IWB pants

2021 Views 18 Replies 16 Participants Last post by ICUKev, Feb 15, 2018

RKBA4LIFE

Discussion Starter · Feb 13, 2018

I'm finally taking my ccw class this Friday. My carry gun is an xds in 9mm. I where a 38 waist and could probably go up in some brands. My question is for those who carry using an IWB, how much bigger do you have to go on the waist when carrying. I'm ordering an Alien Gear Cloak Tuck 3.0.

Thanks. Jason.

1 - 19 of 19 Posts

olfarhors

· #2 · Feb 13, 2018

so many variables!!
like do you wear you pants around your waist, or under your arm pits or down below the beer belly?
also the type (material) of the pants makes a difference, like I wear jeans 90% of the time and once they are on they have a bit of stretch to them, then again now days some pants have a hidden elastic band in them.
the cut of the pants (regular/slim/ husky) also makes a difference.
again just depends, only you can decide.

Reactions: 2

Cariwine

· #3 · Feb 13, 2018

2-3 sizes. Take the gun and holster to the store and try before you buy.

.452dia

· #4 · Feb 13, 2018

I wear jeans 90% of the time too and use a good stiff leather belt. I wear my jeans low under the front porch but I don't upsize my pants. I carry either a Glock 23 or my Ruger LCR and don't have any problems with comfort.

Rickenbacher39

· #5 · Feb 13, 2018

I wear the same size pants as I always do.
I always buy the relaxed fit and have no problems with a pistol/holster tucked in.
No one wants to see an old guy wearing tight pants.......

uke:

Reactions: 1

RKBA4LIFE

Discussion Starter · #6 · Feb 13, 2018

Thanks Guys. I hadn't even thought about some of those variables. I do wear jeans almost all the time during the winter relaxed boot cut, but I wear cargo shorts when it's 90 degrees outside. One of my concerns is how much it will bind while bending to slide on my boots and things like that.

Thanks. Jason.

jtg452

· #7 · Feb 13, 2018

Depends on how your pants ride on your body and how loose or tight you wear them. If you wear them loose, then you may not have to go up a size at all. On the other hand, if you wear them tight, you may have to go up a couple or 3 sizes. In general, figure 1 size up as a minimum.

Czechbikr

· #8 · Feb 13, 2018

I wear my Alien Gear at 4 o'clock and don't upsize my pants for that.

Reactions: 1

Wino

· #9 · Feb 13, 2018

OWB belt holster under untucked shirt will save you money and so much more comfortable. Might have to step up shirt size, but not pants. YMMV

A good gun belt will also enhance carry experience regardless of how you carry IWB/OWB.

Reactions: 4

wittmeba

· #10 · Feb 13, 2018

I'm a 44 waist. I wear the same clothes either iwb or owb. None fit that close to exact to make a difference.

About belts -- depending on the style of buckle you may use a shorter belt with some larger buckles. Buy belt straps and separate buckles if you are dressy. Lots of cool buckles out there.

https://www.ebay.com/b/Adult-Unisex-Metal-Cowboy-Western-Vintage-Belt-Buckles/163600/bn_19284497

NativeTexan

· #11 · Feb 13, 2018

I'm a little over a 36 waist and I buy 38s which are way loose, but that's what a belt is for.

I don't carry IWB a lot anymore, but occasionally. Since Texas has allowed open carry, I don't worry an about "printing" and "flashing" like I used to.

Czechbikr

· #12 · Feb 13, 2018

Wino said:
OWB belt holster under untucked shirt will save you money and so much more comfortable. Might have to step up shirt size, but not pants. YMMV

A good gun belt will also enhance carry experience regardless of how you carry IWB/OWB.

This is huge and I resisted getting a decent belt for quite a while. Bought an "Amish" belt off Ebay which was better, but when I caught a sale on a Hanks Belt I became a total believer in a specific gun belt as a solid foundation for your holster/gun.

Reactions: 2

bmbroker

· #13 · Feb 13, 2018

I dont upsize my jeans. As far as bending and movement, the AG holster will conform to your body and you wont notice anything but some extra weight.

Ironmagz

· #14 · Feb 13, 2018

I wear a 36" and buy 38's now since I carry inside the waistband. I carry a S&W 9mm shield in a crossbreed supertuck. I also have a PT145 that I also carry in a holster of the same. If you have put off buying some new jeans because your old ones are getting tighter.. then definitly go up a size. If your jeans require a belt to stay up currently, then they will probably get you by even while carrying IWB.

CWB

· #15 · Feb 14, 2018

I NEVER carry IWB. I'd rather carry my NAA .22mag in my pocket than anything else I own IWB. Recently I adapted a left hand IWB holster to clip on my belt on the outside right at 3:00.

garyh

· #16 · Feb 14, 2018

I just wear the same size pants.

Fishinkeylargo

· #17 · Feb 14, 2018

I forget who told me this but they said stack two decks of cards together and place them in between your pants line and waist line where you want to carry your gun. If you can comfortably button your pants you are good to go, if not go up a size in pants.

RKBA4LIFE

Discussion Starter · #18 · Feb 15, 2018

Sounds good guys! We do have open carry here in NC. But I prefer to conceal for reasons that would constitute a different thread. I have a Blackhawk serpa that I wear around the farm here.
Thanks again guys!

ICUKev

· #19 · Feb 15, 2018

olfarhors said:
so many variables!!
like do you wear you pants around your waist, or under your arm pits or down below the beer belly?
also the type (material) of the pants makes a difference, like I wear jeans 90% of the time and once they are on they have a bit of stretch to them, then again now days some pants have a hidden elastic band in them.
the cut of the pants (regular/slim/ husky) also makes a difference.
again just depends, only you can decide.

Exactly right! I'll add this also. If you have to suck your stomach in to button them and don't need a belt either, you'll need to buy a size up to carry iwb!

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