7 Best Belly Band Holsters: Reviews + Buyers Guide

by Dave Chesson

July 20, 2023

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If I have to pair my sidearm with a casual outfit, my go-to choice to help me carry it is my belly band holster. Most belly bands are comfortable, flexible, and let me adjust the fit for best concealment in many situations but I think wearing the best fit holster for a particular occasion is the wisest choice.   

There are a ton of options to choose from, so I made a list of belly band holsters for different purposes, sorted them according to what they are best for, and compiled a buyers guide to give you direction when looking for your best fit.

Now, before we jump into our list, one thing to keep in mind is that some states require permits for concealed carry and even if not, there are certain regulations around carrying a concealed firearm in public spaces. Make sure concealed carry is legal in your area before you pick a belly band holster.

Gun University’s Choices of the Best Belly Band Holsters 

Best Belly Band Holsters

Crossbreed Modular Kydex Belly Band Holster
  • Has a trigger guard
  • Good retention
  • Comfortable to wear
  • Good concealment
Check Price
Can Can Concealment Hugger Elite
  • Extra storage pockets
  • Designed specifically for women
  • Low-profile and easily concealable
Check Price
Kaylle Belly Band Holster
  • Very comfortable
  • Breathable
  • Magnetic snaps for quiet draw and firm hold
Buy on Amazon
ComfortTac Ultimate Belly Band Gun Holster
  • Comfortable to wear
  • Breathable material
  • Accommodates a variety of gun sizes
Buy on Amazon
Best for physical activity

Bravobelt Belly Band Holster

Bravobelt Belly Band Holster
  • Comfortable fit
  • Easy to wash and clean
  • Can be used in a variety of situations
Buy on Amazon
Concealed Carriers LLC Belly Band Holster
  • Breathable and light material
  • Good value
Buy on Amazon
Fullmosa Concealed Carry Holster
  • Has multiple storage compartments
  • Fits large builds
Buy on Amazon

Best Belly Band Holster Specifications

Below is a table of the specs for holster. Click the name of the item to jump to that review.

HolsterMaterialHand OrientationClosure TypeWearing Style
Crossbreed Modular Kydex Belly Band HolsterNeopreneAmbidextrousHook and loop, velcroInside the waistband (IWB)
Can Can Concealment Hugger EliteElastic materialRightZipper, hookIWB or outside the waistband (OWB)
Kaylle Belly Band HolsterNeopreneLeft and rightMagnetic snap, velcroIWB or OWB
ComfortTac Ultimate Belly Band Gun HolsterNeopreneLeft and rightVelcroIWB or OWB
Bravobelt Belly Band HolsterNeopreneAmbidextrousVelcro, snapIWB or OWB
Concealed Carriers LLC Belly Band HolsterNeopreneLeft and rightVelcroIWB or OWB
Fullmosa Concealed Carry HolsterElastic mesh materialAmbidextrousVelcroIWB

Best Belly Band Holsters

Here is our list for the best belly band style holster:

  1. Crossbreed Modular Kydex Belly Band Holster
  2. Can Can Concealment Hugger Elite
  3. Kaylle Belly Band Holster
  4. ComfortTac Ultimate Belly Band Gun Holster
  5. Bravobelt Belly Band Holster
  6. Concealed Carriers LLC Belly Band Holster
  7. Fullmosa Concealed Carry Holster

Best Belly Band Holsters – Reviews

I’ve categorized my picks of belly band holsters into different purposes they serve, like comfort, storage, flexibility and more. So keep an eye out on what works for you as you go through the list.

Best overall Crossbreed Modular Belly Band Holster

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  • Quality A+
  • Versatility A
  • Retention A+
  • Comfort A

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A+

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Crossbreed Modular Kydex Belly Band Holster Specs

  • Material Neoprene
  • Hand orientation Ambidextrous
  • Closure type Hook and loop, velcro
  • Wearing Style Inside the waistband

Crossbreed Modular Kydex Belly Band Holster Review

The Crossbreed Kydex Modular is my overall best pick because it checks all the boxes of a secure belly band holster. It’s comfortable to wear, retains the firearm well, and has a trigger guard for safety. The best thing about it is that I can wear it securely with sweatpants. 

