Best AIWB Holsters for Appendix Carry

Appendix inside the waistband carry -- AIWB in shooter lingo -- is the method of choice for most people who carry a concealed pistol these days.

AIWB holsters are dominating the market and have become the default carry method for most people. But which holster should you buy?

I'm glad you asked! Today is all about the holsters that make appendix carry so popular -- and effective. We'll run you through the best AIWB holsters on the market and dive deeper into what AIWB is and why you might want to carry that way.

How We Test the Best AIWB Holsters

We don't just dabble in carrying with appendix holsters; we use them every day. Most of us have several in the rotation at any given time.

We've tested quite a few and read up on even more to figure out which ones are worth recommending to you.

Sometimes, the answers are cut and dry; other times, it's more subjective.

When hands-on testing was possible, we used holsters as our EDC rigs to find out how well they secured a firearm, how comfortable they were to wear (that includes standing, sitting, walking, and doing daily tasks), how well they minimized printing, and how easy they were to draw from.

Best AIWB Holsters

1. Safariland Incog X - Best Overall AIWB Holster

Best Overall

Safariland Incog X

$100

at Safariland

Prices accurate at time of writing

$100 at Safariland

OpticsPlanet (see price)

Scheels (see price)

Specs

• Material: Boltaron molded thermoplastic
• Belt Clips: 2
• Claw Attachment: Yes
• Magazine Carrier: Yes
• Supports Optics: Yes
• Supports Weapon Lights: Yes

Sometimes you get what you pay for, and that's definitely true in the case of the Safariland Incog X. It took Safariland a while to jump on the AIWB holster/magazine carrier trend, but they're onto something with this one.

First, I'll address the elephant in the room. This is a huge IWB setup. Nevertheless, the size really disappears inside the waistband.

For all that heft, you'll get a tank of a holster that can accommodate a pistol, red dot, weapon light, and an increased-capacity magazine. Somehow, it's even extremely comfortable.

The design is also quite clever. Safariland put both belt clips on the holster itself so you can add or remove the magazine carrier depending on your mood on any given day.

The belt clips are also adjustable, so you can raise and lower the holster on your belt a bit.

The claw does a good job of keeping your pistol tucked flush with your midsection to avoid printing, and the Incog X comes with three shims to fine-tune that fit.

Finally, you can tighten or loosen a few screws to tweak how tightly the holster and caddy hang onto your pistol and magazine.

Sure, this is a lot to tuck inside your waistband, but there are times when you'll be willing to deal with it. When I had to evacuate my house and hit the road to escape a wildfire with nothing but a bug-out bag, times were very uncertain, and this was the AIWB holster I reached for without hesitation.

2. Tenicor VELO4 - Most Comfortable AIWB Holster

Most Comfortable

Tenicor Holsters

$125

at Tenicor

Prices accurate at time of writing

$125 at Tenicor

Specs

• Material: Molded thermoplastic
• Belt Clips: 2
• Claw Attachment: No
• Magazine Carrier: No
• Supports Optics: Yes
• Supports Weapon Lights: No

The Tenicor VELO4 is explicitly designed for appendix carry, and Tenicor took every aspect of its design into serious consideration.

The VELO4 is contoured for the body. While it doesn't have a pronounced claw or wing, like some AIWB holsters, there is a subtle camming bar that steers the grip towards the body to further reduce printing.

Plus, the holster itself is incredibly thin, making it disappear even more.

Any holster can be comfortable for an hour or two, but how about 12? That's the real challenge, and the VELO4 is absolutely up to the task.

While concealment is maximized, the VELO4 still provides a swift and easy draw without holster movement thanks to the all-metal, dual-clip design. Tenicor calls it the Trucise fit.

If you have your gun outfitted like you're John Wick, then you'll be covered. This holster accommodates red dots and tall sights. The open-bottom design also allows for muzzle devices.

What do you think of Tenicor? Give it a rating below.

3. Hidden Hybrid Holsters AIWB - Best Hybrid AIWB Holster

Best Hybrid

Hidden Hybrid Holsters

$89

at Hidden Hybrid Holsters

Prices accurate at time of writing

$89 at Hidden Hybrid Holsters

Specs

• Material: Leather, molded Kydex
• Belt Clips: 1
• Claw Attachment: Yes
• Magazine Carrier: No
• Supports Optics: Varies
• Supports Weapon Lights: No

Another great option that some of the folks at PPT like is the Hidden Hybrid Holsters AIWB. If you’re a fan of leather and Kydex, this is the one you want.

