Best Belly Band Holster in 2022 | Everything that You Need to Know

With more and more people getting into the world of guns for self-defense, the importance of an efficient concealed carry holster is on the rise.

Most people are familiar with hip or shoulder holsters, and both of them are great options when you want to discreetly carry a gun underneath your cloth.

However, those are not the only two options out there, and neither do they work in every situation. For situations where these holsters are not an option, you might get better results from the best belly band holster in the market.

Unfortunately, this nifty low-profile concealed carry holster does not get as much traction as it should. It is lightweight, comfortable, and hardly leaves any printing, making it a perfect unit for daily use. You can even wear it for hours at a time without feeling any discomfort or irritation.

In this article, we will be giving you an in-depth explanation about everything you need to know about a belly band holster along with a recommendation of the top products out in the market.

Why Belly Band Holster?

A belly band holster is a simple tool. It is essentially a stretchable band that goes around your abdomen with pockets to holster your gun and sometimes extra ammunition. 

This product is usually made of elastic or neoprene, as these materials are flexible enough not to feel suffocating to the user. It is a form of concealed carry holster, and typically people wear it on the inside of the cloth.

Although a few people use it for outside carry, the low-profile nature of the tool makes it perfect for concealed carry. When you holster your weapon in this product, the gun will lie against your body snugly.

Top 7 Best Belly Band Holster Review

When you are in the market for the best belly band holster, you will quickly come across an issue. The market is saturated with a massive number of products, each claiming to be the better one. With all that going around, it can get quite confusing, picking out the right unit for yourself.

To ensure that you have the easiest time possible, we have compiled a list of the top belly holsters for concealed carry in the following section of the article.

1. ComfortTac Ultimate Belly Band Holster for Concealed Carry

To start up the list of reviews, we will be reviewing the Ultimate Belly Band Holster by the brand ComforTac. As you might already understand from the name of the company, this tool is designed to give you the highest levels of comfort without sacrificing any of the functionality.

Although it is quite a low profile unit, it is compatible with pistols of different sizes ranging from compact to standard. Whether you want to use it as inside the waistband, or behind the hip holster, you will face no issues thanks to its beautiful and compact design.

It is available for both left and right-handed people, so make sure you know which one you are buying. The unit features a trigger guard made out of hard plastic to ensure the maximum levels of safety for any holstered weapons. With the attached metal snap strap, you can adjust the retention level easily. You can even cut it off if you want to go for speed over support.

The product is made out of high-quality neoprene and is fully adjustable that allows you a custom fit. Thanks to the smooth construction and materials, you can wear it directly on your skin without any discomfort. Additionally, it features an accessory pocket and an adjustable magazine pouch to store extra munitions.

Pros:

• Comfortable enough for extended use
• Comes with a movable magazine pouch
• Available for both lefties and righties
• Includes a trigger guard

Cons:

• No apparent cons

2. BRAVOBELT Belly Band Holster for Concealed Carry

If you are looking for a comfortable belly band holster that can accompany you during your regular activities, like say jogging, then look no further. The BRAVOBELT holster is an excellent discreet holster that promises extended comfort and a perfect fit for just about anyone.

The unit has an impressive list of compatibility ticking some of the most commonly used firearms from brands such as Glock, Smith & Wessing, Beretta, Springfield, etc. You can find a complete list in the spec charts, but whichever pistol or handgun you won, there is a good chance that it fits the holster.

One of the most impressive things about this unit is its innovative design. At a glance, it might not seem that different from any other belly band holsters, but when you use it, the difference becomes apparent. You can wear this product under any sort of clothing, including gym shorts and pajamas.

The unit features a perforated neoprene base, which, as you might know, is a highly breathable material. As a result, you will not feel suffocated even when wearing it for hours on end. Its unique Flex-Fit design ensures that you get the maximum retention by molding it to your body.

Pros:

• Extremely lightweight and durable
• High level of retention without sacrificing draw speed
• Compatible with a wide range of firearms.
• Ambidextrous design meaning both lefties and righties can use it.

Cons:

• When in use, the gun leaves some printing under the cloth.

3. Concealed Carrier Belly Band Holster for Concealed Carry

Next, we are looking at a low-profile holster by the brand aptly named Concealed Carrier. The unit is designed for people who are tired of wearing a belt to use a holster for their weapon. It comes in a slim design with an extremely comfortable construction to help you forget that you are even wearing it in the first place.

