Holster Carry Positions Compared: Appendix, Hip, IWB, OWB & More

Why choosing the right carry position matters

Choosing the right holster carry position is not just about comfort — it affects your safety, draw speed, and how well you can conceal your firearm. Each position has pros and cons depending on:

Your body type
Your daily activities (driving, walking, sitting)
Your clothing style
The size and weight of your firearm

In this guide, we break down the most popular holster carry positions, giving you the facts to help you make an informed decision.

Comparison table: quick overview

Carry Position	Concealment	Comfort	Draw Speed	Safety	Best For
Appendix (AIWB)	⭐⭐⭐⭐	⭐⭐	⭐⭐⭐⭐	⭐⭐	Slim guns, fast access
Hip (IWB)	⭐⭐⭐	⭐⭐⭐⭐	⭐⭐⭐	⭐⭐⭐⭐	All-day carry
4 o’clock	⭐⭐⭐	⭐⭐⭐⭐	⭐⭐	⭐⭐⭐⭐	Larger guns, casual carry
OWB (Hip)	⭐⭐	⭐⭐⭐⭐	⭐⭐⭐⭐	⭐⭐⭐⭐	Open carry, range days
Belly Band	⭐⭐⭐	⭐⭐⭐	⭐⭐	⭐⭐	Active carry
Pocket Carry	⭐⭐	⭐⭐⭐⭐	⭐⭐	⭐⭐	Backup guns

In-depth carry position breakdown

Appendix carry (aiwb)

Position: Inside waistband, front of body (around 1 o’clock for right-handed shooters).
Best for: Fast access, deep concealment for slim guns.
Challenges: Can be uncomfortable when sitting for long periods and requires strict trigger discipline when reholstering.

When to choose appendix carry:

You prioritize fast draws.
You carry a smaller firearm.
You wear clothes that allow for front carry (not tight belts or stiff pants).

Hip carry (iwb)

Position: Inside waistband, side of body (about 3 o’clock).
Best for: Comfortable all-day concealed carry.
Challenges: Slightly slower draw than appendix, especially when seated.

When to choose hip carry:

You carry mid-sized or full-sized pistols.
You spend a lot of time sitting (driving, office work).
Comfort matters more than draw speed.

4 o’clock carry

Position: Inside waistband, behind the hip (around 4 o’clock).
Best for: Larger firearms and relaxed all-day wear.
Challenges: Slower draw and can be tricky to access when seated.

When to choose 4 o’clock carry:

You carry a larger pistol.
You want a position that’s easy to conceal under loose clothing.
You prioritize comfort over speed.

Owb carry (outside waistband)

Position: Outside waistband, usually on the hip.
Best for: Open carry, range use, or duty carry.
Challenges: Poor concealment for daily carry.

When to choose OWB carry:

You carry openly.
You need maximum draw speed.
You prioritize comfort over concealment.

Belly band carry

Position: Elastic band wrapped around torso, can place firearm in various positions.
Best for: Active lifestyles where traditional belts are impractical.
Challenges: Lower retention and slower draw speed.

When to choose belly band carry:

You want to conceal a small to medium-sized firearm.

pocket carry

Position: Inside a pocket holster, usually in front pocket.
Best for: Backup guns and deep concealment.
Challenges: Very slow draw, risk of printing.

When to choose pocket carry:

You carry a small revolver or compact pistol.
You need deep concealment (summer carry, formal events).
You accept slower draw times.

Related comparisons

Explore our detailed comparisons between popular positions:

Final recommendation

There’s no universal best carry position — the right choice depends on you. Consider:

Your body type and flexibility.
How often you need to sit, stand, or drive.
Your usual clothing style (business, casual, tactical).
Your firearm size and weight.

For maximum comfort and versatility, many experienced carriers rotate between multiple positions depending on the day’s activity.

Ready to find your perfect holster?

Visit our Concealed Carry Holsters and discover our collection of AIWB holsters, IWB holsters, OWB holsters, and more — all designed for comfort, safety, and fast access.