More and more firearms owners are taking the next step in firearm ownership through concealed carry. But let’s be honest—carrying all day can sometimes feel uncomfortable if your setup isn’t optimized. As someone who carries daily, I’ve learned a few key strategies to ensure comfort without sacrificing safety or accessibility. Here are my top five tips for comfortable concealed carry, focusing on holster placement, clothing choices, and minimizing printing. Spoiler alert: having the right Kydex holster makes all the difference.

1. Choose the Right Holster Placement

One of the most critical factors for all-day comfort is holster placement. Different positions work better for different body types and activities, so it’s essential to find what’s best for you.

• Appendix Carry (AIWB): My personal choice. Appendix carry is great for quick access and minimal printing, but it’s not for everyone. Individuals with a little extra love around the midsection can find carrying this way slightly uncomfortable. Fortunately, a Kydex holster with the right features, can make AIWB surprisingly comfortable. We'll go over some tips on this down below.
• Strong Side Carry (3 o’clock to 5 o’clock): This is a popular choice for many concealed carriers, offering balance between accessibility and comfort. The main downside to strong side carry is printing becomes an issue as you increase the size of your firearm.
• Small of Back (SOB): While some find this comfortable, it’s less recommended due to potential spinal injury risks if you fall. It's also the least accessible mode of carry, and you're going to print the second you bend down even the slightest bit.

Experiment with placement to see what aligns with your daily movements. A well-made Kydex holster allows for adjustments, ensuring it fits your preferred position perfectly.

2. Invest in High-Quality Kydex Holsters

The foundation of comfortable concealed carry is your holster. A Kydex holster offers several advantages that make carrying all day more manageable:

• Custom Fit: Kydex holsters are molded to your specific firearm, ensuring secure retention and reducing the risk of shifting.
• Slim Profile: Unlike bulky leather or soft nylon holsters, Kydex holsters have a slim design, reducing discomfort and making them ideal for concealed carry.
• Sweat Resistance: For those who carry in hot climates or are active throughout the day, Kydex’s resistance to sweat is a game-changer.
• Adjustability: Many Kydex holsters come with adjustable retention, cant, and ride height, letting you tailor the fit to your needs.

3. Wear the Right Clothing/Belt

What you wear can make or break your concealed carry experience. The key is to balance comfort, concealment, and practicality.

• Avoid Tight-Fitting Clothes: Tight shirts or pants can make printing more noticeable and reduce your comfort level.
• Invest In A Good Belt: Belts meant for concealed carry are a game changer. The structure of the belt distributes the weight of your firearm evenly around the hips. They increase comfort, and decrease printing considerably. Some good brands to check out are Kore, Nexbelt, Groove, and Magpul.
• Layering Helps: A light jacket, flannel, or untucked button-up shirt can help mask printing while keeping your firearm accessible.
• Consider Stretch Fabrics: Modern clothing with stretch material provides flexibility and comfort, especially around the waistband where your holster sits.

Pro tip: Darker clothes tend to work better than lighter clothes.

4. Minimize Printing

Printing—when the outline of your firearm is visible through your clothing—can be a giveaway that you’re carrying. To avoid this, pay attention to your setup and posture.

• Opt for a Smaller Setup: Is it cool to carry a full size gun with a 1000 lumen light and red dot? Of course it is, but maybe during the heat of summer, that T-shirt isn't going to be enough to hide it. Opting for smaller firearms such as a Glock 43 or SIG P365 when weather doesn't permit those extra layers can be a way to carry comfortably without worrying as much about attire.
• Adjust Cant and Ride Height: This is where I give those tips on AIWB carry for us guys with the extra love in the mid section. Adjusting the ride height of your holster can dramatically improve comfort and concealability. Investing in a good set of droppable clips like the HLR MOD 4 from Discreet Carry Concepts has allowed me to keep carrying appendix despite my wife's incredible baking.
• Practice Good Posture: Slouching can make printing far more noticeable, so keep that chest out and keep your firearm positioned correctly.

5. Test Your Setup Throughout the Day

Comfort isn’t something you achieve instantly; it requires testing and fine-tuning your setup. Spend time wearing your holster around the house, during errands, and even while sitting for extended periods. This will help you identify and address any pressure points or adjustments needed. Also remember to practice dry fire. I like to do several reps each time a put my holster on. This helps me identify any issues with what I might be wearing that day before it could become a real issue. 

Here’s what to focus on:

• Retention: Ensure your firearm stays secure in the holster without being difficult to draw.
• Access: Practice drawing and reholstering to confirm that your setup allows for smooth operation.
• Discretion: Check in a mirror to see if your setup is printing and make adjustments as needed.

Pro tip: You are far more aware of your holster/firearm than anyone else is around you. Even if you are printing slightly, most people will never know you are carrying. Just make sure you aren't fussing with your holster or constantly looking down to make sure you aren't printing. That's an easy way to draw unwanted attention.

Why Kydex Holsters Are the Key to All-Day Comfort

This is the part where I shamelessly add a plug for our holsters. Kydex holsters in general provide a unique combination of comfort, durability, and reliability that other materials simply can’t match. With features like customizable retention and sweat resistance, they’re ideal for both inside-the-waistband (IWB) and outside-the-waistband (OWB) carry. At Risen Holster Co. LLC, we specialize in high-quality custom and quick ship Kydex holsters designed to meet the needs of everyday carriers. Whether you’re heading to work, running errands, or spending a day outdoors, our holsters help you stay comfortable and confident. You can shop all that we have to offer here.

Conclusion

Carrying concealed all day doesn’t have to be uncomfortable. By choosing the right holster placement, investing in a high-quality Kydex holster, wearing the right clothing, and minimizing printing, you can stay comfortable while keeping your firearm secure. Remember, comfort comes with practice and fine-tuning your setup to suit your unique needs. 

Ready to upgrade your carry experience? Check out Risen Holster Co.’s selection of custom Kydex holsters and find your perfect fit today!