No holster is truly functional if it is not compatible with your firearm. Thankfully, the chances of your guns not fitting this unit are slim. It is compatible with almost all the regular to compact-sized weapons by brands like Glock, Sig Saur, Ruger, Beretta, Springfield, and many more.

It comes in a universal size and can fit bellies of up to 44 inches without any hassle. You have the option to choose between a left or right-handed model based on your preference. Furthermore, you have complete freedom of whether you wear it as an IWB holster, crossbody holster, or any other positions.

The unit comes with a high-quality stretchable neoprene material construction that feels soft and comfortable on the skin. It also features an extra pouch to hold small items such as credit cards, wallets, or even extra ammunition. If you want a comfortable and versatile holster that can be your constant companion, this unit is a fantastic choice.

Pros:

• Comfortable and stretchable construction material
• High-quality elastic holster
• Allows for multiple carry positions
• Comes with an extra pouch

Cons:

• The magazine retention does not feel great.

4. AlphaHolster Belly Band Hand Gun Holster

For people looking to buy a practical belly holster for their pistols or handguns, AlphaHolster has the perfect solution. It is a truly versatile unit that supports a wide range of carrying positions and promises to provide a high level of security for your firearms and comfort for you.

The unit has an excellent compatibility list and can work with any handguns by Glock, Taurus, Kimber, Rock Island, Kel Tec, etc. In addition to compact pistols and handguns, it can also fit revolvers, which is a welcome feature. No matter what gun you own, you can use it with this holster effortlessly.

It also comes with an ambidextrous design, so your hand preference will not be an issue. You can even carry it like a shoulder holster if you prefer to keep your guns that way. The retention straps in the unit allow you to adjust towards speed or security, depending on which one you want.

This unit is not only versatile but also extremely comfortable and durable thanks to its construction. It features a breathable elastic material that feels great on the skin allowing for long hours of usage. For people who want a concealed way to carry their gun without discomfort, it is an excellent choice.

Pros:

• Extremely affordable price
• Allows for multiple carry positions
• Comes with two pouches for extra magazines.
• Multiple size options available

Cons:

• Not very durable

5. KAYLLE Belly Band Holster for Concealed Carry (Upgraded)

For the next product on our list, we are looking at a versatile option by the brand KAYLEE. The brand is quite well-known due to its dedication to providing high-quality products that cater to the customer’s utmost satisfaction. This belly band holster is no exception to that rule.

The best thing about this unit is that it can carry virtually any small to medium-sized firearms on the market. As long as the barrel size sticks within 2 to 4.5 inches of length, you can use it with the holster. It also supports any hand preference and carrying positions you can imagine without any extra hassle.

This unit can handle sizes of up to 45 inches thanks to its stretchable material. Additionally, it features a professional-grade magnetic snap instead of clips for its retention straps, which will not disappoint you anytime soon. Within seconds, you can have the retention you want easily by adjusting the straps.

It uses the highest quality of neoprene material on the market for its construction. The material contains micro-hole design allowing it to be highly breathable and well ventilated. Furthermore, this ensures that you will not feel any discomfort or sweating while using it for long stretches of time.

Pros:

• High-quality retention adjustment system.
• Extremely comfortable and durable material
• Lightweight and does not leave the printing
• Works with almost any pistols or handguns

Cons:

• No cons worth mentioning, overall a great value

6. Active Pro Gear Belly Band Holster for Gun Concealed Carry Defender

For gun owners who are serious about self-defense, a concealed gun holster is a must. Not only that, but it also needs to allow quick drawing of the weapon as well as comfortable, to ensure that you can get the most out of it. And this unit by the brand Active Pro Gear offers exactly that at an affordable price.

The unit allows for any and all carry positions, including IWB, OWB, strongside, appendix, groin, or even small of the back, to name a few. It comes in four different waist sizes, and you can pick out the one that matches your size the closest. Then you can use the adjustable mechanism on the unit to get the exact fit you want.

It is truly a practical tool, and you can see it in its impressive list of compatible firearms. You can use almost all of the compact and regular models of Glock and even firearms by brands like Bersa, Taurus, Sig Sauer, Springfield, etc. In addition to firearms, the unit also features a spare pocket to carry extra munitions or other small items.

