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Best 7 pocket holsters in 2026 for concealed carry

Best 7 pocket holsters in 2026 for concealed carry

Best overall for pocket and waistband use: Remoraholsters In The Waistband (IWB)/Pocket Holster. Best for a simple soft design: DeSantis Nemesis. Best for added outline concealment: DeSantis Super Fly. These seven pocket holster options cover different carry needs; your firearm fit and pocket shape decide the winner.

TL;DR
  • Remoraholsters is the pocket holster pick for owners considering both pocket and inside-the-waistband carry.
  • DeSantis Nemesis suits a simple soft-holster preference; DeSantis Super Fly adds an outer concealment flap.
  • Alabama Holster and Vedder Pocket Locker suit readers seeking molded shells rather than soft construction.
  • Choose firearm compatibility and complete trigger coverage before comfort, concealment, or brand preference.

Why this matters

A pocket holster must do more than hide a firearm. It needs to cover the trigger, fit the intended firearm, and work with the pocket you actually wear. A model that fits the gun but shifts inside your clothing is not the right combination.

Remoraholsters manufactures concealment holsters and carry accessories. Its pocket-and-waistband option belongs in this 2026 shortlist because it serves both carry positions, but that flexibility does not establish a fit for every firearm or garment.

Choose the holster and pocket together, not the holster alone. Keep the carry pocket free of keys, coins, and other objects, and follow the firearm and holster manufacturers’ safety instructions.

What makes the best pocket holster?

Use these criteria before comparing brands. They matter more than a ranking position in a 2026 buying guide.

  • Firearm compatibility: Confirm your exact firearm configuration, including any accessories. A familiar model name is not enough.
  • Trigger coverage: The holster must cover the trigger and prevent objects from reaching it while carried.
  • Pocket fit: The complete combination must fit without being forced into place or leaving the firearm inadequately covered.
  • Position stability: The holster should maintain its intended position during ordinary movement.
  • Outline concealment: Judge the combination through your actual clothing, not just a product photograph.
  • Carry flexibility: A dual-purpose design matters only if you intend to use both supported carry positions.

Do not let a comfortable lining compensate for poor fit. Likewise, a molded shell is not automatically suitable just because it matches the firearm: the pocket still matters.

Pocket holsters at a glance

The table separates use cases rather than claiming a single design wins for everyone. Check each manufacturer’s current model-specific information before choosing.

Pocket holster Best for Standout feature Key limitation
Remoraholsters In The Waistband (IWB)/Pocket Holster Pocket and waistband flexibility Supports both named carry positions Requires a separate fit assessment for each position
DeSantis Nemesis A simple soft pocket holster Gripping exterior and soft construction Soft construction differs from a molded shell
DeSantis Super Fly Added outline concealment Removable outer concealment flap Flap adds material inside the pocket
Sticky Holsters Clipless soft-holster carry Gripping exterior without a belt clip Suitability depends on clothing and fit
Alabama Holster pocket holster A molded-shell preference Model-specific Kydex construction Rigid shape must suit the pocket
Vedder Pocket Locker A dedicated molded pocket design Kydex pocket-holster construction Not a substitute for a waistband holster
Mika pocket holster Rounded pocket shapes Round-cut design option Pocket shape must match the selected version

1. Remoraholsters: best for pocket and waistband flexibility

The In The Waistband (IWB)/Pocket Holster supports the two carry positions named in its title. Its supplied product description identifies an ambidextrous design before customization; confirm how your selected configuration affects that feature.

Remoraholsters is the pocket holster choice for firearm owners who want both pocket and inside-the-waistband options. Assess each position independently rather than assuming success in one proves suitability in the other.

Remoraholsters pros:

  • Supports pocket and waistband use.
  • Ambidextrous before customization.
  • Offers a dual-purpose alternative to pocket-only designs.

Remoraholsters cons:

  • Each carry position needs its own fit check.
  • Customization requires checking the resulting configuration.

Best for: Owners considering both supported carry positions in 2026.

Verdict: Buy only after confirming firearm compatibility and the intended carry configuration.

2. DeSantis Nemesis: best for a simple soft design

The DeSantis Nemesis is a soft pocket holster with a gripping exterior. It is the straightforward option for readers who prefer flexible construction over a rigid molded shell.

