Best OWB Holsters : Top 10 Model Reviews for 2022

Benefits of Using an Outside the Waistband Holster

There’re different types of holsters available, and each of them serves unique purposes. So how would you know if OWB holsters are suitable for you not?

Well, that’s why we’ll be telling you about the benefits of this holster so you can make the right decision.

Offers Ease of Accessibility

OWB holsters are for those who need to draw their gun more than open. These holsters are mostly made with an open carry design; hence, you can easily get access to your weapon and pull it out instantly.

Ensures Better Comfort

These holsters are remarkably adjustable. As a result, you can wear them with any outfit; they just require a little fine-tuning.

Allows You to Show Off

The OWB holster makes your gun visible from the outside. So if there’s any thug around you, they’ll get alerted after seeing you carrying a weapon. This way, you can avert many messy situations without even pointing your gun!

Carry the Larger Guns Easily

You can easily carry your larger handguns as you wear an OWB holster over your clothing. You don’t need to hide it under your outfit and simply change the gun’s position.

Our Top 10 Best OWB Holsters Reviews For The Money 2022

Now it’s time to tell you about the top OWB holsters we fished out for you after careful consideration; thus, stay confident while getting one from here.

Let’s get started, shall we?

1. 1791 GUNLEATHER 1911 OWB Leather Holster

The first holster on our list is by 1791 GUNLEATHER, a well-reputed brand in this industry. And this high-quality OWB holster is one of the most amazing creations; that’s why it made its way to the top of our list.

Firstly, let’s talk about its super smooth and sleek American Steerhide leather finish. Once you wear it, there’ll be hundreds of compliments come flying at you. And it’s available in different classy colors such as black-brown, signature brown, and classic black. This way, you can easily pick the one that suits your personality.

On top of it, the holster comes with a highly durable build. It’s made with reinforced stitches. Thus, if you’re carrying heavy firearms, there’ll be no damages to the holster. And that’s something impressive.

However, this carrier only offers right-hand orientation. So keep that in mind before making the purchase.

As it’s made with a quick draw design, you’ll never be in trouble when it comes to showing your bravery. Furthermore, this holster offers you top-grade retention to keep your weapon secure. And so, you’ll never lose your sidearm or have safety issues ever again.

This holster is super lightweight and adjustable. As a result, you’ll never feel any discomfort after wearing for a long day at work. Additionally, it comes with a unisex design, making it more appealing than it already is.

So considering all its ergonomics, we can say that if you want to get the best OWB leather holster, you can take a look at this one.

Highlighted Features:

• Comes with premium-grade American Steerhide leather construction for better durability
• Lightweight construction and quick-draw design makes it amazingly convenient
• Made with the highest retention to keep your firearm secure
• Has reinforced stitches that supports the weapon’s weight in a balanced way
  

2. R&R OWB Kydex Gun Holster

Having trouble finding the best OWB Kydex holster? Well, if you’re going through that ordeal, getting this R&R holster will be the perfect one for you.

Though this Kydex holster doesn’t offer you a wide range of colors, you’ll get multiple choices when it comes to style. Therefore, choosing the one according to the weapon you carry won’t be an issue.

Yes, when you look at this carrier, you’ll think that it’s comparatively smaller than most other holsters out there. Well, your thoughts are pointing in the right direction. But that doesn’t mean it lacks quality; it’s actually loaded with safety features. Isn’t that admirable?

As this product is super lightweight, there’ll be extra weight on your belt while carrying your weapon. This way, you’ll always feel comfy in any situation. Moreover, despite this, it offers full concealment for your pistol, which is quite impressive.

Now, let’s talk about the adjustable cant of this OWB holster for concealment. You can set its angles from 0-degree to up to 15-degree. Hence, drawing your gun during action will be super easy. And this feature makes it perfect for people in law enforcement.

From top-notch ergonomics to excellent safety, this holster offers you everything you need for an optimal experience. And it’s also on the affordable side, which makes the deal sweeter than 9ever.

Highlighted Features:

• Available in different sizes to ensure concealment for a wide range of firearms
• Lightweight Kydex construction makes it super comfortable to wear
• Offers adjustable cants to make the gun drawing process quicker
• Despite being thin and sleek, it covers your weapon perfectly

3. G2c OWB Open Carry Holster

When you just love to get the crème de la crème for yourself, this G2c OWB holster is the one for you. Its unmatchable build quality and ergonomics will ensure the most convenient experience; there’s no doubt about that.

