Best IWB Holster for XDS | Top 5 Picks For 2022

The Springfield Armory XDS is one of the most popular handguns out on the market. Its lightweight, compact nature makes it a perfect concealed carry weapon.

But if the weapon holster itself is not concealed, then the compact size really does not contribute much to this feature.

If you are a gun owner with a concealed carry license, the chances are that you already have an XDS in your arsenal. The next thing you have to decide is the holster that you want to buy.

With the best IWB holsters for XDS, you can keep it out of sight, the way it is meant to be carried. IWB, for those who do not know, stands for Inside the Waist Band.

This type of holster sticks to the belt or beltline of your pants, with the gun being on the inside. Then when you put on your shirt, it completely disappears under the overhang making your gun concealed.

In this article, I will give you a complete idea about this type of gun holster so that you have no trouble deciding which one you want to buy for yourself.

Why Do You Need an IWB Holster?

If you are a gun lover, you need a holster of some kind for carrying it around with you; that much is a given. What you need to decide is what type of holster you need.

Although there are a number of different holster categories available on the market, typically users stick with two types, IWB and OWB. As you already know, IWB stands for Inside the Waist Band.

So, it does not take much of a leap to understand that OWB means Outside the Waistband. These two categories are the most commonly used holsters in the market for a typical consumer.

OWB, as the name suggests, holds your gun without concealing it. It stays outside your pant and only serves as a holder. It allows for easy access and is typically quicker to draw.

However, if you are licensed for concealed carry only, it is not legal for you to use it. IWB, on the other hand, is completely legal to use for someone with a concealed carry license.

Although it cannot match the draw speed and access of an OWB holster, it is still quick enough for almost any situation imaginable. On the plus side, it is completely concealed.

The best thing about IWB holster is that it shows you are a responsible gun owner. It also shows that you keep the matter of gun security seriously and that you care about the law. Unless you are planning on going head-first into a weapon fighting situation, an IWB holster is always the way to go.

Top 5 Best IWB Holsters for XDS Reviews

Now that you know why you would want an IWB holster, I can jump into a list of products. It can get quite challenging to find the right one, so I will try to keep it as simple as possible.

Do not worry; I have already done the legwork so that you can have an easy time finding the best product. So, without further ado, here are our top picks for the best holsters for XDS that you can find on the market.

1. Concealment Express IWB KYDEX Holster (Black)

I’m going to start up our list with a stylish and comfortable IWB holster by the brand concealment express. It IWB comes with a sleek and discreet design that caters to your comfort and keeps your weapon secured without sacrificing the draw speed and easy access. For the price, it does not get better than this.

The unit features an undercut trigger guard to ensure that it does not interfere with your draw. In addition, its open-face design also allows for threaded barrels and suppressors without getting too congested and uncomfortable. Your weapon will also remain safe from your sweat, thanks to the sweat guard and rear sight shield.

It comes with a high-strength belt clip that discretely attaches to your waistband without leaving any visual marks. You can adjust the retention pressure using black oxide steel hardware, giving you a custom fit. To make access to your handgun easier, you can set the carry angle anywhere from -5 to 20 degrees.

When you put away your gun inside the holster, it gives off a clicking sound to indicate that it is locked and secured. It is also clawing compatible, which essentially removes printing when you are carrying your weapon. Overall, this tool is perfect for people who want a comfortable IWB holster that is efficient and user-friendly.

Pros:

• Fully adjustable
• Extremely discreet IWB holster
• Satisfactory click when holstering your weapon
• Affordable price tag

Cons:

• No apparent cons

2. BLACKHAWK! Serpa CQC 410502BK-R Holster

Although the previous unit is quite affordable, sometimes you want something that costs a bit less but comes with comparable features. For those people, I have this amazing unit by the brand Blackhawk. You will be sacrificing nothing when it comes to quality and comfort with this unit.

The best feature of this tool is the SERPA automatic lock and release system. It ensures that whenever you holster your weapon, it gets locked, and the moment you want to draw your gun, it comes out without any extra force. Getting your gun trapped in the holster is the worst experience, and with this unit, you will never face the issue.

Additionally, the unit features a passive retention system that you can adjust using the screw at the side. Its overall design boasts high draw speed and holster to ensure you get the best experience with it. And with the included belt loop and paddle platform, you have complete freedom over how you use it.

