Belly band vs. IWB

[jjohnsonElknewbie]

For the guys with an average build, think Hank Hill, not Boomhauer (skinny) or Bill (big beer gut), that carry every or most days, which one do you like better and why? I'm 6'1 and 225, and while my gut doesn't hang over my belt, it pushes on it some. I have a 36" waist and 33"ish inseam, so 32" pants are too short and 34s and 36s are too long unless I'm wearing my boots. Also, probably a stupid question, but for IWB use does a guy go a size up in waist?

Finally, for the guys that run a weapon light (not interested in debating lights on CCW) please include these models in your favorite IWB choice.

Thank you in advance!

 

[OKHunter84]

For the guys with an average build, think Hank Hill, not Boomhauer (skinny) or Bill (big beer gut), that carry every or most days, which one do you like better and why? I'm 6'1 and 225, and while my gut doesn't hang over my belt, it pushes on it some. I have a 36" waist and 33"ish inseam, so 32" pants are too short and 34s and 36s are too long unless I'm wearing my boots. Also, probably a stupid question, but for IWB use does a guy go a size up in waist?

Finally, for the guys that run a weapon light (not interested in debating lights on CCW) please include these models in your favorite IWB choice.

Thank you in advance!

I wear a similar pant size that you do, 36"x34" and I prefer IWB. I carry a SIG P365 in the 4 o'clock position with no attachments. Carrying in the front is uncomfortable sitting down and if there was a discharge I'd rather it get a butt cheek then my hang down.

I don't size up but I don't wear skinny jeans either. I think that would depend on the weapon size and how your pants fit. If I'm outside of work them I'm usually wearing Levi's or Prana pants.

 

[jjohnsonElknewbie]

I wear a similar pant size that you do, 36"x34" and I prefer IWB. I carry a SIG P365 in the 4 o'clock position with no attachments. Carrying in the front is uncomfortable sitting down and if there was a discharge I'd rather it get a butt cheek then my hang down.

I don't size up but I don't wear skinny jeans either. I think that would depend on the weapon size and how your pants fit. If I'm outside of work them I'm usually wearing Levi's or Prana pants.

Thank you much, and no skinny jeans on this guy either, LOL! I'm 50 and a former athlete and still have larger than average legs. I have a Ruger 9E which is the no frills version of the SR9. It has 4.1" barrel and relatively thin slide and grip for a double stack 9. I'm left handed and would probably carry at 8 o'clock. Which IWB are you using?

 

[robtattoo]

Not dissimilar build here. 6', 34x32

I carry a P365 (std grip, XL slide) IWB in the appendix position. I find that 3-4 o'clock prints too badly.
AIWB takes a little getting used to, but I no longer find sitting, driving or any movement to be uncomfortable any more.
I don't size up in pants, but a stiff belt is a good investment (thirtydollar gun belts are great!)

My pistol wears a Streamlight TLr7-sub & I don't think there's a thing I could negatively say about it.

The base of my holster is a Fat Guy from JX Tactical, but I switched out the soft clips for steel & as I lost weight, I've adjusted the holster to actually ride higher in my waistband. It surprised me a LOT how much a half inch of height change in holster position can affect the comfort.
Back when there was a 'roof over the toolshed' I had to carry super low. Now I'm more of a convertible, a higher carry is far, far more comfy!

 

[jjohnsonElknewbie]

Not dissimilar build here. 6', 34x32

I carry a P365 (std grip, XL slide) IWB in the appendix position. I find that 3-4 o'clock prints too badly.
AIWB takes a little getting used to, but I no longer find sitting, driving or any movement to be uncomfortable any more.
I don't size up in pants, but a stiff belt is a good investment (thirtydollar gun belts are great!)

My pistol wears a Streamlight TLr7-sub & I don't think there's a thing I could negatively say about it.

The base of my holster is a Fat Guy from JX Tactical, but I switched out the soft clips for steel & as I lost weight, I've adjusted the holster to actually ride higher in my waistband. It surprised me a LOT how much a half inch of height change in holster position can affect the comfort.
Back when there was a 'roof over the toolshed' I had to carry super low. Now I'm more of a convertible, a higher carry is far, far more comfy!

Great info and thank you!

 

[rookieforever33]

4 o clock iwb. XDS.45. I would rather print a little than dig my gun into my groin/leg/belly areas. I think it prints less than a leatherman in a belt sheath anyway.

 

[robtattoo]

Great info and thank you!

Here's my setup & how it carries/prints.

Also, even with a bit of extra insulation, there's no digging in once I figured out the correct ride height (wrong belt, I don't usually carry at work, just strapped up for the pics)

 

[intunegp]

I carry appendix, usually either a Glock 23 or 42 depending on the day. 34x32 pants fit me best but still sag a bit without a belt. With that type of fit, I don't need to size up to accommodate either gun. If the pants are already squeezing you there won't be room for a holster.

Whether you wear the gun in the front or back, digging in and printing can be an issue. A quality/stiff belt paired with a quality holster that lets you adjust cant and ride height will eliminate a majority if not all of the discomfort and potential printing.

 

[OKHunter84]

Thank you much, and no skinny jeans on this guy either, LOL! I'm 50 and a former athlete and still have larger than average legs. I have a Ruger 9E which is the no frills version of the SR9. It has 4.1" barrel and relatively thin slide and grip for a double stack 9. I'm left handed and would probably carry at 8 o'clock. Which IWB are you using?

Something really similar to this.
I tried a few different kydex and never really liked them.

 

[Yoder]

I wouldn't worry about printing. Nobody looks up from their phone long enough to notice. If anyone asks it's my insulin pump. I carry my G26 IWB on my right side. I never size up my pants and just use a thick belt.