This one is an open carry holster; hence, you can easily carry your long-barrel firearm. The weapon won’t be sticking out, so you don’t have to worry about any inconvenience.

In addition, it comes with a military-grade polyester construction. Meaning this holster will be scratch-resistant and will last forever. So when it comes to getting a better value for the money, you can surely bet on this one.

We love the fact that this holster is designed with level II retention. Therefore, if you want a carrier to keep your sidearm safely with you, this one will be one of the finest options undoubtedly. To keep the weapon secure, it’ll automatically lock the trigger and make a “click” to ensure that everything is right on track.

All you need when the time comes is to press the button, and the gun will be in your hand instantly. The locking mechanism isn’t complicated, making things breezier than ever.

You can wear this holster on any belt, and that’s good news for civilians out there. And it has a smooth back, so sliding the belt for adjustment won’t be an issue.

This holster is compatible with a wide range of gun models. But yes, you cannot get it for every firearm out there. Hence, check the compatibility list before making the purchase; otherwise, your money will go in vain.

Some people are always looking for top-tier tactical holsters. In that case, this product will be the ultimate one. However, it’s only available in black and offers right-hand orientation. If you have no issues with these two things, nothing should stop you from getting them.

The holster enables a smooth draw, by gripping the handgun naturally and slightly depressing the index finger release bottom.

Highlighted Features:

• Comes with level II retention to ensure better safety
• Offers compatibility with a wide range of gun models for convenience
• Has a smooth construction so you can adjust its position smoothly
• Made with high-grade polymer for enhanced durability

4. Relentless Tactical - the Ultimate Leather Gun Holster

This product is just like the name suggests; the Ultimate Leather Gun Holster. Yes, it comes with a high-quality build and ergonomic design; hence, you’ll never be disappointed with this holster.

Thanks to the premium-grade cowhide leather construction, you can easily use it for years without causing any damages. And it will start looking more elegant over time, and that’s just the cherry on the top.

When we checked out this holster, we were amazed that it is made with a super ergonomic curved design. This way, your firearm remains perfectly concealed; there’s no trembling whatsoever. It keeps your gun secure, which is really assuring.

So, if you want to get the best OWB concealed carry holster, why don’t you consider this one?

To support every carrying style, this holster is made with three slots. You can wear it as a straight drop, or if you want to go for a quick cross draw, you can wear it butt forward. Isn’t that mind-blowing?

Another fascinating thing about this gun carrier is that they offer you both left and right-hand orientations. Furthermore, it’s available in two different colors; brown and black. So, choose the one that compliments your style the most.

The gun model compatibility it offers is also quite impressive. This OWB is suitable for most 1911 style handguns. But you should check the compatibility list before you invest money in it.

Highlighted Features:

• Made with top-grade cowhide leather for an enhanced longevity
• Has a curved design that hugs your gun to keep it secure
• Offers both right and left-hand orientation for convenience
• Designed with three slots so you can wear it however you want

5. BLACKHAWK Serpa Sportster Holster

When it comes to quality holsters, Blackhawk is a prominent name. And this one we’re about to review is one of their greatest creations. Let’s tell you why.

Sometimes the gun carriers only offer right-hand orientation, and that’s disappointing for lefties. Well, this OWB holster is available for both — right hand and left hand, so you won’t have any issues while choosing the most suitable one.

In addition, it’s available in different sizes; therefore, you can pick one according to your gun model. This way, your firearm will be securely locked, which is a relief.

To make everything more pleasing, it’s made with an immediate retention design. As a result, when you put the gun in the holster, you’ll hear a click that indicates it’s safely placed. And if you need it, just press the button, and the gun will be in your hand immediately!

Another convenient feature of this OWB holster is that it has retention screws. So if the weapon feels a little loose on the carrier, you can adjust the tightness without any hassle.

We really love that it’s made with military-grade material that ensures higher longevity and heavy-duty service on the field. Once you get it, you won’t have to spend money on another one in a very long time. However, it’s only available in one color — gunmetal grey. We wish there were more colors, don’t we?

This paddle holster is super stylish, comfortable, and highly durable. Thus, you can keep this one on your wishlist when seeking the best outside the waistband holster.

