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Whether your job requires you to carry a pistol or you simply prefer to carry a gun for self-defense, a belly band holster is irreplaceable. It allows you to conceal a small or medium-sized gun in a convenient way.
Throughout my decade and a half’s worth of experience in the firearms industry, I’ve used and tested a wide variety of belly band holsters from almost all manufacturers. Some of them held better than the others, while a handful of models were exceptionally comfortable.
From what I’ve seen, I can confidently say that the ComfortTac Ultimate is probably the top belly band holster for most users. It’s durable, comfortable, can be worn with many types of clothes, and fits well with all body shapes and sizes.
This doesn’t necessarily mean you shouldn’t check out other options, though. After all, everyone has different needs when it comes to choosing the best belly band holster. The good news is that you won’t have to dig around much as I’ve reviewed 7 of the best ones out there right here!
| Top Holsters | USP | Amazon |
|---|---|---|
| ComfortTac Ultimate Belly Band Holster | Our Top Pick | Click here |
| BRAVOBELT Belly Band Holster | Runner Up | Click here |
| Ghost Concealment Belly Band Holster | Best for Big Guys | Click here |
| UnderTech UnderCover Original Belly Band | Best Versatile | Click here |
| Can Can Concealment Hip Hugger Elite | Best Choice for Women | Click here |
| Tactica Belly Band Holster | Best for Concealed Carry | Click here |
| CrossBreed Holsters Modular Belly Band | Best Secure Fit | Click here |
Here Are the Best Belly Band Holsters (Our Picks)
Let’s explore the ins and outs of these belly band holsters so you can decide whether one of them is worth your hard-earned money or not. After all, you can’t really tell if a belly band holster is good unless you test it, and that’s what I’m here for.
1. ComfortTac Ultimate Belly Band Holster – Our Top Pick
The ComfortTac Ultimate is a unisex belly band holster that has a lot to offer. It features a soft neoprene construction for top-notch durability and comfort. It’s not a very elastic material, but it gives the band some extra points in the longevity compartment.
It can be worn as an IWB or OWB holster (Inside WaistBand or Outside WaistBand), meaning that you can either fit it outside or inside your pants. It can also fit a maximum waist size of 54 inches, which should be enough for the majority of users.
In addition, the band is equipped with an extra pocket for carrying a spare magazine, so if you own a semi-automatic pistol, this belly band holster would be great. Not to mention, it works with almost all types of pistols, from pocket pistols to J Frame Revolvers.
The ComfortTac Ultimate is available for right-handed and left-handed shooters. It’s also equipped with a metal snap to keep your pistol secured in its position. It may open accidentally, but most of the time, it works as intended.
The cherry on top is that the ComfortTac is pretty affordable compared to other belly bands with comparable quality.
Our only complaints are that the band isn’t breathable enough, and it could move a bit upwards as you move.
Takeaway
The ComfortTac Ultimate belly band holster is durable, comfortable, and even affordable. It’s arguably one of the best belly band holsters you can find on the market today.
2. BRAVOBELT Belly Band Holster – Runner Up
Unlike conventional belly band holsters, the BRAVOBELT belly band holster flaunts an ambidextrous modular holster design. In other words, you can just rotate the holster depending on whether you want to draw it with your left or right hand without compromising comfort. This can be pretty handy if you’re ambidextrous or willing to share the band with someone else with different handedness to you.
Made of 100% neoprene, the BRAVOBELT belly band holster is very comfortable and durable. It’s also perforated, which noticeably enhances its breathability. It’s a little on the thick side, which is a good thing in terms of durability. However, this also means that you can’t carry your pistol in a concealed manner if you’re wearing a muscle-fit shirt.
What’s more, the BRAVOBELT belly band holster can be worn with virtually any type of bottoms, from sweatpants to shorts and jeans.
Related Article: 10 Best Appendix Carry Holsters (AIWB)
The pistol pouch is equipped with an active trigger guard to protect you from accidental trigger pulls. There are 2 auxiliary pouches right next to the pistol pouch, in addition to a spare mag pouch and a extra pouch that you can use to carry your smartphone.
On a side note, this holster only fits a maximum waist size of 44 inches. Also, keep in mind that it can be a bit tricky to re-holster.
Takeaway
The BRAVO belly band holster is an excellent choice for those with a slim waistline who need an ambidextrous belly band holster with multiple pouches. It’s also great for runners because of its breathable design.
3. Ghost Concealment Belly Band Holster – Best for Big Guys
The Ghost Concealment belly band holster is designed for big guys as it can fit a waist size of 54 inches without feeling uncomfortable.
It’s made of surgical-grade neoprene that’s not only durable but also ventilated and comfortable. I also like that it features a snap retention strap to secure your pistol in place. However, I noticed that the strap is a bit too thin, making it harder to grab in critical situations.
The pouch itself is made of an elastic material to fit all sizes of pistols. These include 10mms, 380s, 9mms, 38 specials, 40 autos, 45 ACPs, and 357s. There’s also a magazine pouch just in case you want to carry a spare magazine.
