Every human body is different, so it is hard to say what will work with a given body shape and wardrobe choices. Other lifestyle considerations also influence your holster selection.
For instance: do your daily activities require a lot of sitting, are you more confident carrying a larger caliber gun, or maybe a printing is a massive no-no at work?
In this article, we'll be taking a look at the best holsters designed for those who are a little bigger and carry a belly. If that's you, or your shopping for someone that fits that criteria, stay tuned.
At a Glance: Our Top Picks for Concealed Carry Holsters for Fat Guys
- OUR TOP PICK: BLACKHAWK!! SERPA CQC Concealment Holster
- RUNNER-UP: UTG 3.9" Ambidextrous Pocket Holster
- SECOND RUNNER-UP: DTOM Premium Leather Universal Holster
Comparison of the Best Holsters for Fat Guys
| IMAGE | PRODUCT | |
|---|---|---|
Our Top Pick  |
| View Latest Price → |
 |
| View Latest Price → |
 |
| View Latest Price → |
 |
| View Latest Price → |
 |
| View Latest Price → |
 |
| View Latest Price → |
What Size of Concealed Carry Holster Do I Need?
We’ll be answering the question in two separate ways. But the answer is still the same: it depends. It will depend on the waist size of someone who might be on the heavy size. It may also depend on the size of your pistol as well. So be sure to keep your own measurements (and the size of your pistol) in mind while you are looking for a holster that will best suit you.
Why Did These Holsters Make Our List For Big Guys?
We didn’t choose these holsters at complete random. We were able to find the best features and characteristics that you may need in a holster. It’s important that you use a similar formula when choosing a holster for your own use. Here are some things to keep an eye out for:
Affordable Price
The price might be something you want to consider when it comes to looking for a holster. But it shouldn’t be the “be all, end all” reason why you bought it. If you are on a budget, be sure to find the best quality and performance that will fit your budget. However, you should not confuse that with “going for cheap”. If you go for something cheaper, be warned that it won’t last you long and you may walk away disappointed.
Comfortable Fit
You want your holster to be really comfortable. That’s because you don’t want it to irritate your skin nor feel awkward in terms of carrying your pistol for all-day use. One of the main things to keep an eye out for is the type of material that it’s made from. Some materials will allow for better comfort and won’t irritate your skin regardless if it’s sensitive or not. Sometimes, sweat can cause the material to trigger any irritation.
Reliability
These holsters are excellent in quality, which will always equate to better reliability. Think about it like this, a holster that will fall apart won’t be reliable (whereas a holster that is made from excellent quality and sturdy materials will definitely hold up much better and therefore will be reliable for most users).
Review of the Best Holsters For Fat Guys
Below is a list of the eight best-concealed carry holsters for fat guys. As you go through each one on the list, you’ll be able to note any features or characteristics that will stand out as interesting to you. If you have a good idea of what your ideal holster should look like and how it functions, find one on this list that might be close enough. Now, let’s begin with the first holster on the list:
Now that we know what to look for in a holster for big guys, lets have a closer look at the few good holsters available in the market and look at their pros and cons in detail.
Best Holster for Fat Guys:
BLACKHAWK!! SERPA CQC Concealment Holster
Pros
Cons
What Recent Buyers Report
A lot of new users had nothing but praise for this holster. They were able to keep this at their side while being able to quickly draw and reholster without any issue. One user said that for his size (being on the large side), the drawing ability was easy and snag-free. He said that it was a perfect fit for his favorite belt was surprisingly able to handle the holster and keep it in place.
Why it Stands Out to Us
This holster is made from a high-quality polymer that will fulfill your concealed carry needs. It won’t change shape or sag like some holsters. And best of all, it’s designed to provide no snagging when you are quickly drawing or re-holstering it. If you are in search of a holster that will last a long time and will stand out as one of the more reliable accessories that you’ve invested in for your pistol, this could be what you are looking for.
The first Blackhawk MT SERPA CQC holsters were purpose-built for uniformed patrol officers, but the design was quickly adapted for agents and civilians who carry concealed sidearms.
Built from a durable composite material, SERPA CQC holster comes with the accessories so you can use it to fit shoulder, S.T.R.I.K.E, quick disconnect, and tactical holster platforms
This OWB Blackhawk sleek package includes both a paddle mount and a belt mount system, with both bases curved to allow a comfortable fit to your body. While both mounting bases use the same three screws, the paddle base has an adjustable cant.
