The concealed carry world has caught the bug — that bug being appendix carry, also known as AIWB.
AIWB carry is dominating the market and has become the go-to concealed carry method for many people. So what is the best way to carry appendix?
I’m glad you asked! Today is all about the appendix carry. We’ll talk about what AIWB is and why you might want to carry that way and run you through the best AIWB rigs on the market!
Keep reading!
Summary of Our Top Picks
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Editor's Pick: KydexThe VELO4 is nearly unmatched when it comes to keeping the bulk down and reducing how much your gun prints.
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Best Light-Bearing AIWB HolsterThe Floodlight fitment is based off the light you use, not the gun, making this holster is great for fitting a wide variety of pistols.
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Best Budget OptionThe Singleton from Harry's Holsters is priced right without sacrificing quality.
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Best Minimalist HolsterThe Tulster Oath has everything you need and nothing you don't. If you want a no-frills holster, this is it.
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Most Comfortable AIWB HolsterRaven Concealment Eidolon Holster Kit
I found the Eidolon to be the most comfortable holster on the list. The downside is that it is only made for medium-frame Glock pistols.
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Why You Should Trust Us
Before becoming an NRA-certified instructor and concealed carry trainer out of Florida, I was a Marine infantryman. So, I know my way around guns.
Today, I use my knowledge to test and review guns for several publications, including Pew Pew Tactical. At my home range, I spend countless hours analyzing, researching, and putting guns and gear to the test to bring you the best recommendations and most accurate reviews.
only if you have the right holster. Luckily, we have the goods to help you make the right choice.
Best AIWB Holsters
1. Tenicor VELO4
Tenicor’s VELO4 is explicitly designed for appendix carry, and Tenicor took every aspect of its design into serious consideration.
The VELO4 is contoured for the body, and a camming bar steers the grip towards the body to further reduce printing. Plus, the holster itself is incredibly thin, making it disappear even more.
Any holster can be comfortable for 2 hours, but how about 12? That’s the real challenge, and the VELO4 is absolutely up to the task.
While concealment is maximized, the VELO4 still provides a swift and easy draw without holster movement thanks to the all-metal, dual-clip design. Tenicor calls it the Trucise fit.
If you have your gun outfitted like you’re John Wick, then you’ll be covered. This holster accommodates red dots and tall sights. The open-bottom design also allows for muzzle devices.
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Additionally, the holster can be highly customized with different clips, looks, wedges, claws, and other accessories. While the price point is high, it is one of the most modern and well-thought-out designs on the market.
What do you think of Tenicor? Give it a rating below.
2. CrossBreed Rogue
The Rogue from CrossBreed signals the first time the company has ditched its hybrid design in favor of an all-polymer design. This comes as both a holster and a system that implements a sidecar-style mag pouch.
The sidecar mag pouch is attached to a piece of leather attached to the holster. Instead of having one stiff piece of polymer, the leather allows for bending. This increases comfort and decreases the chance of the sidecar breaking.
The Rogue excels in concealment. It disappears under a shirt and makes carrying my P365 a breeze. CrossBreed sets the design up with metal belt clips that are very strong. They resist bending well and remain in good shape after lots of use.
CrossBreed also installed a removable claw to aid in concealment when carrying AIWB. Users can also adjust ride height, cant, and retention, and choose whatever attachment clips they want.
User adjustability is a big deal to me, and the Rogue excels here.
If I had any complaints, it would be the price, with the system coming in around $100. The Rogue is brand new and only seems to fit the most popular of guns, but CrossBreed is likely to grow the system and offer more firearm fitment options as time passes.
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
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3. PHLster Floodlight
If you are like me and have heavily invested in weird guns, then the PHLster Floodlight is for you.
The Floodlight is one of the few universal holsters that doesn’t suck. I’d go as far as to say it’s the best universal holster. Instead of using the gun, it indexes on your pistol light and is adjustable via a shock cord.
New for 2023 is PHLster’s Floodlight2, which features an updated ribbed design that improves concealment and comfort.
Phlster’s Floodlight allows you to carry a compact or full-size pistol with either a TLR-1 or a Surefire X300U. Beyond being a light-compatible AIWB rig, it’s also very adjustable and modular.
You can easily adjust ride height, cant, retention, and clip style. Getting this holster set up for you and your carry style and comfort isn’t difficult.
