Carrying a concealed firearm can be challenging during certain activities. Traditional hip holsters may not work with some attire or feel secure during exercise. That's where belly bands can help! These elastic bands wrap around your waist to provide a versatile holster option.

Belly bands allow you to securely carry your weapon in a variety of positions. They also feature storage pockets for extra magazines and other EDC gear. As concealed carry continues to grow in popularity, so do the available belly band options. For larger framed individuals, belly bands are often more comfortable than appendix inside-the-waistband carry.

Let's explore the top belly band picks for both self-defense and your workout needs! I'll overview what to look for when selecting a belly band and review 5 top-rated models.

What to Consider in a Belly Band Holster

Picking the ideal belly band involves assessing a few key aspects to ensure it fits your needs:

Comfort and Breathability

Since we wear belly bands against the skin for extended periods, comfort is paramount. Look for bands made of soft, elastic materials that move freely with your body. The fabric should feel smooth rather than coarse or rigid. Flexibility is paramount as well, ensuring the band conforms comfortably to various body movements. Breathable fabrics help ventilation to limit sweat buildup during wear. 

Moisture-wicking materials are ideal for staying dry, especially if you plan on wearing your band for workouts. Carefully read the specs to confirm the band features ventilated, non-irritating fabrics. No one wants to deal with chafed skin or discomfort when trying to focus on daily carry.

Firearm Compatibility  

A belly band needs to properly accommodate your specific firearm model - not all bands work universally. First, ensure the band's retention sleeve or holster pocket fits your pistol or revolver while supporting any accessories. For example, ensure it can still retain your weapon if you run an optic or weapon light.

Next, check that the band allows smooth, unhindered draw stroke access from your desired carry position. Restrictive bands severely hinder deployment - a definite safety issue. Only choose bands offering full trigger guard coverage as well for security.

Storage Capacity 

Assess whether the belly band includes sufficient storage beyond just your primary weapon. Many feature elastic accessory pockets to hold an extra magazine, pepper spray, a folding knife, flashlight, trauma kit, or even a backup gun. Determine how much added EDC gear you expect to carry beyond the pistol itself.

Extra capacity proves useful when belts aren't an option. However, some minimalist bands sacrifice storage to save bulk and avoid restricting movement. Consider your personal needs and climate (more layers create warmth) when deciding if added storage pockets matter.

Ease of Use

Ideally, your belly band allows quick, simple equipping so you can securely arm yourself. Bands requiring extensive adjustment or complicated setups waste precious time in emergencies. Seek out bands with fast-attach closure systems using hook and loop, buckles, or similar. 

The band should feel stable once tightened yet still allow natural movement. If it frequently shifts or needs repositioning, this impedes use. Avoid bands with awkward locations for retention straps or closures that cause pinching or chafing. The goal is an intuitive, accessible carry you can rely on when needed most.

1. Galco Underwraps 2.0

The Galco Underwraps 2.0 takes a classic belly band design and enhances it with versatile carry options. This band features two separate holster pockets to fit a variety of firearms while accommodating left and right-handed shooters.

This versatile belly band uses a straightforward design approach. It incorporates dual ambidextrous holster pockets crafted from high-quality leather. These molded retention sleeves fit several pistol models. The band fastens securely around the waist to keep your firearm protected yet accessible.  

Additionally, the Underwraps 2.0 features two external elastic accessory pockets. These provide spare storage for extra magazines, a flashlight, pepper spray, or other daily carry gear. The pockets use durable stretch material to accommodate different item sizes.

Securing everything together is an adjustable hook and loop closure strap. This allows you to wrap the belly band in different positions based on your preferred carry location. You can choose a strongside IWB setup, appendix carry, or even crossdraw positioning.

While a simple system, the Underwraps 2.0 offers useful modularity. The ambidextrous design suits both left and right-handed shooters who desire a classic band with storage capacity. Ensure you select the correctly sized holster pockets for a molded fit.

Features

• Leather holster pockets are sized for a variety of firearms. Ensure proper fit for your model.
• Hook and loop closure allows you to position the band for appendix, strongside IWB, or crossdraw carry.
• Two external elastic pockets to hold extra magazines, a flashlight, pepper spray, or other EDC gear.

Pros

• Ambidextrous use with dedicated right and left holster pockets.
• Easy to shift between carry positions like appendix, strongside, or crossdraw.  
• External storage pockets for spare magazines and EDC accessories.

Cons  

• Not compatible with pistol optics or sights. Limited to iron sights.
• Multiple layers can feel bulky, especially in warmer weather.

