7 Best Pocket Holsters: Simple, Comfortable, and Effective
I have an odd relationship with pocket holsters. In the past, I often carried in my pocket when I first started carrying, and after a while, I began to dislike small guns. As time went on I moved towards bigger guns and figured they were more capable. Recently I’ve come back to the world of pocket holsters. I see the value in small guns and deep concealment. When I came back to pocket holsters, I came with a bit more knowledge than I ever had before.
I took what I learned about holsters from years of concealed carry and applied it to trying out a variety of pocket holsters. I’ve decided to take that experience and turn that into an article. We are in the golden age of concealed carry, and picking out a good pocket holster can go quite far. You be asking, why exactly do I need a holster if I’m dropping a gun into my pocket?
Pocket Holsters – A Requirement
Pocket holsters are a must-have if you’re throwing a gun in your pocket. Why? Well, a good pocket holster is a safety measure, first and foremost. We always stress safety with guns. Tossing a gun in your pocket is kinda like pulling the pin of a grenade and holding down the spoon.
It might be safe…if you trust the spoon and your thumb. If you keep a gun in your pocket without a holster, the trigger is exposed, and an exposed trigger is one that can be easily pressed. A holster protects the trigger and protects you and others. Pocket holsters go beyond safety.
They protect the gun. People sweat, pockets get gunk in them, and having a pocket holster protects the gun, especially if you forget and toss your keys in your gun pocket. Something I do once a week. Pocket holsters orient the weapon for a clean draw and make retrieving your weapon easy and quick. It will always be gripped up and oriented for a quick and efficient draw.
What Makes A Good Pocket Holster
Having a holster is one thing. Having a good holster is an entirely different argument. Like any holster genre, there are a variety of pocket holster options out there, and not all are equal. Let’s talk about some of the features you should look for in a pocket holster.
First, let’s address retention. Holster retention with your typical holster is typically finding the right degree of tight retention that allows for an easy draw while also preventing the gun from falling out. With pocket holsters, you want a looser retention. This allows you to remove the holster without it always bringing the holster with you. The pocket provides your retention.
You generally want a holster that fits the gun. A few of these holsters are typically not molded directly for a gun, with other holster styles that are typically not acceptable. Pocket holsters come in both molded and quasi-universal options. Quasi-universal options can be great holsters, but your gun still needs to fit the holster.
The holster should have some feature that prevents it from leaving the body. Most use some form of wing that either helps the holster stay in your pocket, or you can use the side of your pocket to remove the holster as you draw. Other features include concealment pads that secure the holster, as well as rough textures to help secure it.
You also want a holster that fills your pocket. You don’t want it rotating and ruining the orientation of the holster and gun. Most fit, but plenty suck and will slide or rotate, making it tough to retrieve when needed.
Gun University’s Choices of the Best Pocket Holsters
Best Pocket Holsters
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Best Pocket Holsters Specifications
Below is a table of the specs for each pocket holster.
| Holster | Material | Pocket Position | Orientation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Safariland Model 25 | Polymer | Front Pocket | Right or Left Handed |
| Desantis Superfly | Nylon | Front Pocket | Ambidextrous |
| Alien Gear ShapeShift Pocket Holster | Polymer | Front Pocket | Right or Left Handed |
| Vedder Holsters Pocket Locker | Polymer | Front Pocket | Right or Left Handed |
| Desantis Pocket Partner | Polymer | Front Pocket | Right or Left Handed |
| Kramer Leather Pocket Gun Holster | Leather | Front Pocket | Right or Left Handed |
| Wilderness Tactical DB Force Option | Polymer | Front Pocket | Right or Left Handed |
Best Pocket Holsters
Here is our list for the best pocket holsters
- Safariland Model 25
- Desantis Superfly
- Alien Gear ShapeShift Pocket Holster
- Vedder Holsters Pocket Locker
- Desantis Pocket Partner
- Kramer Leather Pocket Gun Holster
- Wilderness Tactical DB Force Option
The Best Pocket Holsters – Reviews
1 Safariland Model 25
- Comfort A
- Concealability A
- Retention B+
- Durability A-
Our Grade
A-
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TBD
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Safariland Model 25 Specs
- Material Type Polymer
- Pocket Position Front Pocket
- Orientation Right of Left Handed
Safariland Model 25 Review
Safariland makes pocket holsters? Yep, the company that made its name making the world’s best duty holsters, inventing active retention, and designing an entire cross-compatible eco-system. They make a pocket holster, one that is constantly overshadowed by their other offerings. The Model 25 is the pocket holster I typically employ when fielding my P32.
