What is a Kydex Holster?

A Kydex holster is built from a rugged thermoplastic material known for being tough, lightweight, and dependable. Each one is molded to fit your exact firearm, giving you a secure, snug fit every time you carry.

Here’s why Kydex gets the job done better than leather or nylon:

• Built to Last: Kydex stands up to moisture, grit, and hard use without wearing down or losing shape.

• Consistent Draw: It won’t stretch or soften over time, so your draw stays sharp and reliable.

• Lightweight Gear: Strong doesn’t have to mean heavy. Kydex keeps your setup light and comfortable.

• Easy to Clean: A quick wipe-down is all it takes to keep it in top shape.

• Made Your Way: Choose your colors, patterns, and attachments — your holster, your style.

At Patriot Holsters, we don’t just use Kydex — we make it work harder.

What is an OWB Holster?

An OWB (Outside the Waistband) holster is made to ride on the outside of your belt. It’s a go-to choice for folks who want a comfortable, easy-access carry — whether for open carry or concealed carry under a jacket or loose shirt.

OWB holsters clip or loop onto your belt and stay put, giving you fast access to your firearm without sacrificing retention or security. They're great for range days, everyday carry, or anyone who prefers a more traditional setup.

At Patriot Holsters, our OWB rigs are custom-molded to your specific firearm and built to last — tough, dependable, and made to move when you do.

What is an IWB Holster?

An IWB (Inside the Waistband) holster is built for concealed carry — riding inside your waistband to keep your firearm secure, discreet, and close to the body. It’s a popular choice for everyday carriers who want solid concealment without sacrificing draw speed or reliability.

At Patriot Holsters, our IWB holsters are hybrid-built: tough Kydex on the outside for solid retention and fast, consistent draw — and leather on the inside for all-day comfort against your body. It’s the best of both worlds: rugged where it counts, comfortable where it matters.

With the right belt and setup, an IWB holster gives you dependable, low-profile carry you can count on — made custom for your firearm, made to last.

Is there any difference between a Concealed Carry Holster and an IWB Holster?

Yes — but here’s the breakdown.

“Concealed carry holster” is a broad term for any holster designed to keep your firearm out of sight. That includes IWB (Inside the Waistband), OWB (Outside the Waistband), appendix carry, pocket holsters, and more.

An IWB holster is one of the most common types of concealed carry — it sits inside your waistband for a tight, low-profile fit that’s easy to cover with a shirt or jacket.

That said, OWB holsters can also be used for concealed carry — as long as your clothing covers it. A longer shirt, jacket, or vest can keep an OWB holster hidden while still giving you the comfort and quick access many carriers prefer.

At Patriot Holsters, we build both IWB and OWB holsters for concealed carry — custom-molded, hybrid-built, and ready to work.

Determining whether you need an Inside the Waistband (IWB) holster or an Outside the Waistband (OWB) holster depends on several factors, including your personal preferences, comfort, concealment needs, and the type of clothing you typically wear. Here's a comparison to help you decide:

Inside the Waistband (IWB) Holster:

1. Concealment: IWB holsters are generally better for concealed carry because they are worn inside the waistband, with the firearm positioned between your body and your clothing. This can help minimize printing and make it easier to conceal the firearm under a shirt or jacket.
2. Comfort: Some people find IWB holsters to be more comfortable, especially if they have a slim profile and are made from materials that don't dig into the skin. However, wearing an IWB holster may take some getting used to, especially if you're not accustomed to carrying inside the waistband.
3. Accessibility: With an IWB holster, the firearm is positioned closer to your body, which may make it slightly more difficult to access quickly compared to an OWB holster. However, many IWB holsters offer adjustable cant and ride height to optimize draw speed and comfort.

Outside the Waistband (OWB) Holster:

1. Accessibility: OWB holsters typically offer faster and easier access to your firearm compared to IWB holsters because the firearm is carried outside the waistband, allowing for a more natural and unobstructed draw.
2. Comfort: Some users find OWB holsters to be more comfortable, especially for extended periods of wear, as the firearm is not pressing against the body. OWB holsters also tend to provide better weight distribution, particularly for larger firearms.
3. Concealment: While OWB holsters are generally less ideal for concealed carry compared to IWB holsters, they can still be concealed effectively with the right clothing and accessories, such as a loose-fitting shirt or jacket.