Once properly set up, you’ll be surprised how comfy carrying a full-sized gun can be. It took me a little time to get the rig to fit just how I liked it, but it was time well spent.
My main complaint is one Phlster can’t fix — not if they want to keep it universal. The holster is fairly bulky, but that is a byproduct of being able to accommodate so many different guns.
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If you carry an unusual CZ, Walther, or another less common pistol, then this is the holster for you. This is also an excellent option for those who carry and switch between multiple light-bearing pistols
4. Harry’s Holster Singleton
Harry’s Holsters makes some of the best holsters ever from the ground up.
They are an all-polymer brand that does a lot to innovate and explore new concealment concepts. I could’ve thrown a dart at their catalog and gotten a great holster out of it, but the Singleton gets the nod for a few reasons.
If you want a holster that doesn’t move, this is the one. The monobloc clips are metal and feature ‘cloth grabber’ hooks that really dig in. This makes it a pain to take on and off, but the point is that it sticks.
The Singleton offers fitment for a wider variety of firearms, which may benefit some of those who carry something other than Glock or Sig.
Additionally, the holster is ambidextrous, and users can adjust the cant, ride height, and add a wing or wedge if desired. We also get compatibility with red dots for those who take that route.
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
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It’s a very modern design that will make your gun disappear, and it’s available for a great price. The Singleton is priced to move and is made for enough models that it’ll cover most people’s bases.
5. Tulster Oath
When it comes to carrying little guns, less can often be more, and Tulster Oath offers a minimalist option for concealed carry of small guns.
I use the Oath with my P365, which comes in handy when wearing clothes that tend to print more. If I’m wearing dress pants instead of jeans and tucking my shirt, then the Tulster Oath is perfect. Its small, thin design allows it to disappear.
The single clip is enough for a small gun but is made from metal to ensure it remains strong. An added claw increases concealment, and the cut of the holster allows for red dots.
Also present is a raised sight channel to accommodate taller sights, and the muzzle is open-ended, which allows for compensator and muzzle brake compatibility.
The thin nature and lightweight design also help with comfort, and the medium-high sweat guard provides pretty decent protection — all while ensuring guns disappear with ease regardless of accessories.
You can adjust the cant and ride height, but the retention remains preset. This holster is friendly to lefties as well, as it is ambidextrous.
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When concealment can be difficult, the Tulster Oath steps up. It’s simple, reliable, rugged, and a great choice if you wear more restrictive clothing.
6. Raven Concealment Eidolon
The Raven Concealment Eidolon is the premier holster for medium-frame Glock pistols.
This rig comes ready to add all the accessories you could ever want. I mean that for both your holster and your gun.
Running red dots, suppressor-ready barrels, suppressor height sights, or extended controls are all doable with the Eidolon. On top of that, you can change the holster’s clips, add a wing, add a wedge, and whatever else you can stick on a holster.
The Eidolon makes it downright easy to carry a Glock 19 or even the bigger 17. Comfy and AIWB don’t always go together, but the Eidolon is one of the comfiest holsters in my box of holsters.
I joke, but the Eidolon disappears your Glock and makes you feel good about it. At the same time, you won’t have issues getting a proper firing grip and a good draw, which will translate into a good presentation, which could save your life.
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
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If you’re new to AIWB and packing a Glock, I’d go with the Eidolon. Unfortunately, they aren’t made for any other guns — but sometimes making the best takes a concentrated approach.
7. Dark Star Gear Orion
The Dark Star Gear Orion keeps things simple and versatile. It can double as a strong side IWB rig or an appendix rig.
You can toss a claw on for AIWB and get your deep concealment on, but the Orion’s real claim to fame is making big guns disappear.
Concealing a full-sized Glock, PDP, or Sig isn’t easy, but the Orion can lend a hand. It’s a modern holster design for modern guns, so it is great for red dots and suppressor height sights.
Fitting modern goodies to the Orion isn’t hard, and you can toss on claws, different clicks, wedges, and beyond to make the holster a bit better for you. Concealed carry is highly personal, and the Orion allows for that.
On top of accessorizing, you can adjust the ride height, the cant, and retention. You make this holster work for you without compromising the features that matter most.
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
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Outside of comfort and concealment, the Orion allows for a good grip presentation to make your draw easy while being a safe and effective method to carry your firearm.
Editor’s Note
Another great option that some of the folks at PPT like is the Hidden Hybrid Holsters AIWB. If you’re a fan of leather AND Kydex, this is the one you want and is featured in our general Best Concealed Carry Holster article.
