Wearing a concealed handgun comfortably, conveniently, and with proper access can be challenging for anyone, especially when you don’t have proper and well-designed holsters. Things can be even more difficult for people who are built larger or are overweight. 

Your personal protection is important and this means you should still be able to carry a handgun. The right holster can simplify things for you.

Carry Techniques & Positions

When it comes to waistband holsters, you can choose from two simple positions:

• Inside the waistband (IWB)
• Outside the waistband (OWB)

Both IWB and OWB holsters can be carried in different positions, with the most common ones being the appendix and the strong side. Before you find out what the ideal positions are for you, it is best to know the following points:

• The appendix position is usually at or beside the navel or belt buckle 
• As a right-handed shooter, the 2 o’clock position has a groove between the abdomen’s front and the hip. Larger people usually find this position more comfortable for IWB, as it doesn’t dig into the body. 
• This position will be equivalent to 10 o’clock for left-handed users
• If you have a larger abdomen, you should avoid appendix inside the waistband position for your carry.
• Consider the position between 3 o’clock and 4:30, as it will place the gun on or behind the right hip
• For left-hand users, this position should be between 7:30 and 9 o’clock

IWB Holsters for Larger People

If your body is on the larger side, IWB holsters are simply the most concealable holster options for you. It is further recommended to choose a low-profile design that doesn’t stand out against your body type. 

It is recommended to experiment with different types of holsters. You should try to sit, stand, lean, and crouch at the waist while wearing the holster. When you practice such movements, you will know if the holster or carry technique is in conjunction with your body’s shape and size.

It is important to know what even larger body mass may make it harder for you to get a full firing grip on your gun with IWB carry. It will be required to practice your draw stroke with consistency.

OWB Holsters for Larger People

Optimized OWB holsters are among the best options for larger people. This is because the position creates more space for the holster and gun. The holster is externally placed and not between your body and pants. This eliminates the need for wearing a larger pant size to make the fit.

• OWB holsters often allow users to get a full firing grip, faster and with more reliability
• They don’t make your pants fit too tight
• OWB holsters enable carrying a full-sized handgun with greater comfort

With OWB holsters, larger people will not have to deal with the slide or barrel digging into the belly or hip when they sit down or bend.

So, it is recommended to keep the above-mentioned points in mind when choosing the right carry for your larger frame or overweight body. For more help and guidance, feel free to contact Black Hills Leather at +1 (956) 436-4888. You may also send us a message at rudy@blackhillsleather.com and we will get back to you at the earliest.