Short answer: an OWB holster (outside-the-waistband holster) is worn on your belt, on the outside of your pants. It is the most comfortable and fastest way to carry a handgun, and it fits full-size pistols easily. The trade-off is concealment: an OWB holster needs a cover garment, such as an untucked shirt or jacket, if you want to keep the pistol hidden.
OWB vs IWB at a Glance
| OWB (outside the waistband) | IWB (inside the waistband) | |
|---|---|---|
| Comfort | Higher: nothing inside your pants | Lower: holster sits against your body |
| Draw speed | Faster and easier to grip | Slightly slower |
| Pistol size | Any, including full-size | Compact and subcompact are easier |
| Concealment | Needs a cover garment | Easier to hide |
| Pant size | No change needed | Often one size up |
Choose OWB for range days, open carry, hunting, ranch and outdoor work, duty-size pistols, and concealed carry under a jacket. Choose IWB when deep concealment matters most. See our IWB holsters if that is you.
Types of OWB Holsters
Belt slide
A short holster that leaves the muzzle exposed and rides close to the belt. Light and minimal. Example: Mini Speed OWB High-Ride Belt Holster.
Pancake
Two layers of leather with belt slots on either side of the pistol. The wide stance pulls the grip tight against your body, which makes pancakes the best OWB holsters for concealment. Example: Thumb-Break Pancake Holster.
Slot holsters
One, two or three belt slots that let you set the height and cant. Examples: Two-Slot Thumb-Break Fast Draw Holster and the OWB 3-Slot Holster, which is also optic-cut for red dot pistols.
Snap-on
Belt loops that snap closed, so you can put the holster on and take it off without removing your belt. Handy if you take the pistol off when you get in the car or go into work. Example: Snap-On Belt Slide Holster.
Full-flap
A flap closes over the whole pistol. The best choice for weather and outdoor work. Example: Military Full-Flap Holster.
Ride Height, Cant and Retention
Ride height
How high the pistol sits relative to your belt. A high ride keeps the grip above the belt for a fast draw; a lower ride hides more of the pistol under a short jacket.
Cant
The angle of the pistol. A straight drop (no cant) is common for open carry and range use. A forward cant (the grip tilts forward, typically 10–15 degrees) makes the draw more natural behind the hip and helps the grip print less under a shirt. Multi-slot holsters let you choose.
Retention
How the holster holds the pistol. Every leather holster gets basic retention from its molded fit. For extra security when you are active, a thumb break adds a strap over the back of the slide that you release with your thumb as you draw. Open-top holsters are faster but rely on the molded fit alone.
How to Conceal an OWB Holster
OWB holsters can be carried concealed. A few rules make it work:
- Choose a pancake or a holster that rides close to the body. The grip is what prints, not the muzzle.
- Carry at 3:30–4:30 (for right-handed shooters), just behind the hip.
- Use a forward cant so the grip tucks in under the cover garment.
- Wear a long enough cover garment: an untucked shirt that covers the holster when you raise your arms, or a jacket or vest.
- Use a sturdy gun belt. A thin dress belt lets the holster tip outward and print.
A Note on Open Carry
Open carry laws vary widely between US states and even cities. Check the rules where you live and where you travel before carrying openly.
Why Leather for OWB?
OWB is where leather shines. Without the holster pressing against your body, leather’s comfort, quiet and classic look come through, and a molded leather holster holds the pistol securely while protecting the finish. See our Kydex vs Leather comparison for more.
Every Luna Prime holster is hand-molded from genuine leather to the exact pistol model you choose, available for right- and left-handed shooters. Browse all OWB holsters.
FAQ
What does OWB stand for?
Outside the waistband. The holster is worn on the belt, outside your pants.
Can you conceal carry with an OWB holster?
Yes, with a cover garment. A pancake holster with a forward cant, worn behind the hip, is the easiest to conceal.
Is OWB more comfortable than IWB?
For most people, yes. Nothing sits between your pants and your body, so OWB is easier to wear for long periods, especially seated.
What belt do I need for an OWB holster?
A stiff gun belt that fits the holster’s belt slots or loops. It keeps the holster from sagging or tipping outward.