Best Appendix Carry Holster | Top Rated AIWB Holster Reviews For 2022

If you are looking for the best appendix carry holster, then you are not alone. Appendix carry, which means carrying your pistol in the front of your waistband, is very popular. 

The position of an appendix carry holster could be anywhere from noon to three o’clock, where noon is right at your belt buckle. (It would be noon to nine o’clock for left handers.) Most people looking for the appendix carry holster position it somewhere between those two points. This is, obviously, right about where your appendix is (or was) located. There are several reasons you might choose to carry in the appendix position. These include ease of concealment and access, natural body mechanics, and centerline theory.

Quick glance at the best appendix carry holsters:

• Alien Gear Holsters Cloak Tuck 3.5 IWB Holster
• ComfortTac Ultimate Belly Band Holster
• CONCEALED CARRIER (TM) Universal IWB Holster
• Concealment Express IWB KYDEX Holster
• Q-Series IWB Minimalist Concealed Carry Stealth Holster
• ComfortTac Ultimate Belly Band Holster Deep Concealment Edition – Black
• Alien Gear holsters ShapeShift Appendix Carry Holster 

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Best Appendix Carry Holsters Reviewed

Alien Gear Holsters Cloak Tuck 3.5 IWB Holster

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Our first pick is the Alien Gear Holsters Cloak Tuck 3.5 IWB model. Users may adjust the ride height of this holster. They may also adjust the cant and retention to suit them. The neoprene backing of the Alien Gear “breathes,” which helps reduce sweat buildup. Every Alien Gear holster shell is custom molded, too. This provides for great retention.

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Features

The Alien Gear has many good qualities. It is USA made and comes with a lifetime warranty. Users also enjoy a 30-day trial period. It is exceptionally comfortable against even bear skin. Holster belt clips allow you to secure the holster inside the waistband. Everything is adjustable.

What shooters like about this holster

Shooters who carry Alien Gear have a lot to say about the holsters. They love its comfort most of all. They’re also very happy with the lifetime warranty. They give high marks to the adjustability, too.

ComfortTac Ultimate Belly Band Holster for Concealed Carry (Black) 

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Our second choice has to be the ComfortTac Ultimate Belly Band. This is an adjustable neoprene band that will fit up to a 44-inch waist (as measured over the hips or stomach, not pants sizing). There is an XL model available, but this is not that model. It’s soft against the wearer’s skin, fits most handguns, and can be carried in any position for either hand. It comes with an optional retention strap.

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Features

The Ultimate Belly Band has several things that make it a great choice. Firstly, it can be worn with any outer clothing. At the same time, this includes sweat pants and even yoga pants. Secondly, the holster doesn’t depend on a belt. In other words, it will fit just about any handgun, too (within reason). This makes it extremely versatile. In other words, you can probably use this holster for appendix carry no matter what clothing you are wearing and no matter what handgun you are carrying.

What shooters like about this holster

Shooters who carry the Ultimate Belly Band really seem to like it for its versatility. They also appreciate the comfort of the neoprene. Finally, the freedom to wear the band with any clothing seems to be a big selling point.

CONCEALED CARRIER (TM) Universal IWB Holster For Concealed Carry | Inside The Waistband | Fits all firearms S&W M&P Shield 9/40 1911 Taurus PT111 G2 Sig Sauer Glock 19 17 27 43 (Right-Handed)

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Our third choice is the universal inside-the-waistband Concealed Carrier™. It’s true that “one size fits most” is not always an ideal choice. This model won us over just like the belly bands did. The padded, breathable, surgical-grade neoprene makes for extreme comfort even in hot weather. This is also important for deep concealment inside the waistband. As the name implies, it will work with any handgun of virtually any size.

Features

This holster is very easy to use. It’s a thumb break with a retention strap. Active lifestyles are no problem.

What shooters like about this holster

Shooters who carry the Concealed Carrier™ have a lot of good things to say about it. They love its comfort and are fond of its versatility. They are also pleased with its lifetime warranty.

Concealment Express IWB KYDEX Holster: fits Taurus 111/140 Millennium G2 & G2C (CF BLK, RH) – Inside Waistband Concealed Carry – Adj. Cant/Retention – US Made

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Our fourth selection is the Concealment Express inside-the-waistband model for the Taurus 111/140 and Millennium models. The retention and pressure are adjustable. The cant, or carry angle of the holster, is also adjustable. All you need is a screwdriver to change it up.

