The Glock 43X is arguably the perfect balance of capacity and slimness, making it a top choice for concealed carry. However, because of its slim design and longer grip, finding a holster that prevents "printing" while remaining comfortable for 12+ hours a day is essential.
This guide combines real-world testing and premium leather craftsmanship to bring you the 7 best Glock 43X holsters for appendix carry, IWB, OWB, and specialized setups like light-bearing or red-dot configurations. If you want a holster that disappears under a T-shirt and lasts a lifetime, this list is for you.
BEST GLOCK 43X HOLSTERS AND CARRY STYLES
When searching for the best Glock 43X concealed carry holster, the focus is usually on two things: slimness and accessibility. The best IWB holster for Glock 43X takes advantage of the pistol's 1.1-inch width, allowing it to sit almost flush against your body. For those who prioritize speed, the best appendix holster for Glock 43X offers a streamlined draw that is hard to beat in self-defense scenarios.
If you prefer carrying outside the waistband, the best OWB holster for Glock 43X must have a high-ride design to ensure the grip stays tucked against your ribs. Whether you are looking for the ruggedness of a daily work rig or the discretion of a formal-wear setup, each holster in this guide is selected to enhance the G43X’s natural concealment capabilities.
Top 7 Best Glock 43X Holsters
Before we dive into the details, use this comparison table to quickly identify which Glock 43X holster fits your lifestyle, carry position, and material preference.
| No. | Holster | Carry Style | Material | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Open Muzzle IWB Holster | IWB | Premium Leather | All-day comfort & concealment |
| 2 | Leather IWB Holster w/ Steel Clip | IWB | Premium Leather | Minimalist carry, easy on/off |
| 3 | Leather AIWB Holster w/ Mag Pouch | Appendix (AIWB) | Premium Leather | Self-defense, extra capacity |
| 4 | Kydex IWB Holster w/ Steel Clip | IWB / Appendix | Genuine Kydex | Fast draw, rugged durability |
| 5 | Open Top Leather Belt Holster | OWB | Premium Leather | Comfortable OWB concealment |
| 6 | Leather Shoulder Holster System | Shoulder | Premium Leather | Driving, office, winter carry |
| 7 | Leather Belt Holster for Gun w/ Light | OWB (Light) | Premium Leather | G43X + Tactical Lights |
Best Glock 43X concealed carry holsters
Open Muzzle Leather IWB Holster — Best Glock 43X IWB Holster
This is the classic leather IWB holster perfected for the slim profile of the Glock 43X. It offers exceptional comfort thanks to its full-grain, premium leather body that naturally conforms to your waistline, eliminating the poking and prodding often felt with Kydex. The reinforced mouth keeps the holster open for safe and smooth one-handed reholstering, while the open-muzzle design ensures compatibility with threaded barrels and different slide lengths, making it a versatile choice for any G43X setup.
Best for: Everyday carry, strong-side IWB (3 to 5 o'clock), and those who prioritize all-day comfort.
Pros
✔ Exceptional comfort that improves over time
✔ Reinforced mouth for safe one-handed reholstering
✔ Streamlined profile for maximum concealment
✔ Hand-molded precision for perfect retention
✔ Open muzzle fits threaded barrels and multiple slide lengths
✔ Durable steel clip for secure attachment
Cons
✘ Not ideal for thick weapon lights
✘ Requires a short break-in period
Leather IWB Holster w Clip — Best Minimalist IWB Holster
The Glock 43X is designed for deep concealment, and this holster honors that by keeping bulk to an absolute minimum. It is the perfect "grab-and-go" option, featuring a high-tempered steel clip that allows you to secure the holster to your belt in seconds without needing to unbuckle. Despite its minimalist footprint, it offers a high sweat guard that protects the gun’s slide from corrosive body oils and prevents the cold metal from digging into your skin. It provides the security of a custom-molded fit with the simplicity of a clip-on design.
Best for: Deep concealment, minimalist carry, and those who need to quickly put on or take off their holster throughout the day.
