IWB holsters are not perfect, however. A cover garment that prevents printing is necessary if you want to conceal the firearm. Also, because the rig is tight against your body, the holster must provide a barrier between perspiration and your gun. All that sweat can cause metal parts to rust.
Alien Gear ShapeShift 4.0 IWB Holster
Part of a modular system that can provide multiple methods of carry (IWB, AIWB and OWB), the ShapeShift IWB was designed with convenience and comfort in mind. A neoprene layer provides a comfortable surface against your body and also acts as a sweat barrier. The entire base is flexible, allowing it to conform to the curves of your beltline. Add adjustable ride-height (thanks to IWB clips that can be moved or swapped without the need for tools) and adjustable cant, and you can see why the ShapeShift is an extremely versatile system for carrying almost every popular model of handgun available today. MSRP: $55.88; aliengearholsters.com
Bravo Concealment DOS Torsion IWB
Versatility is the ultimate virtue of the Torsion holster. Its Kydex shell can be attached to your belt with two clips or with a single clip. The latter method allows for a shirt to be tucked over the pistol, making concealment easier. The shell is also canted 10 degrees inward, which minimizes printing and keeps the gun closer to your body. Adding to its appeal, the holster can be adjusted for ride height, making it possible to use the Torsion as an appendix-carry rig, too. The Torsion is available for the majority of striker-fired handguns on the market. MSRP: $53.99; bravoconcealment.com
CrossBreed Founder’s Series SuperTuck IWB
Designed to commemorate the legacy of CrossBreed’s late founder, Mark Craighead, this version of the SuperTuck IWB combines premium leather with a Kydex shell for the ultimate comfort. The leather base is tanned without the use of dyes or lacquers, which aid in providing a quick break-in period and give the holster a rustic look. Dual clips mount the SuperTuck to your belt while leaving space to easily tuck a shirt over the gun for concealment. It is available for an enormous variety of pistols, including those with slide-mounted red-dot optics. MSRP: $89.95; crossbreedholsters.com
N82 Tactical | Ambassador
A suede backing on the Ambassador’s massive leather base ensures the entire pistol is isolated from your trunk. A neoprene core provides flexibility and additional protection. Not only does this setup make for more comfortable carry, since no part of the gun touches your skin or pokes your torso, it also helps prevent rust because the gun doesn’t contact your body at all. The pistol is held in a Kydex shell that is molded to your firearm for improved retention. The Ambassador is available for multiple popular semi-automatic handguns. MSRP: $72.95; n82tactical.com
Wright Leather Works Cruiser IWB Clip
Premium leather and five color options make this IWB holster a great choice for those who want comfort and flair, even if they will be the only ones who know because the Cruiser conceals so easily. A single, large clip provides a solid mount to your belt, while making removal of the entire rig easy when needed (and also makes it simple to attach to your belt when you’re ready to go out). The Cruiser is available for most semi-automatic handguns, and Wright Leather Works can build a custom model if your preferred pistol is not on the company’s list. MSRP: $98; wrightleatherworks.com