The single clip Appendix Carry keeps things hidden while also balancing comfort.
The leather they choose and the suede backer make all the difference when it comes to comfort. It’s what our founder uses for his EDC with his Sig P365XL.
While shopping, I recommend grabbing a claw attachment, which helps rotate the grip of the gun into your body.
This helps concealment and makes toting a gun easier. See our full review of HHH here.
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
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Why AIWB?
Appendix Inside the Waistband, or AIWB, carry is a method of carrying inside the waistband that positions the holster in front of the body. The gun covers the appendix, hence the name. We cover all the other positions over here.
So, why has appendix carry taken over the carry market?
First, the concealed in concealed carry means something. Appendix rigs make it very easy to conceal a firearm, more so than any other holster options that sit on the waist.
Appendix positions the gun in such a manner that it’s completely hidden. By positioning the gun in front of the body, there are no odd lumps off the side. The way the gun sits also makes concealing a larger gun easier.
Besides covering up larger guns, pistols adorned with weapon lights or red dots also benefit from the extra concealment granted by the appendix position.
Appendix carry also helps make a fast draw. The position of the gun is natural and easy to reach, and drawing and presenting are intuitive.
Having the firearm at the front of your body makes the gun tougher to take. This means better weapons retention, which can be extremely valuable in close quarters.
AIWB makes a ton of sense, but
Final Thoughts
I wasn’t sold on appendix carry at first. I found the holsters downright uncomfortable and painful at times. They poked, prodded, and pinched me, turning me away from them in the process.
However, once I discovered that good AIWB holsters existed that addressed the comfort factor, I was hooked.
The ability to deeply conceal weapons comfortably without compromise is a winning combination.
Do you have an appendix holster you like that isn’t listed here? Let us know in the comments below! Looking for some guns perfect for AIWB? We have you covered with the Best Guns for Appendix Carry.
43 Leave a Reply
JX tactical Fat Guy is a perfect AIWB holster for us bigger dudes. I've been wearing mine for 2 years every day, love it
I’m a Lefty, but put that aside for a moment. I carry my Beretta PX4 Compact AIWB, between 1 o’clock and 2 o’clock, depending on the belt and shirt I’m wearing. In other words, cross-draw AIWB. It just felt natural to me with my first AIWB holster and his since become a habit. For you right-handed shooters, it’s like carrying at 10 or 11 o’clock. There was no mention of cross-draw AIWB carry in the article, so I am wondering if it is inherently less safe. One advantage is that with the butt facing in toward my belly button, the muzzle is a bit farther from my junk. On the other hand, it’s closer to my femoral artery. Take your pick, I suppose. The PX4 is DA/SA, and I have trained to the habit of keeping my thumb on the hammer when holstering, as an additionally safety measure. As far as comfort goes, I don’t even notice it when I’m standing, but it sometimes requires me to adjust for comfort when I am sitting in the car for long periods (basically just hiking it up a bit).
It may be just my body type, but even with my little P365, the 3 different appendix carry holsters I have purchased, (priced $65, $89, & $106) all manage to jam into my groin whenever seated. Tried all the adjustments….no help. I’m 6’ at 185lbs. I definitely find the appendix carry to be the best all around position for fast access for me. I wish someone would come up with a front of body inside holster similar to the s.o.b. holster worn in the back. It would cant the pistol much closer to horizontal and could eliminate the sitting issue. It might even work for my 1911.
Some things to remember when carrying a firearm. They are both derivative of the rule to never point your firearm at anything you don't want to destroy: 1. Never point your pistol at your genitals. 2. Never point your pistol at your femoral artery. 3. Never point your pistol at yourself. Appendix carry violates the rule. You wouldn't carry your AR or shotgun pointed at your genitals, femoral artery, or at yourself. So, you shouldn't carry your pistol that way either.
I own one of the very, very good AIWB holsters by Hidden Hybrid, and I rarely carry with it for the very reason described by this commenter.
Hi,
what do you think / or tried, carrying combined appendix holster with attached magazine compartment (CrossBreed Rogue) at 3 o'clock?? For supercompact gun.
Thanks for any opinions.
I would have included at least 1 high-speed holster company for people to choose from. When I say "high speed", I mean companies that have options to add lights, optics, compensators, that have combo options, and that use better materials and QC than companies like Crossbreed. A few examples:
-tier1concealed
-Legacy Firearms Co
-McKinatec
-Fury Carry Solutions (a bit cheaper, but one of the biggest selections and fastest shipping)
Black Rhino Concealment.
