When shoulder holsters come to mind, it’s likely that most folks conjure up images of old-school detectives and TV cops.
There’s no question that there’s something undeniably appealing about shoulder holsters. They’re rugged, practical, and retro.
And yes, they’re cool.
But when it comes to concealed carry in the modern day…cool isn’t exactly everything. So the real question is: do shoulder holsters still earn their keep, or have they gone the way of the pager?
The truth is that shoulder holsters are still around for a reason. They offer some serious perks, and especially for the right person who is in the right setting.
But like any piece of firearms-related gear, shoulder holsters come with trade-offs too. Let’s unpack what makes them practical, what makes them problematic, and why they’re not nearly as outdated as you might think.
The Perks of Shoulder Carry
Here are the main advantages of using a shoulder holster:
It’s Comfortable While You’re Sitting Down
Here’s where shoulder holsters really shine: seated comfort.
Regardless of whether you’re behind the wheel of a car, at your desk, or in your favorite booth at the diner, having your pistol or revolver under your arm is often more comfortable than stuffing it in a waistband.
So for folks who drive a lot (think truckers, delivery drivers, sales reps on the road, etc.) a shoulder rig can feel like a blessing.
Instead of wrestling with a holster that digs into your side every time you sit down, a shoulder setup keeps your firearm accessible and out of the way. It’s tucked up high on your torso, and drawing it while you’re sitting down is generally quicker than reaching into a waistband or ankle holster. In a self-defense situation where you need to act quickly (as in super quickly), that’s a real advantage.
It Offers Layer-Friendly Concealment
Cold weather carriers, this one’s for you. Throw on a jacket, a coat, or a blazer, and a shoulder rig all but disappears right underneath it.
A well-fitted shoulder holster under a structured outer layer can conceal even a full-size pistol without any odd bulges or telltale printing! You could carry a full-size Beretta 92FS or SIG Sauer P226
Plus, for those of you who prefer dressing up or have a need to wear professional attire in your daily life, a shoulder holster pairs nicely with a sport coat or suit jacket. It’s a discreet and a refined solution for people who want to stay armed but without messing up their silhouette.
Balanced Weight Distribution
Carrying a firearm isn’t just about hiding it (even though yes, that’s very important). It’s also really about managing the weight.
With a shoulder rig, that weight gets spread out across your shoulders and back instead of being jammed into your beltline. It can make carrying a heavier pistol and a spare mag or two on the opposite side of the firearm feel a lot more manageable over the course of a long day. It’s the sort of difference you really feel by lunchtime!
The Drawbacks You Can’t Ignore
Now for all their perks, shoulder holsters are hardly the ultimate solution for daily carry. They have plenty of drawbacks too, which includes…
You Need a Cover Garment…Always!
Let’s be honest: unless you’re walking around in a jacket or blazer, a shoulder rig isn’t hiding anything. Try slapping on a shoulder holster under a T-shirt, and you’re going to look like you’ve strapped on a parachute! That’s because the harness will print right through your clothes and just like the entire concealment part of “concealed carry” goes out the window.
That means shoulder holsters are seasonal for a lot of people. They’re great in the fall and winter, maybe spring, but they’re also very tough to make work in July when a tank top and shorts are the uniform of the day.
Let’s put it this way, if you’re not dressing to conceal, this carry method just won’t cut it.
Tricky Draw and Safety Concerns
Here’s the part that makes instructors wince: the cross-draw motion.
When you draw from a shoulder holster, your muzzle often sweeps across everything to your side (including your own support arm) before it even gets on the target.
Long story short, that’s a big no-no in the world of safe firearm handling.
Now, this isn’t a dealbreaker exactly. With deliberate practice, you can certainly learn how to draw safely from a shoulder rig. But it just takes time and discipline. You’ve got to break bad habits and drill good form until it’s second nature.
For those of you who are casual carriers and who only practice once in a blue moon, you should know that that steep learning curve can and will be a real issue.
Not Exactly “Grab-and-Go”
There’s a certain ritual to wearing a shoulder holster. You don’t just clip it on in two seconds like an IWB (inside-the-waistband) holster. Strapping into a shoulder rig is more like putting on a piece of gear.
It’s a process since it entails adjusting the straps, getting the rig to sit right, and then balancing the firearm and any spare mags on the opposite side. If you’re in a rush or need something simple, this might not be your best option.
Situational Fit Matters
Here’s the thing: carrying isn’t a one-size-fits-all situation. A setup that’s perfect for one person might be a disaster for another.
So if your day-to-day involves dressing up, commuting between work and your other daily obligations, and spending time indoors where coats are common, a shoulder holster can work beautifully.
But if you’re hiking, chasing toddlers around, or sweating through summer chores in a T-shirt, it’s going to be more of a hassle than a help.
Alsom, not every body type plays nicely with shoulder rigs. If you’ve got a broad chest or large shoulders, some holsters may dig in or feel restrictive. Conversely, slimmer folks might find it tricky to get the rig to sit securely without shifting or sliding. Fit and adjustment matter a lot. The good news is that quality shoulder holsters are adjustable, but dialing them until they feel ‘just right’ in the end takes a bit of effort on your part.
And remember, no matter how “tacticool” a shoulder holster looks when they are used by detectives and secret agents in action movies, in real-life it’s only as good as the training behind it.
Shoulder rigs have quirks (like draw angles, retention, and safe reholstering to name a few things) that require practice. And we’re not talking one afternoon at the range. We;re talking about safe and effective training over the course of time that demands repetition, awareness, and the humility to know when something’s not working.
The Bottom Line
Shoulder holsters aren’t magic, but they’re not obsolete either.
They occupy a unique niche in the concealed carry world since they’re perfect for certain situations and less-than-ideal for others.
For drivers, cold-weather carriers, and those of you who spend long hours seated, a well-fitted shoulder rig can be a great and practical way to carry a handgun.
But for folks who want flexibility and fast-on-fast-off convenience, or who wear minimal clothing layers, it’s probably not going to be the best fit.
So go ahead. Know your gear. Train smart. Carry with purpose.
