A critical part of feeling safe is knowing you can defend yourself if the need arises. For many, concealed carry provides one of the top ways to enhance their self-defense capabilities.

But do you need to buy a specialized gun belt, or is concealed carry without belts or modifications possible?

The simple answer is yes: you can concealed carry with a normal belt and with several different types of beltless holsters. There remain some obstacles to overcome when going beltless, however, so let’s look closer at the best ways to concealed carry without a belt.

Introduction to Concealed Carry Without a Belt

Does a gun belt make a difference?

It does. This is because manufacturers design gun belts specifically to hold firearms. They also craft them out of superior material compared to a regular belt. Generally, any item tailored for a specific task will do better than one that isn’t, and the same applies to gun belts.

However, some firearms owners might find gun belts a bit too rigid or pricey, leading them to seek beltless or other solutions.

Challenges of Concealed Carry Without a Belt

Compared to a purpose-built gun belt, carrying a firearm on a plain belt or with other types of holster immediately raises some concerns and issues that must be accounted for to maintain safe, responsible concealed carry practices.

Stability and Security Concerns

Guns are heavy—even pistols. The US Concealed Carry Association (USCCA) states that the most commonly recommended gun for concealed carry purposes remains the 9mm pistol. And in a 2024 post, 9mms recommended by the USCCA generally fell between one and two pounds.

Standard leather may not be able to support that weight and can cause the firearm to twist or flop over despite being strapped to your body. A loose gun may also make an outline against your shirt and alert others to its presence.

Since the whole point of concealed carry is to keep others from knowing you have a weapon, this isn’t ideal.

Because a regular belt isn’t designed to hold a firearm, an adversary may also have an easier time snatching your gun from a normal belt.

Comfort and Accessibility Issues

The gun belt vs. regular belt discussion also centers around comfort. Gun belts evenly distribute your weapon’s weight around your waist, while a standard belt may sag—especially over time—and force you to hitch up your pants constantly.

Ease of access is also critical. Since it holds your weapon steady, it’s easier to draw from a gun belt.

However, some gun owners report they find the stiffness of many gun belts proves too uncomfortable to manage for an entire day.

Alternative Methods for Concealed Carry Without a Belt

A standard leather belt isn’t your only option if you find gun belts uncomfortable, as self-defense enthusiasts have designed a few workarounds we’ll explore below.

Holsters for Beltless Carry

If you’re looking to stay armed without using a gun belt—or anything snaking through your belt loops at all— here are four options:

Pocket holsters – These are pouches designed to fit snugly into a normal size pants pocket. A pocket holster is probably the simplest no-belt carry method.

Ankle holsters – With an ankle holster, you can keep your firearm strapped to the inside of your leg. The ease of access makes this an excellent choice for self defense purposes.

Belly bands – A belly band looks similar to a back brace and keeps your gun pressed against your stomach. It’s probably the method most likely to prevent sagging.

Shoulder holsters – These keep your gun hoisted high and by your shoulder, providing an excellent choice if concealment is critical (because it can easily hide under a jacket).

Clothing with Built-In Holsters

If you don’t want to purchase an additional accessory, you can also opt for specialty apparel with built-in gun holsters.

Choosing the Right Holster for Beltless Carry

If you feel that beltless carry is right for you, there are a few things you’ll want to think about before deciding on a holster to make sure it’s the right one for your needs and comfort.

Assessing Your Needs

Everyone who decides to concealed carry has unique needs and different firearms. If you’ve already chosen your gun, you’ll want to think about how its size and weight might impact how you carry it. For example:

Light, compact guns work well for ankle holsters
Heavy, full-size pistols are best for a belly band or shoulder holster

Also, think about your physique. A large male may feel comfortable toting a heavy pistol on his hip, but a petite woman might prefer the extra support of a belly band.

Comfort and Discretion

If you plan to make a concealed firearm part of your day-to-day attire, you’ll want to factor comfort into the equation. Some people might find it irritating to have a handgun weighing down their foot in an ankle holster, for example.

Make sure to consider how undercover you want your weapon to be. Some people don’t mind if a bulge against their shirt telegraphs the presence of a gun, while others want to keep their carry completely under wraps.

Material and Durability

Lastly, you want to take holster materials into account. Kydex, for example, is a thermoplastic material that resists damage from sweat, oil, and corrosive substances.

Kydex holsters:

Offer sturdy support
Provide a smooth draw
Lack the comfort of leather

Leather holsters, on the other hand:

Hug the gun’s shape better than Kydex
Look sharp from an aesthetic standpoint
Offer superior comfort

Leather holsters may wear out and slacken over time, however, while Kydex holsters are renowned for their low-maintenance and longevity.

Tips for Effective Beltless Concealed Carry

Once you’ve chosen your beltless carry method, you’ll want to keep a few more tips in mind to ensure a safe and effective concealed carry:

Take the time to practice and understand gun safety.
Clean your gun often.
Perform regular maintenance.
Store your gun in a secure location when not in use.

You should also research all local firearm regulations. Concealed carry is legal in all 50 states, but some areas have stricter rules than others.

Groove Life: The Perfect Belts for Concealed Carry

The Groove Life Gun Belt offers the ideal solution for those looking for an alternative to the traditional gun belt: it’s built to last, looks sleek, and is compatible with a wide array of holsters. It’s the last concealed carry belt you’ll ever need.

At Groove Life we craft gear for those with a get-it-done spirit and a taste for adventure. From aerospace grade minimalist wallets to indestructible silicone rings, we’ve got you covered.

Discover our catalog today.

Sources:

USCCA. Which 9mm Is Best? https://www.usconcealedcarry.com/blog/which-9mm-is-best/

USCCA. Holster Comparison: Kydex vs Leather. https://www.usconcealedcarry.com/blog/holster-comparison-kydex-vs-leather/

Sekisui. Truth be told: Holsters and Kydex Sheet. https://kydex.com/truth-be-told-holsters-kydex-sheet/

American Conceal and Carry. The Best Firearm Maintenance Tips for Every Gun Owner. https://www.americanconcealandcarry.com/the-best-firearm-maintenance-tips-for-every-gun-owner/.

Billtrack50.com. Concealed Carry Law Updates Across the States. https://www.billtrack50.com/blog/firearm-permits/.