That one pic looks more like DIWB carry than appendix (if you catch my drift). Dude better not have an ADC!!!
I was surprised to see that Alien Gear wasn't mentioned by anyone. I have appendix carried a Glock 43 daily with mine for about 3 years and it is the most comfortable AIWB holster that I have ever used. From walking around, to office work, to 600+ mile days on a motorcycle, it is as comfortable as I can reasonably expect it to be. I've never been called out as far as printing and even people who know that I always carry have asked me why I'm not carrying while I was wearing jeans and a t-shirt. I'm not trying to convince anyone that it should be in the top 10, I am wondering if there are drawbacks that I am not aware of or haven't experienced. Thank you in advance for all comments.
I've had Alien Gear as my setup for well over 6 years and carry regularly. I've never known myself to print and my wife has numerous times came up and wrapped her arm around me only to act surprised that I had my pistol on me. Super comfortable and numerous 4-8hr drives where I forget I even have it on.
Tulster oath keeper review article states "I use the Oath with my P365, which comes in handy when wearing clothes that tend to print more. If I’m wearing dress pants instead of jeans and tucking my shirt, then the Tulster Oath is perfect. Its small, thin design allows it to disappear." how can it dissappear and print less if shirt is tucked in?
It has a clip that allows your shirt to be tucked behind it, much like my Alien Gear Cloak 2.0 holsters. That allows only the clip to show once your shirt is tucked in.
I found a bunch of AIWB holsters (for my 365XL) on Amazon. Many (Kydex) can be easily modified for use with red dots and have a comfortable "backing" (side against skin) that keeps the pistol from digging in (especially when sitting). They are adjustable for angle as I prefer my grip to be parallel to my belt.
And - They are priced right (less expensive).
This breaks Rule 3 for me. Never allow the muzzle to cover anything your not willing to destroy. Junk included.
I AIWB a G48 or G19.5 with Vedder LightTuck holster with claw. Yes, I can carry the G19 all day comfortably. Perhaps it’s my body type, but at 62 years of age it can be done.
In my 30's and 40's I appendix carried. Now, in my 60's, I've just enough of a gut it's uncomfortable. Realistically, the guy's not going away, so AIWB just isn't an option for this Auld Fart.
Try the Fat Guy holster from JX Tactical. It's great for low-riding, deeper concealment, even if you don't have the gut like me!
Raw Dog Tactical makes a comfortable one, leather backed kydex... carrying M&P 2.0 4.25"
Hmmm. Maybe I will have to give this AIWB carry another try. WE used to joke about appendix carry as the "soprano" carry - if you had a ND, you would be - "singing soprano". Usually soprano carry was accomplished by just stuffing the firearm in your trousers, with maybe a shoelace loop ( looping a shoelace around your belt providing loops to insert your pistol through, leather preferred) to keep the gun somewhat in place. This is a viable practice when no holster is available, but I don't recommend it for soprano carry.
Enter the IWB holster. I think I have five or six - none of which lend themselves to comfort, concealment or secure carry. Most that stayed where they were supposed to printed terribly. Or were just plain miserable to use.
I used to carry a Sig 220 in an owb holster (Galco Concealable) and use a cover shirt - Hawaiian in the summer, wool in the winter. Worked well - never got called on it and was very fast. Now I carry a Sig 365xl the same way - but am looking for a new option. Of course I still carry a backup in an inside the pocket holster, but pray I will never have to use it! Especially when seated!
You guys have renewed my hope!
Thanks!
FFSigBro/Art
Is there an honorable mention for the Urban Carry G3?
No mention of JM Custom Kydex. One of the best holster makers and they make them for most pistols.
LAS is worth a look. Run one with my Staccato C2
I love my Incognito Concealment holsters. They’re custom made kydex holsters and best of all they’re local to me in Sterling Heights, Mi.
Usually don’t comment but however they ant dam holster in world better than Tier 1 axis elite,I carry Glock 19 or 43x with extra mag carrier,I’m telling u u will not even think of your gun with this holster,I’m sorry but no way on earth they’d anything better
I like the JX Tactical Fat Guy Holster myself. But when you are fat you have to find something that works and doesn't stick out. Love,how it rides under my gut next to the ole boom stick and no one is the wiser.