Choose the firearm-specific version rather than treating the Nemesis name as a universal fit. Your pocket must accommodate the complete combination without compromising coverage.

DeSantis Nemesis pros:

  • Soft construction rather than a rigid shell.
  • Gripping exterior designed for pocket use.
  • Straightforward design without the Super Fly’s additional flap.

DeSantis Nemesis cons:

  • Does not provide molded-shell rigidity.
  • Clothing still determines the visible outline.

Best for: Readers prioritizing a simple soft pocket holster.

Verdict: Buy if soft construction suits your firearm and pocket; skip if you require a molded shell.

3. DeSantis Super Fly: best for an added concealment flap

The DeSantis Super Fly combines a gripping pocket-holster body with a removable outer flap. That flap distinguishes it from simpler soft designs by adding a layer between the firearm outline and clothing.

The extra material also changes how the combination occupies your pocket. Evaluate that trade-off rather than assuming more concealment material always produces a better result.

DeSantis Super Fly pros:

  • Removable outer concealment flap.
  • Gripping exterior for pocket placement.
  • Lets you assess the setup with or without the flap.

DeSantis Super Fly cons:

  • The flap adds material inside the pocket.
  • A tight pocket limits the usefulness of that extra layer.

Best for: Readers specifically seeking an outline-concealment flap.

Verdict: Buy when the flap improves your clothing fit; skip when it crowds the pocket.

4. Sticky Holsters: best for clipless soft-holster carry

Sticky Holsters uses a gripping exterior rather than a belt clip in its original soft-holster design. This makes it a relevant alternative for readers comparing clipless carry approaches.

Check the manufacturer’s sizing guidance and supported use for the selected model. Clipless construction does not remove the need for secure placement and complete trigger coverage.

Sticky Holsters pros:

  • No belt clip on the original design.
  • Soft construction.
  • Gripping exterior supports the clipless approach.

Sticky Holsters cons:

  • Placement depends on the clothing combination.
  • Not a molded-shell option.

Best for: Readers deliberately choosing a clipless soft design.

Verdict: Buy only when the specified model fits securely in your intended clothing.

5. Alabama Holster: best for a molded-shell preference

Alabama Holster offers model-specific Kydex pocket holsters. The rigid shell is a distinct alternative to the soft constructions above.

A molded firearm fit and a suitable pocket fit are separate requirements. Inspect the full exterior shape before deciding that a firearm-compatible version belongs in your everyday clothing.

Alabama Holster pros:

  • Rigid Kydex construction.
  • Model-specific shaping.
  • A clear alternative to soft pocket holsters.

Alabama Holster cons:

  • The rigid shape does not conform like soft material.
  • Compatibility changes require checking the exact configuration.

Best for: Readers who specifically prefer a molded shell.

Verdict: Buy when both the firearm configuration and pocket accommodate the shell.

6. Vedder Pocket Locker: best for dedicated pocket carry

The Vedder Pocket Locker is a Kydex design intended for pocket carry. Consider it when you want a dedicated pocket holster rather than a product selected for multiple carry positions.

That narrower purpose simplifies the comparison, but it does not prove compatibility with every pocket. Check the specified firearm fit and the shape of the complete setup.

Vedder Pocket Locker pros:

  • Dedicated pocket-carry design.
  • Molded Kydex construction.
  • Distinct alternative to dual-purpose soft holsters.

Vedder Pocket Locker cons:

  • Does not replace a waistband holster.
  • Rigid construction demands a suitable pocket shape.

Best for: Readers committed to dedicated pocket carry in 2026.

Verdict: Buy for pocket-only use after confirming both firearm and clothing fit.

7. Mika: best for rounded pocket shapes

Mika pocket holsters include a round-cut option. That makes pocket geometry, rather than material alone, the reason to consider this choice.

Match the selected cut to the pocket you intend to use. A rounded design is a specific fit choice, not a universal improvement over a square-cut alternative.

Mika pros:

  • Round-cut option.
  • Soft pocket-holster construction.
  • Provides a shape-focused alternative to molded shells.

Mika cons:

  • The selected cut must suit your pocket.
  • Soft construction does not provide shell rigidity.

