OWB method of concealed carry, popular known as the outside the waistband method, is one of the most popular carrying methods. Granted, it is not so safe. Most cops prefer using the IWB method, also known as the inside the waistband method. If you’re looking for better concealment and want to use an OWB holster, this is primarily for you.
Even though using an OWB holster is not the subtlest form of wearing a concealed carry, its ease of access is second to none. This also means that drawing from an outside the waistband holster is more accessible than drawing from any other concealed carry.
This article will discuss how to wear an OWB holster for better concealment and comfort. Since we already explained why people don’t choose this method and what people who do choose it need to do, let’s dive right in.
Clothing
How large or thick or the clothing has to be, depends on the concealed carry you are holstering. A long t-shirt, a sweater, or even a coat might do the trick. This is why people prefer to use the OWB holstering method in the winter when everyone wears additional clothing layers. Wearing extra clothing will make your pistol perfectly concealed.
You must also make sure that whatever cloth you wear must be loose and long enough to cover your holster, even when your hands are up. Most people prefer to wear suits, especially secret service agents, and most of the time, it works. You must also note that wearing a suit while trying to conceal a weapon will only work depending on how long and form-fitting the suit is.
So, the next time you want to wear a suit on a holster, you should consider these things. If you are the kind that does not like wearing suits, you should know that thick and long clothing works perfectly. We recommend that you should make sure clothes that stretch is not in your clothing choice while holstering a concealed carry. This is because they can cause the holster to leave an imprint and make it more visible to the public.
Belts
For an OWB concealed carry, a standard belt just won’t do it. It is better to get suitable gun belts that can firmly secure your holster without it flapping around while you walk. Gun belts are always thicker than regular belts, so it is essential to make sure that when choosing a belt for your pants, you get the kind of belt that perfectly fits your belt hooks and belt loops.
Choice of holster
When choosing a holster, make sure you select the perfect one. This might be tricky, but when you know what you want and what you wish to avoid in a holster, the rest is a walk in the park. For example, the one point that you want to make sure of is choosing a holster that does not imprint on your clothes when you wear them. This is very important as a degree of imprint can ruin your concealment, and that would be the last thing you would want, especially when you are undercover.
These kinds of holsters that don’t imprint much on your shirts are always light and comfortable. The main reason for the comfort and why most people use this kind of holster is that they don’t require an additional clothing layer. Just a shirt and probably a jacket, and you are already good to go. This means you don’t have to wear baggy shirts or extra clothes just because you are carrying them. These kinds of OWB holsters are the ones that don’t tuck outside your body.
They tuck inside instead. This means when you have them on, you don’t have to worry about them sticking out and blowing your cover. This will go a long way in helping you conceal your carry, especially during the hot days when you cannot afford to put on extra layers of clothing. As we said earlier, get a holster that doesn’t stick out. It is essential, and that is why it is worth repeating.
The Firearm
It’s a no-brainer that the smaller or lighter a sidearm is, the easier it is to conceal. This is why we need to recommend that you always use a small gun whenever you plan on wearing an outside waistband concealed carry whenever you can help it.
Apart from the fact that lighter guns make an operation go smoothly and are easy to conceal, they are likewise easy to draw. Heavy guns sometimes get caught in your shirt or come out because they slipped in the wrong positioning. Lighter guns, on the other hand, are less likely to do so.
Also, it is essential to note that the height of an individual can, to some extent, help more in his conceal carry weapon. For instance, a tall person is more likely to conceal his carry than an average height or even short individual. So sometimes, if you are tall, why not? Go for the heavy gun if you like, as long as you know your stuff.
Position
Of all the things you need to make sure of before properly wearing your holster, this is the most important. You will notice that with all the points we have been mentioning, it all goes back to position. If a holster’s positioning is not good enough, it might cause discomfort to the carrier and put him at risk of exposure.
The better a holster is placed on the carrier, the higher its chances of concealment. While trying to position your conceal carry, there are some things you should ensure. Try to place your holster towards your back rather than your hips, as most people do.
This makes you more comfortable and reduces the chances of getting exposed when you are coming from afar. You should also try to make sure the holster is placed around the part of your body that is curved inwards. This keeps it firmly secure against your body and prevents it from sticking out.