I wanted a belly band holster that’s comfortable to wear and doesn’t cause excessive sweating when I’m out jogging, and what do you know, the Crossbreed Kydex Modular delivered on both counts. Its band is made of neoprene, a synthetic rubber which is very breathable and stretches without straining. It comes with a few velcro panels to choose from, so I could fasten the band to fit my gut without skimping on comfort. The breathability of the material helps reduce excessive sweating, so I felt it was pretty comfortable too. 

Crossbreed has used Kydex to make the holster for the firearm and, since the material is lightweight and highly durable, the holster holds the firearm securely–which is the biggest job of any belly band holster, in my opinion. There’s also a trigger guard that prevents me from setting off the firearm randomly in the middle of a run, so the retention is as safe as can be. The Crossbreed Kydex Modular includes extra pockets for magazines and other items. I found these pretty handy for my phone, wallet, and a small flashlight. 

While the Kydex holster works great, the material’s rigidity doesn’t allow for a lot of versatility. In my case, I can fit a couple of my favorite models, like my Sig Sauer P322 and Glock 36, but I can’t say in good faith that the Crossbreed Kydex Modular can hold many types of firearms. If you’ve got a gun that fits the build though, I’d say this is the best holster you could pick up. 

Crossbreed Modular Kydex Belly Band Holster Pros and Cons

  • Has a trigger guard
  • Good retention
  • Comfortable to wear
  • Good concealment
  • May not fit all firearms

Best for women Can Can Concealment Hip Hugger Elite

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  • Quality A
  • Versatility B+
  • Retention A
  • Comfort A+

Our Grade

A

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Can Can Concealment Hip Hugger Elite Specs

  • Material Elastic material
  • Hand orientation Right
  • Closure type Zipper, hook
  • Wearing Style Inside the waistband or outside the waistband

Can Can Concealment Hip Hugger Elite Review

I got my wife to weigh in on a good belly band holster for women, and she swears by the Can Can Concealment Hugger Elite. She likes it because the comfortable fit makes it easy to move around with the holster strapped under her outfit. 

The band is made of ventilated elastic and has internal grip strips, which means the Hugger Elite has great breathability and she can get a firm hold on her sidearm without sacrificing comfort. She usually carries a single firearm on her person, but there’s space for two on this belly band holster; one at the back and one at the appendix. Left-handed ladies may find it challenging to draw firearms from both the back and appendix, since the holster is designed for right-hand draw.. 

The other issue is that there’s no trigger guard on the Hugger Elite. She was fine without it and mentioned how her handgun stays put if the band was fastened tightly. I didn’t want to take a chance on safety though, so I bought one separately and attached it to the band, but I wish Can Can had made this a built-in feature.

She was still very happy with the holster even without the trigger guards, which is unlike her, so I asked her what made her so forgiving and she said, “Pockets. So many pockets!”. She’s got a good point too because the Hugger Elite comes with open and zippered pouches and she puts all sorts of things in them–ammunition, her phone, house key, her wallet, chapstick, and more if she can manage. She packs all of that and still manages to appear as if she doesn’t have an arsenal strapped on to her waist, which to me is downright unbelievable. I think that alone says a lot about the low profile of the Hugger Elite. 

Can Can Concealment Hip Hugger Elite Pros and Cons

  • Extra storage pockets
  • Designed specifically for women
  • Low-profile and easily concealable
  • No trigger guard
  • Not ambidextrous

Best comfort Kaylle Belly Band Holster

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  • Quality B+
  • Versatility A
  • Retention A
  • Comfort A+

Our Grade

A

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Kaylle Belly Band Holster Specs

  • Material Neoprene
  • Hand orientation Left and right
  • Closure type Magnetic snap, velcro
  • Wearing Style Inside the waistband or outside the waistband

Kaylle Belly Band Holster Review

The Kaylle Belly Band Holster is my (and my wife’s) pick for the most comfortable belly band holster. She likes to wear it for a full day-out as it has an extremely comfortable fit owing to its material and design and I like it because it’s firm and secure on my waist.

The band is made of high-quality neoprene and has a micro-hole design, both of which make the band breathable–meaning you’re less likely to sweat while wearing this. Kaylle has also used a very soft neoprene material, making it comfortable enough to wear directly against your skin if you want to.

