What is Gun Holster? Let's learn something about gun holsters ?
What Is a Gun Holster?
A gun holster is designed to hold a firearm in a consistent position while providing appropriate retention and helping protect access to the trigger while the firearm is holstered. The right holster also supports the way you intend to carry, whether that means outside the waistband, inside the waistband, crossdraw, or another carry position.
But not every holster works with every firearm. Fit, firearm model, barrel length, frame dimensions, carry position, handedness, retention design, and the belt supporting the holster can all affect how the complete setup performs.
If you are starting your search, browse our leather holsters or continue below to understand the major differences before choosing one.
What Does a Gun Holster Do?
A properly designed holster performs several important functions at the same time.
- Trigger protection: The holster should appropriately cover and protect the trigger area while the firearm is fully seated.
- Retention: It should retain the firearm appropriately for the holster's intended use.
- Consistent positioning: The firearm should return to a predictable position when properly holstered and worn.
- Support: The holster and belt work together to manage the firearm's weight.
- Carry orientation: The design determines ride height, cant, draw orientation, and where the firearm sits on the body.
A holster should therefore be evaluated as part of a complete carry system rather than simply as a leather pouch that fits around a firearm.
Common Types of Gun Holsters
Outside-the-Waistband (OWB) Holsters
An OWB holster attaches to the belt and carries the firearm outside the waistband. This style provides straightforward access and can accommodate many different handgun sizes.
OWB designs are commonly used for open carry where lawful, range use, outdoor activities, and situations where maximum concealment is not the primary objective.
Inside-the-Waistband (IWB) Holsters
An IWB holster positions most of the holster body inside the waistband. This reduces the amount of the firearm visible above the belt line and makes IWB a common choice for lawful concealed carry.
Comfort and concealment can be affected by firearm dimensions, holster thickness, ride height, cant, clothing, belt support, and where the holster is positioned around the waist.
Crossdraw Holsters
A crossdraw holster positions the firearm so it is accessed by reaching across the body. For a right-handed user, for example, the holster is generally positioned on the left side and oriented for the right hand to reach across.
Crossdraw has a long association with Western carry and remains an option for riders and others who prefer that particular carry orientation.
Shoulder Holsters
A shoulder holster uses a harness worn around the upper body, typically positioning the firearm beneath one arm. It keeps the waist relatively clear and distributes the carry system differently from a belt-mounted holster.
Ankle and Pocket Holsters
Ankle and pocket holsters are generally associated with smaller handguns. A purpose-built pocket holster should keep the firearm properly oriented and protect the trigger area rather than allowing a handgun to remain loose in a pocket.
Leather Holsters vs Kydex, Nylon and Hybrid Holsters
Holster material affects feel, rigidity, thickness, retention characteristics, maintenance, and appearance. No material should be judged independently of the actual holster design and firearm fit.
Leather Holsters
A quality leather gun holster combines traditional appearance with a material that can be shaped around a particular firearm or firearm family. Leather is especially closely associated with Western revolver holsters, belt holsters, and traditional carry equipment.
Leather requires appropriate care and periodic inspection. Because it is a natural material, its condition can change with moisture, repeated use, storage, and age.
Kydex Holsters
Kydex is a rigid thermoplastic commonly formed around a specific firearm. It can produce a relatively thin holster with defined shape and retention characteristics.
Nylon Holsters
Nylon holsters are generally lightweight and flexible. Construction varies considerably, so firearm fit, trigger coverage, retention, and structural integrity should be evaluated carefully rather than assuming all nylon holsters perform the same way.
Hybrid Holsters
Hybrid designs combine materials, often using a rigid shell with a softer or broader backing. Their performance depends on the complete design rather than simply the combination of materials.
Why Firearm-Specific Holster Fit Matters
One of the most important considerations when choosing a holster is whether it is actually designed and verified for your firearm.
Two handguns can look similar while differing in slide width, frame dimensions, trigger guard shape, barrel length, sights, controls, or other areas that affect holster fit. That is why Saddle Online Shop / TOMAR'S tests and shapes many of our holsters around specific firearm models rather than relying only on broad compatibility claims.
For model-specific options, explore our 1911 leather holsters, Glock leather holsters, and our complete leather holster collection.
Understanding Holster Retention
Retention describes how the holster keeps the firearm seated during normal movement and intended use. Different leather holsters may use molded or friction retention, retention straps, thumb-break designs, or combinations of these features.
