In this guide, we'll show you 7 parts of an inside the waistband (IWB) concealed carry holster you need to know about before you buy!
(IWB) Polymer Concealed Carry Holsters
Typical inside the waistband (IWB) holster is made from a polymer type material such as Kydex holsters.
Although Kydex is not the only type of material used for making (IWB) holsters, it's become one of the most popular materials used for making (IWB) concealed carry holsters.
It's cheap, strong, and it can be easily molded into any shape, which makes it great for making holsters. So, in this article, we're going to focus on Kydex or polymer type holsters.
IWB Holsters Here is the Most Interesting Thing That [Most People Don’t Know!]
We'll explain what parts make up an IWB holsters and how you can use them to improve your comfort, concealment, and accessibility.
Parts of an IWB Holster
In the image below is a typical IWB polymer holster, which happens to be made of Kydex.
On the surface, it looks like any other IWB polymer holster, but we'll point out some areas that most people don't know about.
1. Trigger Guard Lip
The trigger guard lip is pretty self explanatory. It's the protects the trigger guard and it's designed to be either short or long.
If it's longer, it will cover the mag release button protecting you from accidentally releasing the guns magazine from the gun.
Click Below to find an IWB Holster for Your Gun Model
They can be smooth or have rough edge, which is a good sign of higher quality holster. Rough edges can cause pain, when you hand rests on the trigger guard lip during draw and re-holstering.
7 Best Springfield Hellcat PRO Concealed Carry Holsters
Like anything, there is advantages and disadvantages to having a cover over mag button.
2. Cant and Ride Height Holes
The holes that are found on most IWB polymer holsters where the belt clip is attached to the holster allow you to either adjust holster's angle (cant) or ride height (height on belt) while it's tucked inside of the waistband.
The cant and ride height is either fixed or adjustable depending on the holster you buy.
3 Types of Emergency Flashlights That Will Keep You Prepared for Power Outage Blackouts
Holster's with adjustable cant and ride height will typically have more hole patterns. Read more on the below link...
Adjusting Your Holster’s Cant, Retention, and Ride Height: Ultimate Guide
3. Retention Holes & Screws
The retentions hole(s) and screw(s) is typically located under the trigger guard. It's can either a set of 1 or 2 screw(s), screw nut(s), and a rubber washer(s).
The holster's retention can be easily adjusted with a Philips screw driver by tightening or loosening the retention screw(s).
4. Optic Cut
The optic cut is pretty self explanatory. It's an area of the IWB holsters that's been cut to allow for special sights and optics.
Without the optic cut, you most likely won't be able to carry a gun with an optic. The optic cut varies in length and width based on the holster brand and gun model.
7 Best Pistol Lights Ideal for Compact Handguns
Common question: can you carry a gun without an optic inside of an IWB holster with an optic cut?
Answer: yes, the optic cut does not really effect your guns retention or accessibility.
Click Below to find an Fixed Blade Knife for EDC
5. Mag Button Cover
The cover for magazine button is more common on smaller more compact handguns. It's a part of the holster that covers the magazine release button.
The mag button cover can help you avoid accidental mag release during draw and re-holstering, but limit the amount of gripping area you have on the gun.
Are You Tall with Big Hands and Can’t Grip Your Gun? Try This Solution!
Depending on who you ask, they're is advantages and disadvantages to having a mag button cover.
6. Muzzle End of The Holster (Open or Closed)
The muzzle end of the holster is either open or closed depending on the IWB holster you buy.
The open muzzle end can allow you to carry guns with threaded (modified) barrels.
The open muzzle end also keeps you gun's muzzle end cleaner and cools your barrel quicker.
What Most People Don’t Know About Open Muzzle Holsters: Ultimate Guide
7. Sweat Shield (Sweat Guard)
The sweat guard or shield is found on most IWB polymer holster with few exceptions.
The main purpose for a sweat guard is to protect your skin from the slide. The metal slide with rough edges can often cause bruising and skin irritation.
But, there are a few other benefits to having a sweat guard.
The extended sweat guard edge can help safely guide your weapon into the holster during re-holstering.
The sweat guard can also provide additional stability to your holster and protect your gun's finish from your sweat.
Click Below to find an EDC Tactical Flashlight
Final Thoughts
Knowing the parts that make up an IWB holster is important so that you know exactly what you buying!
When Your Gun is Holstered Inside the Waistband Should You Have One Round in the Chamber?
Each different part of the can have an impact on the comfort, concealment, accessibility, and stability of your holster.
5 Best Budget Concealed Carry Holsters Under $25 That Fit Most Guns
So, knowing what each part does will help you avoid spending money on holsters that simply don't work for you!