The unit features a durable bonded nylon construction, which is also quite stretchable to accommodate your body size perfectly. To further enhance its quality, all the stress points in the product comes with double stitching. It is available for both right and left-handed use, so make sure you buy the one you need.

Pros:

• Strong and durable construction
• Extremely lightweight
• Leaves no visible printing
• A practical option at an affordable price

Cons:

• Does not come with a trigger guard

7. ComfortTac Ultimate Belly Band Holster – Deep Concealment Edition

It is only fitting that we end our reviews the way we started it, with another great selection by the brand ComforTac. If you want an affordable option but do not want to let go of all the great features on the first product, then this might be worth checking out.

The unit is fully adjustable and allows for a custom fit, no matter your body size. It ensures that your material wastage is minimal. Furthermore, its retention strap comes in handy to ensure that you get the specific draw speed that you want without sacrificing anything in terms of security.

As you already know, ComforTac is the king when it comes to gun compatibility. The product works well with almost any practical pistols or handguns that are available on the market without causing a fuss. You can also carry it in any position to ensure that you get the best access to your weapon.

It features a strong heavy-duty neoprene construction that is durable and comfortable when using for an extended period. Thanks to its ambidextrous nature, you do not need to worry about hand preference when you are buying it. In addition, it is extremely lightweight and allows for running while wearing it with no issues.

Pros:

• Excellent build quality
• Compatible with a wide range of firearms
• Fully adjustable size
• Smooth retention strap

Cons:

• You cannot run with it when using bigger guns like a full-sized 1911

Things That You Need to Know About Belly Band Holsters Before Buying

Now that you know about the best products on the market, it is time to give you a few additional details to make the buying experience better.

In order to find the perfect unit for your requirements, you need to know about the different features that you should look for when buying it. Without this knowledge, you will not be able to differentiate between a good and a bad product.

So, here are a few elements that you should consider before you commit to buying the best belly band holster.

Construction Material

A belly band holster is not something that you take off whenever you go somewhere. In all likelihood, it will be on you the entirety of the time you are outside.

For that reason, you need to strongly consider its construction material as that is what contributes to your overall comfort with it.

Make sure that the material of the unit is smooth and will not cause any irritation of the skin. Leather, neoprene, or nylon are prime candidates as they allow for a relatively comfortable experience when you are wearing it for a long time.

Another popular material choice for belly band holsters is plastic. The major issue with plastic holsters is that it can cause you to sweat excessively when it gets hot.

However, they do offer a better grip on your body. Neoprene or nylon material is excellent as it is stretchy and also feels soft and smooth on the skin facilitating longer usage.

Size of the Holster

Next on your list of considerations should be the size of the unit that you want to buy. You also need to think about your body size and the size of the weapon that you will equip with the product.

Ideally, you want a snug fit without feeling suffocated when you are wearing your belly band holster. Thankfully, most units come with a wide range of size options. Some may be smaller, while others may cater to bulkier individuals.

It would be best if you measure out your body before you start browsing the market as it will help you find the right product easier.

You can even find units with a universal size that allows you to adjust the fitting according to your wish. Stretchy materials are also a good choice as it gives you some flexibility in size.

Make sure you choose only the unit that suits your size; otherwise, you will not have a comfortable time wearing it.

Retention Capabilities

The ability to retain the handgun is one of the most important things there is to any gun holster. When it comes to a belly band holster, you should never overlook this factor.

By retention, we mean the ability of the holster to keep the gun in place against the applied force. Basically, the higher the retention of a specific holster, the more force you need to apply to pull out the gun.

Additionally, it also ensures that the gun does not slip or fall out of the holster unintentionally. A holster that cannot keep your weapon secure is not one you want to buy.

Many belly band holsters come with straps to adjust the retention capacity. This feature is excellent if you want to customize how it feels.

Ideally, you want to set the retention just enough that the gun stays secure and does not affect your draw. If you set it too tightly, you will be sacrificing your draw speed drastically.

Compatibility

You also want to check the compatibility list of the holster to see if you can equip all the guns you want to use with it. Although most belly band holsters come with a wide list of compatible equipment, it is worth checking out at least once.

It is even more important if you are buying a unit by a brand that you do not fully trust. Most belly band holsters are compatible with compact to regular sized handguns.

Some models can even hold revolvers and sawn-off shotguns, which can come in handy for you. You need to consider your usage before investing in a product to ensure that you can get the most out of it.

