The Short Answer: A quality Glock holster needs proper retention, full trigger guard coverage, and durable materials like leather or Kydex. The best holsters combine secure fit with quick draw capability while maintaining comfort for daily carry.

The Glock 19 is one of the most widely used carry guns across military, law enforcement, and civilian markets. This 9mm firearm's balanced size and proven track record make it a top choice for both tactical holster use and personal defense. But even the finest Glock needs proper support gear, specifically, a well-made IWB holster that matches your personal preference and requirements.

Many first-time Glock 19 owners focus solely on the weapon itself, overlooking the importance of a quality concealment holster. This oversight can impact both safety and performance. We'll examine five main features that separate exceptional holsters from basic options: 

• Adjustable retention
• Material selection
• Carry position flexibility
• Better concealment capability
• Draw smoothness

Understanding these elements helps you make an informed choice for your carrying needs.

Material Quality and Construction

Premium Materials Matter

Top-grade leather holster materials offer natural flexibility and durability that improves with age. Premium steerhide molds to your body shape over time, creating a perfect fit unique to you. The leather develops a protective patina that adds character while guarding against moisture and wear.

Kydex holsters bring modern performance benefits through their rigid polymer construction. This material holds its shape perfectly, offering consistent draw angles and zero break-in time. Kydex resists moisture, maintains better concealment with its slim profile, and provides an audible "click" when your Glock is properly seated.

Certain IWB holsters can combine leather and nylon backings against your body with a Kydex shell that houses your firearm. This design merges comfort with Kydex's precise retention and smooth draw characteristics.

Construction Details

• Double stitching along stress points and edges prevents separation over years of use, backed by a lifetime warranty. 
• Hand-finished edges on top quality components reduce wear while adding a professional appearance. 
• Premium holsters feature reinforced stitching patterns specifically designed for your Glock's weight and dimensions.

The reinforced trigger guard design maintains its shape for smooth one-handed reholstering. This rigid opening prevents collapse when drawing your firearm, a must-have safety feature for any quality concealment holster. Metal-reinforced sight channels protect both your holster and slide from excessive wear.

Sweat guards come in different ride height options to match your carry style. 

• A full-length guard shields your Glock's slide from direct skin contact and moisture.
• Mid-height options balance protection with concealment, while minimal guards work well under light clothing. 

The guard's rolled edges prevent skin irritation during extended wear.

Retention Systems and Safety

Understanding Retention Levels

A holster's retention system with an adjustable tension device keeps your Glock secure until you're ready to draw.

• Level 1 passive retention relies on friction and perfect fit molding to hold your firearm. This basic system uses the natural grip between the holster material and your Glock, plus a secure fit, to maintain proper gun placement.
• Level 2 active retention adds a mechanical security feature like a thumb break or button release. This extra step prevents unauthorized access and accidental dislodging during physical activity. 

Many Kydex holsters include adjustable retention screws, allowing you to set the perfect balance between security and draw speed based on personal preference.

Safety Features

Complete trigger guard coverage stands as a fundamental safety requirement for any quality Glock holster. This physical barrier prevents objects from accessing the trigger area, reducing the risk of unintended discharge. 

The positive lock mechanism produces an audible "click" when your firearm is properly seated, confirming secure placement. This feature gives you confidence that your carry gun is correctly holstered and won't shift position.

Draw characteristics matter for both safety and practical use. A well-designed IWB holster guides your firearm smoothly during presentation, without catching or binding. The mouth of the holster should maintain its shape, allowing consistent one-handed reholstering without looking at the holster.

Carry Position and Versatility

Common Carry Positions

The way you carry your Glock in an IWB holster impacts both comfort and quick access. 

