Best Belly Band Holsters of 2020 – Ultimate Buyer’s Guide

| Last Updated: January 14, 2022

Are you looking for the best belly band holster? If so, then you are in luck. A lot of concealed carry users are looking for holsters that will give them the best concealability while providing excellent comfort and consistent reliability. A belly band holster is known for making sure that your pistol gets the best concealability without bulging and attracting undue attention.

At the same time, it’s just another holster that prepares you to be one step ahead of any dangerous situations, both at home or while you are out and about. While there’s a lot of belly band holsters out there, we managed to track down five of the best on the market.

Before we unveil our top picks, we will talk about what a belly band holster is and what it’s used for. We’ll also provide you with a brief guide on how you can choose one for your own personal use.

Comparison Chart of the Best Belly Band Holsters

IMAGEPRODUCT
  • Best overall belly band holster
  • Made from high-quality neoprene materials
  • Available in right-hand and left-hand orientation
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  • Made from neoprene
  • Designed to fit up to 45-inch waists
  • Runner-up for best belly band holster
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  • Fits up to 47 inches
  • Designed to fit most pistols
  • Best belly band holster for the money
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  • Available in three different colors
  • Best belly band holster for fat guys
  • Ambidextrous left and right-hand draw
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  • Made from neoprene
  • Designed to fit most pistols
  • Best belly band holster for running
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What is a Belly Band Holster and What is it Used for?

A belly band holster is a holster that uses a strap that can wrap around the torso area of your body. Typically, these are made with soft, high-quality materials so it remains durable and has the ability to stretch without tearing apart to accommodate different sizes.

These are used for the purpose of concealed carry and will stand out as one of the best types of holsters since they provide the best concealability without creating any bulges that in turn can create undue attention (or make those in your general vicinity uncomfortable).

Are All Belly Band Holsters the Same?

Not exactly. While belly band holsters do serve the same purpose, some of them come in different materials, sizes, and fitting abilities. In other words, some holsters will fit a wide variety of pistols and some will not.

ComfortTac XL Ultimate Belly Band Holster

At the same time, you will come across belly band holsters that have adjustable sizes while others will sell you on the “one size fits all” kind of approach. It’s important to find a belly band holster that fits you and your concealed carry needs. 

How Do I Choose a Belly Band Holster?

Choosing a belly band holster won’t be an intimidating task. But it will get you to figure out which one will work for you best. It comes down to a few good characteristics and features, while using the process of elimination to rule out options that won’t matter to you. Here are some things that you will need to look for: 

Price

The price tag may not matter much to some users. But if you are on a budget, it’s probably the first thing you look for. If you are hoping to find an affordable holster, it’s important to focus on what will be better for you in terms of quality and performance. Don’t settle for cheap under any circumstances. You should find the best you can afford so you won’t be disappointed in the long run.

Material

The material should definitely be a plus. Materials like nylon or neoprene will be some of your best options. Also, since it will fit underneath your shirt, you should consider finding a holster that will be less likely to irritate your skin (assuming you have sensitive skin). Regardless, you deserve to wear a holster that is comfortable so long as it fits you.

Find a Good Fit

One size fits all holsters may be good enough for some, but keep in mind that this may not be the case for you. To make it easier on yourself, you should consider a belly band holster that will give you the ability to adjust to different sizes so you can be able to easily set it to the size that will fit you best. Most holsters can fit up to waist sizes that are measured at around 50 or above. 

Review of the Best Belly Band Holsters

Below is a list of the best belly band holsters you can find on the market. You should consider making notes of any features or characteristics that will be of interest to you. You can choose a holster that fits the description of your “ideal holster” and will be able to serve your concealed carry needs in the long run. Let’s begin by unveiling our “best overall” choice for belly band holsters:

Best Overall:
ComfortTac XL Ultimate Belly Band Holster

No products found.