Which Holster Do I Need — OWB or IWB?

The short answer: it depends on how you carry, what you wear, and what matters most to you — comfort, concealment, or quick access.

Here’s a quick breakdown to help you choose:

IWB (Inside the Waistband) Holster

• Best for Concealment: Worn inside your waistband, it keeps your firearm close and easy to hide under a shirt or jacket.

• Takes Some Getting Used To: Comfort depends on your setup — but our hybrid leather-and-Kydex build makes a big difference.

• Slightly Slower Draw: Because it sits tighter to the body, drawing takes a little more practice — but a well-fitted IWB holster with adjustable ride and cant helps dial it in.

OWB (Outside the Waistband) Holster

• Easier Access: Carries on the outside of your belt for a faster, more natural draw.

• All-Day Comfort: No digging or pressure — great for larger firearms or longer wear.

• Can Still Conceal: Not just for open carry. Throw on a loose shirt or jacket, and you're good to go.

Bottom line?
If staying discreet is your top priority, go with IWB. If you’re after comfort and faster access, try OWB.
At Patriot Holsters, we build both — custom-molded, rock-solid, and made to fit your carry style.

Patriot Holsters, unlike other Kydex holster manufacturers, does not follow the typical molding process for crafting their holsters. Here's an overview of our process involved in making a Patriot Kydex holster:

1. Designing the Kydex Blank: The first step in making a Patriot holster is creating a Kydex blank that matches the specific customer design the holster is intended for. The shape is cut out using a CNC router. Holes are drilled into the Kydex to accommodate hardware such as screws, rivets, or grommets. These holes are used to attach belt loops, clips, or other mounting options to the holster. Edges are sanded and buffed to stop any snagging on clothing.
2. Heating the Kydex: The Kydex blank is heated until it becomes pliable and malleable. This is usually done using a heat gun or in an industrial oven.
3. Forming the Kydex Holster: Once heated, the firearm mold or firearm itself is pressed in-between the Kydex blank sheets. Then the Kydex and firearm are pressed between 2 pieces of foam. The Kydex blank conforms to the shape of the mold or firearm, creating a precise fit for the firearm.
4. Cooling: After forming, the Kydex is allowed to cool and harden, retaining the shape of the holster.
5. Final Assembly: Any additional components, such as belt attachments or adjustable retention screws, are added to the holster. These components are securely fastened to the Kydex using hardware such as screws or rivets.
6. Quality Control: The finished holster undergoes a quality control inspection to ensure that it meets Patriots Holsters standards for fit, finish, and functionality. Any defects or imperfections are addressed before the holster is packaged and shipped to the customer.

Throughout this process, Patriot Holsters, like other reputable manufacturers, does employ skilled craftsmen and utilize advanced machinery and techniques to produce high-quality holsters that meet the needs and expectations of their customers.

Why Should I Buy a Patriot Holster?

Because you need a holster that works as hard as you do — dependable, comfortable, and built to fit your carry style, not someone else’s idea of “good enough.”

Here’s what sets Patriot Holsters apart:

• Custom Made, Every Time: Each holster is molded to your exact firearm, made to order for either left- or right-handed carry — no generic fits, no compromises.

• Built with Grit: We use high-quality Kydex and premium leather for hybrid holsters that hold strong, wear comfortably, and last through the long haul.

• Made Your Way: Choose your color, pattern, and attachment style. Whether you carry IWB or OWB, we’ve got options to match how you move.

• Fast Turnaround: While others make you wait weeks, we’re shipping custom gear in a fraction of the time — without cutting corners.

• American Made: Every Patriot Holster is proudly built in the USA, and we proudly support our Veterans and the values they’ve defended.

• Lifetime Guarantee: If it breaks, we’ll make it right. Period.

Bottom line: when you carry every day, you need gear you can trust. Patriot Holsters — Built to work. Built to last.