I had a Tulster OATH for my Glock 48 MOS and I currently have a Philster Pro holster for the same pistol. I also have basic AIWB holsters for my Glock 19 and my Bul Armory SAS II Ultralight. None of these holsters is as comfortable as my Tier 1 Concealment Axis Elite (I have 3 - one for each of the pistols listed above). Note that I wear my EDC G48 MOS for about 12 hours a day, during much of the time being stuck behind a desk or driving.
In fact, the reasons I have a more traditional AIWB holster for each of these pistols is (1) I didn't want to wait for Tier 1 Concealed to build my Axis Elite holsters, and (2) the Axis Elite is not well suited to using with a tucked shirt.
Not to knock any of the other holster builders, but in my book, Tier 1 Concealed is the best.
How do you like your Bul? I have wanted one for a while now, but I am a touch hesitant. There isn’t a shop near me that has one to pick-up let alone shoot.
How do y'all find Appendix carry while seated? I can't get comfortable while driving or sitting at my office.
Thoughs?
For me, the answer is to carry in a Tier 1 Concealment Axis Elite (although other sidecar holsters may work, too, I just don't have any experience with them).
On those rare occasions when I need to wear a tucked shirt, I fall back on my G48 MOS in a Philster Pro, but it is simply not as comfortable as my Axis Elites.
With Teir 1 exis elite I’m telling u,u will not ever buy nothing else ,if I owned the Company I’d garentee it.I have a gun with extra mag and never adjust getting in or out car,I don’t know how or what difference is but they got it down pat,also I have beer belly too.
I normally have no desire to leave comments on reviews. However, I must ask why one of the most popular AIWB holster manufacturers was never mentioned. Tier1 Concealed makes one of the best rigs among the plethora of other suppliers of AIWB holsters, if not the best. My wife and I carry 10+ hours/day 24-7 and both train and teach with Tier1 exclusively now. The quality, fit & finish is perfection but most importantly they provide the necessary concealment and comfort many only dream of. Perhaps you people should expand your searches and consider such reputable companies such as Tier 1 Concealed and others who make premium equipment by professionals for discerning consumers?
I used to love pew pew tactical but recently I've realized most of there reveiws are on mid tier gear and guns for the poor lol tier 1 is one of the best for sure I came here to mention them.
Hey Josh, thanks for the comment. We try to hit a variety of price points, but most of our audience is in that mid-tier range; therefore, we tend to offer more options within that price range. That said, we'll do our best to bring you more products at a variety of levels. Thanks for the feedback!
Thank you for typing my words for me so I didn't have to. I agree wholeheartedly.
Hey Jeffrey, thanks for the feedback. Our writers write and recommend products they've hands-on tested and liked. If a manufacturer isn't on here, that just means the author or editors haven't tested it out yet. As we get our hands on more products, we toss them into the list. So check back often as we tend to update our Best Ofs quite frequently. Thanks for reading!
Just like the time they put out a list of the best AR triggers and did not even mention Geissele. Made me realize that pew pews “best of the best lists come with an *. (* items that we can get affiliate money from recommending)
While crossbreed is my usual go-to because of the fantastic hybrid holsters, they usually take a bit longer to come out with customizable options like a setup for my p365-xl with recover tactical rail and Olight pl2 mini Valkyrie. I was able to get this setup with mckinatec holsters and their Talon appendix holster and I am beyond satisfied with it. The fit was perfect and retention was amazing.
Another company with nice customization options I just ran into was Blackpoint Tactical. I got their dual point aiwb holster and can definitely say it also is a solid choice.
I have yet to find a functional holster that accommodates trigger-guard lasers (ArmaLaser, Viridian) - all the contoured models snug right up to the trigger guard... and I don't necessarily want a pancake the size of Rhode Island, that's large enough to fit a Maglight-sized pistol light. Any suggestions?
Blackpoint Tactical holsters can accommodate Viridian and Crimson Trace. I just received a dual point aiwb for my p365 xmacro and Olight Valkyrie and it fits perfectly.
Thx, much. I'll check them out.
Cheers!
Tenicor. The best. End of discussion.
And nothing looks better in a Tenicor than "perfection" (Glock).
//Signed (with love),
No Sig for Sid!
Ya seen one holster review you've seen them all.
Seriously, the market is so glutted with sheets of Kydex wrapped around a gun with the same old friction retention. Just different names and different ways to attach it to a belt (or pants).