Pros

  • Easy to adjust
  • Excellent quality
  • Keeps pistols secure
  • Really comfortable fit
  • Fits most pistols, including full-sized and compact

Cons

  • Some consider the mag pouch to be useless
  • May not be a suitable fit for larger frame shooters
  • Snagging has been reported, but occurrences are few and far between

What Recent Buyers Report

A lot of new users were happy with this holster because of its comfortable fit. This fits most shooter frames with ease and the strap maintained its hold all day long. The holster itself was a good fit for most users that were carrying full-size and compact pistols. One user said that it fit his Glock 19 like a glove and his gun didn’t wiggle around much if at all. 

Why it Stands Out to Us

This holster is made from high-quality neoprene that is made to be super strong and very comfortable on the skin. The holster itself is also perfect for all kinds of concealed carry positions. You can carry it in the 5 o’clock position, near the shoulder, appendix carry, and so many others. You can easily adjust to either position and still get a comfortable fit that allows you easy access to your pistol when you need it the most. 

Who Will Use This Most

This will be an excellent belly band holster that will fit most users without any tightness or looseness to deal with. It’s made for EDC use and will be best used by those who want to be prepared and stay a step ahead of any dangerous situation where using a pistol is warranted. If you want high quality and excellent reliability in a belly band holster, you know that this will be one of the better choices on the market. 

Bottom Line

The ComfortTac Ultimate Belly Band Holster has proven without a shadow of a doubt that it is well deserving of the “best overall” title. It’s the perfect EDC holster that will be comfortable, reliable, and will not allow for any kind of bulging. It’s a holster that is anything but cheap and flimsy. 

Runner-up: 
KAYLLE Belly Band Holster for Concealed Carry

No products found.

Pros

  • Fits most shooter frames
  • Excellent for both men and women
  • Can be worn year-round; not affected by weather
  • Easy to use for both right-handed and left-handed shooters
  • Soft and really comfortable; doesn’t irritate the skin in the slightest

Cons

  • May take both hands to re-holster the pistol
  • Velcro may need to be fastened on occasions
  • May not be appropriate for carrying in the 5 o’clock position

What Recent Buyers Report

A lot of new users loved this holster for several good reasons. For one, it was a perfect fit for their frame and their concealed carry pistols of choice. On top of that, they were able to quickly draw their pistols out of the holster without dealing with any snagging. The fit was comfortable and the neoprene felt really good on the skin. One user said that in the heat, he is usually sweating and the holster didn’t irritate his skin in the slightest (compared to an old IWB holster that he had). 

Why it Stands Out to Us

This holster is proven to be durable while being able to fit many pistols ranging from Glocks to SIG Sauers, from S&W pistols to Berettas. No matter what brand you have, this holster might be the closest thing you can find to a universal holster. It’s no wonder a lot of concealed carry users depend on it so much. This will fit most waist sizes and will fit up to 45 inches. So, if you are slightly on the large side, you won’t have to worry about this being too small of a fit. 

Who Will Use This Most

This might be the best holster for those who are using it for EDC carry or if you are out and about on the range and want to put your pistol away for safekeeping. Either way, it’s a holster that will be comfortable to wear and will stand to last you a long time. The neoprene material is no joke when it comes to durability. If you were looking for something that is cheap in quality, you’d be disappointed.

Bottom Line

The KAYLLE Belly Band Holster is definitely one of the best choices for concealed carry users that are looking for a belly band holster. Honestly, it very well may take the best overall spot in the not so distant future. If it does, we won’t be surprised. You can point to the comfortable fit and the overall ability to handle most pistols as a couple reasons why. 

Best for the Money:
Depring Belly Band Holster for Concealed Carry

No products found.

Pros

  • Simple to adjust
  • Fit is very comfortable
  • Really sturdy in quality
  • Easy to use for left-handed shooters
  • Almost universal for most pistols

Cons

  • Velcro straps could be longer
  • Additional pouches should have a bit more space
  • Printing may be an issue if you somehow overload the holster

What Recent Buyers Report

Lots of new users were impressed with this very affordable holster. Not once did anyone complain about it being cheap or flimsy. They said the strap was sturdy and allowed for easy adjustments so it can fit their exact size. One user even said that he didn’t have a hard time with the adjustments, despite the fact that he was a bit on the heavy side. He also added that the holster was perfect for his SIG Sauer pistol, which remained in place and didn’t wiggle around at all. 

