Holster shopping is a bit like shopping for a new mattress: overwhelming, full of options, and enough to make your head spin.
Do you go with leather for that classic look? Or the off-the-shelf Kydex holster with a perfect fit? And let’s not forget the budget-friendly nylon option, which always tempts you when you’re low on funds.
With so many choices, it’s no wonder we all have a drawer full of holsters that we never actually use. I have so many, that I started sticking labels on the back of the holster, so I know which gun they fit.
Gun Holster Material
But before you end up adding another to the pile, let’s talk about something important, the gun holster material. A good holster starts with the right material, whether you’re going for style, durability, or pure practicality.
Not an easy decision
Leather holsters have that classic 1920s vibe and provide a little elegance whereas other holsters simply don’t. Nothing goes with your dress clothes better than a full leather grain shoulder holster, right?
But leather may not give you as much security or retention as a Kydex duty holster. Kydex holsters are precision-molded to lock your handgun in tighter than a vault. In fact, Safariland even has a holster called the “SafariVault.” I probably don’t have to explain why they call it that…
And then there’s nylon. It’s cheap, lightweight, and easy to find, but it’s about as secure as tucking your gun into your waistband and hoping for the best. While there are a few that perform ok, I generally don’t like nylon. I get it, that’s a personal thing, and others may love nylon holsters.
So, let’s break down the pros and cons of these three popular holster materials so you can decide which type of material is best for you. Let’s start with nylon.
Nylon Holsters: A Good Idea?
Nylon is inexpensive, and because of that, you can find nylon holsters pretty much anywhere. If you’re the type of person who balks at spending a fortune on a holster, nylon may seem like a tempting option. But sometimes the cheapest option isn’t worth the savings.
These holsters are made from synthetic fabric, and while the lightweight feel might seem convenient, they pose some issues when it comes to retention and protecting your gun.
They do not protect the handgun when it’s holstered or hold a specific shape like leather or Kydex do. As a result, your gun may shift, move around, or even be exposed to wear and tear faster.
In my experience, one of the scariest issues is that the trigger can still be manipulated through the soft nylon, especially if you’re carrying with a round in the chamber. The last thing you want is for your gun to go off while it’s still holstered.
Nylon can also tear easier than other materials, which could allow the holster to come off while you are wearing it (especially OWB holsters).
A few IWB nylon holsters out there reinforce the trigger area, making them a decent concealed carry holster. Some companies also make nylon duty holsters that are reinforced with Kydex to make them more secure, but these are not 100% nylon and cost a little more. An all-nylon holster is the most affordable holster you can buy, but it isn’t the most secure.
Pros
- Very affordable
- Lightweight and easy to carry
- Available in a wide variety of styles
Cons
- Minimal protection for your handgun
- Can allow trigger manipulation
- Lacks proper retention for secure carrying
Classic and Stylish Leather
There’s something just downright cool about leather holsters. From the Wild West gunslingers to famous lawmen, leather has a history that gives it a certain panache.
Legends like Wyatt Earp and John Wayne didn’t sling their revolvers from plastic — no, they used fine leather holsters. So did the infamous mobsters during prohibition, along with law enforcement officers, and even military personnel.
Leather holsters are made to be worn on the belt, ankle, strapped under the arm on a shoulder rig, or tucked inside the waistband. There is a craftsmanship to leather that appeals to many. There is something special about a quality hand-made leather holster.
Leather holsters are typically made from thick, tanned hides, giving them both durability and flexibility. As they age, leather holsters break in, molding themselves to the shape of your gun and your body, creating a custom fit over time.
Unlike nylon, leather provides more protection against everyday wear, and the material is thick enough to keep the trigger well-guarded. When you invest in a quality leather holster, you’re getting something that’s built for a lifetime. Bianchi is among my favorite leather holster companies, and they make some great IWB and OWB holsters.
However, leather does have its drawbacks. For one, it can be pricey because it often requires a person to perform some or all of the manufacturing.
Also, leather holsters don’t provide the same level of modern retention mechanisms that are possible with Kydex holsters. A thumb snap is the most common type of retention on a leather holster.
Another downside, for some, is the maintenance required for a good leather holster. While it’s not hard to maintain a leather holster, it does need a little TLC from time to time.
Pros
- Durable and long-lasting
- Molds to your gun and body for a custom fit
- Timeless, stylish look
Cons
- Expensive compared to other options
- Requires regular maintenance
- Lacks advanced retention features
The Revolution of Kydex
Kydex is a dominant construction material in the holster world, and for good reason. This thermoplastic material can be molded perfectly to the exact shape needed, which is how we get precise fitting holsters for specific handguns.
You’ve probably seen Kydex holsters with a wide variety of retention devices on them. Safariland is the leading authority on holster retention systems. In fact, they were the first to create holster retention levels for duty holsters.
For a holster to be truly rated as a “retention” holster, it must first be able to attach securely to the belt. This is done by a strong belt attachment device on the back of the holster. The retention system secures the gun within the holster, requiring specific actions to release it.
Because the holster is molded to fit a specific handgun, these retention devices make it easy for the user to draw the gun. It is extremely hard, however, for someone else to pull the gun from the holster. Leather may be plenty strong to keep a holster attached to a belt, but the retention devices on a Kydex holster are far more secure.
I work in law enforcement, and while I love leather holsters, a Kydex duty holster is much safer for OWB carry. When you are on duty, a duty holster keeps the gun in the perfect position for easy access and quick draw. But this also makes it easier for others to see and grab. This is why a multi-retention holster is best for this type of carry.
Pros
- Precision-molded for exact gun fit
- Superior retention mechanisms
- Highly durable and resistant to the elements
Cons
- Not as comfortable as leather
- Lacks classic styling
- Can feel rigid or uncomfortable during extended wear
What Gun HOlster Material is best?
Choosing the right holster is one of the most important decisions you’ll make when carrying a firearm. Nylon, leather, and Kydex each have their own strengths and weaknesses, and the best option for you depends on your needs and preferences.
A duty holster with multiple retention levels is hard to conceal. So, an IWB holster made from leather or Kydex with no retention may be what you need.
For those who want to carry a shoulder holster, I would recommend passing on the Nylon. In my experience, leather is the best option for shoulder holsters. Safariland does make an interesting shoulder rig system that allows a Kydex holster to attach to it. This may be a great choice for those who like Kydex holsters more than leather.
For a duty holster, I would stick with Kydex. These work great for law enforcement, hunting, training, etc. Most of my favorite IWB holsters are even made from Kydex now.
This isn’t black and white, it’s a matter of finding what you like, and what works best for the gun you plan to carry. Check out each kind and find what works best for you.