The low-profile velcro makes the band fit nicely without causing unwanted tightness. On top of that, this belly band holster carries an unbelievably low price tag, so if you’re on a tight budget, you can’t get anything better.
The Ghost Concealment belly band holster is available in left-handed and right-handed variants.
Takeaway
If you’re a big guy, the Ghost Concealment belly band holster will fit well around your waist. You’ll also like how breathable and comfortable it is.
4. UnderTech UnderCover Original Belly Band – Best Versatile
The UnderTech UnderCover Original is one of the most versatile belly band holsters out there. It’s designed to be used in day-to-day situations, as well as during physical activities.
It boasts a heavy-duty elastic construction, combined with a sturdy velcro closure for unmatched comfort and zero skin irritation. However, it may still get a bit hot in humid weather conditions with direct sun exposure.
The UnderCover belly band holster can be worn high or low depending on your preference and the clothes you’re wearing.
It features 2 ambidextrous pouches, allowing you to draw the pistol with either your left or right hand. Additionally, it has a built-in 6” pocket that lets you carry your phone or even extra magazines.
Related Article: 15 Best Car Holsters (Vehicles & Trucks)
There are many guns that you can use with this belly band holster. As long as it’s a compact or medium-sized gun, you should be able to carry it in a concealed manner with the UnderCover.
The UnderTech UnderCover can be worn under a wide range of apparel choices, from sportswear to formal suits and dresses.
Takeaway
The UnderTech UnderCover is a low-priced ambidextrous belly band holster that fits various pistols and revolvers. I also like that I can wear this when working out without worrying about it being visible.
5. Can Can Concealment Hip Hugger Elite – Best Choice for Women
The Can Can Concealment Hip Hugger Elite is designed especially for women. It features a low profile that makes it fit well around your hips for easy concealment. This also allows for a more natural draw of your weapon.
You can easily adjust the fit with the Hook and Eye adjustment. It can be adjusted for a hips size range of 29” – 45”. What’s more, the Can Can belly band is made of 5” wide military grade ventilated elastic, which makes it fit tightly without affecting comfort. However, it’s not as durable as other material options like neoprene.
Being a versatile belly band holster, the Can Can Elite has 2 weapon slots for right-hand drawing, in addition to zipped storage pockets to carry extra belongings. There are also pouches for carrying a pepper spray, a folding knife, or up to 3 spare magazines. The pouches are of the open-top type, which makes accessing your items a whole lot easier.
The internal hypo-allergenic grip strips ensure that the compression holster maintains its position even when running. Further, this belly band can be carried in a wide range of positions, including IWB, OWB, 5 O’clock, shoulder rig, and even appendix.
Oh, and since this one is designed for the ladies, it sports a feminine floral print that actually looks pretty nice.
The Can Can belly band holster works great with small frame pistols. However, for larger pistols and revolvers, you might want to consider another option.
Takeaway
The Can Can Concealment Hip Hugger Elite is a tremendous pick for women who need a comfortable, stylish, functional, and easily concealable belly band holster that fits as it should.
6. Tactica Belly Band Holster – Best for Concealed Carry
The Tactica belly band holster is very slim, meaning that you can conceal your weapon even if you’re wearing a thin summer shirt or dress. It’s virtually impossible to see under clothes, so there’s no need to worry about publicly carrying it.
Thanks to the molded vacuum-formed Kydex holster, the Tactica belly band holster can be used with all types of guns while also maintaining comfort and a natural draw. However, don’t expect it to accommodate pistols with large sights or optics.
The shell can be customized before making an order based on the gun you intend to use it with. I appreciate the customizability, but that also means changing your weapon down the line means that you’ll probably need a new holster.
Related Article: Best Concealed Carry Holsters (NRA Instructor Picks)
The rest of the band is made of breathable CoolVent neoprene, which is probably the best material for a belly band holster. It’s durable, comfortable, and best of all, it won’t cause you to sweat.
The only notable downside is that there’s no safety strap for the holster, so you need to be extra careful when jogging. This is primarily because the holster’s angled position may cause the pistol to sag or fall.
Also, consider that the Tactica belly band holster carries a somewhat hefty price tag compared to other options with similar features.
Takeaway
If you need an invisible belly band holster that can be worn with light clothing, the Tactica belly band holster won’t disappoint you.
7. CrossBreed Holsters Modular Belly Band – Best Secure Fit
Just like the BRAVOBELT belly band, the CrossBreed Holsters belly band features a modular Kydex holster that you can position the way you like for maximum comfort and easy drawing of your weapon.
What’s more, the CrossBreed belly band integrates an additional length of the elastic band over the holster. This adds extra support for the gun and holster. For instance, if you’re using a small gun, this extra length will ensure that it’s tightly secured. On the other hand, if you own a large gun, the additional length will support it to prevent it from sagging.