You might recognize it from our Best Concealed Carry Holster article!

The single clip keeps things hidden while also balancing comfort. 

The leather and suede backer make all the difference in terms of comfort. Our founder uses it for his EDC with his Sig P365XL.

While shopping, I recommend grabbing a claw attachment, which helps rotate the grip of the gun into your body. This helps concealment and makes toting a gun easier. 

See all the details in our Hidden Hybrid Holster review.

4. Raven Concealment Eidolon - Best AIWB Holster for Full-Size Glocks

Best For Full-Size Pistols

Raven Concealment Eidolon

$99

at OpticsPlanet

Prices accurate at time of writing

$99 at OpticsPlanet

Specs

• Material: Molded polymer
• Belt Clips: 2
• Claw Attachment: Yes
• Magazine Carrier: No
• Supports Optics: Yes
• Supports Weapon Lights: No

The Raven Concealment Eidolon is the premier holster for medium-frame Glock pistols.

This rig comes ready to add plenty of accessories -- I mean that for both your holster and your gun.

Running red dots, threaded barrels, suppressor height sights, or extended controls are all doable with the Eidolon. On top of that, you can change the holster's clips, add a wing, add a wedge, and whatever else you can stick on a holster.

The Eidolon makes it downright easy to carry a Glock 19 or even the bigger Glock 17 and Glock 31. Comfort and AIWB holsters don't always go together, but the Eidolon is one of the comfiest holsters in my collection.

At the same time, you won't have issues getting a proper firing grip and a good draw, which will translate into a good presentation, which could save your life.

If you're new to AIWB and packing a Glock, I'd go with the Eidolon. It's too bad they aren’t made for any other pistols.

5. Tulster Oath - Best Budget AIWB Holster

Best Budget

Tulster Oath

$74

at Amazon

Prices accurate at time of writing

$74 at Amazon

Specs

• Material: Molded polymer
• Belt Clips: 1
• Claw Attachment: Yes
• Magazine Carrier: No
• Supports Optics: Yes
• Supports Weapon Lights: No

When it comes to carrying little guns, less can often be more, and Tulster Oath offers a minimalist option for a huge variety of small pistols.

I use the Oath with my P365, which comes in handy when wearing clothes that tend to print more. If I'm wearing dress pants and tucking my shirt in, the Tulster Oath is perfect. Its minimalist design allows it to practically disappear.

The single clip is enough for a small gun, and it's made from metal to ensure it remains strong. An added claw increases concealment, and the cut of the holster allows for red dots.

Also present is a raised sight channel to accommodate suppressor-height sights, and the muzzle is open-ended to make room for a compensator or threaded barrel.

The thin nature and lightweight design also help with comfort, and the medium-high sweat guard provides pretty decent protection — all while ensuring guns disappear with ease regardless of accessories.

You can adjust the cant and ride height, but the retention remains fixed.

This holster is friendly to lefties as well, as it is ambidextrous!

When concealment can be difficult, the Tulster Oath steps up. It's simple, reliable, rugged, and a great choice if you wear more restrictive clothing.

Honorable Mentions

6. PHLster Floodlight - Best Universal AIWB Holster

Best Universal

Phlster Floodlight2

$138

at Phlster

Prices accurate at time of writing

$138 at Phlster

Specs

• Material: Molded plastic
• Belt Clips: 2
• Claw Attachment: Yes
• Magazine Carrier: No
• Supports Optics: Yes
• Supports Weapon Lights: Yes

If you are like me and have heavily invested in weird guns, then the PHLster Floodlight is for you.

The Floodlight is one of the few universal holsters that doesn't suck. I'd go as far as to say it's the best universal holster. Instead of being fitted to the gun, it indexes on your light.

Tension is adjustable via a shock cord.

PHLster's Floodlight2 features an updated ribbed design that improves concealment and comfort.

This AIWB holster allows you to carry a compact or full-size pistol with either a TLR-1 or a Surefire X300U. It's also a light-compatible AIWB rig that is very adjustable and modular.

You can easily change ride height, cant, tension, and clips. Getting this holster set up for you and your carry style and comfort isn’t difficult.

Once properly set up, you'll be surprised how comfy carrying a full-sized gun can be. It took me a little time to get it to fit just how I liked it, but it was time well spent.

My main complaint is one Phlster can't fix — not if they want to keep it universal. The holster is fairly bulky as a byproduct of accommodating so many different guns.

