfortable. The rigid structure of the holster can dig into the body, causing discomfort and restricting movement. Proper holster selection, adjustment, and finding the right sitting position can help alleviate this discomfort.

Applying a GunZee holster pad can make a world of difference for seated appendix carry as well.

Are appendix carry holsters comfortable?

Many people find appendix holsters to be comfortable and efficient for CCW carry. Others may find these holsters uncomfortable due to the pressure on the abdomen and the possibility of interference between the holster and your body while sitting or bending.

What type of IWB holster is most comfortable?

Everyone’s different in their holster preferences. What’s comfortable for one person may not work for another. It's all about trying out different styles and designs to see what feels best for you. Whether it's a leather holster, a KYDEX holster, or a hybrid option, the key is to find one that fits comfortably, offers good retention, and allows for easy and secure carry.

But really, the most comfortable IWB holsters are those that have a GunZee holster cushion between them and your body.

What are the most comfortable gun holsters?

Some of the most comfortable holsters are:

Relentless Tactical Defender Leather IWB holster
We The People Holster
CrossBreed Ankle holster
CrossBreed Belly band holster
Alien Gear Low-Pro holster
Alien Gear Cloak Tuck holster
Alien Gear Shapeshift shoulder holster
Tier 1 Axis Elite holster
1791 GunLeather OWB holster
Concealment Express holster

What are the most useful holster accessories?

Here are some of the most useful holster accessories:

Belt loops and clips
Mounting hardware
Straps and retention devices
Wedges and pads, like our GunZee holster pad
Extensions
Covers and protectors
Attachments for additional magazine carry
Mounting platforms
Belt adapters
Cleaning kits

What are the different types of holsters?

Here are the main types of concealed carry holsters:

IWB holsters
OWB holsters
Bra holsters
Belly band holsters
Chest holsters
Thigh holsters
Cross draw holsters
Shoulder holsters
Pocket holsters
Ankle holsters
Drop leg holsters

What accessories are available for concealed carry guns?

Some common gun accessories include:

Optics: red dot sights, scopes, holographic sights for improved aiming and target acquisition.
Magazines and mag carriers: spare magazines for quick reloads and specialized carriers for convenient access.
Grips and stocks: custom grips and stocks for better ergonomics and control.
Suppressors: attachments that reduce the noise and muzzle flash produced by firearms.
Lights and lasers: tactical lights and laser aiming devices for improved visibility and target identification.
Holsters: various holsters for secure and comfortable concealed or open carry.
Slings: straps or harnesses used to carry firearms comfortably and provide stability while shooting.
Bipods and tripods: stabilizing accessories for improved accuracy during long-range shooting.
Cleaning kits: tools and chemicals used to maintain the cleanliness and functionality of firearms.
Upgraded trigger guards: aftermarket triggers for enhanced trigger control and shooting performance.

About the Author

Mark Buff is the founder and CEO of GunZee. He is an ardent firearms enthusiast and has been carrying concealed for more than 15 years. He created GunZee to solve his own problem: that of uncomfortable KYDEX holsters. His patented GunZee memory foam holster pad makes inside-the-waistband carry super comfortable.