Storage Options

To get the most value out of your purchase, you need to consider the storage options that you get with the unit. A belly band holsters, as we have already mentioned above, can hold multiple weapons.

However, not all units give you this option. If the material is not stretchy enough, you will be limited to a single handgun. Not only that but also take a look at any extra pouches or pockets that you get with the unit.

With an extra pocket or two, you can carry some additional ammunition to bail you out when you get caught in a pinch. Typically, the more space you can get, the better value the holster provides, even if you do not use the extra room frequently.

Brand Value

The quality of a belly band holster can be quite difficult to identify, even with an experienced eye. Since you require knowledge about the quality of fabric above all else, a general public might not be able to fully grasp the durability and construction quality of a specific product. For that reason, it is usually a good idea to stick with reputed brands in the holster market.

Although the price might be a few bucks more, which is understandable due to the brand name, you can be sure that you are not getting ripped off. With a reputed brand, you get what you buy as they care about customer feedback and relations.

Price

The best thing about buying a belly band holster is that you do not need to shell out premium bucks to get one. At least, not typically.

There are literally thousands of different options on the market, and due to this increasing competition, you can find some great value products at an affordable price range.

Although it might be tempting to go for the shiniest new toy in the market, it might not always be easy on the wallet.

So, before you go shopping, it is wise to set yourself on a spending limit. That way, you can resist the urge to go on a spending spree and can remain objective towards your requirements.

Best Way to Wear a Belly Band Holster

One of the best features of this type of unit is that it allows you a greater degree of flexibility regarding how you want to carry it. There are a few different ways to wear a belly band holster; however, not all of them are equally effective for every situation.

The best way to know what works for you is to practice drawing your weapon in different positions when you are at home. With practice, your drawing speed and reflex gets better over time. But if you have the carry position down, it can make things a lot easier for you.

In this section of the article, we will discuss all the things you need to consider when equipping your belly band holster to help you figure out the best position for you.

Positioning

The first step to figuring out your favorable carry position, and for that, you need to know your options.

It is more of a personal preference than anything else, so it is best to try out each to see which one clicks with you. For instance, you can equip it slightly lower so that the gun rests against your hips.

If you want, you can even equip it similar to a shoulder holster. However, shoulder rigs only favor cross drawing, so make sure you get that technique under your belt before you stick to it.

Another popular carry position is the groin area, which is great if you want the gun right in front of you. For people who want the highest draw speed possible, a belly band holster also allows for open carry.

But you need to special permit for that and carrying a gun out in the open is generally not a good idea. You also need to determine whether you want to keep your gun in the two o clock or four o clock position.

Finding the Right Fit

As you know, a belly band holster allows for some freedom when it comes to the fit. Typically, you have Velcro or straps to help you tighten or loosen the belt, allowing you to get the exact size you want. There are also universal size models that give you a higher level of customization.

When putting on your belly band holster, regardless of the position, make sure you get a snug fit. You do not want to feel suffocated by tightening it up too much. On the other hand, you also do not want it to be so loose that it can come off. It might take some time at first to find the sweet spot, but once you do, your experience with it will improve drastically.

Concealment

Making sure your weapon remains concealed is also a part of finding the best way to wear a belly band holster. If you wear tight clothes, your weapons will leave prints under your shirt. It is not really a concealed holster if your weapon is visible for the world to see.

So, make sure you are wearing a cloth that allows you to access your gun easily while keeping it out of sight. Loose-fitting cloth is the way to go when you want to use a discreet holster like this one.

Essential Tips When Using A Belly Band Holsters

Using a belly band holster might not be a great experience for the first time. It takes some time to get used to this product, but with practice, you will build up muscle memory that will allow you to get to your gun quicker.

Over time you will learn to know about many aspects of the unit that will improve your feelings towards it. Here are a few tips that we think would help you avoid some of the common issues people have when using this holster.

Carry Position is Everything

Make sure you find the proper position that gives you the most comfort. Since a belly band holster can be equipped in multiple carry positions, you need to go with the one that works with you.

For instance, you might get a better experience if you mount it on your chest it instead of mounting it behind the hip.

Find out what works for you and you would notice an improvement in your overall experience with the tool

Practice Makes Perfect

Practice your draw regularly until you get the hang of it. One of the common gripes of using a belly band holster is that it is not as fast as an OWB (outside the waist band) holster.