Pros
✔ Extremely slim profile with zero added bulk
✔ Fast on/off design thanks to the sturdy, high-tempered steel clip
✔ Premium hand-molded leather ensures the G43X clicks into place
✔ High sweat guard protects both the firearm and your skin
✔ Excellent concealment even under light summer clothing
✔ Double-stitched at pressure points for long-term durability
Cons
✘ No concealment claw for maximum grip tucking
✘ Single clip design may rotate slightly during extreme movement
Best Appendix holster for Glock 43X
Leather AIWB Holster w/ Mag Pouch — Best All-In-One Appendix Rig
The Glock 43X offers a great 10+1 capacity, but for many, carrying a spare magazine is a non-negotiable for everyday carry. This appendix rig combines a custom-molded leather holster with an attached magazine pouch into one seamless, handcrafted piece. By spreading the footprint across your waistline, it balances the weight of the gun against the magazine, providing a more stable and centered feel. The premium leather is much more forgiving against the skin than Kydex, making appendix carry comfortable even when sitting or driving.
Best for: Appendix carry (AIWB), tactical preparedness, and balancing weight for all-day carry.
Pros
✔ Integrated magazine pouch for instant backup capacity
✔ Better weight distribution across the front of the belt
✔ Premium leather comfort for sensitive appendix carry
✔ Hand-molded fit for both the pistol and the spare mag
✔ Slim profile that disappears under a loose shirt
✔ Smooth, hand-burnished edges to prevent chafing
Cons
✘ Larger footprint takes up more room on the belt
✘ Not ideal for carry positions other than appendix
Best Kydex holster for Glock 43X
Kydex IWB Holster w/ Steel Clip — Best Kydex Holster for G43X
For those who prefer a modern, tactical approach to EDC, this Kydex holster is the perfect match for the Glock 43X. It offers an incredibly thin profile and a very distinct "click" when the gun is seated, giving you 100% confidence that your firearm is secure. Unlike leather, Kydex is completely maintenance-free and won't absorb moisture or sweat, making it an excellent choice for humid climates or high-intensity activities where durability and speed are the top priorities.
Best for: Fast draws, humid climates, and those who prefer a rigid, maintenance-free setup.
Pros
✔ Instant, audible "click" retention for maximum confidence
✔ Ultra-slim and lightweight design with minimal footprint
✔ Maintenance-free material that doesn't absorb sweat or moisture
✔ Adjustable retention screw for a personalized draw feel
✔ Strong steel clip that provides rock-solid belt security
✔ Precision-molded specifically for the Glock 43X frame
Cons
✘ Harder surface may be less comfortable against the skin than leather
✘ Can be louder during the draw and reholstering
best glock 43x owb holster
Leather Open Top Holster “Panther” — Best OWB Holster for Glock 19
Because the Glock 43X is so thin, this pancake-style OWB holster allows you to carry outside the waistband while still maintaining a very low profile. It is designed to pull the gun’s grip tight against your ribs, which is the key to successful OWB concealment. The dual-slot belt attachment spreads the weight of the firearm across a larger area, making it feel almost weightless. For those who find IWB carry uncomfortable, this holster offers a perfect blend of high-end leather craftsmanship and all-day stability.
Best for: OWB concealment, range days, and maximum all-day comfort.
Pros
✔ High-ride design for improved concealment under light cover
✔ Excellent weight distribution across the belt
✔ Wide-set belt slots pull the gun tight to the body
✔ Open-top design for an unobstructed, fast draw
✔ Premium leather that protects the gun's finish
✔ Hand-molded for a perfect, secure fit
Cons
✘ Requires an untucked shirt or jacket for full concealment
✘ Takes up more horizontal space on the belt
best shoulder holster for glock 43x
Leather Shoulder Holster System — Best for Driving & Office Carry
Finding a high-quality leather holster for a Glock 43X equipped with a tactical light (like the Streamlight TLR-7 sub or TLR-6) can be a challenge. Most light-bearing options are bulky Kydex, but this model provides the premium feel and comfort of leather without sacrificing a custom fit. It is precision-molded to the specific light and gun combination, ensuring the trigger guard is fully protected and the retention is reliable. For those who refuse to choose between a tactical advantage and all-day comfort, this is the perfect solution.
Best For: Glock 43X users with weapon lights, low-light self-defense, and OWB carry.
