In the article, we're going to take an in-depth look at the Top 4 most popular holster materials.

Holster is one of the most essential everyday carry items for many people.  It holds the most important self-defense tools we carry, our firearm.  

But, what materials are holsters made from?  

Holster Materials

Kydex Holsters

Kydex holsters are the most popular holsters available for everyday carry EDC purposes.  

Check out our Ultimate Guide for Kydex Holsters that goes into detail about what Kydex is?  How its Made... etc.

Without going into much details Kydex is a polymer (composite plastic) that is heated and than molded into a shape of any gun.  

Good example of a Kydex Holsters is a Concealment Express IWB holsters.  

How is Kydex Holster Made?

The way its made, is Kydex sheets are inserted into a custom gun mold (specific to a gun) and heated, until as shape of a gun forms.  

Its than it dyed forming a holster around the mold of a gun.  

These are by far the best holsters available on the since They're custom made for your gun's shape.  

In addition, they don't collapse when your draw your gun.  

Furthermore, it has great retention, it can be adjustable, and it's by far more customizable than any other holster material, with almost any color pattern to fit your personal taste.  

Its can also be customized for your gun accessories such as optics or gun lights.   

Nylon Holsters

Nylon, unlike Kydex, is basically an elastic version of a polymer (composite plastic).  It's very strong and it's used in a variety of items such as clothing, ropes, and tooth brushes.  

An example of a Nylon holster is a Blackhawk Nylon Hip Holster.  

Nylon Polymer is a molded version of the Nylon holster.  It's a version that is typically molded around a shape, but this is not your usual Nylon.  It has the same rigidity as the Kydex Holster.

These are also available, but are not as popular as Kydex and are more difficult to make.  

Example is Stealth Operator IWB Holster.

Nylon holsters are typically one of the cheapest holster on the market. They do not maintain shape well and will collapse when your draw your weapon.  

However, they typically have lots of foam patting for comfort and are ultra-lightweight.  

Leather Holsters

Leather is the classic gun holster material that's been used for a very long time.

Leather is made from the hide (skin) of almost any animal including pigs, sheep, goats and even crocodiles.  

However, the most common hide used is that from a cow.  

The process of making leather is long and the leather holsters will typically be the most expensive on the market.  

Example of a quality leather holster is The Defender Leather IWB Holter from Relentless Tactical.

Leather holsters will collapse when you draw and are not typically custom-made for specific guns.  

And, they do wear and tear naturally from being exposed to the environment if not maintained properly.  

Neoprene Holsters

Neoprene is a very flexible synthetic rubber that is typically used for one type of holster, a Belly Band Concealed Carry Holster.  

An example of this type of holster is a ComfortTac Ultimate Belly Band Gun Holster.  

Neoprene comfortably wraps around your abdomen and will typically hold any size gun.  It also includes space for other accessories such as extra magazines or other self-defense weapons.  

Neoprene is adjustable and is typically ideal for smaller size people.  

Neoprene does have it's downsides.  Neoprene typically collects sweats and does not breathe well.  

This is uncomfortable if you have to carry your holster for long periods of time or when you exercise, but a good under garment may fix that issue.

Because of its elasticity, your holster will often need adjusting throughout the day as it will typically loosen and slip down your abdomen. 

 Final Thoughts

All types of holster have advantages and disadvantages.  Choose wisely when you buy your next holster.  

Think about what is the more important to you: concealment, comfort, etc...?  You'll most likely have to sacrifice one for the other unless you find the right holster for you! 

If you need help deciding check out simple guide about the most important things to consider when buying a holster.