Mar 22, 2024 5 min read

By Dave Bates

For the Observer-Reporter

I have had a lot of questions over the years pertaining to concealed carry holsters. The most frequently asked question I get is, “What is the most comfortable holster that I can wear for my everyday carry?” And thus begins our search for the perfect holster. The answer in short is. … There is no perfect holster.

Sorry, from here on out, it’s all rainbows and unicorns stuff. And you can’t have your money back. A cross-draw holster, like many plain clothes police officers wear, is perfect for an extended car trip but might not be comfortable nor practical when one is no longer riding in a car. An in-the-waistband rig worn at the 4:30 position may not be comfortable for a long car trip but could be ideal for concealing a large framed pistol with minimal printing through a garment.

Moving forward, the entire game is about flexibility, adaptability and knowing your gear. In other words, pick the right tool for the job.

EDC, or Everyday carry, is a conundrum because there is no perfect setup that provides a one-size-fits-all solution. When you are carrying a weapon, daily attire changes. Circumstances change, personal needs change, and frankly, the firearm carried may change. I could write volumes about the use of different holsters for varying applications (and often do so). This is not the time nor the place for such a sermon. For our purposes, I’ll stick to the question asked: “What is the most comfortable holster?” And with that, I’d respond, the belly band holster. What is a belly band? It looks like a back brace used to provide relief to those chronic back pain sufferers. They are usually made of neoprene or elastic and attach with some sort of velcro fastening affair. A pocket or pouch is sewn into the band to carry the pistol. Other pockets may be arranged or added for spare magazines, knife, badge, wallet, handcuffs, cell phone, etc.

I like several facets of the belly band. First, it lends support to the spinal column and enhances posture, providing better all day comfort, especially if worn with a t-shirt underneath, next to the skin. Second, the belly band keeps the weapon riding higher and doesn’t permit the same sagging as does a traditional belt and holster tandem. Third, the softness of the neoprene keeps chafing to a minimum and the platform remains in place without shifting out of position. A belly band can be worn under nearly any cover garment with equal concealability and can be removed quickly and easily in the event that a quick change becomes necessary. If you carry your handgun in the console of your vehicle, upon arrival at your destination the belly band can be donned simply by lifting up the cover garment and strapping on the band. My favorite belly band has a retention snap/strap that keeps the piece in place in the event that the wearer goes to the ground in a more physical confrontation or while taking an accidental spill.

Another plus to the belly band is that it can be worn with athletic shorts, sweatpants, and other non-supportive garb.

There are a couple of downsides to the belly band holster. The belly band is not the quickest platform from which to draw. Belly bands take some getting used to and some practice is required in order to achieve a positive grip during the draw stroke. Belly bands can also be incredibly warm, which can make for a less comfortable choice during summer months and in warmer climates. Also, the bigger the gun the more bounce when jostling about in a belly band.

I reached out to several companies that produce belly band holsters and several makers sent samples to try. Most makes have some qualities that shine. The Falco is a thinner material and offers a bit more breathability with a plethora of pockets of varying sizes. It is of basic elastic construction and keeps items neatly within reach. The Falco is a solid choice.

I bought a Liberty Band from Crossbreed and found it to be nearly useless. It was narrow, flimsy, complicated and didn’t support well. It is designed to be used in conjunction with other inside the waistband holsters but does not deliver.

Mission First Tactical offers a nice holster pouch that allows for a positive grip on the pistol when drawing. The waistband, however, is a bit on the narrow side. I found it comfortable to wear inside jeans but did not prefer it without additional garment support.

Overall, the Bravo Belt was at the head of the class, offering heavier neoprene construction, a snap and strap for weapon retention and modular capabilities which allow velcro pouches to be added and arranged in custom fashion. Personally I like being able to add a knife, phone, handcuffs, etc. to my belly rig, just in case. The Bravo Belt did that and more.

These are simply my initial impressions of a number of belly band holsters on the market. You know what they say about opinions – they are like earlobes and noses; everybody has one or two.

Get in touch with me if you’d like to know more about belly bands.

Dave Bates writes a weekly outdoors column for the Observer-Reporter. He can be reached at alphaomegashootingsolutions@gmail.com