This Blackhawk Serpa CQC concealment holster boasts patented the Serpa Auto Lock release, facilitating a smooth drawing motion, easy re-holstering, and unparalleled weapon security.
Actually, this unique holster design features a Level 2 security system to secure the weapon into the holster. The first is the adjustable retention and the additional safety measure is active until you properly press the “L” shaped unlock button while drawing the gun out of the holster.
Although it is designed for a natural drawing motion, with the trigger finger behind the holster body, the release button is very close to the trigger guard, and some say it can be an unsafe design.
Who Will Use This Most
If you plan on conceal carrying on a regular basis and a bit on the heavy side, this is a holster that won’t be hard to use. It’s at the right size and will fit the larger frames when you attach this to your waistband or belt. All you have to do is add on your pistol of choice and you’ll have no-fuss carrying all day and every day.
Bottom Line
The Blackhawk SERPA CQC Concealment Holster proves itself in being one of the best holsters that any big guy can own. It’s got the durability, the reliability, and the overall comfort to make every day a conceal carry day without the discomfort or frustration. Invest in a holster like this and you certainly won’t regret it.
Due to its rock solid locking mechanism and dual mounting approaches, the Blackhawk Serpa quickly became popular, widening its offer to more than 40 different handguns.
In addition, this retention CCW holster offers the utmost in firearm security and you can feel confident knowing your firearm will never accidentally leave the holster.
Best Holster for Fat Guys Runner-up:
Leapers UTG 3.9" Ambidextrous Pocket Holster
Pros
Cons
What Recent Buyers Report
Lots of new buyers were those who were left-handed shooters. They rejoiced when they found out that this holster was ambidextrous (and thus accommodating to their preference). One user said that he was able to quickly draw his pistol from the holster using his left hand rather than struggle with a right-handed holster that he used for a few months. He added that it was perfect for cross-body drawing despite being a big and tall kind of guy. Overall, it fits in most pockets like a glove without any slippage or causing the pistol to stick.
Why it Stands Out to Us
One of the major issues with left-handed shooters is being able to quickly draw a pistol using their weak hand. That alone could spell trouble for them. So it would make sense to get the job done by creating a holster that is beneficial for both right-handed and left-handed shooters. You can cross-draw or do a straight draw, it’s entirely up to you.
With well-measured proportions of pocket holster, pocket size, and body size, most people will have no idea what is in your pocket. Leapers UTG 3.9" Ambidextrous Pocket Holster is a reliable way for larger people to keep a handgun in their front pocket while it reducing printing.
As the name suggests, it enables both right or left-handed shooters to get a quick and reliable pocket draw from this UTG holster.
This small, lightweight holster is made from a durable polyester material, which is double-layered to hold an extra mag. However, this thickness unnecessarily adds a square bulge print in dress or tighter pants.
Whereas this small Leapers pocket holster comes without any clips, tabs, or harness rigs, it only features integrated non-slip bands on both sides of the holster. This may cause the holster to remain in the pocket when the gun is drawn.
This pocket holster is sized to accommodate anything from subcompact .380, 9mm, and .40 caliber semi-automatic pistols to .38-caliber snub nose revolvers.
The UTG Professional Ambidextrous open-top pocket holster is designed with integral front and back storage pockets for holding documents, reload rounds, or other small items.
Who Will Use This Most
If you want a holster that will be not just perfect for big and tall shooters, but also for those kinds of shooters that prefer compact pistols, this might be the holster you’ll wind up using for the long term. It’s pretty useful when you want to put it in your pocket. And it will keep it all in position without causing any discomfort or exposing your pistol when it’s trying to stay out of plain sight.
Bottom Line
You can depend on the UTG Ambidextrous Pocket Holster to make your concealability go through the roof. It’s allowable for smaller pistols and thus will make discreet concealed carry a reality. This holster will definitely work in favor of left-handed shooters (and yes, righties as well). In short, it’s pretty versatile and reliable so you won’t regret investing in this if you choose to do so.
While backed by the Leapers one-year limited warranty, this nylon construction holster works very effectively for concealed use in larger pockets, allowing you to store gear, keys, and other items in the same pocket.