The Model 25 looks a bit like a soft holster, but then you get your hands on one and figure out it’s more than that. The outer finish is suede, but wrapped in that suede is a hard polymer inner layer. This inner layer is the reason I love this holster so much. The polymer design keeps the mouth of the holster open, which makes it easy to reholster and easy to draw.
The holster lets go of the gun due to its open mouth and makes it fast and easy to draw. The molded polymer also ensures it’s modeled properly for your gun. This means the trigger is never under stress and remains completely covered. There is also a membrane that protects the gun from your body, which means it won’t get sweaty.
There are some downsides. The holster relies on the suede layer for retention. For carrying, it’s fine, it won’t fall out. When drawing, it’s not that uncommon for the holster to come with the gun, but luckily, the gun clears the holster, and the holster doesn’t stick to the gun as you draw. This means during training, it becomes a real pain to constantly fetch the holster, clean it off, and reset.
Safariland Model 25 Pros and Cons
- Affordable
- Easy to Find An Option For You
- Proven
- Allows Some Printing
2 Desantis Superfly Pocket Holster
- Comfort A
- Concealability A
- Retention B+
- Durability B
Our Grade
A-
Reader’s Grade
A+
Based on 1 Reviews
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Desantis Superfly Specs
- Material Type Nylon
- Pocket Position Front Pocket
- Orientation Ambidextrous
Desantis Superfly Review
I still like the Nemesis, but I recently moved on to the Superfly. The Superfly is essentially an evolution of the Nemesis. The same quasi-soft material is padded, comfortable, and poke-free. It’s also produced in a variety of sizes and shapes to fit a wide variety of different guns. We still get the typical wing that makes it stick in your pocket like Cheerios to the hands of a baby.
The Superfly has two big differences, and it’s the two reasons why it replaced the Nemesis for me. First, we get this big flap to it. The flap attaches via Velcro and acts like a pad that prevents your gun from printing. Tight pants or a seated position show the outline of a square and not a handgun. It’s more like a cell phone than a gun in your pocket. I like that kind of disguise.
The second upgrade is the rough type material used to coat the outside of the holster. This is like Nemesis texture, but rougher and more viscous, according to Desantis. It’s sticky and stays stuck. Pair that with the flap, and this thing has never left my pocket when I’ve drawn my handgun. It stays disguised with the flap, and the flap doesn’t get in the way of your draw, either.
The Superfly is produced for a wide variety of guns, but it’s not been produced for the same amount of numbers as the Nemesis. However, it seems to be catching up with the Nemesis. It’s currently my go-to, so maybe you can call it the editor’s choice for a holster.
Desantis Superfly Pros and Cons
- Easy to Conceal
- Comfortable
- Great Retention
- Not as Widely Produced
3 Alien Gear ShapeShift Pocket Holster
- Comfort B+
- Concealability B+
- Retention A
- Durability A
Our Grade
A-
Reader’s Grade
TBD
Based on 0 Reviews
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Alien Gear ShapeShift Pocket Holster Specs
- Material Type Polymer
- Pocket Position Front Pocket
- Orientation Right or Left Handed
Alien Gear ShapeShift Pocket Holster Review
I have some mixed feelings about the Shapeshift series. In one hand, I think it’s a cool idea and innovative as all get out. I even think some of the holsters are fairly nice. In the other hand, some are way too complicated, and some aren’t my style. However, the pocket holster is a spectacle to behold. The Alien Gear ShapeShift Pocket Holster is an all-polymer design that uses your normal Shapeshift shell but with a bonus attachment.
The attachment is a polymer extension that acts much like the wing of most pocket holsters. The all-polymer design ensures the holster is custom fit with your gun. They produce the shell for tons of guns, and Alien Gear seems to be producing more and more shells all the time. There is plenty for the more popular guns on the market and even some not so popular.
The pocket wing means you have to pull back slightly on the holster as you draw the gun to make sure it doesn’t flop out with your gun. You can also adjust the retention of the holster, which is rare for a pocket holster. I’d run it slightly loose, so it is easier to draw from the pocket. The Shapeshift system works well as a modern pocket holster.
What’s the downside? Well, it’s expensive. Pocket holsters are typically fairly cheap, and the Shapeshift is a bit pricey. With that said, it’s well made, durable, and can be adapted to work with the other Shapeshift holster systems.
