It is extremely important to select the correct holster style for your weapon. When you wear it, you need to be comfortable with how it feels and to give you instant access to your handgun when you need it. Holsters, like leather, nylon or molded plastic, are made from a range of materials.
Common types of holster are
Outside the waistband or belt holsters
These are most widely used by Police, military and people who prefer to carry firearms openly. Belt holsters can be worn high and close to the body just below the hip bone and can be hidden under a lengthy, untucked shirt or jacket.
Holsters inside the waistband
Clip or mount to a belt can allow the weapon inside the pants to be securely holstered. Some holsters offer the wearer the option of tucking a shirt and holster over the weapon.
Below waistband
Popularized by the maker of Urban Carry Holsters, It is a holster type that attaches directly below your waistline and is more tightly hidden than the standard holster.
Sling holsters
They are similar to holsters for the shoulder, but instead consist of a band worn across the chest between one shoulder and another. This holster style was used in World War II for pilots, tank operators, and other vehicle drivers, as it was easier to use in a seated position.
Belly band holster
This is a wide elastic belt with a built-in holster, typically worn under an untucked shirt. There are different styles, worn at or above the belt line, with the location of the gun anywhere from in front to under the armpit. A belly band must be very tight in order to stay in place; this is usually uncomfortable-it is similar to wearing a girdle.
Thigh holsters
They are a common police and law enforcement item that stores the sidearm on the leg where the hand hangs naturally, allowing for a quick draw. These were used by early U.S. cavalry units in the early 1900s with a leather thong strapped to the thigh. A drop leg PALS grid with a modular holster attached is also used by modern ones, often with buckles for rapid release. These are worn by law enforcement and military personnel when a bulky vest or a full belt makes the belt unhelpful or when an alternative to another holster is required.
Ankle holsters
They provide outstanding concealment and are used by law enforcement officers who choose to carry a secondary weapon to back up their main firearm. Many police, though, find that when running or during other athletic exercises, even a small handgun bounces around too often.
Cross-draw belt holsters
They are designed to be worn outside the waistline. While the cross-draw carry is often considered slower due to the requisite movement around the body, it can be more convenient and even easier to draw the gun from a seated position compared to the others. Because of the ease of carrying and its natural adaptability to the female body, cross-draw belt holsters can be an ideal option for wearing a backup gun on the waistline and also an acceptable choice for women.
