Are Belly Band Holsters Safe? How to pick a safe belly band holster.

Concealed carry at the belly is an easy option for women or men. But how safe are belly band holsters?

In my last article, I looked at carrying options for women from head to toe and wanted to take a closer look at the belly band holster.

A belly band is not exactly the same as an Inside Waist Band holster or IWB. As you do not need a belt or clip on holster. A belly band is usually soft fabric that is adjustable. Most belly bands go above your waist, but you can wear them high or low.

Belly band holster carry is good for men or women, just check the sizes before you purchase!

Pros of the belly band holster

Sporty.

Wear during a variety of sporting activities where you do not have a belt. Track pants, shorts, jogging, walking, a belly band can be just what you need.

Adjustable carry position.

Go around the clock, till you find the best place on your waist to carry. Can also be worn high or low on your waist.

On your body.

You always have your gun with you and do not need to worry about staying attached and in control of a bag. You can wear clothing that does not require a belt.

Extra pockets.

Often there are magazine holders as well as a pocket for credit cards, ccw card, and keys

Con’s of the belly band holster

Often No trigger guards.

Somtimes, the trigger is only covered by stretchy fabric and you can feel the trigger through the fabric.

Check sizes.

A lot of bands are made for a bigger belly and if they make one size to fit all there can be too much overlap. Measure at your belly button for most belly band holsters.

Difficult draw.

There are many different types of retaining straps. A lot may take two hands to get your pistol out.

Sweaty

Though belly bands are mostly made of perforated neoprene, they can still get warm. You will have to clean your gun after any sporting activity to protect from rust.

Why I can’t recommend just any belly band holster

I get stuck on that one con of no trigger guard.

By the nature of most belly band holsters, there is a problem with safety. Without a hard trigger guard, you could access the trigger while wearing the band.

A difficult draw that requires two hands is also a problem.

A lot of the retaining straps in belly bands are Velcro, some are magnetic, and some are a piece of elastic that does not even detach. Accessing the gun with one hand is another safety feature I would have to add, along with a trigger guard.

Belly holsters with a trigger guard and one-hand release.

Tatica Belly Band Holster

The Tactica belly band has a hard shell to suit your gun, left or right hand draw and an adjustable draw tension. Choose your waist size, then your make of pistol from their extensive range.

Cons of this holster are that you cannot adjust the angle of the pistol

There are no extra pockets for gear or magazines.

Because of the hard shell, you will not be able to clock around your body and it is best in the front position.

CrossBreed Modular Belly Band Holster

This will give you a hard-shell holster for safety and a belly band for versatility.

First you get the band, then you could get a hook and loop hard shell holsters to mount your particular pistol and draw hand.

When you wear this belly band, they cover the hook and loop holster with an addition band of Velcro for added security

Check here to get the holster to suit your pistol

They also have a sewn-in pouch for magazines and a small bag that is removable with a hook and loop for your cards and such.

One big con is the draw is not adjustable.

If you are looking for a hook and loop holster to go in this belt that is adjustable check out the holsters by Alien Gear.

DTOM Belly Band Holster

If the hard shell is holding you back because of the price, this belly holster will not break the bank. Maybe it is a good start till you know that concealed carry at the belly is for you and which pistol you like best if you have a choice.

If this belly band holster works, you could always upgrade to the hard-shell options mentioned above.

This belly band holster has a thumb break elastic strap so you can draw with one hand. Being that you are pulling from a fabric elastic holster, it will feel different than a Kydex draw holster.

The hard fabric is the trigger guard, and it covers left or right hand draw.

Pros are the price, this is an inexpensive holster at under $20! Most hardshell belly holster options add up to $80 plus.

Ambidextrous, left or right hand draw with trigger protection.

You can carry your pistol in a variety of positions, because of no hard holster.

It has a mag holder, and a removable pocket for the small essentials.

You do not have to buy it for a specific pistol, it will fit a variety of small to medium size guns.

Fits Small to Medium Size Guns Such as Glk 19, 17, 42, 43, Ruger LC9, SR9c, XD Compact

Cons are that it is an elastic fabric holster and if you practice a lot it can wear out or be snaggy.  

Advertising as one size fits most means you should be prepared for some overlap on a smaller waist.

General things to consider with any belly band holster.

For all belly band holsters, you should measure your waist in several places, especially if you want to wear it low or high. It is a good idea to measure sitting as well as standing.

You are going to get a little warm with a tight band around your middle, and as I said earlier you will need to clean your gun to remove any sweat. But if carrying on the run is important to you; the extra cleaning will just become a routine.

Lots of belly bands do not have any type of trigger guard. What you gain in safety you lose in price and adjustability of where you can wear your pistol. I believe safety is the most important.