Why it Stands Out to Us

This holster has an ambidextrous design, which allows for better operation for left-handed shooters who have long suffered from using right-handed only holsters. No matter which hand you draw your pistol with, you are able to draw and shoot quickly without worrying about any snagging. The material is sturdy and solid, but won’t irritate your skin in the slightest. If comfort and reliability are two things you want in a belly band holster, you best believe that this one, in particular, will be the best choice.

Who Will Use This Most

This holster will be great for beginner users that want a holster that is comfortable, reliable, and able to fit most pistols. If you are a newbie to concealed carry, this will be an impressive holster that you’ll probably use for the long haul or until you are able to find a holster that might be better in quality or performance. Even if you have a great deal of money to work with, you’d be surprised by how well this holster can hold up compared to higher-end alternatives. 

Bottom Line

The Depring Belly Band Holster is the kind of holster that will come in handy when you need it the most. It won’t loosen up or make you feel uncomfortable in the slightest. And best of all, it won’t cost you an arm and a leg either. If you want something that will fulfill your concealed carry needs without breaking the bank, the Depring Belly Band Holster will likely be the best thing you’ve invested in, even if it is for the long term. 

Best Belly Band Holster for Fat Guys:
AlphaHolster Belly Band Hand Gun Holster

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Pros

  • Superb quality
  • Retention is quite solid and sturdy
  • Fits larger frame shooters better than other holsters
  • Fits most pistol types, including full-sized or compact
  • Versatile in use; can be worn inside the waistband, outside the waistband, and in different positions

Cons

  • Velcro quality could be better
  • Little to no protection over the trigger housing
  • Some pistols may shift and wiggle around a bit

What Recent Buyers Report

A lot of new users were obviously on the heavy side. They needed a concealed carry holster that would fit them without any slippage or poor fitting. They were not disappointed with this holster in the slightest. They said that the adjustments that fit their size were easy and the strap stability was solid. One user said that the holster didn’t slip off of him and was quite comfortable while wearing it as an IWB holster. He used this holster for his S&W handgun and had no complaints about the overall fit of his pistol.

Why it Stands Out to Us

Concealed carry should not be limited to those who are of average sizes or smaller. If anything, there should be holsters available across many different waist sizes. While this belly band holster isn’t exclusive to those of a larger size, it covers all kinds of frame sizes with ease. So whether you are on the small side or the large side, this holster will stand out as one of the best fitting holsters on the market. It’s easy to adjust and will certainly be a go-to option for those who want nothing more than a holster that simply fits. 

Who Will Use This Most

This is a holster that is ideal for EDC use. It might also come in handy for those who want to put their pistols away when not in use (i.e. while milling around the range). Even if you use a pistol for competitive shooting or casual target practice, it’s the kind of holster that will be great to have for any pistol you own. 

Bottom Line

The AlphaHolster Belly Band Holster might be the best fit for many large-sized shooters. No longer will you have to struggle with any other holster on the market in terms of fitting. You can adjust it to your size and be prepared for any kind of danger that may lurk ahead. No one is immune to the danger that assailants or prowlers can pose. So if you are a “fat guy” that needs a well-fit holster, look no further than this one.

Best Belly Band Holster for Running:
 BravoBelt Belly Band Holster

No products found.

Pros

  • Superior comfort
  • Pistols stay in place and don’t slip out
  • Excellent for when you are jogging or running
  • Fits so many pistols from different sizes and brands
  • Strap holds up pretty good and doesn’t come undone by itself

Cons

  • Clip may not hold securely after awhile
  • Velcro may fail after about six or so months
  • May not fit some larger waists as some expect

What Recent Buyers Report

New users were able to fit this holster and use it while they were out for a jog or a run. They said that the fit was perfect and kept their pistol in place without wiggling or slipping out all together. One user said that she carries her pistol just in case she encounters any attackers (human or animal) while she goes running. She said while training for long-distance runs, she is always prepared for what may jump out and threaten her. 

