Different types of holsters
In order for you to determine what type of holster might be the best for you, we’ll need to go over the main types or designs of holsters. Here are the main categories today along with some of our favorite examples:
OWB (outside the waistband)
OWB holsters are the “traditional” option, where the holster body rides outside your pants on your beltline, usually on your “dominant side” between the 2-o’clock and 5-o’clock position for right-handers. (If you view your body from above, with the front of your belt at the 12 o’clock position, 3 o’clock will be the rightmost point of the “clock.”) OWB holsters are usually either secured by threading your belt through built-in slots or loops on the holster, or by inserting an integral holster “paddle” between your body and your outer garment/belt. OWB holsters generally are easier to draw from than other types but are more difficult to conceal, as they require a cover garment like a jacket, vest, or untucked shirt. The Milt Sparks 55BN is an example of an excellent leather OWB holster.

IWB (inside the waistband)
IWB holsters became very popular in the latter half of the 20th century for CCW purposes. In this design, the holster rides between your outer garment and your body, and is typically secured to a belt with loops or clips. Some IWB holsters are “tuckable,” meaning you can tuck your shirt or cover garment between the holster and the belt clip for enhanced concealment. IWB holsters are typically worn in the same position on the belt as OWB holsters, with the exception of “appendix” holsters mentioned below. IWB holsters are generally easier to conceal than OWB types, but reholstering safely can be an issue, and sometimes access to the gun can be slower. The DeSantis Sof-Tuk is an example of an affordable, tuckable IWB holster.

AIWB (appendix inside the waistband)
AIWB carry has become extremely popular with CCW permit holders over the past few years. “Appendix” carry means the holster is positioned much further forward than a typical IWB holster, at around 1 o’clock (near the person’s appendix, hence the name) or even 12 o’clock position on the belt. Advocates prefer the comfort and enhanced concealability, as well as the rapid access to the gun, holster, and any included spare magazine pouches with both hands. With practice, drawing from a good AIWB rig can be extremely fast. The primary downside of AIWB carry is the potential danger of an unintended discharge into your groin or femoral artery if you don’t reholster slowly and carefully each time and ensure nothing enters the trigger guard. Here’s a good video covering the issues. A firearm with a manual safety or safety/decocker can be a partial solution here. The LAS Concealment Ronin is an excellent example of an AIWB holster/mag pouch rig.