Since the gun remains concealed under your cloth, naturally, it will not be as fast. However, with practice, you can close the speed difference by a significant margin.

Use a Trigger Guard

A trigger guard is basically a small material made of plastic or Kydex that goes inside the holster to prevent any accidental discharge. Some gun holsters come with its own trigger guard as an added safety feature.

Even if you do not get a trigger guard, it is worth getting an aftermarket unit for the extra safety it provides. If you do not want to spend anything for it, you can even fashion a DIY trigger guard from different materials.

Be Responsible

As a gun owner, it is your responsibility that your weapon is not put to misuse. Keep track of your weapon at all times and follow all the gun safety rules. For those who need a refresher, the four rules of gun safety are:

• Treat every firearm as armed and loaded.
• Do not point your gun towards something you do not want to shoot
• Until you have the sight on your target, keep your finger on the target
• Be aware of your surroundings and see what is behind your target.

Even with a holstered firearm, you need to know and understand these rules. Furthermore, unless absolutely necessary, never draw your gun in a public place.

Take Care of Your Holster

Although belly band holsters  are quite durable, that does not mean they require no maintenance. Similar to other forms of garments, this tool needs to be washed from time to time. It ensures that your holster remains clean, free from dirt, and does not cause any irritation on your skin.

A great thing with this type of holster is that you can simply put them in the washer. After the machine does its job, you can lay it flat on the deck or hang it until it dries. However, make sure you do not tumble dry it as it might cause long term damages to the product.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Using a Belly Band Holster

Now that you have a basic idea about this tool, it would help to know some of its strengths and weaknesses.

Advantages:

Let us start with some of the advantages of using it. For one thing, a belly band holster ensures the security and stability of your handgun as you go on your daily commute.

Whether you are taking a walk across the park, or going for a morning jog, with a belly band holster, your gun will not wobble or slip.

Another major advantage of this type of holster is that it provides an easy way to access your gun when you need it while keeping it fully concealed. It is extremely low-profile which means when you holster your weapon, you will leave no printing, in most cases.

Furthermore, this holster typically allows you to carry more than one handgun. With other traditional IWB or OWB holsters, this might not always be the case. Since a belly band holster is quite stretchable, you can easily carry two or even three firearms without any visible printing.

In addition to firearms, some units come with extra slots or pockets. You can use it as a portable wallet to carry cash, credit card, or even your wallet itself. People often use the pouch in this type of holsters to carry extra rounds of magazines.

Disadvantages:

Although there are many advantages to this type of gun holsters, it does come with a few limitations. However, thankfully, the disadvantages are nowhere near enough to discredit the versatility of a belly band holsters.

The major problem with the unit is it can cause you to sweat a lot. If you take part in physically demanding activities such as running with your gun holstered, you will have a difficult time keeping yourself cool.

When you are using a unit made of plastic components, it becomes even more challenging. However, some manufacturers choose to tackle this issue head-on by using highly breathable materials to reduce some of the stress.

These materials allow for better ventilation, which in turn reduces sweating drastically. But if you are using low-quality units by knock-off brands, good luck getting a good experience out of it.

Another issue with a belly band holster is that since it is an elastic holster, the pocket does not stay open when you take out the gun. You need to manually pull the pocket while docking your firearm, which might not be favorable for everyone.

The third disadvantage of this type of holster is the drawing speed. However, you should not judge a belly band holster too harshly for this since almost any concealed carry holsters have this issue. Since your weapon is underneath your cloth away from view, naturally, your draw speed will not be as fast as it can get.

Although there are many different types of holsters available in the market, when you are looking for the sweet spot between comfort and concealment, none can match a high-quality belly band holster.

Final Thoughts

For people looking to find a good alternative to IWB holsters, a belly band holster is an excellent choice. Because of its comfortable and lightweight nature, you can wear it for as long as you want. The design of the unit facilitates the safety of the user and everyone around him.

No other forms of gun holster can match the discretion that this nifty little tool can provide. However, safety begins at home, and you should always be responsible when carrying your firearm.

We hope you found our extensive article on the best belly band holster reviews enlightening. Along with our list of reviews, we tried to give you a complete overview of what you can expect and how you can improve your experience with it to ensure that you can make the most out of your investment.