Related Article: 10 Best Drop Leg Holsters – Ranked by a Marine
Moving on to functionality, the CrossBreed belly band has an extra pouch for spare magazines or flashlights. You also get a horizontal hook and loop fastener enclosed accessory pouch that you can use to carry your wallet or smartphone.
This belly band comes in 3 sizes: small, medium, and large. They can fit 25”-31”, 31”-39”, and 39”-49” waistline sizes, respectively.
The only thing I hate is the material. This elastic band is nowhere as durable as neoprene options.
Takeaway
The CrossBreed Holsters modular belly band is highly functional and customizable. You can use it for small and large guns without worrying about a loose fit.
What to Look for in a Quality Belly Band Holster
Here are some of the factors that you need to take into consideration when shopping for a belly band holster:
Fit and Comfort
A belly band holster must fit nicely and be comfortable all day long, especially if you intend to wear it on a regular basis.
Many belly band holsters are made of neoprene, which is considered quite comfortable.
Of course, you need to check the belly band’s size before buying it. Measure your waistline with a tape measure and make sure that the reading falls within the belly band’s fit range. Some belly bands are intended for big guys, while others are designed for women.
Also, keep in mind that the pistol should always be close to your body, even if you’re jogging or cycling. This is made possible with an elastic band that makes the pistol almost touch your body. The better this band fits, the more secure it’ll be.
Security
One of the most important aspects of a belly band holster is how the gun is secured to your waist. If the pouch doesn’t have a security strip, the chance of your weapon sagging or dropping increases drastically. So, it’d be your best bet to opt for a stripped belly band holster just to be on the safe side.
Carrying Method
A well-designed belly band holster should be versatile enough to be worn in various positions. Sure, you can just get an Inside WaistBand (IWB) or Outside WaistBand (OWB) holster, but good luck trying to wear an IWB holster with a dress or an OWB with a down jacket.
Pockets
A good belly band holster should have just enough pockets for you to carry your weapon, spare magazines, and a few personal items like your phone or wallet.
If a belly band holster has too many pockets, then in most cases, you won’t be able to fully conceal your pistol with some types of clothes. Not to mention, it won’t feel comfortable, and you won’t be able to wear tight-fitting clothes.
Versatility
Generally speaking, there are 2 types of belly band holsters: the elastic pouch type and the molded holster type.
Elastic pouch belly bands are designed to fit all pistol shapes and sizes. These are the most versatile ones. However, putting the gun back into an elastic pouch can be challenging as it requires you to use both hands.
On the other hand, belly bands that come with molded holsters are intended to be used with a certain gun type and size. You’ll specify your gun type when ordering the belly band. The main disadvantage with these belly bands is that once you buy one, you won’t be able to use a different gun type than the one you ordered it for.
Breathability
If you’re going to wear a belly band holster all day, you’d want to be as breathable as possible. You don’t want it to absorb your sweat and create a stinky scent.
So before buying a belly band holster, make sure that it’s ventilated enough to prevent excess sweat. Perforated neoprene belly band holsters usually offer the best breathability.
Thickness
Belly bands that are too thick are more challenging to wear than thinner ones, especially when wearing light clothes in the summer.
Check the thickness of the belly band before buying it to get an idea of whether it’ll be suitable for certain types of clothes.
Remember, even if your pistol is partially visible under your clothes, this isn’t considered “concealed carry,” and you may still get charged for openly carrying a weapon in public. You’re also advised to check your state laws regarding open and concealed gun carry.
FAQ’s
Belly band holsters are good for concealed carry. They’re also affordable, and most of them are worn with many types of clothes.
However, they aren’t flawless. One of the biggest disadvantages of belly band holsters is the fit., Unfortunately, no belly band holster out there is designed to fit perfectly, so you’ll probably need to move your shirt when you need to draw your pistol.
And since most belly bands technically have “pocket-shaped holsters”, the pocket will close as soon as you draw your pistol. So, you’ll need to use both hands to put the pistol back where it was. Some belly bands have real holsters, but they’re not as secure as the pocket type.
Also, keep in mind that all types of belly bands absorb moisture. So, sooner or later, you’ll start noticing that the belly band is smelling bad since it’ll absorb your sweat. You can wash it in the machine, though.
It depends. Most well-designed belly bands are considered safe for concealed carry. However, its safety shouldn’t overwhelm its functionality. In other words, your belly band is safe as long as you’re able to take out your pistol appropriately when required.
Final Verdict
By now, you should be able to choose the best belly band holster based on solid knowledge.
Can’t make a decision yet? Well, I’d recommend that you go for the ComfortTac Ultimate belly band holster. It’s made of durable materials and fits all waist sizes. Not to mention, you can use pistols of all sizes with it.
I also think that you’ll appreciate the safety strap in day-to-day use. Many people who use belly band holsters struggle to keep their weapons concealed when there’s no safety strap to hold the gun.
All of these factors have led me to pick the ComfortTac Ultimate as the best belly band holster you can get for the money.