Holster Terminology: Complete Guide to Holster Terms
Shopping for a holster can get confusing quickly.
One company may call an attachment a claw, another may call it a wing, and another may use a brand name such as ModWing. You may see optic ready, red-dot cut, RDS, or speed cut used to describe similar—but not always identical—features.
This guide is designed to help you understand the terminology you may encounter while shopping for a holster, whether you are ordering from DME Holsters or comparing holsters from another manufacturer.
The goal is simple: know what you are looking at and understand what you are ordering.
A Note About Holster Terminology
Holster terminology is not completely standardized.
Different manufacturers may use different names for similar features, and the same term can sometimes mean something slightly different from one company to another. This is especially important with terms such as Level I, Level II and Level III retention, optic cuts, attachment systems and proprietary product names.
Use this guide as a cross-reference, but always check the individual manufacturer’s description when ordering.
Holster Styles & Carry Positions
IWB / Inside the Waistband
IWB means Inside the Waistband.
The holster is worn inside the pants with the firearm positioned between the wearer’s body and waistband. A belt clip, loop or other attachment typically secures the holster to the belt.
IWB is a broad category. An IWB holster can be worn at several positions around the waist depending on the holster design, firearm, body type and personal preference.
AIWB / Appendix Inside the Waistband / Appendix Carry
AIWB means Appendix Inside the Waistband.
This is an IWB holster carried toward the front of the body, generally between the centerline of the body and the hip.
You may also simply see this called appendix carry.
AIWB holsters often use concealment features such as a wing, claw or wedge to help keep the firearm closer to the body.
OWB / Outside the Waistband
OWB means Outside the Waistband.
The holster is worn on the outside of the pants and belt.
OWB holsters are commonly used for concealed carry under a covering garment, open carry, range use, competition and duty applications.
There are many different OWB designs, so the term OWB alone does not tell you how tightly the holster will ride against the body.
Pancake OWB / Pancake Holster
A Pancake OWB holster uses attachment points on both sides of the firearm to help pull the holster close to the body.
The wide attachment spacing distributes the holster across the belt and can make a Pancake OWB significantly more concealable than an OWB holster that hangs farther away from the body.
DME refers to this style as a Pancake OWB.
Standard OWB / Belt-Mounted OWB
A Standard OWB holster mounts outside the waistband using an attachment system such as belt loops, Tek-Lok, Tek-Mount, Safariland QLS or another mounting platform.
These holsters are commonly used for range, open-carry, competition and tactical-style setups.
The exact terminology varies significantly among manufacturers.
Strong-Side Carry / Hip Carry
Strong-side carry means carrying the firearm on the same side as the shooter’s dominant hand.
For example, a right-handed shooter carrying on the right side is carrying strong side.
You may also see this called hip carry.
Weak-Side Carry
The weak side is the side opposite the shooter’s dominant hand.
A right-handed shooter would normally consider the left side the weak side.
Cross-Draw
With cross-draw carry, the firearm is positioned on the opposite side of the body from the hand used to draw it.
The shooter reaches across the body to draw the firearm.
Sidecar Holster / Integrated Magazine Carrier
The term sidecar is commonly used for an IWB or AIWB holster that places a spare magazine or another accessory next to the firearm as part of the same carry system.
Different manufacturers use different designs, including rigid one-piece systems and hinged or flexible systems.
Hybrid Holster
A hybrid holster combines more than one material or construction style.
A common example is a molded thermoplastic firearm shell attached to a larger leather, synthetic or padded backing.
Concealment & Comfort Terminology
Printing
Printing occurs when the shape or outline of a concealed firearm or holster becomes visible through clothing.
The handgun grip is one of the most common areas to print, but an optic, slide, muzzle or other part of the carry system can also create a visible outline.
Concealment Wing / Claw / Concealment Claw / ModWing
These names generally describe the same type of concealment concept.
A wing or claw extends outward from the holster near the trigger-guard area. When the belt presses against it, that pressure helps rotate the firearm grip inward toward the body.
This can reduce grip printing.
Different manufacturers use names such as:
- Wing
- Concealment Wing
- Claw
- Concealment Claw
- Grip-Tuck Device
- ModWing
- Integrated Wing
- Camming Surface or Camming Bar
The exact design may be different, but the basic goal is similar: use belt pressure to help bring the handgun grip closer to the body.
DME commonly uses a ModWing on compatible IWB/AIWB configurations.
