Many people use a belly band to make carrying a handgun in a wide range of clothing easier. It can be worn low on the waist or even beneath the chest.
Belly bands are great for people who want to stay armed but wear sweatpants, a jogging suit without belt loops, or those who carry them while wearing scrubs at work.
Concealment
Belly bands can be worn almost anywhere on the torso, offering much flexibility regarding concealment. They can be worn as a cross-draw or appendix holster, positioned higher under the chest, and even rotated to position a handgun underneath the arm for perfect concealment.
A belly band can also be worn with clothing that might not cover other holsters, like a skirt or dress. This makes them ideal for summer or winter wear, and they also eliminate the need to remove a holster when going to the restroom, which is a problem with most IWB holsters.
However, it should be noted that belly band holsters may take longer to draw from than IWB or OWB holsters because they are large elastic bands and are not engineered for a precise fit of a specific gun model. It’s best to practice drawing from a belly band holster to ensure you can get your weapon quickly in an emergency.
Comfort
Belly bands are breathable and slim, ideal for concealed carry in warm weather. Concealed carry belly band also offer more versatility than standard holsters because they can be worn around the waist, thigh, or across the chest, which allows wearers to keep their firearms in close reach without needing to remove them for activities such as running or exercising.
The neoprene material is soft against the skin and doesn’t build up body odor funk, making it comfortable to wear all day. It’s machine washable, so you can get it fresh and clean for your subsequent use.
One drawback to belly bands is that it can take longer to access a gun when compared with traditional IWB and OWB holsters, especially when wearing a coat that requires you to unzip or undo buttons. However, this is easily mitigated by practicing and developing a smooth draw from a belly band. This will help prevent fumbling in a critical moment and keep you safe.
Convenience
Belly bands are flexible and adaptable to different waist sizes. They also often do not require a belt, allowing them to be worn with a broader range of attire. Some even have extra pockets for storing spare magazines and self-protection items like pepper spray or a flashlight.
While some think that belly band holsters are only for gym rats and beer aficionados, they work well on a wide range of people, from women to men. Typically made of neoprene or elastic, they can be adjusted to sit low on one’s hips for appendix carry or high over their pants at beltline height.
Unlike shoulder holsters, belly band holsters can be worn in multiple locations on your body and don’t necessitate removal when you go to the bathroom or try on clothes at a store. They can also be used during physical activity or in hot weather where a cover garment might not be an option.
Safety
Belly bands can be worn at different heights to conceal them with various clothing styles. They can be tucked in at beltline height under your pants or slid higher to just below your chest, depending on the gun you have and your body type. They are also comfortable for many people and don’t require the removal of the holster while using the restroom or trying on clothes at a store, which is a challenge for most holsters.
However, it is essential to note that not all belly bands are created equal regarding safety. A well-designed holster will keep the gun securely in place and will not allow a trigger finger to access the trigger from behind the holster. This is a critical feature for any defensive carry method, regardless of the type of clothing used. This can be accomplished using a trigger shield that slips into soft holsters like belly bands and pistol pouches to provide a barrier between the trigger and the user.