When you use it as an IWB holster, you can keep it concealed without any printing over your clothes. This feature is due to its sleek and compact design, and it really comes in handy when you do not want to draw any attention to your firearm. The device is a must-buy for any responsible gun owner with a concealed carry license.

Pros:

• Sleek and compact design
• Features patented SERPA automatic lock and release technology.
• Comes with belt loop platform and paddle platform
• Adjustable passive retention detent

Cons:

• Sometimes might feel too smooth.

3. SPRINGFIELD ARMORY XDS4500H Gun Stock Accessories

If you are looking for a quality paddle system gun holster, you came to the right place. The Springfield Armory XDS4500H is one of their high-quality products that manage to deliver excellent performance at a very affordable and reasonable price range. It is the perfect choice for anyone on a budget.

The unit comes with a belt clip on the pebble. So if you prefer, you can wear it without a belt. Regardless of whether you use a belt, the unit is quite discreet and lightweight, fitting comfortably as a paddle holster. Its low-profile structure does not leave any printing and completely conceals your weapon under your shirt.

It is also very practical, allowing you to draw your guns easily without any hassle. The primary purpose of a holster is to provide easy access as well as security, and this unit does both of the jobs well. To further enhance usability, the unit allows you to adjust the retention angle easily for a custom experience.

Despite its lightweight nature, the unit is quite sturdy and comes with top-notch construction. It is made of sturdy polymer and can take a beating like a champ. Overall, it is an affordable unit made for people looking for a practical way to carry around their guns without any visual signs.

Pros:

• Affordable price range
• Compact, lightweight, and simple
• Easy to adjust the angle for quicker access
• Low hanging and does not leave any printing

Cons:

• Can scratch your gun if not careful.

4. Galco Stow N Go IWB Holster for Springfield XDS 3.3″ RH Natural STO662

For people who want a comfortable and smooth holster, the brand Galco has the perfect product. Its Stow N Go is an excellent option when you are looking for easy access and storing solution for your 3.3-inch XDS handguns. Combining durability and comfort, it has earned its place rightfully on our list.

The unit comes with a metal-reinforced opening that ensures you always have an easy time holstering your weapon. While in use, it leaves little to no printing. You can even go jogging with it equipped and will not feel the presence. It is overall one of the most lightweight units on the market that fully caters to your comfort.

In addition, it features a J-clip to help you hook it up inside the pant fully concealing it. One drawback of the unit is that when you holster your gun, its trigger guard remains exposed. Although it might not be a dealbreaker, if you keep your guns safe, it is something that you need to be aware of before buying it.

The unit features a high-quality leather construction so you can be sure of its durability. It offers a streamlined experience without any hassle when it comes to holstering your weapons. This product is a smart investment for people on a budget looking for an efficient gun holster. 

Pros:

• Full leather construction
• Easy to holster and draw weapons
• Affordable price
• Extremely lightweight

Cons:

• Leaves the trigger guard exposed when in use.

5. OutBags USA LS2XDS33 Full Grain Heavy Leather IWB Conceal Carry Gun Holster

Finishing up our list of reviews, I am looking at a premium holster by the brand OutBags. It features high-quality design and superior construction quality without an absurd price tag. If you want an excellent product at an affordable price, it is a fantastic choice.

The best feature of this unit is its comfort. Because of the premium leather construction and comfortable design, you can wear it for long hours without feeling any bulge. When equipped, it sits in a perfect position that allows you to draw your weapon without any resistance.

It also features an extremely durable clip that holds it in position with your pant. Furthermore, it leaves no printing, making it an ideal choice for concealed carry of your firearms. For any responsible gun owner, hiding their firearm when not in use is essential, and this holster does the job perfectly.

Construction-wise, it is made from hard-molded leather, which is exceptionally durable and long-lasting. Although it might require some breaking-in, once you get used to it, you can never go back. The mold fits any Springfield XDS snugly and gives you a comfortable way to holster your weapon.

Pros:

• Durable and long-lasting construction
• Affordable price
• High-quality J-clip
• Lightweight and compact design

Cons:

• Requires some breaking-in

Things to Consider when Buying the Best IWB Holster for Springfield XDS

Now that you know about our top recommendations, why not look at some of the features I checked to take that decision These features and considerations would give you a deeper insight as to how you can choose the perfect unit for your requirements. If you want to buy the best products, you need to know the major factors.

So here are a few things that you should consider when you want to buy the best XDS holsters without regret.