• Inside the waistband (IWB) carry places the waistband holster between your pants and body, offering better concealment for everyday carry. The holster tucks close to your body, making it harder for others to spot your firearm through clothing.
• Outside the waistband (OWB holster) positions the holster on the outside of your belt. This style works well for range practice, hunting, or open carry where allowed. A loose fitting shirt over the holster is the main type of concealment this type of holster is used for. OWB offers faster draw speeds and improved comfort since the firearm doesn't press against your body.
• Appendix carry, positioned at the front of your inside waistband, has gained popularity among concealed carriers. This position allows for quick draws and good retention. However, proper holster design becomes even more important here for both comfort and safety.

Mounting Options

Your Glock holster's mounting system determines how securely it stays in place. 

• Strong belt clips or loops prevent unwanted movement during daily activities. 
• Look for mounting hardware with adjustable retention made from materials like spring steel or other reinforced materials that won't wear out or lose tension over time.

Cant adjustment lets you angle the secure fit holster to your preferred draw angle . A good concealment holster can offer 10-15 degrees of adjustable ride to match your draw stroke and body type. This customization helps you find the most natural drawing motion while maintaining concealment.

Ride height affects how high or low the firearm sits relative to your belt line. 

• Higher ride heights improve concealment but can slow draw speed. 
• Lower positions speed up draws but may print more visibly through clothing. 

The best holsters offer multiple mounting points to adjust ride height based on your personal preference and clothing choices.

When selecting mounting options, consider your typical dress style and activities. A holster that works great with jeans might not serve you well in business attire. Choose a mounting system versatile enough to adapt to your daily routine while maintaining consistent weapon retention.

Comfort and Concealment

A holster's comfort and concealment capabilities make the difference between a reliable carry gun and a drawer-bound disappointment. The right combination of design elements works together to deliver both comfort during extended wear and better concealment under various clothing options.

Comfort Features

Body contour design plays a major role in how an IWB holster feels against your frame. A well-designed Glock holster follows the natural curves of your body, reducing pressure points and hot spots during extended periods of wear. The holster should sit close enough to maintain a secure fit without digging into your side.

Weight distribution matters significantly when carrying a loaded Glock. Premium Kydex holsters spread the firearm's weight across a wider surface area through thoughtful design and mounting points. This prevents the gun from pulling down on one spot, which can cause discomfort and affect your natural movement.

High-quality leather/nylon backing materials make a noticeable difference in all-day comfort. Look for holsters featuring moisture-wicking materials that prevent sweat buildup between the waistband holster and your body. Some models incorporate padding in strategic locations to buffer contact points without adding unnecessary bulk.

Concealment Factors

Profile-minimizing design starts with keeping the firearm close to your body. The best concealment holster features a minimal footprint while maintaining full coverage of the trigger guard. Many incorporate a slight forward cant, which helps prevent the grip from sticking out away from your body.

Clothing compatibility depends on both the holster design and carry position. A good IWB Glock holster should work with your typical wardrobe without requiring significant changes to your dress habits. The adjustable ride height should allow for a full firing grip while staying hidden under normal clothing.

Print reduction comes down to smart design choices in the holster's construction. Features like rounded edges and smooth corners help break up the gun's outline under clothing. Some holsters incorporate a wedge or wing design that uses leverage to pull the grip closer to your body, reducing visible printing through your cover garment.

Find Your Glock 19 Holster at DeSantis Gunhide

Finding the right Glock holster comes down to selecting top quality components, perfect fit, and reliable retention mechanisms that match your carry needs. Taking time to consider your specific requirements for concealment, draw speed, and comfort will guide you to the best leather holster for your situation.

For more than 50 years, DeSantis has crafted holsters by hand in the USA, starting from Gene DeSantis’s kitchen table and growing into a trusted name in the industry. Today, skilled craftspeople continue this tradition, building holsters that serve law enforcement and military professionals worldwide. The same attention to detail and quality construction goes into every firearm holster we make, including our lineup for the Glock 19.

Ready to find your perfect Glock 19 holster? Browse our collection of American-made DeSantis holsters today at desantisholster.com or call 800-GUNHIDE to speak with our team about your specific needs.