Alien Gear ShapeShift Pocket Holster Pros and Cons
- Custom Molded Holsters
- Adjustable Retention
- Easy To Draw From
- Expensive
4 Vedder Holsters Pocket Locker
- Comfort A-
- Concealability B+
- Retention A+
- Durability A
Our Grade
A
Reader’s Grade
TBD
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Vedder Holsters Pocket Locker Specs
- Material Type Polymer
- Pocket Position Front Pocket
- Orientation Right or Left Handed
Vedder Holsters Pocket Locker Review
Vedder makes great holsters, and they tend to lean more toward the modern side of the market. They invest heavily in polymers, and their pocket holster certainly leans more toward modern holster design. The Pocket Locker is made entirely from kydex. Kydex is a tough and durable material that doesn’t rip or tear. It doesn’t crack, and it takes quite some time to wear out. It’s weatherproof, which means it’s sweatproof, which is great because pocket guns get sweaty.
The Pocket Locker uses a single sheet of kydex that’s modeled specifically for each gun. It’s simple but a very effective holster design. Having a specific molded holster design ensures great retention and a long-lasting holster. The Pocket Locker is molded with a wing that secures it in your pocket as you draw. This does require you to catch the wing at the back end of your pocket every time you draw.
If not, the holster follows the gun. It does require some practice, but you really should be training with whatever specific setup you plan to rock and roll with anyway. The Pocket Locker will certainly work best when the user is well-trained. The holster conceals and centers the gun, and the full-length sweat guard rides up both sides of the gun. It’s a smart design.
The fatal flaw in my eyes is that it’s super tight in terms of retention when first received. You need to commit to a lot of dry draws and practice draws. This will help it loosen up slightly and needs to be done several times before the retention loosens enough to carry it.
Vedder Holsters Pocket Locker Pros and Cons
- Modern Design
- Low Profile
- Comfy to Wear
- Super Tight Retention
5 Desantis Pocket Partner
- Comfort A
- Concealability A
- Retention B+
- Durability A-
Our Grade
A-
Reader’s Grade
TBD
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Desantis Pocket Partner
- Material Type Polymer
- Pocket Position Front Pocket
- Orientation Right or Left Handed
Desantis Pocket Partner
DeSantis has lots and lots of pocket holsters; a few are on this list! The partner is their latest rig, and it’s called the Partner. It’s a bit of a radical departure from DeSantis. DeSantis pocket holsters are typically made from textiles, soft nylon, and leather. The Partner embraces modern polymer materials to produce a thoroughly modern pocket holster.
The Pocket Partner’s precision-formed Kydex ensures your gun fits perfectly. Your trigger is perfectly protected and secured with kydex. Safety is always a concern, and the Pocket Partner takes safety seriously. The polymer construction goes up the entire slide and places a level of protection between your body and the gun. It also ensures awesome retention.
The polymer extends to the Tri-Wing anchor system. This means the bottom of the holster has a massive hook that locks the holster inside the pants. When you draw from the Pocket Partner, the holster stays put. If you’re running around and getting in a tussle, the holster and gun stay put.
The holster’s full-length guard allows you to use your thumb to press the holster down as you pull the gun up. This provides an easy-to-draw design with minimal resistance offered to the holster. Plus, the holster stays put. The Pocket Partner is somewhat new and currently only fits a handful of different pistols.
Desantis Pocket Partner Pros and Cons
- Hides With Ease
- Does Give You The Element of Surprise
- Affordable
- Limited Guns
6 Kramer Leather Pocket Gun Holster
- Comfort A-
- Concealability B
- Retention B
- Durability A
Our Grade
B+
Reader’s Grade
TBD
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Kramer Leather Pocket Gun Holster Specs
- Material Type Leather
- Pocket Position Front Pocket
- Orientation Right or Left Handed
Kramer Leather Pocket Gun Holster Review
When it comes to leather holsters, there are some makers that really stand out. Kramer Leather is one of those masterful artisans of animal hide. Kramer Leather makes a number of different holster designs, and they make one of the best pocket holsters out there. Their Pocket Gun Holster is no different, and you’ll certainly pay for the quality.
The Kramer Leather Pocket Gun Holster is leather molded for the individual gun, and boy, do they make it for some obscure guns. I’m talking about guns like the AMT Backup, which hasn’t been produced in decades. It’s made for guns like the LCP, which are traditionally called pocket pistols, as well as the micro-sized Seecamp, all the way up to the P365 from SIG.
The molded leather holds the gun nicely but doesn’t make it tough to draw. It protects you and your pocket from the gun and keeps things comfy. While the holster is mostly leather, a piece of plastic acts as a concealment device to break up the gun’s outline. The portion pushing against you is made from horsehide and is quite comfortable.
A wing allows you to draw and defeat the holster on the draw and ensure you get a smooth and easy transition out of the pocket. Kramer cuts the holsters low and tight to make it easy to get a grip and get your draw on. It’s an excellent holster if you want just one holster to carry with you for years. With the money it costs, it makes sense to carry it for years and years.