Best Holster for Fat Guys Second Runner-up:
DTOM Premium Leather IWB or OWB Ambidextrous Holster
Pros
Cons
What Recent Buyers Report
New buyers were owners of pistols like Glock, SIG Sauer, and Rugers to name a few. They were really happy with the pistol’s ability to hold these pistols in place whether they were compact or full-size. The overall quality is pretty solid and allowed for a really comfortable fit, according to one user. He added that it allowed for drawing that was much faster than his previous holster, which was made from nylon. The draw from his old holster he described in a word was “rough”.
Why it Stands Out to Us
This pistol is considered a universal holster. There’s a good chance that whatever concealed carry pistol you have on hand will in all likelihood fit this holster the most. It’s not only one of the best affordable holsters for a larger framed guy, but it’s also a solution for when you can’t seem to find a holster that you know will fit your pistol. If you want to grab something that’s excellent in quality and reliability without the guessing games, this could be the holster you need.
The Don't Tread On Me company has a wide assortment of holsters and pouches for concealed carry, but the premium full grain leather unit connects a high-quality construction, minimalist design, and a great price.
The design is particularly suitable for the persons of large body size as it can be worn between your belt and waistband or over the belt (open carry). It works equally well for right or left-handed users, as well as in positions like strong or weak side, and behind the back.
While this genuine leather holster has a strong, removable metal belt clip for attaching to either the IWB or OWB, it provides a closer, more secure fit, especially when using belt slots for OWB carry.
The DTOM ambidextrous holster completely encompasses the trigger area providing ideal trigger protection. Whereas its open design will enable full-size guns to sit deeper in the holster, the barrel will be exposed and you will feel the metal of the barrel against your leg.
Another downside found in IWB position would be re-holstering, as the leather self-closes when the gun is removed.
Indeed, this is not a thin little piece of leather but is a professional grade holster made of hard leather, which enables sufficient retention and slight cant with minimal bulk.
Who Will Use This Most
If you are starting out with concealed carry, then this will be the right kind of pistol for you. The last thing a newbie needs is to figure out which holster is the best fit for his pistol. If you want something that is guaranteed to fit and will have the potential to last you years or even decades, you may want to give this puppy a closer look. And by the way, it’s pretty affordable for those on a budget. Why have the life sucked out of your bank account when you can get a holster that you know is excellent in quality, reliable, and just works with any pistol you can think of.
Bottom Line
If you’re new to concealed carry and want a pistol that will fit you perfectly (and for the other big guys out there), the DTOM Premium Leather Universal Holster will no doubt be a great option for you. All we can say is no more guessing games of whether or not this will work with the pistol that you depend on for EDC carry.
The holster is advertised as having a universal design that will fit many semi-auto pistols. DTOM Premium leather holster fits nearly any weapon, due to the full-grain leather that naturally expands and conforms securely around almost any size handgun.
Best Holster for Fat Guys Third Runner-up:
Gould & Goodrich G&G Back Holster
Pros
Cons
What Recent Buyers Report
This holster was a perfect fit for users who were owners of various Glock pistols. No matter which model they had, they were able to fit this in their holsters with the ability to keep it at the small of their backs. They said that it allowed for fast, discreet drawing and re-holstering was an absolute breeze as well. One user even said that despite being well over six feet and some inches and over 300 pounds, it allowed for comfortable concealability and found it easy to reach behind his back and quickly draw his holster.
Why it Stands Out to Us
The small of your back might be the last place that some concealed carry users may expect to look. But for the trained professional, it’s a place where you can discreetly carry a primary pistol or a secondary if you are already carrying something else. This holster is made from high-quality leather that is super comfortable and won’t sag or lose firmness fast like some of the other leather holsters on the market. It’s at the right kind of size for excellent concealability. If you want a holster that will really maximize your concealability, this is the holster to go with.
Gould & Goodrich is well-known for high definition and superb craftsmanship in their gun accessories. The Gold Line back holster is no exception.
As you probably know, small-of-back (SOB) holsters are some of the most comfortable carrying solutions around.
In fairness, drawing and holstering maybe harder for huskier people with a heavy build, but SOB holsters are not known for the flashing draw speed but for the comfort and ability to hide a larger weapon even on larger bodies.
A G&G small-of-back holster is designed to be worn outside the belt via fixed belt loops instead of clips, therefore to remove the holster you have to remove your 1 ½" wide belt.
