Finding the Carry Method That Fits Your Body, Your Clothes, and Your Life
By Larry Betz | Prepared Not Paranoid https://www.preparednotparanoid.com/
There is no single best way to carry a concealed handgun. The right concealed carry position depends on your body, your clothes, what you do all day, and even the weather. Once you're legally able to carry, you have a lot of options, from inside the waistband to a pocket, an ankle, or a purse. In this post, I'll walk you through the 12 most common methods, the pros and cons of each, and how to choose.
Your Options
Traditional carry methods include:
Outside the waistband (OWB) and inside the waistband (IWB)
Appendix, shoulder, ankle, pocket, small of the back, and belly band holsters
There are also less traditional options, like a fanny pack, briefcase, day planner, purse, or specialty holsters like a bra holster.
How to Choose
Picking a carry method comes down to personal preference, shaped by:
Your body type
Your clothing style
Your daily activities
Where you'll be
The weather
No single method works for everyone, so expect some trial and error. Your two main goals are comfort and good concealment, and both can change with the seasons, your clothes, and your day.
Plan for More Than One Method
Most people who carry end up with more than one setup. Work, formal events, the gym, and a casual Saturday may all call for something different. Arizona summers call for very different clothes than a winter jacket does, and your carry method has to change with them.
Whatever methods you choose, practice drawing from each one, with the dry fire routine from Part 7. [LINK: Part 7, Dry Fire Training] Over time, your carry setup becomes part of your daily routine.
Every Holster Must Cover the Trigger
Before we get to positions, one rule that applies to every method: your holster must completely cover the trigger guard. Nothing should be able to get inside and press the trigger, not a shirt, a pen, a seatbelt, or your own finger. A good holster also holds the gun firmly so it doesn't move around. If a holster doesn't do both, don't carry in it.
Understanding the Clock Positions
People who carry often describe positions on the waist like a clock. Imagine you're standing in the middle of a clock face:
12 o'clock is straight ahead, at your belt buckle
3 o'clock is your right hip
6 o'clock is directly behind you
9 o'clock is your left hip
Right-handed carriers usually choose somewhere around 3, 4, or 5 o'clock on the waist, or about 1 o'clock for appendix carry. Left-handed carriers mirror those positions.
The 12 Carry Methods at a Glance
Every method trades something for something else.
Here's how they compare.
On-Body Carry
1. Inside the Waistband (IWB), Holster Secured Through Your Belt
An IWB holster on your strong-side hip, behind the hip, or as a cross draw on your support side, covered by a shirt, vest, or jacket, is one of the most effective ways to carry. Most of the gun is hidden and it stays close to your body.
Pros: Very concealable and secure.
Cons: It can feel uncomfortable at first. The holster adds width, so you may need pants with a slightly larger waist. Just remember that baggier pants don't work for every body type or style.
2. Inside the Waistband (IWB), Holster Clipped to Your Belt
A clip-on IWB holster works from appendix to the small of the back, and it's very popular.
Pros: Easy to put on and take off, and very versatile.
Cons: It's generally less secure than a holster that loops through your belt. There's a risk the holster comes out with the gun when you draw, which is the last thing you need when it counts. Choose a high-quality clip and practice your draw to reduce that risk.
3. Outside the Waistband (OWB) Holster on a Belt
OWB carry on your strong-side hip, behind the hip, or as a cross draw, covered by a shirt, vest, or jacket, is a common choice for off-duty officers, people who wear suits, and many civilians.
Pros: One of the most comfortable methods, with a smooth, quick draw.
Cons: Harder to conceal. The extra bulk can cause printing (the outline of the gun showing through your clothes), and the end of the holster may show when you reach up or bend over. The size of the gun and the right cover garment make a big difference.
4. Appendix Carry (AIWB)
In appendix carry, the gun sits inside the waistband at about 1 o'clock for a right-handed carrier, just to the right of the belt buckle. It's popular with small and medium-sized handguns.
Pros: Fast access and very easy to conceal. Some people even conceal full-size pistols with little printing in a T-shirt and shorts, though body type plays a big role.
Cons: The muzzle points down toward your groin and the femoral artery, so safe handling and careful re-holstering are critical. It can also be uncomfortable when sitting, although a holster made for appendix carry helps a lot.
5. Shoulder Holster
A shoulder holster keeps the gun off your waist and under a jacket.
Pros: Quick access, and comfortable with a good fit. Adjustable straps and an off-side strap help balance the weight so it doesn't dig into your underarm.
Cons: You need a jacket that hides the bulk, and the gun can show when the jacket opens. With many designs, the muzzle points behind you, toward whoever is there, and during the draw the gun sweeps horizontally, briefly pointing across people next to you. That's a real safety concern.
6. Ankle Holster
Pros: Good for a backup gun, and easier to reach when you're seated, like when driving, or if you're kneeling or knocked to the ground. It can also work well for women who wear pants.
Cons: Slower to draw when you're standing, and the extra bulk can change the way you walk, which can signal you're carrying.
7. Belly Band Holster
A wide elastic band wraps around your waist and closes with Velcro, with pockets for a handgun, a spare magazine, and small items.
Pros: Fits many body shapes and works well with subcompact and compact guns. Good for active people, like runners or people at the gym.
Cons: A full-size pistol may print. The snug fit holds moisture and sweat, which can lead to rust, so keep up with maintenance. Pay attention to where the muzzle points in the band.
8. Small of the Back (SOB)
The gun sits at about 6 o'clock, in the middle of your lower back.
Pros: Comfortable and very concealable when standing.
Cons: Awkward and uncomfortable when sitting or driving. If you fall onto it, you risk a spinal injury. It prints when you bend over, and it's very hard to protect from a gun grab from behind. Opinions on SOB carry vary a lot.