Kramer Leather Pocket Gun Holster Pros and Cons
- Expertly Crafted
- Easy to Draw From
- Ultra Comfortable
- Expensive
7 Wilderness Tactical DB Force Option
- Comfort A
- Concealability A
- Retention B+
- Durability A-
Our Grade
A-
Reader’s Grade
TBD
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DB Force Option
- Material Type Polymer
- Pocket Position Front Pocket
- Orientation Right or Left Handed
Wilderness Tactical DB Force Option Holster Review
One of the premier firearms instructors out there, Darryl Bolke, teamed up with Wilderness Tactical to produce the DB Force Option. Mr. Bolke excels when it comes to revolvers and often preaches about the benefits of revolvers. Snub nose revolvers are awesome pocket guns, and the DB Force Option is made entirely for snub nose revolvers.
This rig is designed for snub-nose revolvers from S&W, Ruger, Colt, and similar small, short-barreled platforms. The DB Force option is made from XHD Elastic, which is a heavy-duty, woven elastic material that’s designed to last. The outer surface is extremely grippy and built wide, so it fills your front pocket up and makes sure it stays put when placed in your pocket.
The DB Force Option is somewhat soft and will flex, but it’s laminated, so the mouth stays open. This makes reupholstering easy, but it also allows the gun to be smoothly drawn. The shape is designed to break up a gun’s look, but it does make it visible that something is in your pocket. What that something is, is a mystery.
The feature that really makes the DB Force Option stand out to me is the diversion pocket. The holster has a pocket on its interior that allows you to store something small, like some cash or credit cards. Is your hand on a gun? Or are you just grabbing some cash? It’s great as a diversion to ensure someone doesn’t think you’re carrying a gun. If you don’t want to carry cash, you can carry ammo; the pocket will fit a speed strip of ammo.
Wilderness Tactical DB Force Option Holster Pros and Cons
- Conceals Easily
- Is Quick To Draw
- Included Pocket
- Revolvers Only
The Benefits of Pocket Carry
There are a few benefits to pocket carry. First, it’s easy and comfortable. Nothing pokes or prods while you carry. Guns disappear and conceal easily with a good holster. There are no clips, loops, or other considerations to make. Drop it in and forget all about it.
Another big benefit is that you can carry in nearly any type of clothing. It’s not finicky to formal clothing or to work clothing. A pocket carry rig certainly doesn’t mind the clothes you carry. As long as it has pockets, you can drop your gun in and forget all about it. Plus, it won’t mess with the lines of your suit.
Convenience shouldn’t be a major consideration when you get into the weeds of personal security. Plenty of people will argue it should be comforting, not comfortable. However, real life says differently. We all like convenience, and sometimes it’s a lot easier to put a gun in your pocket, and if it’s easier, you’re more likely to do it.
Finally, one of the tactical benefits of pocket carry is what I call the pre-draw. With a normal holster, if you reach for it, you’ll be brandishing the weapon. With pocket carry, I can stick my hand in my pocket and grip the gun with no one being the wiser. If my spidey sense goes off because maybe someone is following me, or maybe someone is acting erratic, I can reach in my pocket and have my gun ready. It’s a tactical consideration and a valuable one.
The World of Pocket Carry
Pocket carry can be an invaluable tool and technique for the average concealed carrier. However, it requires the right gun, the right holster, and of course, plenty of training. Pocket carry is just another tool for the box and another method to ensure you are your own bodyguard. If you dont feel pocket carry is best for you, maybe a belly band holster, IWB holster, or shoulder holster would be better for you.
About Travis Pike
Travis Pike is a former Marine Machine Gunner and a lifelong firearms enthusiast. Now that his days of working a 240B like Charlie Parker on the sax are over, he's a regular guy who likes to shoot, write, and find ways to combine the two. He is a "simplicisist" when it comes to talking about himself in the 3rd person and a self-professed tactical hipster. Hit him up on Instagram with story ideas.
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This pocket holster is in a class by itself. It fits like a glove over the firearm which it is designed for yet allows the weapon to slide easily free and never comes out of your pocket. The flap completely eliminates any printing of the firearm. It looks just like a rectangle in your pocket like a wallet or a cell phone. It is the ultimate in deep, concealment in carry unfriendly zones.
Large curved concealed hook provides Excellent pocket retention and production fit(optional retention screw available) at manufacturer provides a nice snap for gun retention. Curvature and surface provide Excellent concealment. Look on line. I’ve been using mine (g42 and g43x)regularly now for a couple years. Highly recommend. Not exactly sure what is being displayed here.
Please let me know if any other pocket holster works with my Hellcat with a mounted red dot.
Thanks