Retention should be evaluated with the actual firearm for which the holster is intended. A firearm should not simply be forced into a holster because its general dimensions appear similar.
Ride Height and Cant Matter Too
Holster fit is only part of the equation. Ride height determines how high or low the firearm sits relative to the belt, while cant describes the angle at which the firearm is carried.
These characteristics influence comfort, accessibility, concealment, and how the firearm's weight interacts with the belt. Some holsters provide a fixed orientation, while others offer multiple belt slots that allow more than one carry angle.
Our guide to where a leather holster should sit on your belt explains how positioning affects the complete carry setup.
Why a Good Leather Belt Matters
A holster does not support the firearm by itself. The belt underneath it is part of the system.
A supportive leather belt can help limit unwanted holster movement and sag while maintaining a more consistent carry position. A weak or excessively flexible belt may allow even a well-made holster to move more than intended.
Read our guide to how a proper leather belt helps prevent holster shift and sag for a closer look at the relationship between the belt and holster.
How to Choose Your First Gun Holster
Start with the firearm and the way you actually intend to carry it. Then evaluate the holster rather than choosing solely by appearance.
- Confirm firearm fit: Check the exact firearm model and relevant barrel or frame dimensions.
- Choose handedness: Make sure the holster orientation matches the intended draw hand and carry style.
- Select the carry position: Decide whether you need OWB, IWB, crossdraw, or another configuration.
- Check trigger coverage: Evaluate the holster with the intended firearm fully seated.
- Evaluate retention: Make sure the retention system is appropriate for the holster's intended use.
- Consider ride height and cant: These affect how the firearm sits and feels on the body.
- Use adequate belt support: Match the holster with a belt capable of supporting the complete setup.
For a more detailed breakdown, read our guide to choosing the right holster for your firearm.
Build a Stable Carry Setup
Start with a properly fitted leather holster and support it with a substantial leather belt. If your setup includes additional ammunition, explore our leather ammo carriers for compact belt-mounted carry or leather cartridge belts for traditional cartridge organization.
For other field and outdoor leather gear, Saddle Online Shop / TOMAR'S also offers leather gun slings and leather knife sheaths.
Helpful Guides to Dial In Your Carry
Continue with our holster selection guide, learn where a leather holster should sit on your belt, and understand how belt support affects holster stability.
You can also explore our leather ammo belt guide when building a broader Western or outdoor carry setup.
Explore More Genuine Leather Gear
Leather craftsmanship across Saddle Online Shop / TOMAR'S extends beyond carry equipment. Browse our Western saddles, Western cinches, headstalls and breast collars, and saddle fenders for Western tack and riding equipment.
You can also explore our leather dog collars alongside our broader selection of genuine leather gear.
Frequently Asked Questions About Gun Holsters
Do I need a holster made for my specific firearm?
Firearm-specific fit is generally preferable because seemingly small differences in the frame, slide, trigger guard, barrel, sights, or controls can affect how a handgun fits and retains in a holster. Always verify the intended firearm compatibility before use.
What is the difference between OWB and IWB?
OWB means outside the waistband and positions the holster outside the pants. IWB means inside the waistband and positions most of the holster inside the pants. The better option depends on the firearm, clothing, intended carry method, comfort, and applicable laws.
What is a crossdraw holster?
A crossdraw holster is positioned so the user reaches across the body to access the firearm. A right-handed crossdraw setup generally places the holster on the left side, while a left-handed setup generally reverses that orientation.
Is leather a good material for a gun holster?
Leather has a long history in holster construction and remains widely used, particularly for Western, revolver, and traditional belt holsters. The important factors are proper firearm fit, appropriate construction, retention, condition, and maintenance rather than material alone.
Does a holster need to cover the trigger?
A properly fitted holster should protect the trigger area while the intended firearm is fully seated. Check the actual firearm-and-holster combination rather than assuming coverage based only on the product category.
Do I need a strong belt for an OWB holster?
A supportive belt is an important part of an OWB carry system because it helps manage the combined weight of the firearm and holster and can reduce unwanted movement or sag.
How should I care for a leather holster?
Keep the holster reasonably clean and dry, inspect it periodically for changes in shape, stitching, retention, and hardware, and avoid excessive oils or conditioners that can overly soften leather intended to maintain structure.
