Looking for the perfect way to lug your Glock with you on your daily errands? You’re in the right place!
Today, we’re taking a closer look at holsters made specifically for one of the most popular Glock pistols: the Glock 19.
The Glock 19 enjoys considerable popularity. It’s the standard issue sidearm for both military and law enforcement across the United States and around the globe. It’s also a top concealed carry weapon among civilians.
choice for many shooters who want a CCW.
The best part of this popularity?
You’ve got thousands of options to chose from and find your perfect holster.
The downside of this popularity?
You’ve got thousands of options to sort through. It can also be overwhelming to try to sift through them all and figure out which is best suited for you.
That’s where we come in.
This guide will show you what makes a good holster, introduce you to the various types of holsters out there, and give you our top picks for each type. If you don’t need the first two, feel free to just scroll down to the recommendations.
How to Choose a Good Holster
When it comes down to it, your holster needs to do a few things:
- Protect your firearm when you’re not using it (both from bumps and scrapes, and from being dropped or stolen)
- Prevent accidental discharge
- Allow you to quickly access your firearm when you need it
To make sure your holster effectively does all of those things, look for one with the following features:
- Comfortable materials and fit
- Protection of the firearm
- Firm retention
- Concealment
- Complete trigger coverage
- Positive grip
Not sure what all of those mean or how to know if a holster has them? That’s alright, we’re about to go into more detail about each.
Comfortable Materials and Fit
If a holster isn’t comfortable, you won’t wear it. If you don’t wear your holster, it’s a waste of money and time to get it–so don’t underestimate comfort.
Consider both the holster type (we’ll talk about your options below) and the individual holster.
You may just not like a certain type of holster, though depending on the reason you don’t like it, there may be exceptions.
For a particular model of holster, make sure it won’t slip or slide and feels secure. Make sure the holster doesn’t rub against your skin, which can cause irritation or blisters. Move around in the holster to test it and make sure weight is comfortably distributed.
Protection of the Firearm
This is pretty straightforward.
Select a holster that’s made from a sturdy and protective material, like leather or polymer, to guard your firearm against bumps and scrapes.
dings–but it can scratch your gun if it isn’t properly padded.
But make sure your holster won’t scuff your gun itself as you holster and draw it, either. If you choose a holster made from a hard material, you may want to make sure then inside is lined with something soft.
Firm Retention
Your gun should stay in your holster unless you’re trying to remove it, even if the holster is turned upside down.
Your two main options for retention are friction (for these, retention is usually adjustable) and retention straps.
customize the fit to your weapon.
However, you also want to be able to access your gun quickly and easily when you need it.
Concealment
There are a lot of factors that affect a holster’s concealability, including the holster type and material, your build, and the clothing you wear.
Of course, if you only plan on carrying openly, concealability isn’t a necessity, but it is nice to have in case you ever decide that you do want to concealed carry.
Complete Trigger Coverage
This is another factor that’s pretty much self-explanatory.
Your holster should completely cover your gun’s trigger with a sturdy, protective material, in order to prevent accidental discharge.
Positive Grip
Positive grip simply means that you can pull your gun from your holster, ready to shoot with a combat grip, single-handed.
get with the Safariland ALS Holster Grip.
Ideally, you should be able to do this in close quarters and in any position, in case you find yourself needing to defend yourself after a surprise attack, in a cramped space, or from an attacker that is very close to you.
Types of Holsters
There are a bunch of different types of holsters that you can choose from.
- OWB (Outside the Waistband)
- IWB (Inside the Waistband)
- Belly Band
- Shoulder
- Thigh
- Ankle
Before we move on to the recommendations, we’ll talk a bit about each type of holster.
OWB (Outside the Waistband)
The name tells you exactly what this holster is: OWB holsters are carried on the outside of your waistband.
These holsters tend to very comfortable and position your gun for super easy access, so they’re very popular for open carry.
They’re less popular for concealed carry, however, because, as you can probably imagine, it’s not easy to conceal a gun and holster on the outside of your waistband. OWB holsters print (show through clothing) easily, even with compact semi-autos like the Glock 19.
IWB (Inside the Waistband)
Again, exactly what it says on the tin: IWB holsters are carried on the inside of your waistband and fit between your waistband and underwear.
and can be pretty comfortable to boot.
IWB holsters are ideal for concealed carry since they sit close to the body and are less prone to printing. According to a poll conducted by USA Carry, IWB holsters are the most popular holster type for concealed carry.
The trade-off is that it’s harder to get a positive grip on your gun when carrying in an IWB holster.
Shoulder
If you’ve ever watched a spy movie or police-focused TV show, you’ve almost certainly seen a character wearing a shoulder holster. These holsters are very popular among plainclothes law enforcement officers.
holster/black turtleneck combo as
well as Sir Roger Moore.
Shoulder holsters are typically worn over your shirt and have straps that fit over each shoulder and across the back. Some also have a strap across the chest. Your gun rests against your ribs on your support side (across from your strong or dominant hand).
Shoulder holsters without chest straps are an excellent option for underneath jackets, though obviously, you have to keep your jacket on if you want to keep your gun concealed.
