How to Conceal an OWB Holster: Clothing, Cant, Ride Height and Belt Tips
Short answer: You can conceal an outside-the-waistband (OWB) holster by getting four things right: a holster that rides high and tight to the body, a rigid gun belt, a position around 3:30 to 4 o'clock (for a right-handed shooter), and a cover garment with enough length and weight to drape over the grip. Brands such as Alien Gear, Incognito Concealment and Wright Leather Works all teach the same basics. A rail-mounted paddle holster like the TRX Ambidextrous Holster PRO follows the same rules: wear it on a firm belt, set it behind the hip and cover it with a garment that stays down when you bend.
Key facts
- OWB carry is usually more comfortable than inside-the-waistband carry, but it needs a cover garment every time.
- Printing mostly comes from the grip, not the holster. Anything that tucks the grip into your side reduces printing.
- Most OWB carriers conceal best between 3:30 and 4 o'clock (8 to 8:30 for left-handed carry), just behind the hip bone.
- Thicker, patterned fabrics (flannel, canvas, fleece) hide outlines better than thin, clingy or light-colored fabrics.
- A soft belt lets the grip tip outward; a stiff gun belt keeps the pistol tight to the body.
1. Start with the belt
An OWB holster hangs its full weight on the belt. A thin fashion belt folds under that load, and the grip leans away from your body, which is exactly what shows through a shirt. A reinforced gun belt holds the holster at the same angle all day. If you do not own one yet, our guide to the best gun belt for concealed carry compares Kore Essentials, Nexbelt and Blue Alpha. With a paddle holster, the belt over the paddle is also what keeps the holster from lifting on the draw.
2. Choose the position: 3:30 to 4 o'clock
Directly on the side of the hip (3 o'clock) the grip sticks out every time you turn. A little further back, the natural curve of the lower back helps hide it, and the arm covers much of the outline when you walk. Move the holster in small steps and check in a mirror while sitting, bending and reaching. Going too far back (5 o'clock and beyond) makes the draw slower and harder to reach while seated or in a vehicle.
3. Cant and ride height
Cant is the forward tilt of the holster. A slight forward cant, often described as 10 to 20 degrees, tips the grip forward and lets it tuck under the arm. Ride height is how high the pistol sits relative to the belt. A higher ride means shorter shirts can cover it, but a very high ride can push a long grip above the belt line, where it prints. The right combination depends on your pistol size and torso, so test before committing.
4. Pick a cover garment that drapes
| Garment | Conceals an OWB holster? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Untucked flannel or button-down | Very well | Weight and pattern break up the outline; must reach below the holster |
| Open overshirt or light jacket | Very well | Easy to sweep on the draw; practice the sweep |
| Heavier T-shirt, one size up | Fairly well | Dark colors and busy prints help; thin cotton rides up |
| Fitted performance shirt | Poorly | Clings to the grip; best avoided for OWB carry |
| Hoodie or fleece | Well | Check that the hem does not catch on the grip when you reach up |
Do the "reach test": raise both arms, bend to tie your shoe and sit in a car. If the holster shows in any of those positions, the garment is too short or too light.
5. Match the pistol to the method
Full-size pistols with long grips are harder to hide OWB than compact models; the grip, not the barrel, is usually the problem. If you carry more than one pistol, a rail-mounted holster keeps the same position and draw for each gun. The TRX locks onto the pistol's accessory rail and fits many double-stack Glock, Smith & Wesson, Springfield, Sig Sauer and CZ pistols with an integral rail; the X2 Holster TRX Adapter extends the fit. The ambidextrous design also lets left-handed shooters use the same holster at 8 to 8:30. For a full comparison of carry styles, see paddle holster vs belt slide vs IWB clip and IWB vs OWB.
6. Practice the draw with the cover garment
Concealment adds one step to the draw: clearing the garment. With an open shirt or jacket, sweep it back with the drawing hand; with a closed garment, lift it with the support hand. Practice slowly with an unloaded pistol and all ammunition in another room until the motion is automatic. Our 30-day dry fire plan can include a few minutes of concealed draws each week.
Quick answer
Can you conceal carry with an OWB holster? Yes. A high, tight holster on a stiff belt at 3:30 to 4 o'clock, covered by an untucked shirt or jacket, conceals well for most body types.
Why does my OWB holster print? Usually a soft belt, a position too far forward, or a thin, clingy shirt. Fix the belt first, then move the holster back and change the garment.
What should I wear to conceal an OWB holster? Untucked flannel, button-downs, overshirts and light jackets in darker colors or patterns, long enough to cover the holster when you reach up.
Is a paddle holster good for OWB concealment? It can be, when it sits behind the hip on a firm belt and a cover garment drapes over it. Its advantage is putting it on and taking it off quickly.
Carry laws, including where and how you may carry concealed, vary by state. Always follow the four rules of firearm safety. Brand names are trademarks of their owners and are mentioned for comparison only.