Wing vs. Wedge
A wing or claw and a wedge are not the same thing.
A wing/claw primarily uses belt pressure near the trigger-guard area to rotate the grip.
A wedge applies pressure lower on the body side of the holster and changes the angle of the entire holster against the body.
The two can be used together.
Holster Wedge / Concealment Wedge / Foam Wedge
A holster wedge is positioned on the body-facing side of an IWB or AIWB holster, usually toward the muzzle end.
The wedge occupies space between the holster and the body. This can push the muzzle portion slightly away from the body, which in turn helps move the upper portion of the firearm—including the grip, slide or optic—closer to the body.
Wedges can improve concealment, comfort or both.
They may be made from:
- Foam
- Molded rubber or polymer
- Pads
- Other compressible materials
Foam Wedge
A foam wedge is simply a wedge made from foam.
You do not necessarily need to purchase a proprietary foam wedge from a holster manufacturer.
Many people make their own using commonly available foam and hook-and-loop material.
If you want to see examples, search YouTube for:
Kydex holster foam wedge
You will find numerous videos showing different materials, shapes, attachment methods and ways to customize a wedge for your individual body and carry position.
There is no single wedge shape that is best for everyone.
Grip Rotation
Grip rotation describes rotating the handgun grip inward toward the body.
A concealment wing or claw is commonly used to create grip rotation.
Grip Tuck / Slide Tuck
Grip tuck generally describes tilting the upper portion of the firearm toward the body so the grip does not stick outward.
You may also encounter the term slide tuck, particularly when discussing concealment of the slide, rear sight or optic.
Wedges and other concealment geometry can influence these angles.
Keel / Keel Effect
You may encounter the term keel when researching concealed-carry holsters.
The basic concept is that additional holster length below the belt can help stabilize the firearm against the body.
A very short firearm does not necessarily require the shortest possible holster. In some situations, additional holster length can actually improve stability and concealment.
Sweat Guard / Sweat Shield / Body Shield
These terms generally refer to the portion of an IWB holster that extends upward between the firearm and the wearer’s body.
Manufacturers may call it a:
- Sweat Guard
- Sweat Shield
- Body Shield
- Body Guard
Its purpose can include reducing direct contact between the firearm and the body and providing a surface between the slide and the wearer.
You may see different heights described as full, high, medium, low or no sweat guard.
Tuckable / Tuckable Clip
A tuckable holster allows a shirt to be tucked between the holster body and the belt attachment.
The firearm remains beneath the shirt while the belt clip or attachment may remain visible.
“Tuckable” refers to the clothing arrangement—not whether the holster physically tucks the handgun toward the body.
Ride Height / High Ride / Mid Ride / Low Ride
Ride height describes how high or low the firearm sits in relation to the belt.
A higher ride can place more of the firearm above the belt.
A lower ride places more of the firearm below the belt.
Some attachment systems provide adjustable ride height.
Ride height can affect concealment, comfort, accessibility and the ability to obtain a full firing grip before drawing.
Cant / Holster Cant
Cant is the angle of the firearm and holster relative to vertical.
A handgun positioned straight up and down has approximately zero or neutral cant.
Changing the cant can change the draw angle, concealment and comfort.
Forward Cant / FBI Cant
A forward cant, sometimes called an FBI cant, angles the grip of the handgun forward.
This is commonly seen with strong-side IWB and OWB carry.
The term does not describe one universally standardized angle.
Neutral Cant / Zero Cant
A neutral or zero-cant holster positions the handgun approximately vertically.
This is common with appendix carry and some range or competition setups.
Reverse Cant / Negative Cant
A reverse or negative cant angles the handgun in the opposite direction from a typical forward cant.
Certain carry positions or personal preferences may use this configuration.
Optics, Red Dots & Sight Terminology
Optic Ready / Red-Dot Cut / Optic Cut / RDS Cut
These terms generally indicate that the holster has clearance for a slide-mounted electronic optic.
You may encounter terms such as:
- Optic Ready
- Optics Ready
- Optic Cut
- Red-Dot Cut
- RDS Cut
- RDS Compatible
- Red-Dot Compatible
RDS generally means Red Dot Sight.
The terms sound interchangeable, but the amount and location of the clearance can differ between manufacturers.
The position of the optic on the slide also matters. Some optics sit farther forward, farther rearward or have a larger housing than others.
When ordering, identify your actual optic if the manufacturer asks for it.
