The Best Concealed Carry Position: A Complete Guide to Comfort, Safety, and Everyday Carry

Choosing the right concealed carry position is just as important as choosing the right firearm or holster. A quality holster can improve comfort and retention, but where you carry ultimately determines how quickly you can access your firearm and how comfortably you can wear it throughout the day.

In this guide, we'll break down the most common concealed carry positions, their advantages and disadvantages, and how to determine which option is best for your body type, lifestyle, and everyday carry setup.

Understanding Concealed Carry Positions

When discussing concealed carry positions, most people refer to locations around the waistline using a clock system.

For a right-handed shooter:

• 12 o'clock = Center front

• 1 o'clock = Appendix carry

• 3 o'clock = Strong side hip

• 4-5 o'clock = Behind the hip

• 6 o'clock = Small of back

For left-handed shooters, these positions are mirrored.

Carry positions for Right Hand and Left Hand.

Appendix Carry (AIWB)

Appendix Inside-the-Waistband (AIWB) carry places the firearm in front of the body, typically between the 12 and 2 o'clock positions.

Pros

• Fastest draw speed

• Excellent concealment with proper clothing

• Easy access while seated

• Better retention because the firearm remains in front of you

Cons

• May be less comfortable for some body types

• Requires a quality holster with proper trigger coverage

• Can take time to find the ideal ride height and cant

Appendix carry has become one of the most popular concealed carry methods because it offers an excellent balance of concealment and accessibility.

Strong side carry places the firearm directly on the hip.

Pros

• Comfortable for long periods

• Natural draw stroke

• Easy to learn

• Works well for many firearm sizes

Cons

• Can print through clothing

• Slightly slower draw than appendix carry

• Less accessible while seated

Strong side carry remains one of the most popular choices for both new and experienced concealed carriers.

Behind-the-Hip Carry (4-5 O'Clock)

Many concealed carriers prefer carrying slightly behind the hip.

Pros

• Excellent concealment

• Comfortable while standing and walking

• Works well with untucked shirts

Cons

• Harder to access while seated

• Slower draw stroke

• Increased risk of printing when bending over

For many carriers, the 4 o'clock position provides the best combination of comfort and concealment.

Small of Back Carry (6 O'Clock)

Small of back carry places the firearm directly behind the spine.

Pros

• Can provide deep concealment

Cons

• Difficult draw stroke

• Difficult access while seated

• Increased injury risk during falls

• Poor weapon retention

Many firearms instructors no longer recommend small of back carry due to safety concerns and accessibility issues.

Pocket Carry

Pocket carry is popular for micro-compact pistols.

Pros

• Convenient

• Excellent concealment

• Comfortable for lightweight firearms

Cons

• Limited to smaller firearms

• Slower draw

• Requires a dedicated pocket holster or trigger guard

Pocket carry works best when paired with a quality trigger guard that fully covers the trigger.

Choosing the Right Carry Position

The best concealed carry position depends on several factors:

Body Type

Individuals with different body types often find certain carry positions more comfortable than others. Experimenting with placement can significantly improve comfort.

Daily Activities

If you spend much of your day sitting, appendix carry may provide easier access than behind-the-hip carry.

Firearm Size

Compact and micro-compact pistols typically offer the most flexibility when choosing carry positions.

Holster Quality

A quality Kydex holster can dramatically improve comfort, concealment, retention, and consistency regardless of carry position.

What We Recommend

For most concealed carriers, we recommend starting with either:

1. Appendix Carry (AIWB)

2. Strong Side Carry (3-4 O'Clock)

These positions offer the best balance of safety, accessibility, comfort, and concealment for most users.

The key is finding a holster specifically designed for your firearm that provides proper retention, trigger protection, and adjustability.

Final Thoughts

There is no single "best" concealed carry position for everyone. The ideal setup depends on your body type, clothing style, firearm choice, and daily routine.

Take time to experiment with different carry positions and holster configurations until you find the setup that allows you to carry comfortably and consistently.

Remember: the best concealed carry position is the one that allows you to safely carry your firearm every day while maintaining comfort, concealment, and accessibility.

At Indy Concealment, we design affordable, precision-fit Kydex holsters that help you carry confidently and comfortably every day.