Trigger Guard

The first thing that you need to check in your IWB holster is the trigger guard. Some units even skip out on building a trigger guard, and you need to manually insert it. This element binds itself to the trigger so that you do not accidentally discharge your gun when pulling it out of the holster.

A trigger guard is an important factor as it accounts for your safety with the holster. Generally, it is made using Kydex or leather, both of which are great candidates for a trigger guard. As long as your unit features a trigger guard with these materials, you can expect a safe experience with it.

Printing

IWB gun holsters are amazing options for concealed carry of your firearms. However, not all gun holsters are discreet and might sometime leave a visual indication from under your shirt. This is known as printing, and if you want a discrete holster, you need to check for this factor.

Make sure you buy a unit that does not leave any printing on your shirt. It has to be compact, featuring a low-profile design so that it does not poke out of your shirt. Otherwise, there really is no point in buying an IWB holster. Concealment of your guns should be your primary concern with this type of product.

Comfort

You also need to prioritize your comfort when using an IWB holster. These units are generally less comfortable than an OWB or SOB holster. But that does not mean that all of them are uncomfortable. If you look hard enough and consider the design and structure of the product, you can find a discreet yet comfortable unit.

Remember that you might be wearing your holster for long hours when traveling or moving from one place to another. Without a comfortable unit, you will end up having a very bad experience while using it. It is one of the essential elements that you need to check before investing in a specific device.

Retention

Retention refers to the ability of the holster to keep your gun locked securely. In other words, if you turn over your holster, your guns need to stay inside the holster instead of falling off. Thankfully, most gun holsters allow you to adjust the retention according to your liking.

With too much retention, you will have a harder time drawing your firearm. On the other hand, if the retention is too low, the gun will not be very secure. You need to find a comfortable position and adjust the retention so that it stays locked and comes out only when you pull on it on purpose.

Protection

The primary purpose of your IWB holster is to securely lock your gun. However, if the holster scratches your gun and ruins the finish, it is not worth buying it. A gun is typically very near and dear to the user, so why buy something that ruins the cosmetic quality of your weapon?

Furthermore, if the holster is too stiff and tight, you might not have a very comfortable experience with it. You should also check for any sharp edges on the finish as it can scratch your skin. It might even tear up your clothing if you keep using it. So, make sure the unit that you buy does not cause these issues.

Grip

Another thing you need to check is if the holster allows you to get a comfortable and full grip on your firearm. If no, then you should strongly consider not buying it. Without a comfortable grip, you will not be able to pull out the gun at the ready in case of an emergency situation.

Holsters that give you this option will ultimately provide a better experience when using it. Its draw speed and security would be drastically higher, which is exactly what you want from your IWB holster. So before investing your hard-earned money, take some time, and check your gripping comfort with the unit.

Durability

Finally, you should spend some time looking at its overall build quality. It would give you an idea about the durability of the unit. A gun holster is not something that you want to change often. It is sort of like a wallet whose sole purpose is to provide you with an option to carry your gun.

If you buy a holster that you need to replace after a few months, then there really is no point buying it in the first place. Check the material of the unit and look for any inconsistencies. Additionally, if it comes with screws for adjustments, you should also check it for its quality.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there anything special I need to worry about when buying the best IWB holster for Springfield XDS?

I have already discussed everything that you need to consider when buying the holster in our article. However, one extra thing that you need to think about is whether you are left or right-handed. If you are a lefty, the last thing you want is to buy a right-handed holster for yourself accidentally.

What size of belt do I need to use an IWB holster?

It mostly depends on how high or low you want to carry your holster. For most people, a belt that is two to four inches above the normal length should be enough. If you want your holster to be super low, however, you need a bigger belt, which might not be very practical.

How to sit with an IWB holster?

Sitting with an IWB holster can feel a bit uncomfortable, especially if you are not used to it. Although most of the discomfort fades away, the more you get used to it, you can take some steps to speed up the process.

For instance, you could try moving the holster from 4 ’o clock to 3 o clock position. You could also try to move the holster a bit higher when sitting done as it would not put as much pressure on your stomach.

When you first get your IWB holster, you can try sitting with it and adjusting it until you find the sweet spot. It varies from one person to another, so it is quite hard to give a definitive answer.

Final Thoughts

As you can see, nothing beats an IWB holster when it comes to concealed carry. People who are looking for a convenient way to discreetly carry a handgun while abiding by the law, this is the best choice.

I hope you found our article on the best IWB holster for XDS informative and helpful in finding the perfect product.