Shoulder holsters with chest straps are generally intended to be worn under a button up shirt or blouse, but they aren’t as easy to access.
The other major disadvantage of shoulder holsters is that they make it easy to muzzle people behind you while the gun is in the holster and drawing the gun without muzzling bystanders can be nearly impossible.
Ankle
Ankle carry is the last holster type we’ll talk about here.
It’s not most people’s favorite place for carrying since it’s more difficult to access the ankle and these holsters can be uncomfortable (especially on hairy legs) but is a relatively popular choice for backup guns.
they’re also a little hard to get to.
Printing is rarely an issue, though, except for smaller frames and tighter fitting pants. Women will typically have more problems with printing than men.
Our Recommendations for the Best Holsters for the Glock 19
We’ve rounded up our top picks for just about every type of holster you could want, no matter what you’re looking for. Let’s take a look!
OWB Holster Recommendations
Fobus Tactical GLT19
The Fobus Tactical GLT19 is extremely low profile for an OWB holster. If you like waistband carry and want to practice concealed carry, but don’t like IWB holsters, it’s a great choice.
Fobus Tactical GLT19
Pros
- Blends a retention strap and friction retention for a secure fit
- Rubber-padded, paddle-shaped backing for comfort and stability
- Accommodates lights and lasers
Cons
- Drawing from this holster is significantly different than other holsters
It’s a Kydex holster, which protects your Glock 19 from dings and bumps. The holster’s active retention system blends a safety strap and friction retention to keep your gun securely in place, but still quickly accessible.
This holster features a paddle back that helps keep the holster stable and in place and the rubber backing helps this holster be comfortable for all-day wear.
Best of all?
The holster even fits Glock 19s with lasers or lights, so you don’t have to worry about taking off your favorite accessories to carry your Glock in this holster.
Gould & Goodrich B803 Three Slot Pancake Holster
The G&G B803 Three Slot Pancake Holster is made of genuine, vegetable dyed leather for a simple, classic look. It has a low profile for discrete wear, but it’s also molded to more securely hold your weapon and make it easier to holster.
Gould & Goodrich B803 Three Slot Pancake Holster
Pros
- Low profile leather construction
- Three belt slots for an adjustable cant
- Left- and right-handed options
Cons
- Requires a break-in time
This holster features three 1¾” belt slots, which mean that the holster can be positioned straight up or with a cant. It’s also available in left and right-handed configurations.
IWB Holster Recommendations
Concealment Express IWB Kydex Holster
The Concealment Express IWB Kydex Holster is one of our favorites–and let me tell you why.
Concealment Express IWB Kydex Holster
Pros
- Affordable
- Posi 'Click' Audible Retention Lock System
- Sturdy Kydex construction
Cons
- Limited options on accessories that fit the holster
It’s comfortable, lightweight, securely holds your firearm, and securely attaches to your waistband with a plastic clip. The Kydex material is durable and protects your firearm.
The holster is great for appendix, hip, and back carry, and printing won’t be a significant problem in any of those positions, thanks to its low profile design.
CrossBreed SuperTuck
The CrossBreed SuperTuck holster also uses Kydex to protect your firearm, but has a soft leather backing to make it more comfortable to wear. Unlike many other IWB holsters, the SuperTuck is more conducive to establishing a positive grip, which helps you get a secure grip when it really counts.
CrossBreed Holsters SuperTuck Deluxe
Pros
- Cowhide and Kydex construction for durability and comfort
- Firm fit without release buttons
Cons
- Can be a very tight fit at first.
This holster can be comfortably worn with your shirt tucked or untucked and is intended to be worn towards the rear on your draw side.
It has powder coated steel belt clips to protect your belt. The clips also allow you to adjust the cant and ride height of your holster.
Shoulder Holster Recommendations
Galco Gunleather Classic Lite Shoulder Holster
The Classic Lite Shoulder Holster is the quintessential shoulder holster and is available in configurations for either left or right-hand draw. Opposite your gun is a mag holster and an extra gear loop, which is convenient and keeps your holster balanced.
Galco Gunleather Classic Lite Shoulder Holster
Pros
- Snap closure retention
- Left- or right-handed configurations available
- Magazine holder and gear loop
Cons
- Can be hard to conceal
It’s made of leather for a classic look and feel, and a snap closure helps to resolve some of the retention problems that shoulder holsters usually face.
KCarry Shoulder Holsters
KCarry Shoulder Holsters will fit almost any compact or sub-compact handgun in an elastic pocket with a Kydex trigger guard to keep things safe.
KCarry Shoulder Holster
Pros
- Flexible elastic holster accommodates a variety of guns
- Kydex trigger guard
- Adjustable fit
Cons
- Chest band is hard to conceal
The microfiber material and adjustable construction makes the holster comfortable and breathable. K-Carry produces versions for men and women, so your holster is designed to fit your body–a big deal when you’re on the smaller side.
The holster ha varieties for left- or right-hand draw and a magazine holster opposite from the gun. A retention strap secures your firearm to avoid accidents as you move around and lean forward.
