Carrying a firearm safely and inconspicuously is not very difficult these days. With a ton of different holster options out there, there are hundreds of options to choose from. This choice is wide and versatile if you’re a regular-sized man/woman.
But what if you have a bigger waist circumference? That extra weight around your belly requires special attention when donning a holster. Additionally, it is also quite interesting to know that not every holster design will work for big guys. Especially when choosing between concealed and open carry. To understand these ins and out’s in detail, we’ll have to dig deeper into finding a holster suitable for people with bigger bellies.
Important Factors to Consider before Choosing a Holster
If you’re a big guy and looking forward to buying a holster. There is a concise set of factors that you must keep an eye for and pre-estimate before making a choice.
Fit and Comfort
The most essential feature of a holster is to provide comfort to the wearer. This becomes even more important when you have some extra belly fat. An uncomfortable holster can cause excessive sweating and will also dig into your belly causing discomfort.
A holster will be on your body most of the time (if you carry it regularly and very often) so it is essential to get a perfect fit. Holsters with features like sweat guards and neoprene backing help with this.
A holster should also feel comfortable while walking, sitting, driving, or any other routine activity. Additionally, the size of the handgun (subcompact, compact or full-size) is also crucial in determining this.
Optimal Safety
The purpose of a holster is to hold the firearm firmly and safely. Facilitating a clear draw and easy re-holster when needed. A holster can have active or passive retention. Active retention refers to the presence of a locking/holding mechanism. This is further classified into levels one, two, and three.
It all depends upon your personal preference and the nature of use you’ll put your holster up to along with the type and size of the handgun in question.
Quick Access and Carry Position
Size is inversely proportional to mobility. A big guy knows that. With a lot of extra fat on your body, you cannot expect to flex around and grab hold of any part of your body like a skinny guy would do.
Always make sure that the holster you choose offers quick and easy access and can be worn in the best position that suits you. More on carry positions later.
Concealed Carry or Open Carry
Maybe you live in a state that allows concealed carry and has a CCW permit. Or maybe you live in a state with free open carry laws. Either way, you’ll have to choose a holster that solves your purpose. Also complying with all the factors mentioned above.
Size and Type of Handgun
Carrying a full sized, compact or subcompact handgun requires holsters of different sizes. Additionally, a holster designed for a revolver is slightly different when compared to a holster designed for a pistol.
In case you’re carrying a pistol with accessories like a flashlight or red dot. Make sure the holster is compatible with it. Additionally, if you plan on carrying different guns on different occasions in the same holster. A universal handgun holster will do the trick.
Material
The three most common materials from which holsters are made include Kydex (polymers), nylon, and leather. Each of these has its pros and cons. You can check out our detailed review of different holster materials for a better understanding.
Clothing
To ensure an overall comfortable fit and concealment, the choice of the right clothing is essential. Especially for big guys because even slim people can struggle with printing when using IWB holsters.
If concealed carry is your purpose, make sure you either wear loose-fitting clothes. Or something over the top, like a jacket or shirt.
Best Carry Position and Holster Design for Big Guys
Finding a general carry position for every big guy out there is not possible. What works for someone may not work for someone else. In order to get a perfect overview of this, let’s discuss the advantages and drawbacks of some carry positions as well as holster designs.
Carry Positions
It doesn’t really matter if you have a 250 or 300 pounds body. A thick layer of belly fat is what makes it difficult for big guys to carry a holster in common carry positions like appendix or cross-draw. Some specific holster designs do allow it, but for very few users.
Some people may have a belly so big that crossing their dominant hand over to the other side is nearly impossible. Apart from that, people wear their trousers differently. Some do it over the belly and some under it.
Due to this difficulty in reaching, an SOB (Small of Back) carry position is also not that great for some big guys.
As a general rule of thumb, the best carry position for big guys is strong-side hip carry. This can be either 2 O’Clock or 4 O’Clock. All of these are waistband carry positions and will require an IWB or OWB holster.
Every individual has a different level of flexibility in their body. Plus, you should carry your holster in a position with which you are comfortable and assured about a clear draw.
Holster Designs
Now let’s traverse through different holster designs and find out the pros and cons of each for big guys. But before I start, it is essential to emphasize that what works for one person may not work for another.
Outside the Waistband Holster
This is by far one of the most comfortable holster designs for big guys. The holster allows unhindered access with a simple and clean sweep of the hand. Since the holster rests outside the waistband, the user doesn’t have to meddle with a tight belt or fumble.
The best carry positions with an OWB holster are 3 O’Clock and 6 O’Clock positions on strong side hip carry. These holsters work flawlessly no matter if you’re sitting or standing.
OWB holsters can either have a belt loop (to be slid over the belt) or a paddle mechanism that snags onto the trouser’s waistline. Belt holsters are generally more comfortable for big guys because there’s no paddle to dig which causes sweating.
Inside the Waistband Holster
An IWB holster is mostly suited for lean, slim, or average-bodied people. Since the firearm rests, well, inside the waistband. So a person having an excess lump of belly fat may struggle when reaching the firearm.
But as I already said, size differs from person to person. A bigger guy with lesser belly fat can even do an appendix carry with an IWB holster. So it’s better you try it out first.
IWB holsters are known to offer better concealment. But it also depends upon the clothing.
Shoulder Holster
The effectiveness of a shoulder holster cannot be neglected when we’re talking about a holster for big guys. Many people simply rule out the possibility of using one for CCW for big guys. But I think that a shoulder holster can be an effective way to carry your weapon if you can cross-reach your underarms with ease.
Sure that’ll require some practice initially. But on the positive side, the holster won’t dig into your belly and can be concealed easily under a coat or jacket. Great for winters though!
Ankle Holster
Worn on the holster and often used to carry a subcompact backup handgun. Ankle holsters are also a possibility for a big guy if he can easily bend over and reach his ankle. These holsters are great for CCW use, especially in offices and public places.
It just rests on your ankle and you don’t have to adjust it every now and then or even remember it’s there.
Belly Band Holster
A belly band holster is a wide elastic band mostly made from neoprene. It has to be wrapped around the waist and stays IWB. Further helping with concealment. These holsters are mostly used for concealed carry, especially during strenuous activities like running or sports.
The advantage is concealment, comfort, and a unifit holster with extra carry space. Sometimes even multiple holsters.
On the downside, these holsters can get very sweaty on hot days. Additionally, these aren’t very suitable for guys who are too chubby.
Pocket Holster
A great compromise among IWB, OWB, Shoulder, and Ankle holsters. A pocket holster is a sort of sheath made from nylon or leather that holds the handgun and can be simply carried around inside the pocket.
It is a suitable option for big guys who wear loose trousers and refrain from jeans.
Conclusion
The most common spot for donning a holster is the waist. Being a big guy means a person will have an excess of fat around that spot. Which makes choosing a holster a bit peculiar for smaller people. There’s no one size fits all solution, but strong-side hip carries OWB holsters work best for bigger people. Additionally, the choice of clothing is also an important aspect of concealment.
December 19, 2022