Leather Holsters

WHAT IS A LEATHER HOLSTER AND HOW DO LEATHER HOLSTERS WORK?

A leather gun holster is a gun holster made of leather. Its main purpose is to securely contain your handgun when you are not using it and to give your firearm extra protection during everyday carry.

Leather gun holsters work in a simple way. Depending on the carry style, the holster is attached to a part of your body. Leather belt holsters attach to a gun belt (preferably leather) via belt loops, belt clips, or holster paddles.

Once the holster is fastened, you insert the gun and you are ready to carry. When you need the firearm, you draw it from the holster; when you are done, you re-holster it. That is the full cycle of how a leather holster is used.

WHAT ARE THE DIFFERENT TYPES OF LEATHER HOLSTERS?

Leather holsters differ by intended use and construction. The two basic groups are concealed carry leather holsters and open carry leather holsters.

Concealed carry (CCW) leather holsters are meant for everyday concealed carry and may only be carried in states that allow it. They are hidden under a layer of clothing, which makes them the best choice for self-defense. Common CCW leather holster types include:

• Leather IWB (inside the waistband) holsters
• Appendix leather holsters
• Some leather shoulder holsters
• Leather ankle holsters
• Low-profile leather OWB holsters

Open carry leather holsters are usually not concealed and offer quicker, more immediate access to the firearm. They are illegal in some states and are most often used by law enforcement, military, and security personnel. Common open carry leather holster types include:

• OWB (outside the waistband) leather holsters
• Leather paddle holsters
• Leather duty holsters
• Leather shoulder holsters
• Leather chest holsters
• Cross-draw leather holsters
• SOB (small of back) leather holsters

Holsters also differ in construction. Leather holsters are molded on a specific firearm (or its replica), which is why they are called custom leather gun holsters. They are not universal and generally fit only the handgun they were made for. The best leather holsters for concealed carry provide a glove-like fit and very high natural retention. Read more about the benefits of leather holsters.

WHAT GUNS ARE LEATHER HOLSTERS GOOD FOR?

Leather holsters are compatible with virtually all handguns. The two basic categories are:

• Leather revolver holsters — for example, J-frame revolver leather holsters.
• Leather holsters for semi-automatic pistols — such as 1911 leather holsters (hammer-fired) or Glock 19 leather holsters (striker-fired).

Because most modern handguns can be upgraded with aftermarket accessories, we also make red dot leather holsters, laser and light-bearing leather holsters, and leather holsters for guns equipped with both a red dot and a light.

WHAT KIND OF LEATHER IS USED FOR GUN HOLSTERS?

Most leather gun holsters are made of full-grain cowhide. Full-grain leather is thick enough to protect the handgun and prevent holster wear, and it is easy to condition and maintain. At Craft Holsters, we believe the best leather holsters are made of full-grain Italian leather.

There is also a range of less expensive holsters made of suede leather. Suede leather holsters still protect the firearm, but the material conforms to your body a bit better and is significantly lighter.

WHAT ARE THE BEST LEATHER HOLSTERS?

The best leather holster is one that is custom molded for your exact handgun. Because it is built on a blue gun matching your firearm's specs, it grants a perfect fit. For self-defense, choose a concealed carry option such as a leather IWB holster or a leather appendix holster. For open carry or duty use, choose a leather OWB, cross-draw, shoulder, chest, SOB, duty, or paddle holster, which are more comfortable and offer faster access.

The best leather holsters are also available for as many guns as possible. Our leather holsters for revolvers and semi-auto pistols fit over 2,200 gun models, and almost every design is available for both right- and left-handed shooters.

Here are the best leather holsters by Craft Holsters:

LEATHER VS KYDEX VS NYLON HOLSTER: WHICH IS BETTER?

There is no single best material — the right choice depends on your priorities. In short: choose leather for comfort and looks, Kydex for a fast, consistent draw and weather resistance, and nylon for the lowest price and flexibility. The table below compares the three.

ARE LEATHER HOLSTERS MORE COMFORTABLE THAN OTHER MATERIALS?

Yes — for most carriers, nothing beats a leather holster for comfort. Leather may feel rigid at first, but over a few weeks of use it softens slightly while keeping its molded shape, and it contours to your body, especially inside the waistband. When properly constructed, a leather holster is more comfortable than holsters made of other materials.

FEATURES OF LEATHER GUN HOLSTERS

• High carry comfort
• Molded exactly for your gun
• Shaped to fit the specifics of your gun
• Little sign of wear even after years
• High natural retention
• Glove-like fit that lasts a lifetime
• Available for over 2,200 gun models
• Available in mahogany and black
• A great choice for right- and left-handed shooters
• Suitable for open & concealed carry
• Old World craftsmanship with a modern touch
• More durable than other materials
• A great fit for valuable handguns
• Entirely handmade and hand-engraved
• Double-stitched for increased durability
• Backed by a Lifetime Warranty

PROS AND CONS OF LEATHER HOLSTERS

Benefits of leather holsters

• Perfect fit for your firearm
• High natural retention
• Entirely handmade
• Great carry comfort
• Super durable and long-lasting

Drawbacks of leather holsters

• Will not pass higher retention-level tests
• Sometimes require a break-in period
• More expensive than other materials

LEATHER HOLSTERS FAQ

WHO ARE LEATHER HOLSTERS GOOD FOR?

Leather holsters are a great choice for anyone who values comfort, traditional craftsmanship, and a classic look. Thanks to the molding techniques used in production, leather holsters deliver a custom fit and high natural retention, which makes them well suited to everyday concealed carriers, open carriers who want all-day comfort, and owners of valuable handguns who want the best protection for their firearm.

DO I NEED A GUN BELT FOR A LEATHER HOLSTER?

For a leather belt holster, yes — you should also use a proper gun belt. You can carry without one, but it is not advisable because your safety and comfort suffer. You can attach a leather holster to any gun belt, though pairing it with a leather gun belt is ideal. For holsters carried elsewhere on the body (for example, a leather shoulder holster) a belt is not required, but tie-down straps can attach to your belt to increase stability.

HOW DO I BREAK IN A LEATHER HOLSTER?

If you buy one of the best leather holsters above, you most likely will not need any break-in. If your new holster feels too tight, follow our Leather Holster Break-in Guide, which explains how to stretch a leather holster and how to extend a leather strap. To make sure you have everything you need, get a Leather Holster Break-in Kit.

HOW DO I CONDITION AND CLEAN A LEATHER HOLSTER?

Genuine leather holsters can last a lifetime, but regular care helps. For step-by-step guidance on cleaning and maintaining your holster, see our guide on Leather Holster Care and Maintenance.

Check out other holsters

Be sure to check out the other carry styles we offer:

• IWB Holsters
• OWB Holsters
• Appendix Holsters
• Belly Band Holsters
• Chest Holsters
• Cross Draw Holsters
• Drop Leg Holsters
• Duty Holsters
• Paddle Holsters
• Shoulder Holsters
• Small Of Back Holsters
• Light Bearing Holsters
• Red Dot Sight Holsters
• Light And Red Dot Holsters
• Kydex Holsters
• Nylon Holsters
• Ankle Holsters
• Concealed Carry Holsters
• Pocket Holsters