The leather holster features a top reinforced band that helps holster stay open for easy one-handed re-holstering. A Gould & Goodrich Back Concealment Holster comes with an ideal draw angle (cant) and an adjustable tension screw to hold the pistol securely.
While the tension screw enables you to determine firmness or ease of draw, it will retain your semi automatic only in casual situations, such as walking around.
This small, sturdy, and lightweight leather holster can be broken in to fit your specific weapon perfectly and to fit exact body shape. This makes the holster and gun comfortable to wear against your back all day.
Who Will Use This Most
This is a holster that is exclusive to mostly Glock owners. Name the type of Glock pistol that you have and chances are it will fit. It will be a great long-term holster for those who want to conceal carry with a good amount of discreteness added onto it. This holster will indeed be just as reliable as the Glock pistol you use most.
Bottom Line
The Gould & Goodrich G&G Back Holster won’t be one of those holsters that you see on your hip. But it can provide a safe and easy opportunity to carry a pistol in the most unlikely of places. But you will still be able to reach for it and quickly draw it out of the holster without a single incident of snagging.
A G&G Gold Line holster is a reasonably compact unit available in a variety of sizes for different gun types, such as 1911 style pistols with 4" to 5" barrel and a whole line of SIGs and Glocks. However, more experienced gun owners recommend this as a perfect holster for a backup weapon or an off-duty firearm.
Best IWB Holster for Fat Guys:
Concealment Express IWB KYDEX Holster
Pros
Cons
What Recent Buyers Report
As expected, a lot of new users were not disappointed with the holster in general. They said that the quality of the holster was top notch and it allowed for superior reliability. Since it’s made from high-quality materials, it allowed for better drawing and re-holstering without any struggles or snagging. One user said that he ditched his polymer holster for this because it somehow managed to be a lot tougher and more comfortable.
Why it Stands Out to Us
Kydex is probably one of the best materials that you can find in a holster these days. In fact, it is catching fire really fast in terms of popularity. It’s no secret that this will outlast any kind of material that you can think of (even polymer). It won’t change shape, it won’t warp or rip, and it won’t make drawing any rougher after a year or two of use. If you want a holster that is comfortable, allows for the best drawing and re-holstering in the business, and will never let you down in any concealed carry situation, you’d be insane to pass up the opportunity to give this holster a better look.
We like the fact when a holster presents many adjustable settings so it can be customized to even very large, corpulent people.
An excellent example is the Concealment Express IWB Kydex holster, designed to be worn inside the waistband with a belt while featuring an adjustable friction level (retention pressure) and an adjustable cant (ranging from 0 to 15 degrees). There are some complaints that some users cannot fully rotate the belt clip to a 0 degree carry angle, but that is a rare issue.
This single-attachment IWB holster with an adjustable cant will secure it to the belt to your preferred position. Its belt clip fits securely on belts up to 1.5” in thickness.
The incorporated full-sweat shield protects your weapon from moisture and also helps guide the pistol when re-holstering.
This IWB holster comes with the “Posi-Click” retention lock system that makes an audible click to ensure maximum security of your sidearm.
The holster is custom molded from .08" Kydex, so it specifically fits your gun and provides enough thickness for rigidity. In addition, its low profile offers comfortable wearing for both standing and walking activities.
Although the trigger area and slide stop lever on Concealment Express holster are fully covered with rigid plastic, it gives you easy access with proper grip acquisition at all times.
The hard plastic, Kydex construction protects weapons from the effects of the external environment while remaining extremely lightweight and durable with an unconditional manufacturer lifetime warranty.
Whereas the only drawback to any hard plastic carrying rig is the comfort and fit, you can still get all-day comfort when wearing this 2.5 oz. heavy Concealment Express Kydex IWB holster.
Who Will Use This Most
If you want a holster that never falls apart and will always give you faithful and reliable service regardless of your size, the Concealment Express IWB Kydex Holster is exactly what you deserve. You can tack this onto your belt or waistband without any problem and you’ll be able to use it for all your EDC carry needs (or for when you need to keep your pistol safe while at the range). Either way, it’s a holster that wastes no time giving you the retention your pistol needs.
Bottom Line
The Concealment Express IWB Kydex Holster is one of the many examples as to why Kydex holsters are the future of concealed carry. They won’t rip, they won’t sag, nor will they give up on you after long-term use. If anything, these suckers can last forever. If you want a holster that can handle your favorite pistol and your frame, this is it.