Anyone with a waist up to 45 inches can wear the belly band holster quite comfortably. I’ve worn it to workout and I can attest to how firm and snug it holds. Plus, if you’re looking for a bigger size, Kaylle has another option with an XL fit. 

It doesn’t have an ambidextrous draw, but Kaylle stocks two variants of the band for left and right draw. Its holster can fit a bunch of different sidearms, including sub-compact, compact, and mid-size pistols so discreetly that when I tuck the firearm in, it conceals as if the pistol is never there. 

The retention strap is handy because instead of the typical velcro or hook, it straps into place with a magnetic snap. It’s super cool how the magnet keeps the firearm locked into place and the snap releases swift and quiet when I need to draw.

We both disliked the velcro though. Nothing against the mechanism, but this belly band’s velcro gave out in around two months. We patched it up with a new velcro to use it again, but it’s unfortunate to have a good belly band holster lying around because the velcro isn’t good enough. This could be just a bad apple though, so my suggestion is to do a little more research on it if you like what the Kaylle has to offer. It’s a comfortable and functional belly band holster and one unpleasant experience doesn’t have to be a deal breaker for you. 

Kaylle Belly Band Holster Pros and Cons

  • Very comfortable
  • Breathable
  • Magnetic snaps for quiet draw and firm hold
  • Velcro can be defective

Best for large builds ComfortTac Ultimate Belly Band Gun Holster

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  • Quality A
  • Versatility A+
  • Retention A
  • Comfort A+

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A+

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ComfortTac Ultimate Belly Band Gun Holster Specs

  • Material Neoprene
  • Hand orientation Left and right
  • Closure type Velcro
  • Wearing Style Inside the waistband or outside the waistband

ComfortTac Ultimate Belly Band Gun Holster Review

The ComfortTac Ultimate Belly Band Gun Holster comes in a few sizes and stretches comfortably up to 54 inches, making this one my top pick for large builds. It’s adjustable and versatile in more ways than one, so it can provide a comfortable and secure fit as a holster. 

There’s a customizable pouch on the band which you can choose to keep or remove, and an extended velcro panel to customize the fit according to your outfit and the activity you’re engaged in. I’ve been using the L-size band for a couple months when doing weights just to test it out, and I found it quite easy to adjust it to my outfit and movement.

Usually, belly band holsters are worn with the firearm against your appendix, but the ComfortTac Ultimate gives me more flexibility on that front. I can wear it with the gun on my hip, behind my hip, or I can set it up for a cross draw–my preferred position. I don’t have to take the belly band into account when choosing my outfit also because I have some leeway with the adjustability. 

The holster also does great in the adjustability department as it can accommodate full-size, compact, mid-compact, and sub-compact handguns securely. This was a big win for me since I like having the option to switch out my concealed carry without buying a whole new holster. 

I like the safety on the holster, but I have my reservations about the draw. The retention strap has a deep concealment buckle, which is fantastic for safety and concealment, but that means the draw isn’t going to be very smooth. So if you ever find yourself in an emergency situation, you are going to lose a couple seconds to draw the firearm.

ComfortTac Ultimate Belly Band Gun Holster Pros and Cons

  • Comfortable to wear
  • Breathable material
  • Accommodates a variety of gun sizes
  • The retention strap gets in the way of a clean draw

Best for physical activity Bravobelt Belly Band Holster

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  • Quality A-
  • Versatility A
  • Retention A
  • Comfort B+

Our Grade

A-

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Bravobelt Belly Band Holster Specs

  • Material Neoprene
  • Hand orientation Ambidextrous
  • Closure type Velcro, snap
  • Wearing Style Inside the waistband or outside the waistband

Bravobelt Belly Band Holster Review

Bravobelt has a reputation for producing good quality holsters, and their belly band holster certainly lives up to the hype. The holster is very flexible and versatile–the ideal combo for physical activity–so it’s my pick to wear when I’m up for hiking or trekking or anything athletic.

The Bravobelt comes with a Flex Fit design, which means the holster molds to your body to give maximum retention. The design helps you out on the concealment front as well because when the belly band holster molds to your body, the chances of the sidearm printing on your clothes are low and you can keep your firearm under the radar. My wife wears this holster with leggings and a tank top, and I could pair this up with gym shorts and a t-shirt without the gun print showing on the fabric.

