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When people start exploring handgun carry options, one of the first terms they come across is OWB holster. But what does OWB actually mean? The abbreviation stands for Outside the Waistband, describing a holster that rides on the outer side of your belt or pants. This type of carry is known for its comfort, accessibility, and fast draw, making it a long-time favorite among law enforcement officers, range shooters, and civilian gun owners alike.
At Craft Holsters, we handcraft each OWB holster to match your specific firearm for a secure, precision-molded fit. Whether you prefer classic leather, modern polymer, or tactical-duty retention designs, our collection brings together Italian craftsmanship and reliable performance for every outside-the-waistband carry style.
What Does OWB Holster Mean?
The term OWB holster stands for Outside the Waistband holster, one of the most traditional and widely used handgun carry styles. Simply put, an outside waistband holster is worn on the outside of your pants, usually attached to a belt via loops, slots, or a paddle. This setup allows for comfortable and quick access to your firearm, making OWB carry ideal for open carry, range training, or duty use.
Unlike an IWB (Inside the Waistband) holster that sits concealed inside your pants, an OWB holster offers greater comfort, faster draw, and better firearm stability. While it may not conceal as easily, it provides a balanced combination of speed, accessibility, and control—a reason many professionals and enthusiasts prefer OWB carry for everyday or outdoor use.
How OWB Holsters Work
An OWB holster is designed to carry your firearm securely outside the waistband, allowing the gun to rest snugly against your body. These holsters are typically attached using belt loops, slots, or paddles, depending on the model and carry preference. The placement makes drawing your firearm smooth and instinctive, which is why many shooters choose OWB carry for range sessions, open carry, or professional duty.
Each outside waistband holster is hand-molded to fit your specific handgun model. This precise shaping ensures perfect retention, smooth draw, and long-term comfort. Whether you prefer premium leather or durable polymer, the design of our OWB holsters provides a stable carry position while keeping your weapon protected and ready for use at a moment’s notice.
OWB vs IWB: Key Differences
When choosing the right holster, one of the most common questions is whether to go with OWB (Outside the Waistband) or IWB (Inside the Waistband) carry. Both have their advantages, and the decision often depends on how you plan to carry, what you wear, and your personal comfort level.
An OWB holster rides outside your waistband, offering better comfort, easier access, and excellent stability, while an IWB holster is tucked inside your pants for maximum concealment. OWB carry is ideal for open carry, range training, and professional duty, whereas IWB carry suits everyday concealed carry where discretion is key.
Want to dive deeper into how outside waistband carry performs in real life? Check out our detailed guide on the pros and cons of OWB holsters to help you decide if this carry style is right for you.
IWB vs OWB Holster Comparison
Not sure whether to go with an IWB or OWB holster? You’re not alone. Each has its strengths — from deep concealment to quick draw and comfort. Here’s a side-by-side look at how these two popular holster types compare in everyday use.
| Feature | OWB (Outside the Waistband) | IWB (Inside the Waistband) |
|---|---|---|
| Carry Position | Outside pants, attached to the belt | Inside pants, between waistband and body |
| Comfort | Very comfortable for long wear | May feel tighter, especially when sitting |
| Concealment | Less concealable, suited for open carry | Highly concealable for everyday carry |
| Draw Speed | Faster, more natural access | Slightly slower, requires lifting clothing |
| Best Use | Range shooting, duty, open carry | Concealed carry, daily self-defense |
Common Types of OWB Holsters
When shopping for an outside waistband holster, you’ll come across several main designs. Each OWB holster type offers a unique mix of comfort, retention, and concealability, depending on how and where you carry. Understanding these differences helps you pick the model that matches your lifestyle — whether it’s daily concealed carry, range shooting, or duty use.
Pancake Holsters
Pancake holsters are among the most popular OWB designs. They feature two wide leather panels stitched together with the gun molded in between. This construction pulls the firearm close to the body for excellent stability and surprisingly good concealment, especially under a light jacket or sweatshirt.
- Pros: Secure fit, distributes weight evenly, concealable under clothing.
- Cons: Slightly slower to put on and take off compared to paddle models.
A perfect example of this style is our Leather Open Top Holster – Panther. Handmade from premium Italian leather, it features wide belt loops for a firm hold, a full sweat guard for comfort, and a slim profile that keeps your handgun close to your body.
Paddle Holsters
Paddle holsters use a contoured paddle that slides inside your waistband while the holster itself stays outside. They are known for quick on/off convenience without having to remove your belt, making them a top pick for range practice or off-duty carry.
- Pros: Easy to attach or remove, great for training or frequent holster changes.
- Cons: Slightly less stable than belt-loop options during high activity.
Our handcrafted Leather Paddle Holsters combine this convenient design with the comfort and durability of custom-molded leather construction.
Belt Holsters
Belt slide holsters, sometimes called belt side holsters, attach directly to the belt through narrow slots. They are slim, lightweight, and ideal for shooters who value minimal bulk and quick access. Because they sit close to the hip, they also offer good concealment with a cover garment.