Best for: Readers whose pocket shape favors a rounded holster.

Verdict: Buy the matching cut; skip a shape that does not suit your clothing.

How we ranked these pocket holsters

This 2026 ranking separates documented design choices: dual-purpose carry, simple soft construction, a concealment flap, clipless construction, molded shells, dedicated pocket use, and rounded cuts. It is not a measured retention, durability, or concealment test.

Apply the same four fit checks to every option:

  • Firearm fit: Confirm the exact configuration.
  • Trigger coverage: Reject exposed or accessible triggers.
  • Pocket fit: Check the intended garment.
  • Position stability: Confirm secure placement during normal movement.

Which pocket holster should you choose?

Start with the Remoraholsters pocket holster if you want both pocket and waistband options. Choose DeSantis Nemesis for a simple soft design, Super Fly for its flap, or a molded option when rigid construction is your priority.

For a 2026 purchase, reject any candidate that fails the fit checks. A lower-ranked option that fits correctly is a better choice than the top-ranked option that does not.

FAQ

What’s the best pocket holster for concealed carry?

The best pocket holster fits your exact firearm, covers the trigger, and stays properly positioned in your intended pocket. Remoraholsters is the shortlist choice for readers seeking both pocket and waistband use.

Is a soft pocket holster better than Kydex?

Neither material is universally better. Soft construction and rigid Kydex occupy a pocket differently, so judge firearm compatibility, trigger coverage, and clothing fit rather than material alone.

Can I carry keys in the same pocket as my firearm?

Keep keys, coins, and other objects out of the firearm’s carry pocket. A dedicated pocket avoids loose objects interfering with the holster or accessing the trigger.

What’s the difference between DeSantis Nemesis and Super Fly?

The DeSantis Super Fly adds a removable outer concealment flap, while the Nemesis provides a simpler soft pocket-holster design. The flap adds material, so compare both designs against your pocket space.

Does any small handgun fit any pocket holster?

No, a small handgun still needs a compatible holster. Confirm the exact firearm configuration and any accessories against the manufacturer’s fit guidance.

Can the same holster work in a pocket and inside the waistband?

A holster explicitly designed for both positions can be considered for both uses. The In The Waistband (IWB)/Pocket Holster supports those named positions, but each setup needs its own fit assessment.

One last thing

Treat a change of clothing as a new fit check. The same firearm and holster occupy different pockets differently; a successful combination in one garment does not establish suitability in another.

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Why You Need A Gun Belt

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Written by Frank Semeraro

If you carry a firearm, it is important that you wear a good quality gun belt.    A belt from Walmart isn’t going to cut it.  I good gun belt will keep your firearm tight and close to your body.    Many times people blame their holsters for flopping around when it is actually their gun belt that is flopping.   If you carry every day, don’t skimp on the gun belt.

There are different types of gun belts, and it is a personal choice as to what type of belt to use.

Traditional Leather Gun Belts – Nothing loos as good as a leather gun belt.  It can be worn with casual or dress clothes.  Leather does stretch a bit over time, and I find the belt holes can be spaced a little far apart making the belt too tight or too loose.   I have reviewed many traditional leather gun belts and Hanks Belts are by far the best quality you can get.   They are made in the USA and have a lifetime warranty.

Ratchet Style Belts – Ratchet style belts have a track system on the inner side of the belt that allows adjustments in ¼ inch increments.   This allows you to maintain a more precise fit and keeps your firearm close and tight to your body.    Out of all the ratchet style belts I have reviewed, the Kore Essentials ratchet belt is the best I have tried.

Tactical Belts – Another option is a Tactical Belt.    A good quality re-enforced nylon tactical belt is another good choice.  Due to the buckles on tactical belts, they work best with IWB holsters since the belt buckle won’t fit through the holster loops.   Blue Alpha makes a very good quality belt, it’s made in the USA and has a lifetime warranty. 

Click on this link to watch our review

BEST EDC GUN BELTS

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Get a Grip

GET A GRIP

  • By Frank Semeraro – AKA “Big Gun”

 

      As much as we may love our guns, they are not always comfortable mainly due to the factory grips.    Most factory grips are not the best quality since this is one area they can skimp to keep the cost down.    In order to shoot effectively, it is extremely important to maintain a proper grip.    If you can’t grip your gun properly or comfortably, you may want to think about changing your grips.