Why it Stands Out to Us

A holster this lightweight won’t bog you down when you are carrying a fully loaded pistol. Not to mention, it’s also got sturdy velcro to hold it all together so you can walk, jog, or run without it coming undone or slipping off. This holster is also comfortable to wear, so it won’t trigger any skin irritation when you are sweating from a long run or the summer heat. Simply put, it was not designed to disappoint. 

Who Will Use This Most

This will be excellent for concealed carry users that need a holster at their side while keeping themselves active. It can be worn inside the waistband, outside of it, or in various positions that will make you feel more comfortable. If you want a durable, comfortable holster that fits many pistols, from your full size to even your subcompacts, this holster will get the job done.

Bottom Line

The BravoBelt Belly Band Holster is a must-own for joggers and runners. The material is great, the velcro holds strong, and it will fit so many different pistols. If you have a pistol and you’re struggling to find the perfect holster that allows superior comfort and concealability, you know that a holster like this could be the best solution. 

Pros and Cons of Belly Band Holsters

Here are some of the pros and cons of belly band holsters.

Pros

First, we’ll begin with the pros of belly band holsters. There is no better feeling in knowing that you are able to get a good number of benefits out of these holsters.

Maximum Concealability

If you want a holster that will provide a great deal of discreet concealability, a belly band holster might be just what you need. This means you will wear this inside the waistband and therefore keep your pistol out of plain sight. If you want no-nonsense, no-bulge concealed carry, then a belly band holster will serve you well in the long run.

Most of Them Are Comfortable

These holsters are often made with high-quality materials. Even better, most manufacturers take it a step further to make holsters out of materials that are easy on sensitive skin. If you are in a situation where some materials may irritate your skin, it’s important to pay attention to which materials may be an issue for you and choose potential alternatives.

Most are Adjustable

Indeed, belly band holsters will fit most shooter sizes. It will depend on the holster, as well. Be sure to find a holster that will fit you with a snug, secure fit that won’t allow for any slippage. This way, you’ll have peace of mind in knowing that you are prepared to use your pistol if and when you need to do so. 

Cons

Yes, even these belly band holsters can have some shortcomings. That’s fine, because no holster can be perfect in so many ways. Still, it shouldn’t discourage you from purchasing a belly band holster.

One Size Fits All Doesn’t Always Fit

They say “one size fits all”. But in our point of view, that’s often a misnomer. These so-called sizes will fit most sizes, but it will be either too small for one size or too large for another. That’s why it’s important to find one that will be adjustable and will allow you to fit your exact size. 

Some are Not Always Comfortable

Yes, some holsters will not be comfortable. And mainly the material it is made from can be to blame. Some materials can cause skin irritation even when you are sweating. It may also be based on a skin allergy as well. At the same time, too tight of a fit can also cause discomfort as well. Pay attention to the materials that will be irritating to your skin and find an alternative that will be best for you. 

How to Draw a Gun From a Belly Band Holster

Drawing from a belly band holster is slightly different from a regular hip holster. That’s why we will be giving you a brief guide on how you can safely draw a gun from your holster. Follow the steps below and you will know how to get it done at any given time:

  • Using your off-hand, move it to the opposite side and pull up your shirt. 
  • Pop open the retention strap and drive your draw hand into the grip. Draw your pistol.
  • In order to reholster, clear the shirt and lift up the retention strap and open the holster. Place the gun in the holster using your drawing hand. 

Conclusion

A belly band holster will come in handy when you conceal carry a pistol for self-defense or for safekeeping if you are not using it at the range. Either way, you want a holster that will be a perfect fit along with providing you  superior comfort and the ability to keep your pistol at your side regardless of carrying position. 

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