Common Mistakes People Make When Buying Leather Gun Holsters (And How to Avoid Them)

Choosing the right leather gun holster comes down to fit, comfort, retention, and carry style. Here are the pitfalls to avoid—and what to do instead.

1) Choosing the Wrong Holster Type

• IWB (Inside the Waistband): Best for concealed carry and close-to-body comfort.
• OWB (Outside the Waistband): Great access and comfort; less concealable.
• Crossdraw: Comfortable while seated; works well for long drives or ranch work.
• Western: Classic open-carry style for revolvers and cowboy action.

Fix: Match the holster to your use-case. For EDC, lean IWB. For open carry or range days, OWB. Revolver folks often prefer Western holsters or crossdraw.

2) Ignoring Firearm-Specific Fit

A holster molded for a Glock won’t suit a SIG, and a revolver rig won’t fit a slim pistol. One-size-fits-all usually means “fits nothing well.”

Fix: Choose holsters built for your specific platform—e.g., Glock holsters or 1911 holsters—and check size/length notes before buying.

3) Overlooking Comfort

Stiff edges, poor lining, or the wrong cant will rub you raw—especially during all-day wear.

Fix: Look for tuned stitch lines, smooth edges, and materials that break in well. If softness matters, consider a suede leather holster.

4) Forgetting Concealed-Carry Accessories

Belt width compatibility, clip type, ride height, and cant all affect concealment and comfort.

Fix: Pair your holster with the right leather belt. Choose adjustable retention or thumb-breaks where needed.

5) Skipping Retention and Security

Too loose and the gun shifts; too tight and the draw is clumsy.

Fix: Aim for firm passive retention with a clean, repeatable draw. Consider thumb-breaks for active work.

6) Choosing Style Over Function

Tooling and dyes are great—until they get in the way of a safe, consistent draw.

Fix: Start with function. Add style once the fit, cant, and ride height are dialed in.

Bottom Line

Prioritize fit, comfort, and retention. Then choose the style that matches your carry. Explore our full lineup of holsters, including Western holsters, crossdraw holsters, suede leather holsters, and dedicated Glock holsters and 1911 holsters.