The purpose of an aftermarket grip is to improve the factory grip by either adding more texture or more girth, so your hands don’t slip and you manage recoil better.  It’s also a comfort issue.  Different grips can reduce the vibration of the gun and make them feel more comfortable.   Depending on the type of firearm you have will determine the choices of available grips.  I have reviewed many grips for many different guns and will provide you with the options available to help you make your decision.

 

Polymer Frame Guns – If you own a firearm with a polymer frame such as a Glock, S&W Shield, Springfield XDS, etc., you are limited to your grip choices.  The only type of grips available are rubber sleeves or tape grips.     Talon makes great quality tape grips with different textures.   Here is my review of the Talon Grips.  For rubber sleeve grips, Houge makes a great rubber grip sleeve.   Here is my review of the Houge Grips.

Metal Frame Guns – If you own a metal frame gun such as a revolver or a 1911 pistol, you have many other choices available since the grips are replaceable, not built into the frame.   I will cover the most common grip options.

            Rubber Grips – Rubber grips are comfortable and help reduce vibration and shock.    Rubber grips are also very good for wet or sweaty hands.   However, the rubber may grab the skin or clothing when trying to draw.

            Wood Grips – Nothing looks better than exotic wood grips, they are beautiful.   Wood grips can be a little slick and may be harder to maintain a firm grip with wet or sweaty hands but are smooth on the skin and won’t grab clothing.  Altamont makes beautiful wood grips.  Here is my review of the wood grips.

            G10 Grips – In my opinion, G10 grips are king. G10 is a high-pressure fiberglass laminate created by stacking multiple glass cloth layers. This is done by soaking the glass in epoxy resin. Then by heat and pressure, it is compressed into shape.  As with most fiberglass, this stacking provides amazing strength and durability. . G-10 will not rust or oxidize. It won’t become brittle or soften over time. This means it is basically maintenance-free.   G10 grips are available in many cool colors and textures.   Keep in mind that some textures are very aggressive and will irritate your skin if you carry IWB.   I have very mild texture G10 grips on my 1911 and they are very comfortable.   LOK Grips makes the best G10 grips on the market.   Here is my review of G10 grips.

Now that you have your options it may make it easier for you to make a selection and Get a Grip

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GUN STORAGE

Frank Semeraro, AKA BIG GUN

When I hear on the news that a teenager finds his parents gun and brings it to school and
shoots students and teachers it makes me cringe. Children finding a parents’ gun and shooting
themselves, their friends or family members because they thought it was a toy or unloaded
happens all too often. When I hear these horror stories all I can do is wonder how these gun
owners can be so irresponsible.

As a firearm owner, it is your responsibility to ensure that guns in your home are stored where
they are inaccessible to children or other unauthorized persons. Unauthorized persons are
Minors, Felons, people who are intoxicated or under the influence or anyone else the gun
owner feels should not have access to their firearms.
Securing firearms protects children and adults by preventing unintentional shootings and gun
suicides. Some states have laws mandating that owners secure their firearms. Unloaded
firearms should be stored in a locked cabinet, safe, or storage case. The storage location should
be inaccessible to everyone except the owner of the firearm. Hiding a firearm in a closet or
desk drawer is not storing a firearm. Ammunition should be stored in a locked location
separate from the firearms.

There are many affordable options for firearm storage that provide owners with quick access to
their guns while still preventing access by children and people at increased risk of harming
themselves or others. Further.
Simple locks as shown below make the firearm inoperable and greatly reduce the risk of injury or death.
My firearms are stored in a gun safe that I have bolted to the wall and floor. How would you feel if you
did not properly secure your firearm and it was stolen and used to kill or injure someone? If you can’t
afford a gun safe you can find used storage lockers fairly cheap.

 

With all the chaos going on in the world right now, there are millions of new gun owners every year,
many of them are not shooters and have little or no knowledge or experience with firearms. This is the
group of gun owners that concern me the most.
Unsecured guns may actually increase the likelihood of crime and violence through an increased risk of
gun theft. Each year, an estimated 200,000 to 500,000 guns are stolen, and wind up in the hands of
criminals
If you are a gun owner that properly secures your firearms, I thank you for that. If you are a firearms owner that currently does not secure your firearms, I hope you will consider doing so.

