Concealed holsters are very personal pieces of equipment and its location, and ease of use can quite often be as important as the firearm that is carried in them. Choosing such holsters needs a lot of thought to be given to the comfort of wearing them, the convenience for use and the ability to conceal.

Concealed holsters can be positioned at different places on the body and the choice for them is a purely personal one, with the choice being made depending on the working conditions, chances of exposure and size of weapon needing concealment. Ankle holsters are most effective as far as concealment is concerned and are strapped just above the ankle. The concealed holsters carried at ankle level are however not very easy to access and you have to reach down to access the firearm. Shoulder holsters are a very common choice and need to be secured beneath the opposite arm; the one that you do not use for shooting. They are quite comfortable to wear. The disadvantage is that you will always require some sort of jacket to assist the concealment, and this can be a problem when the weather is warm. Concealed holsters can also be worn on belts that leave them close to the body. They allow for very quick access and can be used for both small and bigger handguns. Very small sized guns can be carried in pocket holsters just like you would carry a wallet. But the very small size of gun can be a disadvantage and may normally be used more as a deterrent then one used to cause damage.

Holsters and guns make up the two parts of any system of self-defense. Comfort and accessibility are the most important factors when it comes to choosing concealed holsters. Holsters must be safe and very comfortable, more so if they are to be concealed. The concealed holster should be able to carry the firearm of your choice safely, easy to draw from and finally not normally visible. A good concealed holster will help to shield the trigger but still allow you to take hold of it instantly.  

It is very necessary that you have a lot of practice in drawing your weapon when you carry a concealed holster. This will allow you to be adept at drawing your handgun quickly in any situation. Every concealed holster has its own method of securing the holster as well as securing the gun so that it remains in position. You need to be thoroughly familiar with all the buttons, clasps and other devices on a concealed holster, so that any movement to draw your weapon is automatic and avoids all forms of fumbling. The amount of movement required to draw from a concealed holster can also vary and make a lot of difference in the time element. Shoulder holsters may mean that the gun has to sweep across your body bringing unintended people into its range. An ankle holster will require you to bend and be temporarily out of position. The primary method for carrying concealed holsters continues to be the belt holster because of its ease of use.