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Although belly band holsters have become incredibly popular due to their comfort and versatility, some firearms trainers believe this type of holster is less safe than other concealed carry methods available to shooters. The Classic Firearms team is offering our perspective, providing the pros and cons of belly bands so you can make a determination for yourself.
Belly bands are frequently recommended as the ideal solution for environments where a traditional belt and holster combo is impractical or impossible for concealed carry. In fact, some models are even marketed specifically towards women or individuals who wear athletic clothing (joggers, yoga pants, basketball shorts, etc.) on a regular basis.
With a belly band, you don't need a belt to carry a concealed handgun on your person. The entire holster wraps around your waist and a reinforced elastic pocket holds your firearm in place. Plus, most manufacturers include a retention strap as well as storage for spare magazines, money clips, IDs, and other essential items in your EDC.
This allows you to conveniently carry your regular loadout even when you're dressed in sweatpants and a hoodie, or bike shorts with cycling gear. And unlike shoulder holsters, belly bands can conceal under a regular tee shirt - without the need for a jacket or additional cover garment.
Many of the design elements that make belly bands effective also limit their use to smaller, lighter handguns. For example, soft neoprene and elastic do not possess the necessary rigidity to safely support a full size steel-frame semi-auto. The potential for negligent discharge is also greater because the trigger is covered by stretchy elastic instead of a harder, more resilient material like polymer.
For many shooters, this is simply a matter of proper training and trigger discipline; however, if you're concerned about unintentional snagging, we recommend a hybrid-style belly band holster with a Kydex shell that protects the trigger guard. This style of belly band offers increased security and retention for your firearm without sacrificing comfort or convenience.
Want to find out how we set up and adapt our EDC for year-round concealed carry? Watch our video with Clint, Kaya, and Sara to learn more about different holster options and clothing considerations, as well as training recommendations to help you enhance your defensive handgun skills.
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