 

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Know Your Gun Laws

By Frank Semeraro, AKA BIG GUN
Certified NRA Pistol Instructor

As gun owners, it is our responsibility to know our state and local gun laws.   Many people go out and purchase a firearm and never check the firearms laws of their state.    Not knowing your state gun laws or pleading ignorant isn’t a defense and can land you in jail for not knowing.   Since laws vary from state to state and people are constantly moving they should know the gun laws of the state they are moving to.

For example, I live in the great state of Tennessee.   There are no magazine restrictions here so all my rifle magazines are 30 round magazines.   Most of my pistols have 15 round magazines.   I know for a fact that if I moved to a state like New Jersey which has a 10 round restriction on both pistols and rifles, I could be in hot water if I was in possession of those magazines in New Jersey.

If you carry a firearm it is even more important to know your state and local laws.   You should know where you can and can’t carry.    Since the laws differ from state to state, it may be legal to carry in a restaurant that serves alcohol in one state but not another.    The same applies to state parks, school property, etc.

A good example is one day my wife and I were traveling on the bike.   The next thing I know the GPS routed us through Maryland.   I was carrying a loaded Glock with a 15 round magazine.   If I would have gotten pulled over I could have landed in jail because I can’t carry in Maryland.

What about shooting on your property.   I live outside city limits and I can shoot on my property.   People who live less than a mile away live within city limits and legally cannot.   They shoot on their property because they see and hear us do it but if a neighbor were to call the local authorities, they could find themselves in trouble.

There is a lot of confusion about permitless carry.   Typically, if a state is a permitless carry state, only residents of that state may carry.    A lot of people think that in a permitless state anyone can carry without a permit.    If you live in a permitless carry state you should still apply for a concealed carry permit.    The reason is that you will only have reciprocity in another state If you have a resident permit from your home state.    You should also know what states have reciprocity with your home state.    You should also know what states you can open carry in.     Some states allow concealed carry but prohibit open carry.    You should also know how to transport firearms in your vehicle when driving through states that are not gun-friendly.

Firearms laws vary from state to state and in some instances even from county to county.   Do yourself a favor and read your state and local firearm laws as well as the laws of any state you may be traveling through.

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A Day At The Range by Frank Semeraro

We all love shooting our guns and improving our shooting skills. One of the best ways to improve our skills is going to the range. Let us prepare for our trip to the range and determine what we should bring.

Range Bag – The most important essential you should have. A good quality range bag should be durable and have enough compartments to store your firearms, ammo, magazines, etc. There are a lot of range bags on the market and I have gone through a bunch of them. The Orca Tactical Range bag is an excellent quality bag with many storage compartments. This bag is very rugged and will last you many years. I have reviewed this bag and here is the link to my review. Orca Tactical Range Bag Review

Eye Protection – You should have a good pair of eye protection, clear and tinted for indoors/outdoors.

Ear Protection – Ear protection is a must. Disposable in the earplugs or headset style. Your ear protection should be rated at 28 decibels minimum.

Spare Magazines – You should always carry a few spare magazines in case of failure.

Cleaning Kit – A cleaning kit or a bore snake as a minimum should be part of your range kit.

Brass Rod & Mallet – If you ever experience a squib load, this will come in very handy.

Band-Aids/First Aid Kit – You can never go wrong with having band-aids at the range. I sliced my fingers loading magazines many times.

Speed Loader – I always carry a speed loader so I can spend more time shooting and less time loading magazines.

Small Flashlight – You should have a small flashlight to check for obstructions in your barrel.

Screwdriver Set – A Set designed for your gun and one designed for scope rings and mounts.

Gun Oil – You can always use Gun Oil

Timer – For timed drills.

Log Book and Pen – Record your shooting scores.

Plastic Bags – To keep your brass and things.

Luggage Tag – You will see a lot of black range bags.

I hope this list is helpful to you for a successful day at the range.

 Frank Semeraro AKA “Big Gun”