Besides the concealment, the best thing about the holster for physical activity is that it doesn’t hinder movement once strapped in. I wear this holster for the gym, and so far I haven’t felt restricted as I go through my workout routine.

The only issue I faced with Bravobelt is unfortunately a pretty big one; it warms up when you wear it for a few hours, which isn’t ideal, especially if you’re hiking, working out, or doing anything that requires a lot of movement. I used this last winter, so I didn’t find the warmth too uncomfortable, but I definitely wouldn’t want to wear it in the summer. This is still a great belly band holster if you’re physically active, as long as you can handle the increase in temperature that it brings.

Bravobelt Belly Band Holster Pros and Cons

  • Comfortable fit
  • Easy to wash and clean
  • Can be used in a variety of situations
  • Thick material, can get warm over time

Best budget Concealed Carriers LLC Belly Band Holster

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  • Quality A-
  • Versatility A-
  • Retention A
  • Comfort A

Our Grade

A

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Concealed Carriers LLC Belly Band Holster Specs

  • Material Neoprene
  • Hand orientation Left and right
  • Closure type Velcro
  • Wearing Style Inside the waistband or outside the waistband

Concealed Carriers LLC Belly Band Holster Review

Belly band holsters often retail in the $25 – $50 range, so it’s not a weighty purchase. However, if you want to spend as little as possible, the belly band holster from Concealed Carriers LLC is a good budget option.

The L-size Concealed Carriers LLC holster costs around $19 and the XL costs around $17. It’s not a lot less than the average cost for a belly band holster, but I’d say the price is pretty fair considering its features. The holster can stretch up to 44-inches comfortably and can hold full size, compact, and sub-compact pistols, and revolvers. This versatility is a big factor for me to pick it as my best budget option, because with a good range and a good fit, you’re already getting your money’s worth.

The material is neoprene and it isn’t uncomfortable, but I always wear the holster over clothing so comfort against skin wasn’t a big deal for me personally. The bigger issue is the heat: it’s natural for belly band holsters to retain some warmth, but the Concealed Carriers band heated up more than what I consider acceptable. That said, finding a comfortable carry position that warms up less might help with the heat issue, so this isn’t really a deal breaker. The Concealed Carriers holster has versatile carry options similar to the ComfortTac Ultimate, so my suggestion is to try out a few carry positions for best fit and comfort.

One thing you can’t adjust however, is the retention strap. It snags on the firearm more often than not when drawing and that’s not ideal for a high-stress situation. Another issue I ran into was that the velcro on my band wore off within just a month of use, making the band a little less durable. It doesn’t mean the holster isn’t worth considering though; the Concealed Carriers belly band holster works great as a budget option because it has comfort and versatility covered. 

Concealed Carriers LLC Belly Band Holster Pros and Cons

  • Comfortable and light material
  • Good value
  • Retention strap interferes with drawing
  • Velcro wears out fast

Best storage Fullmosa Concealed Carry Holster

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  • Quality A
  • Versatility A+
  • Retention A
  • Comfort B+

Our Grade

A

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Fullmosa Concealed Carry Holster Specs

  • Material Elastic mesh material
  • Hand orientation Ambidextrous
  • Closure type Velcro
  • Wearing Style Inside the waistband

Fullmosa Concealed Carry Holster Review

If you want extra storage space, the Fullmosa Concealed Carry Holster is my top recommendation. You can carry a couple of sidearms and plenty of personal items in this holster because it comes with a huge number of pockets.  

I filled up the holster to test its capacity, and here’s a list of things I could strap on comfortably: three pistols (one for left draw, one for right draw, and one on the small of my back), four magazines in four pockets, a flashlight, a key chain, my wallet, pack of tissues, few protein bars, and a few cash notes. While I didn’t have any issues carrying all the stuff, I noticed the holster didn’t conceal well because of the bulk. Then again, I don’t think I’d need to carry this many items day-to-day, so it’s a safe bet that the holster wouldn’t be too bulky in a practical scenario. 

The holster is pretty versatile as well–the belly band comes in a few sizes so it can fit from 28-inch to 51-inch waist size. Plus, the three holsters can hold small, sub-compact, compact, and mid-size pistols from a range of models. I also have the option of wearing it on the hip, waist, or chest. So I can adjust my fit and where I wear it, which is fortunate because the Fullmosa doesn’t do well when it comes to comfort. While there’s a lot of storage, the holster feels pretty uncomfortable to wear because of how stiff it is. This is a problem that feels even worse the longer you wear it.

