Winter Concealed Carry with Leather Holsters
Winter Concealed Carry with Leather Holsters: How to Stay Comfortable, Accessible, and Print-Free
Carrying in Cold Weather Comes with Its Own Challenges
Winter changes everything about concealed carry. You add layers, jackets get bulkier, and your draw stroke becomes slower if your holster isn’t positioned correctly. Leather holsters offer real advantages in cold weather—warmth, comfort, and flexibility—but only if you set them up the right way. This guide walks through the best winter practices so you stay comfortable, accessible, and print-free all season.
Why Winter Makes Concealed Carry More Complicated
Cold weather affects every part of your carry system. Leather stiffens slightly in low temperatures, your body heat gets trapped between layers, and a thick coat can block your grip entirely. Understanding how these factors interact helps you avoid dangerous delays or printing problems.
How Layering Changes Your Draw and Comfort
1. Jacket Thickness Can Block Your Grip
A leather holster that works perfectly in summer may sit too deep under winter layers. If your coat bunches around your waist, you lose grip clearance. This is where strong-side OWB and crossdraw holsters shine.
2. Hoodies and Sweaters Increase Printing
Soft fabrics collapse over the holster and create uneven outlines. Switching to a stiffer belt or adjusting ride height usually fixes this. Your leather holster will also mold more cleanly to your body as it warms, reducing profile.
3. Gloves Affect Trigger Control and Retention
Heavy gloves reduce dexterity. Make sure your winter holster allows a full firing grip before clearing layers. This is also the time to practice sweeping your jacket with a gloved hand.
Best Winter Carry Positions with Leather Holsters
1. Strong-Side OWB for Fast Access Under Coats
Jackets open naturally when you sweep them back. This makes OWB holsters one of the most efficient winter setups. For deeper concealment, pair with a sturdy belt from Leather Belts to prevent sag and shifting.
2. Crossdraw for Seated or Heavy-Layer Situations
Crossdraw becomes incredibly practical in winter because your support hand naturally pulls layers upward. It also avoids the bunching that happens with thick coats on the strong side.
3. IWB Only Works If Your Layers Aren’t Too Thick
IWB can still conceal well, but drawing under multiple garments takes practice. Make sure your shirt and sweatshirt sweep cleanly without catching on the leather.
Managing Printing During Winter
Printing happens when soft layers collapse around the holster or when jackets push the holster outward. A quality leather belt—especially a thicker one—solves half of these issues immediately. Leather naturally warms and flexes to your body, which reduces the holster outline the longer you wear it.
How Cold Weather Affects Leather (And What to Do About It)
Cold stiffens leather slightly, but your body heat softens it within minutes. The key is carrying consistently so the holster stays conditioned. If you’ve never conditioned leather holsters before, here’s a helpful guide you can read: How to Break In a Leather Holster for Maximum Comfort.
Practical Tips for Comfortable Winter Carry
Use a Stiffer Belt
Winter clothing weighs more. A stronger belt from Leather Belts keeps your holster stable and prevents sagging.
Choose a Holster with Good Retention
Leather retains heat well, but cold weather can affect retention slightly until the holster warms. Check tension before leaving home, especially if you store your holster somewhere cold.
Practice Clearing Your Layers
Train with your actual winter clothing. Heavy coats, sweatshirts, and flannel all behave differently when you sweep them aside.
Your Winter Carry Setup Isn’t Complete Without the Right Gear
A dependable belt, a high-quality leather holster, and smart layering make winter carry safe and comfortable. Explore our full collection of Leather Holsters for holsters crafted to handle cold-weather conditions, and check out Ammo Belts if you want to expand your gear setup for hunting season.
Explore More Gear & Guides
If you’d like to learn more about comfort, printing, and fit, here’s another helpful holster guide: The Science of Comfort: Why Holster Design Matters.
FAQ
Does leather get too stiff in winter?
No. It may firm up slightly, but your body heat softens it quickly.
Should I switch from IWB to OWB in winter?
Many carriers do because thick jackets make OWB access faster. But both work if you practice your draw.
How do I avoid printing under a hoodie?
Use a stiffer belt and check your ride height. Softer layers collapse easier, so adjustment is key.