Highlighted Features:

• Comes with adjustable passive retention for enhanced security
• Made with heavy-duty material to ensure enhanced durability
• Designed with automatic retention for better safety and quick-draw
• Available for different gun models to offer the utmost convenience

6. CYTAC Full-Size OWB Pistol Carry Holster

While carrying your gun, you need to ensure it’s right where you kept it. And this CYTAC holster will ensure safety, thanks to its level II retention. Well, there’re more amazing things about this product; let’s get to know them.

When it’s about user-friendly features, you can expect the highest quality from this carrier. This holster is designed with an open bottom so that you can keep your long-barrel guns in it.

As the bottom won’t stick out, the weapon will be in the safest condition. Thus, if you want to get the best open carry holster, don’t forget to consider this one.

It comes with level II retention, meaning there’ll be no safety issues. While putting the gun in your holster, you’ll hear a click, and with the press of a button, you can draw your open. Thanks to its easy-to-use mechanism, it’s the crowd’s favorite.

Thanks to military-grade polymer, there’ll be no damages to the holster. Therefore, you don’t have to buy another carrier shortly. And you can easily clean it when it gets dirty, which is a relief.

It’s a paddle holster; hence, you can move it around according to your comfort. And you can wear it with any duty belt; that’s great news for people in law enforcement. However, this holster can be worn with any belt with two inches diameter, so the civilians won’t be disappointed.

It’s a heavy-duty gun carrier, suitable for use in extreme conditions. And that’s something admirable, don’t you think?

Highlighted Features:

• Made with a high-grade polymer that ensures hard-wearing service
• Has an open bottom design for convenience
• Allows you to release your gun in seconds by clicking the button
• You can adjust the holster’s position according to your preference

7. Blade-Tech Industries Total Eclipse Holster

Even if you’re into OWB holsters, you may need to wear an IWB one. In that case, this Blade-Tech holster will be your best buddy as it offers that flexibility.

Besides being a unisex design, it’s designed to be ambidextrous. Therefore, it doesn’t matter which hand you use as the dominant one. There’ll be no struggle while drawing the gun.

This carrier is equipped with a tension spacer. As a result, you can easily adjust the tightness according to your preference. So if you want to wear the most comfortable OWB holster, this one should be in your collection.

When it comes to construction, this product is on the winning side. Thanks to the high-grade polymer, it’ll last exceptionally longer even if you use it every single day. And this holster is super easy to clean, just the icing on the cake.

Another praiseworthy feature of this gun carrier is that it’s made with a positive lock trigger. For this reason, your weapon will be highly secured. Moreover, the locking mechanism is also effortless to open, so you can pull out your gun whenever you want without any struggle.

It’s a slim OWB holster, so there’ll be no extra weight on you when you wear it. And this thing gives you an intriguing professional vibe, which makes this thing one of the most popular ones among the consumers.

This holster is available in three different colors; black, grey, and dark earth. Hence, you can easily pick the one that goes with your outfit style. Well, that’s everything we need, don’t we?

Highlighted Features:

• Constructed with top-grade polymer for enhanced longevity
• Lightweight design makes it easy to carry around
• Can be worn as an OWB or IWB holster; whichever you prefer
• Designed with an adjuster to ensure a super comfortable fit

8. Alien Gear Cloak Mod OWB Paddle Holster

We’re always looking for a heavy-duty OWB paddle holster, aren’t we? If so, this product by Alien Gear will be the ultimate one for us.

It’s available for a wide range of gun models. Therefore, if you’re passionate about firearms and have a great collection, getting this holster will be an excellent idea. Furthermore, you also have the liberty to choose one according to your handedness, which is another great thing about this OWB gun carrier.

It’s made with premium-grade polymer and neoprene backing, so there’s no chance of causing damages to it pretty easily. And this holster is amazingly effortless to clean. What else do we need?

From professionals to civilians, it goes with every person out there. This product is designed with simple aesthetics and high-end functionality. Thus, anyone can comfortably wear it in any situation.

Besides being available in different sizes, this holster is entirely customizable. Yes, you can adjust the retention by regulating the screw and making it suitable for any firearm. Isn’t that mind-boggling?

