Make an Appendix-Carry Holster More Comfortable and Concealable

FOAM PADDING FOR IWB HOLSTERS

Some holster makers include this on their handgun holsters: foam padding on the part of the holster that faces the body, down near the muzzle. Over time, these foam pads break down to the point where they don’t really provide any cushioning. You can buy replacement foam pads from some manufacturers for $5–8 per pad, but these are also perishable and eventually will become compressed.

THE DIY METHOD

You can get the same results on a shoestring budget by purchasing a six- to ten-foot long
pool noodle for about $2, so you have enough to replace the pad numerous times. You also need some industrial-strength velcro, which you should cut into small strips.

Deryck demonstrates on a Wingman Holsters IWB holster for his Glock 48. This holster does not come with any padding. First, apply the soft side of the velcro to the back of the holster at the bottom. Deryck uses two narrow strips. Second, cut a piece off the pool noodle and attach two pieces of rough-sided velcro to the flat, not curved, part of the noodle. Attach that to the velcro that’s on the holster.

RESULTS

The part of the holster with this DIY padding sits up against your pelvis, so that when you sit down, it will prevent the end of the holster from digging into your body. It also helps push the grip of the gun back into your body. When the grip is in toward your body, it’s hidden better for concealed carry.

ANOTHER OPTION

If you don’t like or can’t find a pool noodle, you can buy a heel pad/shoe insert, trim it down to size, and attach it with velcro. The heel pad will last much longer than the pool noodle material, but it costs $7–10.

Deryck prefers the more affordable material and shows that he also has it attached to his bigger carry holster. It’s getting compressed after four or five months of wear, but no problem because he has plenty of material to make another one.