Pros
✔ Total relief from belt pressure and waistband discomfort
✔ Extremely accessible while seated or wearing a seatbelt
✔ Includes a double magazine pouch for balanced weight
✔ Fully adjustable harness for a tailored, comfortable fit
✔ Hand-burnished edges and premium finish for professional use
✔ Vertical design prevents the muzzle from pointing behind you
Cons
✘ Requires a jacket or cover garment at all times
Best holster for Glock 43X with light
Leather Belt Holster for Gun with Light — Best Light-Bearing G43X Holster
Finding a high-quality leather holster for a Glock 43X equipped with a tactical light (like the Streamlight TLR-7 sub or TLR-6) can be a challenge. Most light-bearing options are bulky Kydex, but this model provides the premium feel and comfort of leather without sacrificing a custom fit. It is precision-molded to the specific light and gun combination, ensuring the trigger guard is fully protected and the retention is reliable. For those who refuse to choose between a tactical advantage and all-day comfort, this is the perfect solution.
Best For: Glock 43X users with weapon lights, low-light self-defense, and OWB carry.
Pros
✔ Custom-molded for specific light/laser models for a perfect fit
✔ Combines the comfort of leather with tactical light functionality
✔ High-ride OWB position for easier concealment under layers
✔ Precise molding ensures the light doesn't snag during the draw
✔ Premium leather construction protects optics and lights from scratches
✔ Reinforced stitching at high-stress points for long-term durability
Cons
✘ Naturally bulkier than non-light-bearing holsters
✘ Requires a sturdy gun belt to support the extra weight of the light
How to Choose the Best holster for Glock 43X
The Glock 43X is a specialized tool—it’s a "Slimline" pistol designed specifically for deep concealment. Because of its unique dimensions (a sub-compact slide paired with a compact-sized grip), choosing the right holster requires a few specific considerations.
- Concealment vs. Grip Length: The G43X has a longer grip than the standard G43. If you carry in the Appendix (AIWB) position, look for a holster with a concealment claw or wing. This helps rotate the grip toward your body to prevent it from "printing" through your shirt.
- IWB vs. OWB: Because the 43X is so thin (only 1.1 inches), it is the king of IWB (Inside the Waistband) carry. However, if you prefer OWB (Outside the Waistband), choose a "Pancake" style leather holster. These pull the gun tight to the body, taking advantage of the slim frame for a very low profile.
- Material Choice: Leather is often preferred for the G43X because it adds a layer of soft comfort to an otherwise rigid, slim gun. Kydex is great for a fast, tactical draw, but for 12+ hours of daily wear, premium leather offers a better "break-in" experience.
FAQs
The most comfortable option is a premium leather IWB holster, such as the Open Muzzle Leather IWB. Unlike rigid plastic, leather breathes and molds to your body’s shape over time, eliminating the poking and prodding common with slim-frame pistols. For those who spend a lot of time sitting, a shoulder holster is the most comfortable alternative as it removes all weight from the waistband.
The most common issue is "printing" caused by its full-size grip. While the slide is slim and easy to hide, the longer grip can poke through thin clothing. This is easily solved by using a holster with a concealment claw or a high-ride pancake-style holster that pulls the frame tight against your ribs. For a deeper look at this and other common issues, check out our guide on the 4 most common Glock 43X problems.
Yes, it is widely considered one of the best concealed carry pistols on the market. It perfectly bridges the gap between the ultra-compact Glock 43 and the larger Glock 19, offering a 10+1 capacity in a "Slimline" frame. Its thin 1.1-inch profile makes it incredibly easy to hide, while the full-size grip ensures a secure hold and better recoil control for most shooters.
The Glock 43X is popular because it offers the ideal balance of capacity and slimness. It provides a full-size grip for better control and a 10+1 round capacity, yet maintains a "Slimline" 1.1-inch width that is much easier to conceal than a standard Glock 19. It essentially combines the shootability of a larger gun with the deep concealment of a sub-compact.
If the fit feels too tight initially, place your unloaded G43X into a thin plastic bag (like a grocery bag) and insert it into the holster. Let it sit overnight to slightly stretch the fibers for a perfect, smooth draw. For a more detailed step-by-step process, follow our comprehensive Leather Holster Break-in Guide.
Conclusion
The Glock 43X is a top-tier choice for concealed carry, but its performance depends entirely on how you carry it. Choosing a holster that matches your lifestyle—whether it’s the all-day comfort of premium leather, the tactical speed of Kydex, or the utility of an appendix rig—is the final step in perfecting your EDC setup.
By selecting one of these top-rated holsters, you ensure your G43X remains secure, accessible, and comfortable enough to carry every single day. Don't settle for a generic fit; give your Glock the custom-molded protection it deserves.