Speed Cut / Deep Speed Cut
A speed cut generally refers to removing or lowering additional material from the upper portion of an OWB holster.
The purpose may include:
- Additional optic clearance
- Clearance for large or forward-positioned optics
- Allowing the firearm to clear the holster earlier during the draw
- Reducing unnecessary holster material
You may also see the term Deep Speed Cut.
There is no single industry-standard measurement for a speed cut. One manufacturer’s speed cut may be considerably different from another manufacturer’s.
At DME, when a speed cut is offered or recommended, the purpose is to provide additional upper-slide and optic clearance and a cleaner draw path.
RDS / RDSC / RDSO
These abbreviations are particularly common when shopping Safariland holsters.
- RDS — Red Dot Sight
- RDSC — Red Dot Sight Cut
- RDSO — Red Dot Sight Open
These are manufacturer-specific designations. Do not assume another manufacturer’s use of similar letters means exactly the same thing.
Optic Hood / Optic Cover
Some duty-style optic-compatible holsters include a hood or cover over the optic.
The purpose is generally to protect the optic while the firearm is holstered.
An optic-ready holster does not automatically include an optic hood.
Sight Channel
The sight channel is the space in the holster that provides clearance for the firearm’s sights as the handgun enters and exits the holster.
A taller sight channel may be needed for taller aftermarket sights.
Suppressor-Height Sights / Tall Sights
Suppressor-height sights are taller-than-standard iron sights originally associated with providing a usable sight picture when a suppressor or other equipment interferes with standard-height sights.
They are also commonly used with slide-mounted optics.
You may simply see them called:
- Tall sights
- Suppressor sights
- Suppressor-height sights
A holster must have enough sight-channel clearance for the installed sights.
Co-Witness / Co-Witness Sights
Co-witness describes the relationship between the firearm’s iron sights and the viewing window of an electronic optic.
It does not simply mean “suppressor-height sights.”
Taller sights are often used to obtain a co-witness through a red-dot optic, which is why the terms are frequently mentioned together.
Depending on sight and optic height, you may hear terms such as absolute co-witness or lower co-witness.
From a holster standpoint, the important factor is the physical height of the sights and whether the holster’s sight channel provides adequate clearance.
Lights, Lasers & Accessory Terminology
WML / Weapon-Mounted Light
WML means Weapon-Mounted Light. Lights lasers DME supports
It is a flashlight designed to mount directly to the firearm, usually on the accessory rail.
Common examples come from manufacturers such as Streamlight, SureFire and Olight.
Light-Bearing Holster / WML Holster
A light-bearing holster is specifically designed around a firearm equipped with a particular weapon-mounted light.
This is important:
Weapon lights of similar size are not automatically interchangeable in a holster.
The exact shape and dimensions of the light can be part of the holster’s fit and retention geometry.
Always select the exact light installed on your firearm when ordering.
Many light-bearing holsters use the light body as part of their retention geometry. Do not assume a light-bearing holster will securely retain the firearm when the light is removed unless the holster manufacturer specifically says it will.
Laser-Bearing Holster
A laser-bearing holster provides clearance for a firearm-mounted laser.
As with lights, the exact laser model matters because dimensions and mounting locations vary.
Light/Laser Combination
Some accessories combine a weapon light and laser in one unit.
These should be treated as a specific accessory model when ordering.
A holster designed for the light-only version of an accessory may not fit the light/laser version.
Barrel, Muzzle & Slide Terminology
Threaded Barrel
A threaded barrel extends beyond the slide and has threads at the muzzle for attaching compatible muzzle devices.
Because the barrel extends farther than a standard barrel, the holster must provide sufficient muzzle clearance.
Always tell the holster manufacturer if your firearm has a threaded barrel.
Thread Protector
A thread protector screws onto the end of a threaded barrel when no muzzle device is installed.
It can increase the outside diameter at the muzzle and may affect holster clearance.
Extended Barrel
An extended barrel projects beyond the normal end of the slide.
It may be threaded or non-threaded.
Holster muzzle clearance should be verified.
Compensator / Comp
A compensator, commonly shortened to comp, is a muzzle device or integrated barrel/slide feature intended to redirect gases.
From a holster-fit standpoint, the important issues are the compensator’s:
- Length
- Width
- Shape
- Position relative to the slide
Some compensators fit through an open-bottom holster while wider compensators require a holster specifically designed around them.
