As more and more shooters apply for concealed carry permits, the need for concealed carry holsters is going to become more important. By concealed carry, I'm talking about a holster or carrying method that allows the weapon to worn in such a manner that it is completely concealed from the view of others. A number of states that allow concealed carry permits have specific requirements that the weapon has to be completely concealed or they are in violation of the terms of the permit.

Concealed carry holsters include a number of different holster styles such as pocket holsters, ankle holsters, inside the waistband holsters, and belt holsters.

Depending on a number of variables, each style of concealed carry has different strengths and weaknesses. At the same time, with proper selection, nearly any of those holster styles would work for concealed carry. Some of the variables that come into play with concealed carry holsters include the following:

* size of the weapon
* body type
* climate

Let's a take a second and talk about each variable individually, although they all somewhat tie together in the end.

Handgun size - While this may seem unimportant on it's face, it becomes very important in terms of concealment and comfort. The bottom line is larger weapons are more difficult to conceal, no matter what steps to you. The size of the weapon will play a direct role in how effectively it can be concealed as well as how comfortable it is. Rather than try to conceal an oversized weapon, choose a weapon that is moderately sized and then select a concealed carry holster.

Body Type - Here's a variable that no one likes to talk about, much less take into consideration when selecting a concealed carry holster. The bottom line here is that certain body types may not be able to comfortably (there's that word again) carry or adequately conceal using certain carry methods. No matter how much you dislike it, your body type may limit your concealed carry options. For example, If you have an expanding waistline (like me), inside the waistband (also called IWB) carry may not be for you. I make that statement as the weapon may be uncomfortable as well as visible inside the waistband. Likewise, people on the slender side may lack the girth or real estate to carry IWB. My best suggestion here is honestly evaluate yourself and then test fit a few different holster models. It won't take long to figure out of IWB carry is for you or not. If it's not the best carry method for you, then you'll need to look alternatives. Many people become discouraged when they figure out that IWB carry isn't for them, but there are other excellent concealed carry options besides IWB.

Weather & Climate - The climate where you will be carrying concealed can and will play a role in your gun holster selection. Warmer climates mean less clothes, which means you will have to conceal a handgun under a T-shirt or in a pocket. Warmer climates generally means shorts so ankle carry is also eliminated as a possibility. Cooler climates don't really pose a problem as more clothing means it's easier to conceal a pistol. Rapidly changing climates can cause even bigger problems. Take climate and weather into account as you search for holsters and realize that you may have to pick up more than one holster to meet those needs.

In the end, you'll have to find the best handgun/holster combo that works for you. Hopefully the information provided here will be valuable and relevant for you.