Concealed Carry Comfort: How to Select the Best Gun Belt
Choosing the right gun belt for concealed carry might feel like looking for a needle in a haystack. I can attest to this, being an EDC enthusiast myself. It’s not just about having any old belt — the goal is finding one that’s reliable, comfortable, and effectively carries your firearm.
In this article, we’ll dive deeper into what really matters when selecting the best gun belts for concealed carry — everything from materials and durability to how well it plays with your holster. Whether you carry a 1911, Glock, Sig Sauer, M&P, or Staccato, there’s a gun belt out there for you.
Key Takeaways
- A proper gun belt for concealed carry provides support and stability, ensuring your firearm stays in place when you move.
- Choosing a gun belt that distributes weight evenly to minimize strain and discomfort is important.
- The material, width, thickness, and buckle type of a gun belt should be considered when selecting the right one.
- Leather, nylon, and hybrid are the main types of gun belts available, each with its own advantages.
Table of contents
- Key Takeaways
- The Importance of a Proper Gun Belt for Concealed Carry
- Factors to Consider When Choosing the Best Gun Belt
- Different Types of Gun Belts for Every Day Carry
- Tips for Finding the Right Carry Gun Belt
- What Tactical Gun Belts Have I Tried & Recommend?
- Finding the Right Tactical Belt for Your Holster Could Be Trial & Error
- FAQs
The Importance of a Proper Gun Belt for Concealed Carry
A proper gun belt is crucial for concealing your CCW as it provides the necessary support and stability to securely hold your firearm in place while also distributing its weight evenly for added comfort whether you choose inside-the-waistband (IWB) or outside-the-waistband (OWB). The more you add to your belt, the stiffer it needs to be due to weight, such as adding a mag. You want to ensure you purchase a gun belt that uses good hardware, solid workmanship, and quality materials.
Provides support and stability
A concealed carry gun belt must offer robust support and stability. A strong belt (or strap) keeps your firearm exactly where you need it, ensuring that the holster doesn’t shift around when you move.
This kind of rigidity is essential because a moving holster makes drawing your weapon more difficult in self-defense situations. The right concealed carry belt caters to both safety and comfort, preventing any sagging or discomfort from the weight of the gun during your day-to-day activities.
Not only this, but such belts often come with reinforced centers that provide flexibility for comfort along with desired stiffness for support — striking just the right balance! Owning a durable belt ensures that even under constant strain, it will hold up well over time without succumbing to wear and tear.
Distributes weight evenly
A quality gun belt for concealed carry plays a vital role in weight distribution. It spreads the load of your firearm evenly around your waist, minimizing strain and discomfort. Think about it: having all the weight on one side can lead to pain or even injury in the long run.
Furthermore, even weight distribution helps keep your handgun secure and readily accessible at all times. An off-balance gun belt could cause your holster and weapon to shift or tilt awkwardly.
You definitely want to avoid this, particularly if an urgent situation arises where you need to draw quickly. That’s why ensuring a good balance by choosing a concealed carry belt that distributes weight efficiently is crucial among self-defense enthusiasts and EDC lovers like us.
Prevents sagging and discomfort
A quality gun belt for concealed carry holds your firearm snugly against your body under a shirt, preventing sagging. It’s common to experience discomfort with a regular belt, which can’t handle the weight of a gun effectively.
However, with the right gun belt, you eliminate this particular issue. The support and stability it provides ensure that your weapon doesn’t droop or shift around as you move about during the day.
A well-designed gun belt balances rigidity and flexibility perfectly – stiff enough to maintain its form under the weight of your firearm but flexible enough not to dig into your skin or restrict movement.
No more pointless adjustments throughout the day! This makes carrying a concealed weapon much easier on you physically, enhancing overall comfort significantly.
