The Inside Waistband method is one of the most concealable ways to carry a smaller handgun. There are many styles of holsters and many ways to carry concealed, but IWB leather has always had a practical appeal when the gun is light enough and the holster fits right.

IWB Holsters by The Southern Trapper

The Inside Waistband is a very good method. I do not always get to utilize it, but when I do, I use the newer holsters from The Southern Trapper, including the examples shown here for smaller Colt pistols.

IWB Holsters by The Southern Trapper for Colt 1903 Pocket Hammerless and Colt Mustang
The metal clip and alligator strap show two different ways to secure an IWB holster.

Metal Clip or Alligator Strap

Note the metal clip on the Mustang holster versus the alligator strap and snap on the 1903 holster. You will not go wrong with either option. The clip goes on and off faster, but the strap seems to add an extra measure of security.

All three guns for which Greg has IWB holsters are smaller caliber guns: two .380s and that old 1903 in .32 ACP. Smaller frame pistols work better for me than larger, heavier guns when it comes to tucking them in this manner.

Inside waistband holster
An older inside waistband holster example.

Older Example

The best holster is the one you are most comfortable with and will use. There is a lot of variety to choose from, and while I use different guns and different holsters all the time, IWB remains one of the most concealable approaches.

Inside waistband holster old example
A second older IWB example from the collection.
IWB holster being worn
How the IWB holster rides when worn.

The details matter: mouth reinforcement, clip placement, sweat shield shape, stitching, and how the holster carries the pistol against the body.

IWB Holster gallery image one
IWB Holster gallery image two
IWB Holster gallery image three
IWB Holster gallery image four
There is an entire section of this website dedicated to Gun Leather, old and new.

Where This Fits in the Gun Leather Section

This article is part of the larger Gun Leather section. The goal is to keep the leather pages connected so readers can move naturally from one carry method or case style to another.

Gun Leather Hub

The main entry point for holsters, cases, magazine carriers, and vintage leather.

Inside Waistband Holsters

Concealment, clips, straps, and smaller frame pistols carried IWB.

Outside Waistband Holsters

Belt holsters, jackets, old Bucheimer leather, and OWB practical use.

Shoulder Holsters

Custom shoulder rigs, vintage examples, and collector-grade craftsmanship.

From My Bench

For storage, cleaning, reference books, range supplies, and bench items that support a collection, I keep a curated gear list separate from the editorial article.

Shop IWB Holster Options

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Greg Cook

About Greg Cook

Greg Cook writes about firearms collecting, personal history, and the stories behind interesting guns. His Army MOS was 76Y, Unit Armorer, and he brings that practical background to his collector articles.