9. Thigh Holster
Made with stretch elastic, Velcro, and silicone grippers (some with an optional garter belt), thigh holsters can work well, especially for women, with dresses and skirts.
Pros: Excellent concealment with the right outfit.
Cons: Best with subcompact or smaller guns, not practical with pants, and drawing and re-holstering can be awkward.
10. Pocket Carry (Always With a Holster)
With today's small handguns, pocket carry is a discreet option. People have carried small revolvers and derringers in their pockets since the Old West, but the risks are real.
Never pocket carry without a holster. A loose gun can shift, and something in the pocket can catch the trigger.
A good pocket holster keeps the gun in place and stays in the pocket when you draw. Galco, Safariland, and DeSantis all make reliable pocket holsters.
Think about the gun's size, weight, and smooth edges, and your clothes and how you move.
Practice your draw unloaded, making sure your fingers don't get caught and your grip is right.
To re-holster: take the holster out of your pocket first, put the gun securely in it, then put the holstered gun back in your pocket. Never try to push a gun into a holster that's already in your pocket.
Off-Body Carry
11. Fanny Pack
A fanny pack is a form of off-body carry, along with purses, briefcases, and shoulder bags.
Pros: Hides the gun completely, which is practical with light clothing or at casual places like the beach or a picnic.
Cons: People who know concealed carry, including criminals and police, may recognize it. Choose one with a lockable compartment and reinforced straps to protect against a grab-and-run. Make sure the gun fits completely inside. A locked compartment can slow your draw.
12. Handbag, Day Planner, or Briefcase
These can help when carrying on your body isn't possible, but off-body carry is generally less secure.
Use a bag with a built-in holster compartment that keeps the gun in place. A gun bouncing around loose in a bag is unsafe and slow to reach.
If you ever misplace your purse, planner, or briefcase, this may not be the method for you. Losing the bag means losing the gun.
Off-Body Carry Around Kids
This is where off-body carry worries me most for families. Kids dig through purses and bags. Bags get set down on the kitchen counter, hung on a chair at a restaurant, or tossed on Grandma's couch. If your gun is in a bag, that bag never leaves your control, and when you get home, the gun goes straight into safe storage. [LINK: Part 11, Safe Storage at Home]
A Note From Larry
Remember, a firearm is a tool. You still need a plan. Situational awareness is always your number one go-to. If you ever need to use this or any tool, what is your plan after you use it? Running might be your best option.
Keep SCAN at the Center
How you carry matters, but awareness is still your first line of defense. SCAN: S - See your environment (notice trouble early, so you never need to draw), C - Create space (distance buys time and options), A - Act deliberately (leave, de-escalate, or call for help), and N - Never doubt your gut feelings (if a place feels wrong, go). The prepared protector who carries is the one who works hardest to never need it.
What to Say
When someone asks if you're carrying: "I don't talk about that." Discretion is part of carrying responsibly.
To your spouse or family: Agree on a simple phrase like "Let's go, now." It means no questions, everyone leaves. Practice it so it's automatic.
To yourself, when you get home: "Gun's going straight to the safe." Say it until it's a habit.
Ask Yourself
Does my holster fully cover the trigger guard and hold the gun firmly?
Have I practiced drawing from every carry method I actually use?
If I carry off-body, does that bag ever leave my control, and where does the gun go when I get home?
Remember
The best carry method is the one you'll wear every day, safely, with a holster that covers the trigger. Try a few, plan for different situations, and practice your draw from every setup you use.
Get Started Today
[FREE DOWNLOAD: TBD. Suggested: Carry Method Planner, one page] [CTA: Comment or DM "KEYWORD" / or download it here: LINK]
Go Deeper
The Family Safety Toolkit. Carrying responsibly is one part of protecting your family. The Toolkit gives you 20 checklists covering every area of family safety and preparedness, from your home and vehicle to travel and your go bag, all for $19.99. [Get it here: https://www.preparednotparanoid.com/family-safety-toolkit]
The Family Emergency Preparedness Manual is coming soon.
Tools I recommend: The holsters, belts, and carry gear I recommend are in my Range Essentials Amazon store. https://link.amazon/B0hxQD89P
Related reading:
Firearms and Family Safety, Part 7: Dry Fire Training [LINK]
Firearms and Family Safety, Part 9: Holsters, Clothing, and Drawing From Concealment [LINK]
Firearms and Family Safety, Part 10: Concealed Carry Permits and Where You Can't Carry [LINK]
Firearms and Family Safety, Part 11: Safe Storage at Home [LINK]
References
U.S. Concealed Carry Association (USCCA). Concealed carry methods and holster safety resources.
National Rifle Association (NRA). Personal protection outside the home.
Betz, Lawrence. Navigating the Red Zone and Beyond (the SCAN framework).
Disclaimer
These suggestions are intended to help you and your family build awareness, confidence, and safer decision-making habits. No safety plan, checklist, or tool can guarantee 100% protection. This article is for general informational purposes only and is not legal advice or a substitute for hands-on firearms training with a qualified instructor. Concealed carry laws vary by state and location, so check your local laws and talk to a qualified attorney about your specific situation. Always store firearms securely and out of reach of children. Affiliate disclosure: I've linked to products from my Amazon store that I personally recommend. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases, at no extra cost to you. Thank you for supporting my work.
If you are in immediate danger, get to safety and call 911.
Awareness gives you time. Time gives you options.
The prepared protector is someone who's decided that loving someone means being ready for them, not just hoping things go fine.
Prepared Not Paranoid. Protecting the Most Vulnerable Among Us.
