What Is the Best Concealed-Carry Position for Bigger Guys?

Let's be real: most concealed carry advice is written for a 5'10", 175-pound guy in slim-fit jeans. If that's not you, you've probably noticed that a lot of the "standard" carry positions feel awkward, print badly, or are just flat-out uncomfortable after an hour.

The good news? Bigger guys actually have some natural advantages when it comes to concealment. More body mass means more surface area to work with. The key is finding the position — and the gear — that works with your build, not against it.

Here's a practical breakdown of the best carry positions for larger frames, with honest pros and cons for each.

1. Strong-Side Hip (3 o'clock to 4 o'clock) — The Classic for a Reason

Strong-side hip carry is the most common position for a reason: it's intuitive, accessible, and works well with a wide range of body types. For bigger guys, it can work great — with the right setup.

Pros:

• Natural draw stroke that mirrors pointing your finger
• Easy to access with either hand in a pinch
• Works well with OWB (outside the waistband) holsters under an untucked shirt or light jacket

Cons:

• Can be uncomfortable when seated for long periods if the holster digs into your hip or love handle
• May print more on larger frames depending on shirt fit

Fix it: A quality OWB holster with a slight forward cant (FBI cant) at 15–20 degrees pulls the grip closer to the body and dramatically reduces printing. Pair it with a sturdy gun belt — this is non-negotiable. A sagging belt ruins any carry position. Vedder Holsters and CrossBreed Holsters both offer excellent options with adjustable cant.

2. Appendix Carry (AIWB — 12 o'clock to 1:30) — More Viable Than You Think

Appendix inside-the-waistband (AIWB) carry gets dismissed by a lot of bigger guys, but it's worth reconsidering — especially if you carry a compact or subcompact pistol.

Pros:

• Excellent concealment — the belly actually helps hide the grip
• Fast, natural draw stroke
• Easier to protect the firearm from a grab attempt

Cons:

• Can be uncomfortable when seated, especially with a full-size pistol
• Requires a holster specifically designed for AIWB with a "claw" or "wing" to push the grip into the body
• Takes more practice to reholster safely

Fix it: The key for bigger guys is a holster with a claw attachment and a wedge. The claw levers the grip into the body using the waistband, and the wedge tilts the muzzle away from the body for comfort when seated. PHLster and Alien Gear Holsters make AIWB rigs specifically designed for comfort across body types.

3. Strong-Side Behind the Hip (4 o'clock to 5 o'clock) — Often the Sweet Spot

For many bigger guys, pushing the holster slightly behind the hip — toward the 4:30 to 5 o'clock position — is the most comfortable and concealable option. This is sometimes called "kidney carry."

Pros:

• The natural curve of the lower back helps tuck the firearm against the body
• Comfortable when seated — the gun sits behind the hip bone rather than on it
• Excellent concealment under an untucked shirt

Cons:

• Draw stroke requires more practice — especially under stress
• Harder to access when seated in a car or deep chair
• Small of the back (SOB) carry — pushing past 5 o'clock — is generally not recommended due to injury risk if you fall

Fix it: Keep the position between 4 and 5 o'clock, not at the small of the back. Use an IWB holster with a slight forward cant to improve the draw angle. Practice your draw from this position regularly — it's less intuitive than hip carry and requires deliberate reps.

4. Shoulder Holster — Underrated for Bigger Frames

Shoulder holsters fell out of fashion, but they deserve a second look for larger guys — particularly those who spend a lot of time seated (drivers, office workers, truck operators).

Pros:

• Extremely comfortable when seated for long periods
• Distributes weight across the shoulders rather than the waistband
• Works well under a jacket or open button-down shirt

Cons:

• Requires a cover garment at all times — not ideal in summer
• Muzzle sweeps people behind you during the draw — requires disciplined technique
• Slower draw than waistband carry for most people

Fix it: If you spend most of your day in a vehicle or at a desk, a shoulder rig like those from Galco can be a game-changer. Pair it with a quality jacket or flannel shirt as a cover garment.

5. Pocket Carry — For a Backup or Deep Concealment

Pocket carry isn't ideal as a primary method for most guys, but for a compact backup gun or in situations where waistband carry isn't practical, it's worth knowing.

Pros:

• Extremely discreet — nobody knows it's there
• No belt required
• Works well with cargo pants or larger pockets common in workwear

Cons:

• Limited to small pistols or revolvers (think Ruger LCP, S&W 642)
• Slower draw than waistband carry
• Requires a dedicated pocket holster to protect the trigger and orient the gun correctly

The Gear That Makes or Breaks It

Regardless of carry position, two pieces of gear matter more than anything else for bigger guys:

• A quality gun belt — Not a fashion belt. A purpose-built gun belt with a rigid core that won't sag or roll. Nexbelt and Alacrity make excellent options. This single upgrade fixes more carry problems than any holster change.
• The right cover garment — An untucked tee, a flannel, a light jacket, or a purpose-built concealment shirt. At BoomStick Trading Post, our heavyweight graphic tees are cut with enough length and structure to work as a cover garment for most IWB setups — without looking like you're trying to hide something.

The Bottom Line

There's no single "best" carry position for bigger guys — but there are positions that work better with your build, and gear choices that make all the difference. Start with strong-side hip or kidney carry, invest in a real gun belt, and experiment until you find the setup you'll actually wear every day.

Because the best carry position is the one you're comfortable enough to carry consistently.

Train hard. Carry smart. Represent the culture well.

BoomStick Trading Post is built for the prepared American. Gear up with apparel that's as serious as your carry setup.