Factors to Consider When Choosing the Best Gun Belt
When selecting a gun belt for concealed carry, it is important to consider factors such as the material and durability, width and thickness, as well as the buckle type and strength. There are plenty of good belts out there, like Kore Essentials, Nexbelt, Groove Life, We The People Holsters Belt, 1719 Gun Belt, Relentless Tactical, Wolf Tactical, Bigfoot Gun Belts, Hanks Belts, and more.
Material and durability
A gun belt’s material and durability are essential factors to consider when selecting the right one for concealed carry. The material should be strong enough to withstand the weight of the gun without stretching or sagging over time.
Look for belts made from high-quality materials like leather or nylon with a Denier rating of at least 500D. Additionally, choose a belt that is resistant to wear and tear, as it will likely go through rigorous use on a daily basis.
A durable gun belt ensures that your holster stays securely in place and provides long-lasting support for comfortable all-day carry.
Width and thickness
The width and thickness of a gun belt are important factors to consider when selecting the right one for concealed carry. A wider belt provides better support and helps distribute the weight of your gun evenly, reducing discomfort and preventing sagging.
Belts under 1.5 inches in width may not provide sufficient support for carrying a gun, so choosing a width that matches the slots on your holster for proper fit and support is essential.
In terms of thickness, the best gun belts feature reinforced centers that are both stiff for support and flexible enough to be comfortable throughout the day. Proper sizing is crucial to ensure a secure and comfortable fit for everyday carry, so measure your waist accurately before selecting.
Buckle type and strength
The type of buckle on a gun belt plays a vital role in how secure and comfortable it is for concealed carry. Look for a buckle that is sturdy and durable, able to withstand the weight of the gun without bending or breaking.
A strong buckle ensures that your holster stays securely in place throughout the day, providing peace of mind and easy access if needed. Additionally, consider the type of closure mechanism on the buckle – a quick-release or ratchet-style buckle may be preferable for ease of use.
Remember, a reliable and robust buckle is crucial to ensuring proper functionality and reliability when carrying your firearm.
Different Types of Gun Belts for Every Day Carry
There are various types of gun belts available, including leather gun belts, nylon gun belts, and hybrid gun belts. Each type has its own advantages and considerations. Read on to discover which one might be the best fit for your concealed carry needs.
Leather gun belts
Leather gun belts are popular for concealed carry enthusiasts due to their classic and durable nature. The best leather belt provides the necessary rigidity and support to keep your gun holster in place, ensuring a secure fit throughout the day.
These belts come in various widths, allowing you to find one that matches the slots on your holster for optimal compatibility. Additionally, the best leather gun belts feature reinforced centers that are both stiff for support and flexible for comfort.
With their timeless style and reliable performance, leather gun belts offer an excellent option for those looking for a trusted and stylish accessory to enhance their concealed carry setup.
Nylon gun belts
Nylon gun belts are a popular choice among self-defense and EDC enthusiasts due to their durability and affordability. These belts are made from high-quality nylon material with a Denier or D rating of at least 500D, ensuring they can withstand the weight of carrying a gun. Some of them have two layers to provide added stiffness.
Nylon gun belts provide excellent support and stability, distributing the weight evenly to prevent sagging and discomfort throughout the day. They also offer flexibility for a comfortable fit without compromising on strength.
When selecting a concealed carry belt, consider opting for a nylon gun belt that is both durable and suitable for your needs, as it offers reliable performance at an affordable price point.
Hybrid gun belts
Hybrid gun belts are a popular choice among concealed carry enthusiasts. These belts combine the best of both worlds with a sturdy leather outer layer and a reinforced polymer core.
The leather provides durability and a classic look, while the polymer offers excellent rigidity to support your holster and firearm. This combination ensures that your gun belt remains comfortable all day long while still providing the necessary stability and security for carrying your weapon discreetly.
Hybrid gun belts are an ideal option if you want something strong yet stylish for everyday carry.
Tips for Finding the Right Carry Gun Belt
To find the right gun belt, measure your waist and carry setup accurately, and don’t forget to read reviews and seek recommendations from experienced concealed carriers.
