Inside the waistband holsters are commonly referred to as IWB holsters as they are designed to ride inside the waistband. IWB holsters can mount to the belt via a number of methods including a metal clip, leather snap straps, kydex clips, or even velcro. Depending on the configuration, IWB holsters can worn in a number of assorted positions inside the belt. They can be worn on the strongside, crossdraw, behind the hip, or towards the small of the back.

As far as concealed holsters go, IWB models are a good choice as they do an great job on concealing the bulk of the weapon. Typically, the only portion of the weapon that rides above the belt line is the grip itself. While IWB holsters are offered for nearly every make and model pistol, they tend to be the most effective with small to mid-size weapons. Larger weapons such as a Beretta 92 or Glock 21 are difficult to cover due the their size and width.

IWB holsters can also have some extra options that make them even more attractive for concealed weapons. Some of those options include:

Cant or Ride - This option references the angle that the holster sits or rides while on the belt or waist. Some IWB holsters offer a forward cant ride while others ride straight up and down. Some of the more high end models even offer an adjustable cant feature where you can set the cant angle yourself.

Bodyshield - A body shield is a special part on the holster that prevents the grip of the pistol from actually making direct contact with the shooter. This feature can help with comfort as the rough edges of the weapon don't touch the user. For many leather IWB holsters, the bodyshield is integrated into the design.

Thumb break - A thumb break or retention strap as it's sometimes known as, is a leather snap strap that fits over the end of the weapon or the grip area to keep it in place within the holster. Most retention straps are single ply and features of some type of button, snap, or release mechanism that has to be activated before the pistol can be drawn from the holster.

Tension screw - A tension is a device that is different from a thumb break. The tension screw is a screw feature that allows the draw tension on the holster to be adjusted to the shooter's preferences. Tightening the screw down means that the weapon will need more force to draw it, while loosening the screw makes the weapon draw easier.

IWB holsters provide a good, stable platform for concealed carry as they allow the weapon to remain concealed within the waistband.