Quick Answer: For concealed carry, the Tier 1 Concealed Axis Elite is our top pick for appendix carry, while the Tulster Oath offers the best value for IWB carry. For duty use, the Safariland 6360 remains the professional standard.

Best Glock 19 Holsters at a Glance

Types of Holsters for Glock 19

IWB (Inside Waistband)

Worn inside your pants, IWB holsters offer excellent concealment under a shirt. They're the most popular choice for everyday concealed carry. The tradeoff is comfort—you'll need a good gun belt and may need to size up your pants.

AIWB (Appendix Inside Waistband)

Appendix carry positions the holster at the front of your body, typically between your belt buckle and hip bone. It offers the fastest draw stroke and excellent concealment, especially when seated. Modern designs with "wedges" and "claws" make appendix carry comfortable for most body types.

OWB (Outside Waistband)

Worn outside your pants on a belt, OWB holsters are more comfortable for all-day wear and offer faster draws. The tradeoff is concealment—you'll need a cover garment like a jacket or untucked shirt. OWB is popular for range use, competition, and open carry.

Duty Holsters

Designed for law enforcement and security, duty holsters feature active retention mechanisms (thumb breaks, hoods, ALS) that prevent gun grabs. They're always OWB and prioritize security over concealment.

Detailed Reviews

Tier 1 Concealed Axis Elite — Best Appendix Holster

The Axis Elite is the gold standard for appendix carry. The sidecar design integrates a spare magazine carrier, and the flexible connection between holster and mag carrier allows the rig to conform to your body. The built-in wedge improves comfort and concealment.

Pros: Excellent concealment, integrated mag carrier, comfortable with wedge
Cons: Premium price, longer lead time
Best for: Dedicated appendix carriers who want the best

Tulster Oath — Best Value IWB

The Tulster Oath punches way above its price point. Clean Kydex work, adjustable retention, and a slim profile make it an excellent choice for concealed carry. It lacks the bells and whistles of premium options but nails the fundamentals.

Pros: Great value, quality construction, slim profile
Cons: No integrated claw (sold separately), basic design
Best for: Budget-conscious carriers, first holster purchase

Tenicor Velo4 — Best Minimalist AIWB

The Velo4 is a purpose-built appendix holster with a smaller footprint than sidecar designs. The integrated wedge and precise molding create excellent concealment. It's lightweight and comfortable for all-day carry.

Pros: Minimalist design, excellent retention, very comfortable
Cons: No mag carrier, limited color options
Best for: Appendix carriers who don't want a sidecar

Safariland 6360 ALS/SLS — Best Duty Holster

The Safariland 6360 is trusted by law enforcement agencies worldwide. Level III retention (ALS and SLS) protects against gun grabs while allowing a fast draw with practice. It's built to survive years of hard use.

Pros: Level III retention, proven duty design, extremely durable
Cons: Bulky, requires training to master draw
Best for: Law enforcement, security, open carry

Holster Features to Consider

Retention

Passive retention uses friction (Kydex molding, tension screws) to hold the gun. Sufficient for concealed carry. Active retention adds mechanical devices (thumb breaks, ALS, hoods) that must be defeated to draw. Required for duty use.

Ride Height and Cant

Adjustable ride height controls how deep the gun sits in your waistband. Adjustable cant changes the grip angle. Most quality holsters allow 10-15 degrees of cant adjustment.

Claw/Wing

A claw or wing attachment presses against the inside of your belt, pushing the grip into your body for better concealment. Essential for appendix carry, helpful for strong-side IWB.

Wedge

A foam wedge on the holster body rotates the muzzle away from your body and fills the gap below your belt line. Improves comfort and concealment, especially for appendix carry.

Light-Bearing Holsters

If your Glock 19 has a weapon light, you need a holster specifically designed for that light model. Popular options:

• Glock 19 + TLR-7A: Tier 1, Tenicor, T.REX Arms, Tulster
• Glock 19 + X300U: Safariland, Tier 1, T.REX Arms
• Glock 19 + TLR-1 HL: Safariland, Tier 1, ANR Design

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the best holster position for Glock 19?

Appendix (AIWB) is fastest and conceals well for most people. Strong-side IWB at 3-4 o'clock is more traditional and comfortable for some. Try both positions before committing.

Kydex or leather holster?

Kydex is the modern standard—consistent retention, easy maintenance, and won't collapse when you draw. Leather is comfortable but requires break-in and may lose shape over time. Hybrid holsters combine a Kydex shell with leather or neoprene backing.

Do I need a weapon light for home defense?

Yes. You need to identify threats before engaging. A weapon light like the Streamlight TLR-7A is the most popular choice for Glock 19. Make sure to buy a holster that fits your gun WITH the light attached.

Conclusion

The Glock 19 has more holster options than any other handgun. For appendix carry, the Tier 1 Axis Elite is worth the investment. For value-focused IWB carry, the Tulster Oath delivers. For duty use, Safariland remains the standard.

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