Features

The Concealment Express IWB holsters have many good qualities. They are made of .08-inch Kydex, which is industry standard for holsters of this type.  The retention system makes an audible click. This means retention is as “positive” as it can be. The holster also has a full-length sweat guard.

What shooters like about this holster

Shooters who carry this holster have a lot to say about it. They love the unconditional lifetime warranty. They also praise the custom fit offered by the molded Kydex. This is a good choice.

Concealment Express IWB KYDEX Holster: fits Glock 17/19/22/23/26/27/31/32/33/45 (Gen 1-5) – Inside Waistband Concealed Carry – Adj. Cant/Retention – US Made

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Our fifth choice is the Concealment Express inside-the-waistband model for the first five generations of the Glock pistol. This carbon-fiber pattern holster fits the popular 17 and 19 models. It again features adjustable pressure and retention as well as adjustable cant. With just a screwdriver, you can change how the gun is angled against your body.

Features

Like the Taurus version of this holster, this holster has a lot of great qualities. It offers multiple draw options and a full length sweat guard. It also has the company’s unconditional lifetime warranty.

What shooters like about this holster

Shooters who carry this holster for their Glocks have a lot to say about it. They love the “Posi-Click Audible Retention Lock” system. They’re also very happy with the holster’s versatility. 

Concealment Express IWB KYDEX Holster: fits Glock 19 19X 23 32 45 (Gen 1-5) – Inside Waistband Concealed Carry – Adj. Cant/Retention – US Made

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Our sixth choice is Concealment Express’ plain black Kydex inside-the-waistband model for the Glock. This includes the 19 and 19X. It can be carried in multiple positions. It also has adjustable pressure, retention, and cant like the other Concealment Express holsters we’ve profiled.

Features

Like the other Concealment Express holsters we’ve described, this holster is a great choice. It offers the company’s audible positive lock feature and can be worn in multiple positions. The .08-inch industry-standard Kydex is custom molded to the gun.

What shooters like about this holster

Shooters who carry this holster like it just as much as the previous two we’ve profiled. The full-length sweat shield gets high marks. Users also like how this feature makes re-holstering the gun easier. This is a versatile, comfortable, well-thought out holster for appendix carry.

Q-Series IWB Minimalist Concealed Carry Stealth Holster

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Our seventh pick for is the Q-Series Minimalist. The holster is specifically designed for several Glock models. It offers the light weight and rugged durability of injected-molded polymer. Most importantly, it rides extremely close to the body. This makes it easier to conceal. 

Features

The Q-Series Minimalist has several good features. Firstly, it has very positive retention. Secondly, it is a very “low-profile” design. In other words, the design helps reduce printing. Finally, the holster is tuckable for deep concealment. In other words, the Q-series minimalist has everything a shooter needs, and nothing he or she does not need.

What shooters like about this holster

Shooters consider this a great appendix carry holster for several reasons.  Firstly, they like the polymer construction. Secondly, they like fact that the holster snaps over the trigger guard and covers it completely. Finally, they are happy about the versatile, ambidextrous spring steel clip. The holster fits belts that are up to two inches wide.

ComfortTac Ultimate Belly Band Holster Deep Concealment Edition – Black | Fits Glock 19 43 26 Smith and Wesson MP Shield Bodyguard Ruger LC9 Sig Sauer More | Carry IWB OWB Appendix

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Our eighth pick is ComfortTac’s deep concealment belly band. A belly band holster is already a deep concealment holster. This model takes that a step holster with surgical grade elastic. It is designed to fit almost any pistol or revolver. Options available include right or left hand. A number of carry positions are possible, too, including inside the waistband and outside the waistband.

Features

The deep concealment belly band has the same great features as other entries in the product line. It also has a great retention strap that can be disengaged while you’re clearing your cover garment. It acts like a thumb break and is perfect for appendix carry. The holster is available in three different sizes to accommodate just about any shooter.

What shooters like about this holster

Shooters love the versatility and deep concealment of this holster. It really is a great setup for multiple carry options. The belly band format means that your carry doesn’t depend on the type of clothing you are wearing. Whatever you have on, this holster will work for you.

ComfortTac XL Ultimate Belly Band Holster for Concealed Carry | Black | Fits Gun Smith and Wesson Bodyguard, Glock 19, 17, 42, 43, P238, Ruger LCP, and Similar Sized Guns | for Men and Women

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Our ninth selection is the ComfortTac XL version of its belly band holster. It is literally identical to the other ComfortTac belly bands we have profiled as part of this list. The only difference is that it is extra-large. That means that if you are a person with a large frame (or a large belly), the holster will fit you. Officially, it accommodates sizes up to 54 inches. Shooters with larger bodies who want a good belly band consider this the go-to solution. Where smaller belly bands won’t fit, this one will. Anyone who has been frustrated by their larger than average size can appreciate this fact.