Measure your waist and carry setup
To find the right gun belt size for your concealed carry needs, it’s essential to measure your waist (consider the type of pant and material you’re going to wear) and take into account your specific carry setup. The thicker your pants, the longer the belt needs to be. This ensures a secure and comfortable fit, allowing you to confidently carry your self-defense weapon throughout the day.
Proper sizing is crucial for effective everyday carry, so take the time to accurately measure yourself and consider how you plan on carrying your firearm. By doing so, you’ll be well on your way to selecting the perfect gun belt that provides both support and comfort for all-day wear.
Read reviews and seek recommendations
I always find it helpful to read reviews and seek recommendations when choosing a gun belt for concealed carry. Hearing from others who have already tried different options can provide valuable insights and help narrow down the choices.
Look for reviews that discuss comfort, durability, and how well the belt holds up with regular use. Pay attention to any comments about specific brands or models that are known for their quality and functionality.
Recommendations from trusted sources such as friends, fellow self-defense enthusiasts, or firearm instructors can also be highly beneficial. Gathering information from others can give you a good starting point in your search for the perfect gun belt.
What Tactical Gun Belts Have I Tried & Recommend?
I have tried a ton of gun belts in the past and have hated many of them. Now, I will preface that by saying I have a bad lower back. I could move weirdly or sneeze and completely annihilate my back for days where moving is next to impossible. That said, I’ve found some belts that (in my opinion) are some of the best on the market.
Two of the best gun belts I have tried and wrote articles on are:
When I first started carrying a pistol, the SOE gun belts were my go-to, and I truly believe they are one of the best gun belts built. I loved everything about them. Then, I got an email from the owner of Anson asking if I’d like to test and evaluate the gun belt they were coming out with. What I loved about the Anson over the SOE was the ratcheting system that provides micro-adjustments. I’ve been carrying with the Anson concealed carry belt for several years now, and it has been the one gun belt I’ve been telling everyone to get. You can get the belts in leather, nylon, or a hybrid material, which I found to be pretty cool.
But wait… There’s another contender that I’ve been testing.
Tier 1 Concealed launched their EDC-S Belt (the “S” standing for “Stretch”). Now, I have no relationship with Tier 1 Concealed, and I purchased their EDC-S Belt with my own money as I wanted to try it with my back. They claim that the belt’s elasticity is excellent for those with back issues, and one of the guys on their team who has a bad back swears by it.
The biggest gripe I’ve had with it is that (in my opinion) there’s no way this should be a $115 gun belt. This is just me putting on my entrepreneur and businessman hat, but the belt should be no more than $80 based on the materials and quality. Now, I’m not saying the gun belt isn’t good, but other than it having an elastic section and a stiff section, there’s really not special going on here. But let’s talk about it a little more.
Is the Tier 1 Concealed EDC-S Belt the Best Gun Belt on the Market?
Below is the information directly from the brand and how they explain their EDC-S belt:
A core tenet of our carry products is functionality and usability. We always strive to produce and collaborate on products that create the best and most reliable carry experiences. Our products are always made for shooters and by shooters. This belt is no different, it was made in conjunction with Hunter Constantine. A Grand Master competitive shooter and firearms instructor who lives the shooter’s lifestyle.
Related Article: Battle Belt Basics — A Guide to Options & Accessories
The EDC-S belt is a new product that offers an improved IWB carry experience. This belt brings flexible and rigid together in perfect harmony.
Designed to bring maximum comfort to an AIWB carry platform, we combined the best materials that allow the belt to conform around your body and adapt to your movement on the fly; all while staying rigid, stable, and consistent for your IWB carry tools.
With the minimalistic nature of this belt and its ease of use, you will find yourself more inclined to stay armed and ready.
- Form-fitting to your body.
- Helps eliminate common hip and back pain that other stiff EDC belts can cause.