The soft neoprene backing ensures that it wraps around your body perfectly. This way, you can stay comfortable all day long. Moreover, this material is also moisture-wicking. And so, there’ll be no itching or rashes. Well, this feature is a rare one; you won’t see it in every other OWB concealed carry holster.

However, it’s only available in black color. And considering all its fantastic features, we can forgive the manufacturer for not giving us more color options. Don’t you think?

Highlighted Features:

• Made with moisture-wicking neoprene back to offer enhanced comfort
• Available for both hand orientations for convenience
• Offers adjustable retention to ensure a custom fit for most guns
• Comes with top-tier polymer construction for higher durability

9. GUN & FLOWER G19 Outside the Waistband Holster

This OWB open carry holster by GUN & FLOWER is one of the most amazing things you can get for your carrying your weapon. However, it only fits Glock 19 19X 23 32 44 45 (Gen 3 4 5). So if you don’t own this firearm, please browse some other options in our list.

This paddle holster is made of heavy-duty polymer; thus, it lasts long without any questions asked. And this holster is pretty easy to maintain, which is another great thing about it.

Thanks to level II retention, you don’t have to worry about the security of your gun. It will stay locked until you hit the release button. Hence, if you’re afraid that you’ll lose your weapon in the middle of nowhere, that nightmare is not going to happen.

It features a silicon backing, and so, when the carrier touches your skin, you won’t feel any discomfort. Moreover, it goes with belts between 1.5-2 inches; people of any profession can wear them without messing with style.

We really loved that this holster is equipped with an adjustable paddle. In this way, you can set the drawing angle according to your preference and pull it out instantly if needed.

It’s a hard-wearing holster; take it for climbing, training session, or battleground; you’ll never be disappointed with it. And that’s the reassurance we need!

Highlighted Features:

• Equipped with an ergonomic locking mechanism to keep your gun secure
• The adjustable paddle allows you to wear it in different positions
• Comes with a silicon backing for making you comfortable while wearing it
• Only suitable with Glock 19 19X 23 32 44 45 (Gen 3 4 5)

10. MASC Comfortable Genuine Lather Holster

Let’s end these reviews with a bang, shall we?

This paddle holster by MASC is one of the premium-grade carriers you’ll find out there. It’s hand-molded for a comfortable fit and comes with this amazingly stylish outlook, and that’s something hard to find within a reasonable price range, isn’t it?

It offers you both hand orientation; hence, choosing one, depending on your dominant hand, gets easier. Moreover, the polymer paddle is super easy and easy to move, making it more convenient than it already is.

Horizontally or vertically, you can wear this gun however you want. And it hugs your posture perfectly, so there’ll be no discomfort when you’re wearing it for longer hours.

But there’s one thing we need to inform you. This holster isn’t compatible with a vast range of gun models. Therefore, go through the compatibility list before you decide to buy it for keeping your firearm.

One of the most excellent things about this holster is that it will improve with time. Yes, if you keep using it, the leather will get relaxed, and it’ll start looking better over time. It’s something we don’t see every day!

Despite giving you high-end benefits, this holster is available within an affordable price range. So if you want to get an optimal experience while carrying your gun, choosing this one will be a wise idea, we assure.

Highlighted Features:

• Comes with premium-grade leather construction  that gets better over time
• Lightweight and simple design makes it easy to wear
• Offers right and left-hand orientations for convenience
• Can be worn horizontally or vertically; whichever makes you comfy

Comparison Table of Top 10 OWB Holsters

OWB Holsters Buying Guide: a Definitive Guideline for Newbie and Experts

Though we’re done telling you about the top OWB holsters, you still have to pick the most suitable one for yourself. And that’s when this buying guide will come in handy.

Here we’ll discuss the factors you need to consider while making the purchase. In this way, you can choose the most eligible for you that’ll give you the experience of a lifetime. Let’s go there now.

Construction

If the holster is poorly constructed, it won’t last. That’s the rule! Therefore, you should get a product that it’s made with high-quality material so you can enjoy a long-lasting experience.

While making a choice, you’ll see three types of material; Leather, Kydex, and Hybrid.

• Leather

These holsters are classic, look great, and become relaxed over time. Furthermore, they come with a lightweight construction that makes them easy to carry around. But this material’s retention starts to get ruined over time; thus, you cannot expect a super durable service.