If you carry an unusual CZ, Walther, or another less common pistol, then this is the holster for you. It's also an excellent option for those who switch between multiple light-bearing pistols

7. Tier 1 Concealed Axis Elite - Most Comfortable Sidecar AIWB Holster

Tier 1 Concealed Axis Elite

$139

at Tier 1 Concealed

Prices accurate at time of writing

$139 at Tier 1 Concealed

The Tier 1 Concealed Axis Elite doesn't take the cake in any particular category of AIWB holsters but it's an extremely solid all-around option.

It might not be as fancy as the Safariland Incog X or as slim as our other picks, but it does a great job of putting your pistol and a spare magazine inside your waistband. Call it the Goldilocks of sidecar rigs (meaning there's an attached magazine carrier).

I've found the Axis Elite to be super comfortable and almost print-proof. Once you try it on, I recommend ordering a set of foam wedges to perfect the holster's fit.

Tier 1 Concealed supports a ton of pistols. Design a custom AIWB holster for your EDC gun, light and magazine size (standard or extended), and add some personal flair with a unique color -- it is my understanding that plaid is the most cozy holster color.

Of course, you can always save time and money by ordering a common configuration with the quick-ship option.

How to Choose the Best AIWB Holsters

Most people don't have a holster; they have a collection -- there's a reason for that.

Choosing the best AIWB holster depends on the day more than your body type or preferred pistol.

Do you want to keep the lowest profile possible? Would you rather stack the deck with a red dot, weapon light, and some extra ammo? Those questions will point you toward very different holsters.

We recommend keeping a few AIWB holsters on hand. That way, you can stay focused on what's going on around you instead of what you can or cannot carry.

Other Relevant Information

Still confused about what sets AIWB holsters apart? Let's clear that up.

Appendix inside the waistband, or AIWB, carry is a method of carrying a pistol inside inside your pants and in front of your body -- either right in the middle or slightly to your strong side. The gun covers the appendix, hence the name. We cover all the other positions over here.

So, why has appendix carry taken over the CCW market?

AIWB holsters make it very easy to conceal a firearm, more so than any other holster options that sit on the waist.

That's partly because it keeps your body looking symmetrical, unlike strong-side carry. By positioning the gun in front of the body, there are no odd lumps off one side.

Pistols adorned with weapon lights or red dots benefit from the extra real estate available in the appendix position.

Appendix carry also lends itself to a fast draw. The position of the gun is natural and easy to reach, and drawing and presenting are intuitive. Defeating your garment and drawing your pistol both happen at your midsection, so you can get both hands involved easily.

Having the firearm at the front of your body also makes the gun tougher to take in many circumstances. This means better weapon retention.

Why Trust Pew Pew Tactical

Taking the lead on this round-up is Travis Pike, a Marine Corps infantry veteran, NRA-certified instructor, and concealed carry instructor teaching CCW courses in Florida. Travis has been testing, researching, and writing about guns and gear for several years for several publications, including Pew Pew Tactical. Using his instructor background combined with his experience as a product reviewer, Travis evaluates all his recommendations using specific standards like retention, comfort, ease of draw, availability, and overall value.

Editing this article is freelance editor Scott Murdock. Scott is a Marine Corps veteran who qualified as a rifle and pistol expert while in service. Scott enjoys using his expertise to help readers find the best gear for their favorite guns.

Our experienced staff of freelance writers and editors is run by Editor-in-Chief Jacki Billings. Jacki has a bachelor’s degree in mass communications and has worked as a media professional for close to 20 years, specializing in gun media for almost 10 years. She uses her professional journalism and editing experience to set testing protocols and editorial standards across Pew Pew Tactical.

Final Thoughts

I wasn't sold on appendix carry at first. I found the holsters downright uncomfortable and painful at times. But once I discovered that good AIWB holsters existed, I was hooked.

As always, the technique is only as valuable as your training. Grab one of these holsters and learn how to effectively conceal, comfortably wear, and quickly draw from it. Practice starting your draw from as many positions as you can think of.

Train like your life depends on it because one day it might.

Do you have an appendix holster you like that isn’t listed here? Let us know in the comments below! Looking for an EDC pistol? We have you covered with our guide to the best guns for appendix carry.

Latest Updates

September 9, 2024: Removed the CrossBreedRogue and Dark Star Gear Orion, added the Safariland Incog X, added more details to product selections, and provided supporting content.