Alien Gear holsters ShapeShift Appendix Carry Holster 

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Our tenth and final pick is the Alien Gear ShapeShift. Its retention is adjustable. It also features a neoprene backing later that is waterproof to help with perspiration. The company stands behind its product with a lifetime warranty. Alien Gear holsters are made in the United States, too.

Features

The ShapeShift has several great things going for it. Firstly, the adjustable retention is a very good feature. Secondly, these holsters have a 30-day trial period and the lifetime warranty, so you can buy them with confidence. Thirdly, the neoprene backing layer is also a great option. It lets your skin breathe and helps wick away sweat. Finally, the fully adjustable retention is another good touch. Each Alien Gear holster is custom-molded to the precise pistol for which it is intended.

What shooters like about this holster

Shooters who carry the ShapeShift have a lot of positive things to say about it. They love the adjustable retention. They’re also very happy about the fact that Alien Gear stands behind its products. In addition, having a holster that lets your skin “breathe” makes for a much more comfortable experience. In other words, you’ll sweat less. At the very least you will feel less uncomfortable if you do sweat while you are wearing this gun. After all, concealed carry is a lifestyle. There are times when it isn’t as comfortable as we might like. Alien Gear carriers seem to like their holsters for this reason.

Advantages of the Appendix Carry Holster

Firstly, appendix carry holsters make it easier for you to conceal, access, and holster your gun. Wearing the gun in front of the waistband makes it easier to see and monitor. You can easily see if your cover garment is over the weapon, unlike when the gun is behind you. It’s also much easier to reach for your gun and clear your cover garment to do it. This brings us to the topic of body mechanics. 

Secondly, appendix carry holsters take advantage of natural body mechanics. Your hands naturally fall toward the front of your body. Just relax your arms and see where they tend to fall. You’ll find that a gun in the front of the waistband is much more accessible than a gun somewhere else. Appendix carry improves your draw by making the draw stroke more natural. This is due, in part, because the gun is closer to the center of your body.

Finally, appendix carry holsters keep your gun closer to your centerline. This will matter because it is along the center of your body where you are most vulnerable. “Protecting your centerline” is a concept found in many martial arts studios. Gun fighting is no different. Let’s be clear: A concealed carry pistol is a weapon of self-defense. Learning to use it is as much a martial art as any other. It is arguably the ultimate martial art. It just makes sense, therefore, to put the gun closer to the centerline of your body. The draw is faster and more natural. Your hands and arms help protect and cover your center as you get the gun into play.

Liabilities of Even the Appendix Carry Holster 

Appendix carry holsters do have some disadvantages and some caveats. Firstly, appendix carry holsters completely cover the trigger guard. This is to prevent debris or, more importantly, your own clothes from getting in the guard. It is important to prevent “accidental” or negligent discharges. Appendix carry without a holster, sometimes called “Mexican” carry, is extremely dangerous. It increases the chances of a negligent discharge and is not recommended. Your appendix carry holster should cover the trigger guard completely for that reason.

Secondly, carry holsters provide positive retention. This means that loose, one-size-fits most holsters are not the best choice. This doesn’t mean there aren’t some holsters of that type that won’t work. You can find some that do. We have highlighted them here, in fact. What matters is that the gun is maintained in the holster and won’t simply fall out. The holster must retain the pistol even when you are moving vigorously. That vigorous movement could be from running. It could also be from fighting or grappling with an assailant. Keep that in mind.

Appendix carry can be uncomfortable when sitting down or bending over. You will have to evaluate whether you can “live with” a holster carried in the appendix position. If it is simply too uncomfortable for your body type, then you’ll have to find a different option.

Conclustion

Finding the right appendix carry holster doesn’t have to be difficult. The models we’ve profiled in this handy guide should help you find the holster that is right for you. If a holster fits within your budget and has the features you want, then chances are good its the right appendix carry holster for your pistol. Remember, however, that your holster must be comfortable. It should cover the trigger guard completely. It should also retain the gun positively and fit with your lifestyle. This includes your clothing choices. When it comes to appendix carry or any other concealed carry, pick the holster that fits your daily life. Don’t try to contort your daily life to suit the holster. You’ll be much happier if you choose the holster that will work with what you already do. Be safe… and carry everywhere it’s legal to do so.