Price

• $87

2. Blackhawk Stache N.A.C.H.O. 

Blackhawk designed its N.A.C.H.O. belly band to integrate seamlessly with your choice of appendix carry holster. The band includes a 1.5-inch webbing panel made to securely hold most kydex rigs. This creates a stable mounting point for your personal IWB holster.

The N.A.C.H.O. also incorporates several elastic accessory pockets. These expandable pouches enable carrying extra magazines, knives, pepper spray, or other EDC gear beyond just your firearm. Two wider pockets combine with two narrower sleeves to handle items of different sizes.

Adjustable hook and loop straps stretch around the waist to achieve a customized fit. These closures keep the belly band securely positioned with a stable grip. Take care not to overload the pockets to the point where the weight exceeds the closure capacity.

Unlike fixed bands, the N.A.C.H.O. allows you to leverage your preferred appendix carry holster. If you already have a kydex rig you like, take advantage of the robust webbing panel to mount it securely. This gives you both retention and guard coverage from a known system.

Features

• Integral 1.5-inch belt section made to fit most kydex appendix rigs up to Glock 19 size
• Four expandable storage pockets sized for magazines, knives, pepper spray, etc. Two wider and two narrower pockets
• Adjustable hook and loop closure straps for comfort

Pros

• Bring your own kydex holster for retention and trigger guard security
• Storage pockets allow you to carry other EDC gear  
• Can fit compact to medium-sized double stack pistols

Cons  

• Smaller hook and loop closure area results in less stability with heavier load
• Limited size adjustment range

Price

• $34.99

3. Crossbreed Modular Belly Band 2.0  

Crossbreed earns repute for its quality hybrid holsters. This updated belly band model applies similar principles for greater protection and comfort. It uses a molded kydex shell to securely retain your firearm. An anti-microbial, ventilated fabric wrap encloses the kydex for stability and sweat resistance during wear.

This hybrid design approach balances weapon security with user comfort. The custom-fit kydex shell keeps your firearm protected with a trigger guard blockade. An adjustable hook and loop closure allows you to position the shell for smooth draw access. The breathable polyester wrap contains the kydex while wicking moisture to limit sweat buildup.

For added utility, Crossbreed includes an elastic accessory storage pocket. This expandable sleeve fits essential EDC items like an extra magazine, folding knife, pepper spray, or medical supplies. The pocket's durable elastic construction accommodates different gear sizes.

Features 

• Available with custom kydex shells to fit your specific firearm and accessories
• Antimicrobial wrap made of ventilated polyester to limit sweat buildup
• Extra elastic storage pocket sized for a phone, wallet, flashlight, or medical supplies

Pros

• Molded kydex shell allows secure hold of your firearm
• Polyester wrap limits sweat compared to all-leather bands
• Storage pouch for added EDC gear

Cons

• Polyester may still feel warm in hot climates   
• Kydex shell increases bulkiness

Price

• $39.95

4. Clip & Carry Strapt-Tac  

For concealed carriers in warmer climates, excessive heat buildup poses a genuine challenge. Thick, multi-layered belly bands can feel sweltering and lead to chafed skin or discomfort. The Clip & Carry Strapt-Tac takes a minimalist path to avoid such issues.

This pared down belly band cuts bulk significantly. It uses a simple 2-inch nylon strap lined with protective foam panels. Breathable spacer mesh separates the foam to promote airflow. This prevents sweaty buildup against the body. The streamlined profile hugs comfortably while allowing your skin to breathe.

The Strapt-Tac band includes 1.5 inches of webbing to mount your choice of kydex appendix carry holster (sold separately). This ensures you get a personalized rig with suitable retention and adequate guard coverage for your firearm. It secures via a snap-lock bracket lined with grippy rubber to keep your holster firmly planted.

While sacrificing accessory storage, the Strapt-Tac's minimalist, ventilated design allows concealed carry without excessive warmth. For those in hot climates who want only the essentials, it strikes an ideal balance of weapon security with user comfort. Just bring along a suitable holster and enjoy the cooling airflow while you wear it.

Features  

• Intended for user-supplied kydex appendix carry holsters  
• Narrow 2-inch strap lined with protective foam
• 1.5-inch webbing to mount holster
• Multiple size options  

Pros

• Extremely lightweight and ventilated to reduce sweat
• Allows use of personalized kydex holsters for retention
• Adjustable to position in small of back, appendix, or under arm 

Cons   

• Does not offer any storage capacity for extra magazines or EDC gear
• Requires user to provide a suitable holster 

Price

• $34.99

5. PHLster Enigma Express  

While not a traditional elastic belly band, the PHLster Enigma offers a unique way to securely carry a firearm without a belt. This adjustable nylon wrap takes a modular approach to create a stable platform for your choice of kydex appendix holster.