Concealment Express Inside the Waistband (IWB) is a simple, minimalist Kydex holster that conceals well and allows plenty of adjustments for better fitting, making it comfortable solution for larger people.
It may be not the ideal product if you wear tight clothes or a suit most of the time, but with casual style or with an untucked shirt you can position this Kydex IWB holster anywhere you like.
Best Concealed Carry Holster for Fat Guys:
Relentless Tactical The Defender Leather Holster
Pros
Cons
What Recent Buyers Report
Many of the new users were not disappointed in the slightest with this pistol. They said that adding this onto their belts or waistbands was a cinch. It was even better for them to slide their pistols of choice in for a comfortable, reliable all-day carry. One user said that he was looking for a holster that would handle his Glock 19 after his last one didn’t deliver on the promise. He further added that it was the perfect holster that allowed for quick drawing and re-holstering that didn’t allow any snagging.
Why it Stands Out to Us
Now we take a look at another universal holster. Only this time, it’s a holster that handles all kinds of compact pistols. Name the pistol brand and model and chances are it will probably be compatible. Made with high-quality leather, it’s got plenty of sturdiness that you can work with. And it will maintain firmness for a long time. So you won’t have to worry about any kind of sagging or rough drawing that can occur with other leather holsters.
Relentless Tactical produces some of the finest holsters and leather accessories on the market, while offering a lifetime guarantee on all their leather products to further attest to the quality.
While Relentless Tactical cataloged several IWB and belt slot leather holsters, their particularly popular all-around leather IWB holster is called the Defender.
With over 100 compatible pistols for the Defender holster, it speaks to its popularity. The Defender Leather Holster is somewhat molded and form-fitted to specific handguns, but will need a break-in period.
The Defender fits most Glock, Sig, Colt, and XD style handguns. To be fair, this leather holster is the best suited for small automatics and everyday carry.
A minimalist, smooth leather holster based on the IWB design, the Relentless Tactical Defender holds the weapon in place through tension and friction from the waistband.
The holster is made from genuine U.S.A. bull hide leather, and when paired with a tight belt, this open top design can yield a very good draw and extremely good retention.
The Defender Leather IWB Holster is designed for optimum concealment and uses a single, wide metal clip to secure the holster to both your pants and belt.
The Defender is an excellent choice for a concealed IWB holster, allowing you to carry your sidearm in three different positions, strong side carry, cross draw, and appendix.
This mid-priced leather holster comes with very strong stitched construction and a reinforced top, meaning it maintains its shape when the sidearm is drawn, aiding in re-holstering.
Who Will Use This Most
This will be a great holster for those who are in law enforcement or intend to conceal carry for the purpose of self-defense. This is a holster that is built for the high-stress situations and will definitely rise above the rest of the pack in performance and quality. It won’t easily fall apart on you nor will it crack under pressure. While made from leather, it might just be the toughest in its class considering the fact that it was made for tactical purposes.
Bottom Line
If you are looking for a holster that will be the go-to choice for large guys who carry compact pistols, this holster will surely not disappoint. The Relentless Tactical will perhaps be the better choice compared to all the others on the market for its universal compatibility and overall quality (among other things). You best believe that this holster might be one of the best investments you’ve made (even if you are on a budget).
This ultimate inside the waistband concealed carry rig is made from a thicker material that does not make this form-fitted holster bulky or cumbersome at all.
The holster is available in brown or black leather for effective concealment and maximum comfort so you can easily conceal with different outfits.
Best Shoulder Holster for Fat Guys:
Yeeper Deep Concealment Shoulder Holster Right Hand Draw
Pros
Cons
What Recent Buyers Report
This shoulder holster was a favorite among new buyers who were looking for a holster for one of two reasons: one, for cold weather concealed carry or two: using it for professional security reasons. The holster was easy to strap and was a perfect fit across most shooter sizes. Even one user who is a professional security guard said that it was one of the most comfortable holsters that he’s worn to date since his last one was not the best in comfort and quality.