Ankle Holster Recommendations
Uncle Mike’s Nylon Ankle Holster
This is one of the most popular ankle holsters because it’s comfortable and secure.
Uncle Mike’s Nylon Ankle Holster
Pros
- Padded backing for comfort
- Nylon retention strap with reinforced thumb break
- Can be worn on the inside or outside of the leg
Cons
- Difficult to conceal on smaller frames
The holster is adjustable using a velcro wrap to fit a wide range of leg sizes and has an elastic calf garter to keep the holster in place. Padding prevents rubbing and makes the holster more comfortable.
The retention strap keeps your gun in place, but has a velcro closure, which can inform an attacker of your location–but this isn’t as big of a deal for a backup gun.
Femme Fatale Ankle SoxXx
Don’t let the name fool you; Femme Fatale Ankle SoxXx come in versions for men as well as women.
Femme Fatale Ankle SoxXx
Pros
- Available with retention strap
- Variety of colors to blend under your clothes
- Men's and women's sizes available
Cons
- Not all varieties available with a retention strap
These holsters are sleeves made of elastic fabric with a 5” pocket to hold your gun. The fabric is super breathable and comfortable, and a plastic shield lines the inside of the pocket prevents your gun from rubbing or poking you.
You can get Ankle SoxXx with or without a retention strap. The holster comes in nude, black, or white, so it’ll blend in with any attire.
Women Specific Holsters
Can Can Concealment Shebang Hip Hugger Holster
This holster may be low profile, but it’s high capacity. It will hold up to three handguns and three spare magazines, but you can also use those pockets to carry other items like your phone, ID and credit cards, cash, lipstick, a flashlight, or a knife.
Can Can Concealment Shebang Hip Hugger Holster
Pros
- Holds up to 3 guns and spare magazines
- Hypoallergenic Non-Slip Tacti-Grip backing
- Rare earth magnets for retention
Cons
- Can get hot during warm weather
It’s made of mil-spec compression elastic and uses hypoallergenic Non-Slip Tacti-Grip to stay firmly in place. Three rows of hook and eye closures allow the wearer to adjust the fit and an extender (sold separately) with six more rows of closures allows the holster to fit larger waists.
Rare earth magnets keep your firearms and magazines in place.
The Can Can Concealment Sport Holster offers a similar design in a unisex style that’s also excellent for active situations.
Can Can Concealment Shebang Garter Holster
Another option from Can Can Concealment is the Shebang Garter Holster. It’s made of the same elastic as the Hip Hugger Holster and uses the same Non-Slip Tacti-Grip, but it also has garter belt attachment loops that you can use to attach the holster to the Can Can Concealment Garter Belt.
In short, this holster isn’t budging.
Can Can Concealment Shebang Garter Holster
Pros
- Rare earth magnet retention
- Different color options
- Hypoallergenic Tacti-Grip backing for security
Cons
- Sizing runs small
The Garter Holster also uses rare earth metal magnets keep up to two firearms and a spare mag firmly in place in their pockets.
Four sizes, small through extra large, mean that there’s an option for almost all body types and three rows of hook and eye closures allow for an even more secure, custom fit, just like the Hip Hugger Holster.
The Garter Holster can be worn on either thigh and on either the inside or outside of the thigh.
CrossBreed Purse Defender
Off body carry is controversial, but many women do like purse carry. If you’re one of them, you need the CrossBreed Purse Defender.
CrossBreed Purse Defender
Pros
- Modular system can be moved between the purses you own
- Designed not to tip over
- Keeps your gun accessible in your purse
Cons
- Bulky for use in smaller bags
Many concealed carry purses are ugly and expensive, but this holster securely fits in almost any bag, you can use your favorite bag as a concealed carry purse and move your gun between bags with almost no effort.
Bonus! A Gun Belt Recommendation
Blade-Tech Ultimate Carry Belt
The Blade-Tech Ultimate Carry Belt is one of the most versatile carry belts currently on the market.
Blade-Tech Ultimate Carry Belt
Pros
- Sturdy leather or nylon webbing
- Highly adjustable
- Available in brown and black options
Cons
- Fitting required
It fits waist sizes ranging from 25” up to 50” and can be instantly adjusted up to 6” without removing or even unbuckling the belt, great for moving your IWB holster on- or off-body.
The belt is unisex and comes in black and brown in both leather and nylon.
Conclusion
These holsters are all excellent choices that will serve you well, but you’ll want to handle a few different options to figure out which one you like the most. You may even find that you like different holsters for different situations, which is fine too.
Whether you go with one or several, you need to practice with your holster, including drawing and holstering your gun and, if applicable, drawing and inserting your spare magazine. You want to make sure that you have the muscle memory to quickly and accurately access your gun, even in a high-stress defensive scenario.
What holster do you use to carry your Glock 19? Those of you looking for a new holster Glock 19 holster, did this list help you find the right holster for you? Do you have questions that we didn’t answer here? Tell us in the comment section below!
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IWB is the right option for Glock 19. Very well written post about best Glock 19 holsters.