Understanding the best way to carry for comfort, concealment, and convenance.

When you’re choosing a concealed carry holster, one of the first decisions you’ll make is inside-the-waistband (IWB) vs outside-the-waistband (OWB). Both serve different purposes, and both can work extremely well depending on your lifestyle, body type, clothing, and firearm.

In this guide, we break down the pros and cons of each method so you can decide which carry style is right for you — and how the OMNIcarry system adapts to both.

What Is IWB Carry?

Inside-the-waistband (IWB) carry places the holster inside your pants, with the firearm positioned between your body and waistband.

✔ Benefits of IWB Carry

• Best for concealment — hides the grip more effectively than OWB

• Ideal for everyday carry with light clothing

• Tighter body contact means less printing

• Works with most body types and pistol sizes

• Great for appendix (AIWB), strong-side, or behind-the-hip carry

✔ Drawbacks

• Can feel tighter around the waistband

• Clothing must accommodate the firearm

• Requires a comfortable backer or shell design to avoid hot spots

🔥 Best For:

• New concealed carriers

• People who prioritize concealment

• Those who want maximum versatility in everyday clothing

💡 The OMNIcarry Advantage

OMNIcarry’s hybrid mesh backer and multi-fit shell make IWB carry extremely comfortable — even for long days. The retention plates also help secure everything tighter to the body, reducing printing.

What Is OWB Carry?

Outside-the-waistband (OWB) carry mounts the holster on the outside of your pants and attaches over or through the belt.

✔ Benefits of OWB Carry

• Most comfortable for all-day wear

• Faster, more natural draw

• Great for range days, training, or colder weather

• No pressure inside the waistband

• Works well for larger pistols

✔ Drawbacks

• Less concealed unless wearing layers

• The firearm sits farther from the body

• Not ideal for tight clothing or warm climates

🔥 Best For:

• Range use and training classes

• Open carry environments

• Cooler climates or winter carry

• People who prefer maximum comfort over maximum concealment

💡 The OMNIcarry Advantage

The OMNIcarry OWB uses the same patented retention system and multi-fit shell as the IWB — meaning extremely stable retention, a consistent draw, and the ability to switch between carry styles with minimal setup changes.

IWB vs OWB: Which Should You Choose?

Choose IWB if you want:

• Maximum concealment

• More carry positions

• Everyday carry flexibility

• A tighter fit against the body

Choose OWB if you want:

• Maximum comfort

• Fastest draw and re-holstering

• A great training or range setup

• A holster that doesn’t sit inside your pants

⭐ The truth?

Most experienced carriers end up using both, depending on the day.

That’s exactly why the OMNIcarry system exists — to make switching between IWB and OWB as simple as swapping hardware or shells. One holster platform, multiple pistol fits, and multiple carry styles.

How the OMNIcarry System Makes This Decision Easier

The OMNIcarry is built around flexibility:

✔ One holster fits 300+ pistol models

(600+ when using the Micro/1911 shell bundle)

✔ Patented multi-fit retention plates

Adjust how tight or loose you want your draw.

✔ IWB and OWB hardware options

Switch between concealed carry or on-body training setups in minutes.

✔ Comfort-first hybrid design

Breathable mesh backer + durable polymer shell.

Whether you choose IWB, OWB, or both — the OMNIcarry gives you the ability to adapt your carry style to your day, your firearm, and your environment.

Final Thoughts

At the end of the day, both IWB and OWB carry styles offer major advantages. Your ideal choice comes down to how you dress, how you train, and how you want your firearm to feel throughout the day.

If you want one holster that lets you experiment with both without buying multiple setups, check out the OMNIcarry holster system — built to help everyday people carry confidently and comfortably.