Why it Stands Out to Us
If you are looking for excellent concealability while keeping it stealthy, then you’re going to find this holster to be a lot more interesting than even some hip holsters. It’s made with a good amount of padding to ensure that even if you have to wear it all day, the least it will do is feel a whole lot more comfortable. On top of that, it’s a great fitting holster across many sizes and frames (even large frames). So whether you are big or tall, this holster won’t give you any grief when it comes to giving you a really comfortable fit. Finally, the holster is near-universal, so it can handle almost any pistol you got on hand.
As you probably know, carrying a gun in the shoulder or underarm holster is the most comfortable way for almost any gun carrier, whether an officer with a perfect body shape or corpulent 250 pound civilian.
A step further from the Don Johnson, this classic leather holster is a Yeeper shoulder holster purposely made for deep concealment.
Made of lightweight, ventilated elastic material it provides ultimate comfort and strength. This fully adjustable unit seems more like a belly band design rather than a conventional shoulder strap holster.
The Yeeper shoulder holster features an adjustable strap to wrap around the chest and it is mounted using the elastic strap that comes over the shoulder and fastens with Velcro to a web belt for optimum holster tension.
In this way, the holster evenly distributes the weight of the gun to shoulders and back, enabling you to perform many activities through the day with minimal adjustment.
The Yeeper universal design is apt for use by both left and right handed users and fits most popular sidearms. This holster utilizes an additional safety in the form of Velcro-fastened retention strap, but it comes without a place for an extra magazine.
It shares the same features as both carrying types, making the gun pretty much invisible in the Yeeper deep concealment holster, but it also means you're not going to set any quick draw records.
Who Will Use This Most
If you are using it to carry a secondary pistol, carrying your primary pistol during the winter months, or if your security job relies on it this holster will be easy to use and super comfortable to wear. Furthermore, it’s adjustable to fit your size perfectly so you won’t have to deal with any of that silly “one size fits all business”.
Bottom Line
The Yeeper Deep Concealment Shoulder Holster can deliver on the promise in so many ways. Concealability, comfort, and overall reliability are just a few things you can get out of a holster like this. You’d be hard-pressed to find a shoulder holster like this anywhere else on the market.
This holster is made of soft neoprene material and while its extra padding and position a few inches below the armpit makes it comfortable to wear all day, you should check the length of the over shoulder elastic as it tends to fall short for taller people.
Overall, the Yeeper Deep Concealment holster makes mid-size pistol almost undetectable with relatively little imprinting, providing perfect concealment without much layering.
8. LIRISY XL Belly Band Holster for Concealed Carry
Pros
Cons
What Recent Buyers Report
This belly band was ridiculously comfortable and well-fitted for most shooters. Especially the big and tall shooters that were looking for a holster that was simple and easy to wear. They were even more ecstatic when they found that the holster could fit almost any sized pistol they had. One user said that this was the closest thing that he could find to a holster that checked off all the boxes of his ideal holster. Max concealability? Check. Comfortable? Check. Easy to fit? Double-check.
Why it Stands Out to Us
A belly band holster is definitely worth the investment if you are no fan of any of the waistband holsters. And that’s understandable. They can come quite in handy if you need something that provides excellent concealability and a fit that is way more comfortable than some other holsters. Not to mention, it’s made from high-quality neoprene that is breathable, hard to rip or damage, and certainly easy to stretch so it can fit your size. This will be a saving grace for many shooters who are struggling to fit on a holster. And best of all, it fits so many different pistols. Name the pistol and there’s a chance that it will fit nice and snug.
LIRISY XL Belly band holster has the best recommendations. There are many reasons, for instance, this product design can be used with both sexes, be adjusted to different types and sizes of bodies without any problem, and can hold a wide range of gun types and sizes.
Although it has an adjustable size to comfortably fit larger waistlines, heavier people with large body frames may find it small and very uncomfortable on warm days.
As a bonus, the thick, ventilated neoprene handles the weight of the gun well, while it boasts micro-holes to allow your skin to breathe making this belly band extremely comfortable to wear for long periods.
Further, the neoprene material is soft and feels good against the skin as it does not pinch skin or pull body hairs.
Made of high quality elastic, the Lirisy belly band holster measures 5” wide and 42” long and will comfortably fit up to a 45” belly circumference.
Unlike others, Lirisy belly band holster features a quality Velcro hook across the entire belly band to fit even very thin waistlines.
The Lirisy holster will support all handguns with overall length ranging from 4" - 8", including almost any subcompact or compact pistol or revolver.