I also don’t like the fact that there’s no trigger guard. However, I can always get a trigger guard separately and work around the comfort issue because this holster is a great option for when I need the extra-storage. In fact, Can Can Concealment Hugger Elite almost made into the best storage category, but the spot went to Fullmosa because it can handle three sidearms and has an ambidextrous draw. 

Fullmosa Concealed Carry Holster Pros and Cons

  • Has multiple storage compartments
  • Fits large builds
  • Not comfortable
  • No trigger guard

Buyers guide

What you are looking for in a belly band holster can be unique depending on your needs, so  I recommend going through the buyer’s guide and narrowing down the factors that matter to you before you decide on what to get.  

What to look for when buying a belly band holster

I picked my recommendations with the most practical uses in mind, but you might need more research to pick a belly band holster for your unique needs. So here’s a list of factors to consider as you research for your best fit. 

  • Purpose – Knowing exactly in which situations you need to wear the belly band holster helps you with the rest of the deciding factors. For example, if you need the belly band holster for walking in the neighborhood, you might not need a lot of storage as a person who is planning to go trekking would need. Similarly, if you are looking for a holster to go with your winter outfits, you don’t need to worry too much about the heat factor. 
  • Permit – Make sure you are cleared to carry a concealed firearm as all states require a permit. To apply for a permit, you need to identify the permitting authority in your state, submit the application, and pay the relevant fee. Most states allow concealed carry if you meet the application requirements, but certain states require you to undergo training, and some states deny permission. In fact, Washington, D.C. does not allow concealed carry at all.
  • Secure fit – We are talking about a firearm holder, so a secure fit is absolutely essential. Check for a retention strap to hold the firearm in place and see if the fit of the belly band is comfortable on your stomach. If it’s too loose, the band will creep up. If the fit is too tight, it can be very uncomfortable for you. Pro tip: when taking measurements for the belly band, measure the widest part of your belly, and avoid measuring over clothes. 
  • Breathability – This has a bit to do with a comfortable fit, and a lot to do with the material. They make most belly bands out of neoprene, which is a breathable synthetic rubber and does the job well. If your pick is made of another elastic material, check if it’s designed with micro holes or a mesh for breathability. 
  • Flexibility – Belly band holsters are naturally made of stretching material, but some come with attachments made of other materials like rigid Kydex or plastic. These attachments are designed to interfere less with the belly band’s flexibility, but you should make sure your personal fit is comfortable and adjustable.
  • Concealment – Belly band holsters generally conceal well, depending on the place you wear it, like around the waist or chest. Make sure to get a belly band that lets you adjust the holster’s position, allowing less chance for the gun print to appear on your outfit.
  • Storage – The average belly band holster has at least two pockets: one for the firearm and one for the magazine, but as we found out earlier, many holsters have multiple pockets for multiple purposes. Consider your purpose for the belly band holster and required storage to make a call on the number of pockets you need.
  • Holster – Make sure the holster (or holsters) retains the firearm well. Some belly band holsters have magnets inside the holster to keep the firearm in position, and most have retention straps to stop it from sliding up as you move. A few have trigger guards and I suggest going for one of them if you’re wearing a belly band holster for the first time.
  • Draw – It’s essential to consider your drawing arm. Some holsters are ambidextrous, so you can adjust the holster according to the draw you prefer, but many come with a single orientation. Such products almost always have their opposite hand counterparts and you can pick your preference between the two. The drawing also has to be smooth and quick, so your ideal retention strap can be velcro or a snap, but never a button.

These are the most common factors you need to think about when purchasing a belly band holster. If you want to make your holster a little more personal, consider a few features like color and style when making a choice.

Conclusion

A belly band holster comes in handy when carrying your personal defense firearm with casual outfits or athletic wear, as it provides support and security to the sidearm. Choosing the holster that best fits your needs will give you comfort, flexibility, and safety as you go about your day. 

Belly Band Holster FAQ

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About Dave Chesson

Dave Chesson is prior Navy with a specialty in international arms dealing for the US government across multiple countries. Having traveled the world and abided by ATF and ITAR, Roy has a unique background in legal as well as practical capabilities of weapons deployment and use.

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