- 3 on-the-fly adjustment loops for when you need to make more dramatic size adjustments. No need to take the belt off either, you can adjust it while wearing it.
- Reinforced Scuba webbing that maintains during daily use and abuse.
- Sleek, minimalistic look with easy and fast functionality.
- Comes in 2 sizes, each adjustable to cover a large range of waist sizes.
- Small 26-36
- Regular 30-42
The features of the EDC-S belt are best experienced and maximized in the AIWB carry position. This belt was designed around AIWB!
The Tier 1 Concealed EDC-S Belt comes in two colors and sizes — black and tan in either a small or regular size.
To me, based on my experience using various gun belts, the Tier 1 Concealed EDC-S Belt is almost like a Frankenstein design that combines the SOE EDC Belt and the PHLster Enigma with the Sport Belt option (which both of those belts I highly recommend).
Being that the PHLster Enigma with the Sport Belt has no issue keeping the firearm from drooping or shifting due to the elasticity of the belt, I figured I wouldn’t have any issues with the Tier 1 Concealed EDC-S Belt.
I love how thin and streamlined the belt is and that it’s not big and bulky like some belts with a huge belt buckle. The adjustability of the belt provides the perfect fit for your body type. Getting holsters on and off the Tier 1 Concealed EDC-S Belt is super easy since the elasticity allows you to push the belt forward for easy on and off of holsters.
One of the biggest benefits (to me) is that while the front of the belt system is rigid for an AIWB holster, the back is the elastic material. So, when moving around and bending, the elastic moves with you. This is much nicer than moving and bending only to have your rigid and stiff gun belt digging into your back. I’ve actually found that wearing a rigid gun belt can worsen my back issues if it’s constantly digging into my lower back and pressing on it. Additionally, driving with the Tier 1 Concealed EDC-S Belt is a dream. Again, the elastic back of the belt provides “give” so that your belt isn’t driving into your lower back.
Related Article: Concealed vs. Open Carry — Weighing Your Self-Defense Options
Overall, I’m really digging this belt. I was super worried that I’d be disappointed after the sticker shock, but I haven’t found a real complaint about the edc belt other than the price.
Do I feel it’s the best gun belt on the market right now? Possibly, but that really comes down to your wants and needs. Could it be the best gun belt you will ever buy? Maybe. For me, I really like it. But again, that $115 price tag is enough to make the butt hole of a hooker on the corner pucker up.
If you shell out the money and order one, I doubt you’ll be disappointed, but the one thing I’m curious to see is the durability and longevity of the belt over time with the elastic sections. How long until it fails? Is it made to last? I guess only time will tell, but I like the belt overall.
Finding the Right Tactical Belt for Your Holster Could Be Trial & Error
In conclusion, selecting the right gun belt for concealed carry is crucial for comfort and functionality. A properly chosen gun belt provides support, distributes weight evenly, and prevents sagging or discomfort. Check to see if the belt you’re looking at has a lifetime warranty or lifetime guarantee, and have a refund policy if the belt does not fit your needs.
Related Article: Stylish And Safe — Creating The Perfect Concealed Carry Outfit
Consider factors such as material durability, width and thickness, buckle type, and strength when choosing a gun belt. Measure your waist and carry setup accurately to find the perfect fit.
Don’t forget to read reviews and seek recommendations to ensure you find a reliable option that meets your needs. Trust in a quality gun belt to enhance your concealed carry experience.
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FAQs
A gun belt is specifically designed to handle the weight of a firearm; it provides more support and stability than a regular belt.
Choosing a proper gun belt ensures your firearm is secure, comfortable, and readily accessible when necessary.
While you can use any type of belt, for enhanced safety and comfort in concealed carry situations, selecting the right gun-specific model guarantees optimal performance.
When selecting your ideal concealment companion, make sure you consider the size that fits snugly without strain, sturdy leather or nylon materials with reinforced stitching are preferred choices due to their durability, while designs might vary according to personal style preference or specific function requirements such as holster compatibility.
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