- Pros: Low-profile design, tight ride to the body, fast draw.
- Cons: Slightly less retention than holsters with thumb breaks or locking systems.
Our Belt Side Holster exemplifies this category. Made from thin yet durable Italian leather, it’s suitable for both dominant-side and cross-draw carry, featuring a partial trigger guard cut for faster re-holstering and a secure thumb break strap for peace of mind.
Duty Holsters
Duty holsters are built for law enforcement and professional use, offering enhanced retention systems such as thumb breaks, locking levers, or even Level 2 and Level 3 retention mechanisms. They’re designed for ultimate weapon security without sacrificing accessibility during high-stress situations.
- Pros: Maximum retention, rugged construction, excellent for uniformed duty.
- Cons: Bulkier and less concealable for civilian use.
Our duty-rated holsters combine tactical-grade retention with Craft Holsters’ signature handmade craftsmanship, offering safety and performance trusted by professionals worldwide.
Comfort-Oriented OWB Holsters
For all-day carry, comfort-focused OWB holsters balance retention and ease of wear. Features like padded backs, sweat guards, and reinforced thumb breaks improve security while keeping your firearm comfortable against your body.
- Pros: Unmatched comfort, enhanced retention, suitable for long wear.
- Cons: Slightly slower draw due to the retention strap.
An excellent example is our Comfortable Leather Belt Holster - slim in design yet secure, with a thumb-break strap for extra safety and easy concealment under light outerwear.
Benefits of OWB Carry
There’s a reason many professionals, sport shooters, and everyday carriers prefer OWB carry. Wearing your firearm outside the waistband provides a unique mix of comfort, accessibility, and stability that’s hard to match with other carry methods.
- Superior Comfort: Since an OWB holster rides on the outside of your pants, it doesn’t press against your body. This makes it extremely comfortable for long wear, driving, or outdoor use.
- Faster Draw Speed: With the grip fully exposed, OWB holsters offer a faster and more natural draw. There’s no need to lift clothing or adjust your position before accessing your weapon.
- Excellent Stability: Mounted securely on a gun belt, an outside waistband holster distributes the firearm’s weight evenly. This ensures better balance and control, especially when carrying full-size handguns.
- Compatible with Larger Setups: OWB designs can easily accommodate handguns with weapon lights, optics, or compensators, which are often too bulky for IWB models.
- Timeless Aesthetics: Leather OWB holsters from Craft Holsters add a classic, professional look that never goes out of style — handcrafted, double-stitched, and molded precisely for your firearm.
Whether you’re training at the range, carrying on duty, or enjoying a day outdoors, an OWB holster delivers unmatched comfort and confidence without sacrificing accessibility.
When to Choose an OWB Holster?
Deciding between carry styles often comes down to your daily environment, wardrobe, and purpose of carry. An OWB holster shines in situations where comfort, fast access, and control matter more than deep concealment.
If you spend time at the shooting range, work in law enforcement, or frequently carry during outdoor activities like hiking or hunting, an OWB setup is ideal. The holster rides securely on the belt, allowing smooth draw and re-holstering even when wearing gloves or heavy clothing.
Many shooters also choose outside the waistband carry for home defense or training, where draw speed and comfort take priority over concealment. And with the right cover garment — such as a light jacket or overshirt — OWB carry can still remain discreet for everyday use.
FAQ about OWB Holsters
Before picking your ideal OWB holster, it’s worth clearing up some common doubts shooters often have — from concealment and legality to materials and carry comfort. Here are quick answers to the most frequent questions about outside waistband holsters.
Yes, you can conceal an outside waistband holster under a loose shirt, jacket, or hoodie. While it’s mainly designed for open carry, the right cover garment allows discreet and comfortable concealment.
OWB carry is legal in many U.S. states, but laws differ depending on whether it’s open or concealed carry. Always review your state and local firearm regulations before carrying outside the waistband.
The best material depends on your needs — leather OWB holsters offer traditional comfort and aesthetic appeal, while Kydex holsters provide rigid retention and weather resistance. Many shooters choose Craft Holsters’ Italian leather OWB models for the ideal balance of comfort and durability.
It depends on your carry goals. IWB holsters are better for deep concealment and everyday discreet carry, while OWB holsters offer superior comfort, faster draw, and easier access. Many shooters keep both to match different carry situations.
Conclusion
Now that you understand the outside waistband holster meaning, it’s clear why this classic carry style remains one of the most trusted choices among shooters worldwide. An OWB holster combines superior comfort, excellent draw speed, and reliable stability — all essential qualities for range training, open carry, or professional duty.
At Craft Holsters, we take pride in crafting the best OWB holsters from premium Italian leather, molded precisely to your specific firearm. Each piece offers the ideal balance of style, function, and long-term durability. Whether you’re looking for a traditional belt holster or a duty-ready model with enhanced retention, our handmade outside waistband holsters deliver the comfort and precision fit your handgun deserves.