At the core, the Enigma uses a beltless design consisting of durable, rugged nylon webbing. This forms an anchor point to mount your preferred appendix carry rig. The Enigma's anchor panel is highly adjustable via layered hook and loop to customize positioning and comfort.  

An included leg leash further enhances stability. This component straps to your inner thigh area, using soft neoprene to prevent chafing. The leg leash keeps the Enigma centered on your waist, even during intense activities. It allows complete confidence in secure positioning.

Unlike fixed bands, the Enigma accommodates nearly any appendix-carried kydex holster from top manufacturers. Its open design means you can leverage molded rigs from PHLster, JM Custom, Henry Holsters, Dark Star Gear, and many others. This modularity enables unmatched customization for your needs.

While the Enigma carries a higher price tag than traditional bands, its adaptable nature delivers exceptional utility. For those seeking maximum comfort, retention, and accessibility from a beltless carry system, the Enigma shines. It pairs the flexibility of a separate holster and belt with integrated stability from the leg leash. The result is an incredibly capable concealed carry foundation.

Features

• Beltless carrier made of durable nylon webbing
• Fits waists up to 46 inches (and up to 50 inches with optional extender)  
• Leg leash attaches to thigh to keep system centered and stable
• Use with nearly any appendix-position holster from PHLster, JM Custom, Henry Holsters, or others

Pros  

• Highly adjustable to dial in comfort and positioning  
• Compatible with a wide range of holster brands and models
• Leg leash keeps everything securely centered during activity   

Cons

• Higher price tag than traditional bands
• Somewhat complicated setup compared to more simple belly bands

Price

• Baseline price is 154.00
• Standard OS option is priced at 93.00

Why Choose a Belly Band?

Belly bands provide unique advantages over traditional hip holsters. Here are some of the top reasons to consider using one:

Versatility  

Belly bands work well when belts are not an option. Certain formal attire, dresses, sweatpants, and other clothing lack belt loops. Bands comfortably carry your weapon without the need for loops.

Comfort  

The soft elastic material hugs close to the body. Bands stay in position during rigorous activity. You can position them in the appendix, strongside, or in other orientations to suit your needs.

Accessibility 

Those with limited mobility may find belly bands easier to put on and remove than hip rigs. The elastic material also allows positioning the firearm for easier access based on your range of motion.

Deep Concealment

A belly band holds your weapon snugly against the body. This prevents printing under tighter clothing. The flexibility also accommodates off-body carry styles like shoulder, chest, or behind-the-back positions. 

Active Retention

Quality belly bands securely retain your weapon while running, working out, climbing, or other intense activities. This gives you confidence your firearm remains securely retained.

Final Thoughts  

I hope this guide has shown the capabilities of a good belly band holster. They provide a versatile way to carry a concealed defensive firearm. Most importantly, bands offer comfortable wear during exercise compared to conventional hip holsters.  

Choosing the right band involves weighing factors like weapon compatibility, storage needs, and desired carry positions. But with quality craftsmanship, belly bands allow discreet carry along with the confidence to stay active without compromising accessibility.

So stay safe on your adventures with one of these top concealed carry belly bands!

Looking for more holster options beyond belly bands? Check out ProArmory's holster collection for a wide range of concealed carry solutions to match your lifestyle and firearm.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are belly bands hot to wear?

Quality belly bands are constructed from elastic, breathable materials. However, any layer can feel warm during the summer months. Bands with ventilated fabric wraps tend to stay cooler.

Do belly bands have good firearm retention?  

Basic neoprene bands have minimal retention. Hybrid models with kydex shells secure guns much better. Using your own kydex holster also enhances retention over simple sleeves.

Can you run with a belly band?

Yes, most quality belly bands are designed specifically with exercise and intense activity in mind. Features like non-slip linings keep them positioned securely. This allows running without concerns over weapon retention.

Will belly bands fit larger pistols?  

Band capacity varies based on the model. Consider your firearm dimensions, including accessories, when selecting a band. Many accommodate compact, subcompact, and some full-sized double stack pistols.  

Can women effectively use belly bands?

Women often favor belly bands since they work well with clothing lacking traditional belts. Positioning is also comfortable on the female form. With adjustable sizing, bands cater well as a concealed carry option for women.

What safety concerns exist with belly bands?  

The biggest risk is an inadequate trigger guard. Quality bands completely block the trigger area for safety. Bands allowing external triggers can prove very dangerous - avoid these. Proper weapon-handling rules also always apply.