• Kydex

This material is basically rigid polymer, and so, they come with enhanced durability without any doubt. The holster made from Kydexis cheaper, easy to clean, and sturdy; it’s a total package.

However, as it’s made with rigid construction, this thing won’t get molded according to your body shape. So yes, you can feel a little discomfort while wearing them, but it’s not the end of the world as you’ll get used to.

• Hybrid Holster

These holsters will offer you the best of both worlds. The hybrid holster is designed with a Kydex base and leather backing. For this reason, you’ll feel comfy while wearing it, and the holster will last forever.

Design of the Holster

The OWB holsters are available in two designs; pancake holsters and paddle holsters.

• Pancake Holsters

You can go for these if you want to get the best OWB holster for concealed carry. They’re slim and ensure full concealment. And most pancake holsters are made of leather and come with a low-profile design.

When you wear this holster, the gun’s weight gets distributed in a balanced way. Hence, you’ll feel comfy when it’s on you; there’s no doubt about that.

• Paddle Holsters

These holsters are the most common ones. It’s popular among users as it gives you easy access to the weapon. As a result, you can draw your instantly when you’re facing a troublesome situation.

You’ll see this holster being used by law enforcement officers mostly. However, you won’t get much concealment with it. So when seeking the best open carry holster, go for the paddle ones.

Draw Speed

If you live a life where you may need to pull your gun quickly, you need to consider the draw speed before getting your OWB holster. It’s always better to get a holster that gives you quick access to your gun.

Moreover, after getting a new holster, try to practice a few times to understand the position of your weapon. This way, you won’t have any issues while drawing your firearm.

Comfort

It doesn’t matter if you’re wearing your holster for a long time or a short time; you need to buy a comfy one — there’s no alternative.

If you think you won’t feel cozy while wearing a holster that’s entirely made of Kydex, you can choose a hybrid one, and they come with a soft backing. And get something that comes with moisture-wicking back; it’ll protect you from itching and rashes during hot summer days.

Retention

This is one of the most important things to consider as your weapon’s safety depends on it. If the retention is poor, the gun won’t be secured properly inside the holster, and you don’t want that.

If you use different guns everyday or love to change models once in a while, make sure you’re getting a product that offers adjustable retention. In this way, you can adjust your holster according to your weapon’s size. And that would be convenient.

Cant Adjustment

This feature allows you to set the holster in different positions. Therefore, you can keep the holster in a place from where you can easily pull out the gun.

Gun Compatibility

If the holster isn’t compatible with your weapon, what’s the point of buying it? Hence, always check the manufacturer's compatibility list of your holster. Otherwise, you won’t be able to use it, which is a bummer!

Top 4 OWB Holsters Brands on the Market

1791 GUNLEATHER

As the name suggests, the brand was established in 1791 and headquartered in Florida. 1791 GUNLEATHER takes pride in manufacturing 100% certified American premium products. What makes this brand truly special is that all its holsters are handcrafted. Each of the holsters is made of top-grade leather.

The expert artisans of 1791 GUNLEATHER's own factories cut, mold, and stitch the holsters by hand for ensuring superior retention, maximum durability, and unparalleled reliability. You can enjoy a lifetime warranty for each of their products.

If anything goes wrong during the shipping process, you can return the product without any hassle at all.

For their high-quality products and excellent customer services, the brand is extremely popular among the natives.

BLACKHAWK

The history of BLACKHAWK dates back to 1990 when a Navy SEAL's pack failed, and his gear tumbled on the ground. On that day, he vowed to make the gear correctly.

In the present time, all the products of the brand reflect this vow as the manufacturer research, refine, and perfects every little detail to ensure the highest quality products.

And that's why BLACKHAWK is one of the leading brands when it comes to selling high-end holsters. The brand produces holsters of various sizes and materials to match the needs of every man and woman in uniform.

Although the brand doesn't provide a lifetime warranty for its products, you can expect great after-sell service and an immediate response from the customer service team.

Alien Gear

Alien Gear Holsters began their journey when a man named Thomas Tedder couldn't get any handgun holster for carrying his pistol. Hence, he decided to take the matter into his hands and started to design flexible holsters.

In comparison to most other brands, the Alien Gear Holsters is a relatively new brand and started its journey in 2013.