Besides the holster itself, the Lirisy XL has an extra pocket for a spare magazine and one more completely removable pouch which can be positioned anywhere on the band.
The main pocket comes with a retention strap equipped with snap buttons instead of Velcro. This feature adds support in holding your sidearm but also allows you to quickly and quietly release your gun.
Who Will Use This Most
This belly band holster was made for the larger frame. So if you are a bit on the big or tall side (or both), this is something that you really don’t want to miss out on wearing if you desire something with a lot of comfort, concealability, and peace of mind in knowing that you are ready and prepared for any dangerous situation that may require you to use your pistol.
Bottom Line
The LIRSY XL Belly Band Holster For Concealed Carry is probably going to end up being an odds-on favorite for many shooters who are of a larger size. Concealed carry should be something anyone can practice regardless of their physical size. You will enjoy putting such a holster to good use that will allow you to carry any pistol you choose every day of the week.
Although the belly bands were initially conceived as IWB holsters, the fully ambidextrous Lirisy XL can be worn in an outfit with no belt and in many different carry positions.
This includes outside the waistband, cross body, appendix position, small of the back, and even high up like a shoulder holster. Also, Lirisy Tactical offers a lifetime warranty on their belly band holsters.
Types of Holsters and Carrying Positions That Work Well for Big Guys
A vast array of holsters exist and are designed for the most imaginable carry positions. However some carriage styles may not work with all body types.
Most current concealable holsters are one-size-fits-all, but not all holsters work well for all body types, especially if they are a bigger guy (or girl).
Of course, a more corpulent guy carrying a gun brings specific challenges that require a slightly different approach and modified carrying standards.
Accessibility is the most important aspect of carrying a handgun for personal protection. Without quick access to your defensive firearm you are at a significant disadvantage.
As a bigger guy, take into consideration that your carry position will greatly depend on lateral movement with the dominant arm, i.e. how long your dominant is and the range of motion. Drawing a pistol from a cross-draw or shoulder holster may be difficult for a people with a larger chest.
Pocket Holsters
For large sized people wearing deep pocket pants, pocket holsters sit inside the front pocket while keeping a small, lightweight handgun easily accessible which makes it a perfect solution for self-defense situations.
However, the bulkier pocket holsters may not conceal your pistol well, so take into consideration your clothing style and size of pockets.
Wearing appropriate garments in this unusual concealed carry approach distorts the weapon outline for better concealment delivering everything you could want in a holster.
Belly Band Holsters
A compromise between strong side and underarm holsters, some huskier guys choose to alternate to belly band holsters, little contraptions designed for concealment and secrecy.
However, these comfortable holsters are not recommended for obese individuals during high heat days since they will get very sweaty.
Big guy using belly band holster (Source)
OWB Holsters
On the other hand, an outside the waistband holster (OWB) enables you to comfortably carry even your full-size sidearm anywhere from the 3-6 o'clock position.
For concealment purposes, OWB holsters should be combined with great covering garments that provide sufficient draping, color, and pattern complexity to conceals your gun shape.
IWB Holsters
Whereas an OWB holster is a natural solution for people with a bit extra around the waist, an inside the waistband (IWB) holster can be a comfortable and easy to carry option.
Like OWB holster, using a holster inside your waistband will really depend on the rig’s position on your body. A thinner person probably needs to carry at around the 4 or 5 o'clock position, while larger would appreciate the 3:30 - 4:00 o'clock positions. It ensures better concealment while still enabling a quick draw when needed.
Another excellent place for a big guy is a 5 o'clock position which gives good access to your gun, but it may not be the best position if you drive for the whole day.
The principles to consider when choosing a holster appropriate for the people with larger midsections are the same as for average sized people.
However, it may be most challenging appear when sitting because bigger guys might find the grip and rear of the slid dig into their side, so keep this in mind and opt for comfortable and easy to use holsters.
Conclusion
When discussing handgun carrying options, one of the biggest challenges for larger people is to find a quality concealed carry rigs that comfortably when worn against their bodies.
Sometimes, size provides more room to carry a concealed gun, so you're less limited than a skinny guy. It means when you are using some handy holsters, you will not only hide your plumpness but also provide convenient space for a large service sidearm.
While there is no holster entirely comfortable for everybody this overview offers a few viable holster options for people of greater sizes.
