OWB Holsters

Outside the waistband (OWB) holsters mount on the exterior of your belt, keeping the firearm accessible for duty use, range work, open carry, and competition. They are faster to draw from than IWB holsters, more comfortable for extended wear, and the standard choice for law enforcement and competitive shooters. OWB holsters attach via belt loops, paddle attachments, or drop-leg thigh platforms. Impact Guns carries OWB holsters in passive and active retention configurations from Safariland, Blackhawk, and other leading manufacturers.

Read our full OWB Holster Buying Guide ↓

OWB Holster Buying Guide

Belt Loop vs. Paddle Attachment

OWB holsters attach to your belt in two primary ways. Belt loop holsters thread directly onto the belt via one or more slots for the most secure attachment — preferred for duty and open carry where holster stability under physical stress is critical. Paddle holsters use a curved plastic paddle that clips over the waistband — faster to put on and take off, making them popular for range use and situations where the holster goes on and off throughout the day. Paddle holsters provide less security than belt loops under extreme physical stress. For daily carry, belt loops are preferred. For range and recreational use, paddles offer convenient flexibility.

Retention Levels for OWB

OWB holsters are available across all retention levels. Level I (passive friction) is appropriate for range use and competition where rapid draw speed is the priority and physical struggle is not a concern. Level II adds an active retention device — thumb break strap, rotating hood, or push-button release — that must be deliberately defeated to draw. This is the standard for law enforcement duty carry. Level III adds a second retention device for environments where disarming attempts are a specific concern. Safariland's ALS (Automatic Locking System) is the most widely used Level II system in US law enforcement — the gun locks automatically on holstering and releases via thumb lever during the draw stroke.

Drop Leg and Thigh Carry

Drop leg holsters are a variation of OWB carry that attaches to the thigh via straps rather than the belt, positioning the firearm below belt level on the outer thigh. They are used primarily by military and law enforcement tactical units where body armor makes belt-mounted holsters inaccessible, and by some competition shooters. Drop leg carry is slower to draw from than belt-mounted OWB and is not practical for everyday or concealed carry. Any drop leg holsters in our inventory are organized under OWB Holsters — see our duty holsters page for related options.

OWB for Concealed Carry

While IWB is the standard for concealed carry, OWB can conceal effectively with the right clothing. A close-to-body OWB holster at 3–4 o'clock under an untucked shirt, jacket, or vest conceals well for most pistol sizes. Many experienced carriers prefer OWB for the comfort advantage, particularly in colder months when a jacket provides ample cover. For warm weather or lighter clothing where deep concealment is needed, IWB holsters remain the more practical choice.

OWB for Competition

Competition OWB holsters prioritize draw speed over retention. They use minimal material to maximize trigger access and position the holster at the optimal height and angle for the shooter's specific draw. USPSA, IDPA, and 3-Gun all have rules specifying minimum retention requirements and holster positioning by division — verify your holster is legal in your division before competing.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best OWB holster for concealed carry?
A close-to-body Kydex OWB holster with a minimal footprint and no drop offset conceals best. The key is minimizing the gap between the holster body and your side — any holster that cants the grip away from the body will print through lighter clothing. See our Kydex holsters page for material-specific options.

What OWB holster do police use?
Safariland is the dominant duty holster brand in US law enforcement. Their ALS Level II holsters — the 6360, 6390, and similar models — are standard issue for many agencies. The ALS system locks the gun automatically on holstering and releases via a smooth thumb-lever motion during the draw stroke.

Does Impact Guns carry OWB holsters?
Yes. Impact Guns carries OWB holsters from Safariland, Blackhawk, and other manufacturers at our Ogden and Boise stores and ships nationwide. See our duty holsters page for high-retention options.