However, this has become a well-known and reliable brand among the people mainly because of its flexibility. The brand manufactures adjustable holsters with a universal shell system. This means you can use a foster shell for every other holster manufactured by Alien Gear.

To gain the user's reliability, the brand offers a lifetime warranty. It also provides amazing after-sell service and a 30-day trial period providing the easiest return policy.

Blade-Tech

To manufacture the best carry gear, Blade-Tech was founded in 1995 by Tim Wegner. The company started small inside the Wegner home and later gained immense popularity and moved to Washington after a few years.

Blade-Tech manufactures its holsters to ensure maximum comfort for the users. While the material is tough, the design and molding make the holsters comfortable to wear. All the parts of the holster are manufactured in the USA to ensure good quality.

The brand is popular among the natives and the CEO of this company has also claimed that their products have been featured in many Hollywood movies and TV series.

How to Take Care of Your Outside the Waistband Holster?

To maintain your OWB holster’s top-notch condition, you must perform a proper maintenance routine. If you do so, it’ll last longer, and you’ll surely get a better value for the money.

We’re going to share some holster maintenance tips with you now. These are pretty easy to follow; you don’t have to go through any struggle at all.

• Take a soft dry cloth and wipe the holster regularly. You can avoid the dirt and grime buildup by doing this every day.
• If there’s any spot, use lukewarm water and a soft rag, then wipe the spot with it.
• When there’s a stubborn stain or grime on the holster, use a mild soapy solution and a rug to get rid of the dirt.
• If you have a leather holster, you need to oil it to keep it shiny. When you’re done with the cleaning, you can rub oil of your choice on the holster to make it last longer.
• Use a slightly damp rag for the Kydex holsters to wipe the surface. It’ll be good to go.
• Never use a washing machine to clean your holsters, and don’t use hairdryers to dry them wither. It’ll ruin their construction.
• Don’t wash your holsters with strong soaps or any chemical solution.

Frequently Asked Question

Is it legal to use an OWB holster?

Yes, as long as you have the state’s permission to carry a gun, you can wear an OWB holster. 

However, the state and local laws apply some restrictions on the age and location of carrying an OWB holster. You can’t carry it inside federal buildings, school grounds, and public parks.

Some States, like Washington and Alabama, allow you to carry holsters from 19 years. However, you have to be at least 21 years old for carrying holsters in States like Alaska, Arizona, and Arkansas.

Can I have full concealment with an OWB holster?

The OWB holsters are mostly made for easy access to your weapon, so concealment isn’t the main goal here. But that doesn’t mean it’s totally impossible for OWB holsters to ensure full concealment.

If you’re picking the right gun, then you can easily get full concealment like lots of professionals doing for years. And yes, the right kind of clothing matters here as that will support concealing the firearm. But if you’re worried about better coverage, you can go for the pancake holsters as it ensures enough concealment.

Is it better to carry IWB or OWB?

For everyday use, you can wear IWB holster for your weapon as it’ll give you better concealment. It’s so good at keeping the gun out of sight that the carrier can easily forget about having a firearm.

Not only that, but IWB is also good at delivering better stability. Thanks to the three different contact points that keep the firearm more attached to the body. So, clearly, if you’re asking for concealment and stability, IWB is a better choice.

But if you are in a situation where your weapon doesn’t require much hiding and you need to draw your gun frequently, you should go with OWB.

Can you sit with an OWB holster?

Unlike the IWB holster, if you sit while wearing your OWB holster, it won’t hamper your comfort in any way. But that surely can reveal the presence of your firearms if the clothes you’re wearing don’t support the concealment.

So, it’s wiser to put on the right kind of shirt, t-shirt, or jacket if you’re planning to sit down with an OWB. Also, make sure that you’re putting the right kind of gun into the holster, as a long gun can still cause discomfort.

Conclusion

So here is everything you need to know about the best OWB holsters in the market right now. To get the comfortable experience, try to pick a well-known brand that offers the best material and comfortable design.

No matter which one you pick from our list, you’ll be satisfied; that’s guaranteed. But if you’re still a bit confused, here’s a brief suggestion for you.

For an overall experience, you can go with the 1791 GUNLEATHER 1911 Holster. It’s heavy-duty, lightweight, super comfy, and comes from a reputed brand. This product is a total package!

Up Next: Top 7 appendix holster list for you.