Open Bottom / Open Muzzle / Open-End Holster
These terms generally describe a holster where the muzzle end is not completely enclosed.
An open-bottom design may provide clearance for:
- Threaded barrels
- Extended barrels
- Certain compensators
- Longer-slide firearms
However, open bottom does not automatically mean every compensator or extended barrel will fit.
Width and shape still matter.
Closed Muzzle / Closed Bottom
A closed-muzzle or closed-bottom holster encloses more of the muzzle end of the firearm.
Extended barrels and compensators require special attention with this design.
Holster Retention Terminology
Retention
Retention describes how the holster keeps the firearm secured until the user intentionally draws it.
Retention systems generally fall into two broad categories: passive retention and active retention.
Passive Retention / Friction Retention
Passive retention does not require the user to intentionally release a separate locking device before drawing.
With molded thermoplastic holsters, retention can come from the shape of the holster engaging areas such as the trigger guard or, with some light-bearing designs, the weapon-mounted light.
The familiar snap or “click” that occurs when inserting a handgun into many Kydex or Boltaron holsters is an example of molded passive retention.
Positive Click / Audible Click / Tactile Click
These terms describe the sound or feel produced when the firearm seats into a molded retention point.
A click can provide feedback that the firearm is fully seated.
Not every properly fitted holster produces the exact same amount of audible sound.
Adjustable Retention / Retention Screw
Some holsters use screws and compressible spacers to allow the user to increase or decrease the amount of retention.
Tightening the hardware generally increases pressure.
Loosening it generally decreases pressure.
Not every holster design provides adjustable retention.
Active Retention
Active retention requires the user to intentionally operate a mechanism before the firearm can be drawn.
Examples can include:
- Thumb-operated releases
- Rotating hoods
- Retention straps
- Locking mechanisms
Active-retention designs are common in duty, tactical and open-carry applications.
Level I / Level II / Level III Retention
This is one of the most important areas where terminology varies between manufacturers.
There is no universal industry definition that every holster company uses identically for Level I, Level II or Level III.
Manufacturers may base their terminology on the number of retention devices, number of release movements, their own testing procedure or other design criteria.
Therefore:
Never purchase a holster based only on the words Level I, Level II or Level III. Read what that specific manufacturer means by the term.
DME Retention Terminology
Level I refers to the molded retention of the holster around the firearm configuration, typically at the trigger guard on non-light-bearing configurations or around the appropriate area of the weapon-mounted light on light-bearing configurations.
Level II adds an active retention strap over the slide in addition to the molded Level I retention.
DME Level II is available on compatible Standard OWB configurations and is not offered on DME IWB/AIWB or Pancake OWB holsters.
Other manufacturers may define retention levels differently.
ALS / Automatic Locking System
ALS is Safariland terminology for its Automatic Locking System.
It is a specific Safariland active-retention mechanism and should not be used as a generic term for every automatic holster lock.
SLS / Self-Locking System
SLS is Safariland terminology for its Self-Locking System, which uses a rotating hood-style security mechanism.
Again, this is a Safariland product term rather than a universal name for every retention hood.
Thumb Break / Retention Strap
A thumb break or retention strap is an active device that crosses part of the firearm and must be intentionally released before drawing.
Designs vary significantly among manufacturers.
Belt Clips, Loops & Mounting Systems
Belt Clip
A belt clip attaches the holster to the belt, waistband or both.
There are many styles made from metal, polymer and other materials.
Some clips are designed primarily for IWB carry while others are intended for OWB mounting.
Tuckable Clip
A tuckable clip creates space between the holster and the attachment so a shirt can be tucked over the firearm.
See Tuckable above.
Monoblock / Dual-Prong Clip
A Monoblock-style clip uses two closely spaced attachment points or prongs in a single clip assembly.
These are commonly seen on IWB holsters.
Some shoppers may encounter branded metal versions from manufacturers such as Discreet Carry Concepts.
Soft Loops / Snap Loops
Soft loops are flexible belt loops that typically wrap around the belt and secure with snaps.
Some use directional snaps designed to release primarily when pulled in a particular direction.
Belt Loops
Belt loops are fixed loops through which the belt passes.
They may be made from polymer, thermoplastic, leather or other materials.
Always check the loop size against your belt width.
Pancake Loops
Pancake-style belt loops position attachment points on opposite sides of the handgun to help pull an OWB holster closer to the body.
Paddle
A paddle attachment uses a broad piece positioned inside the waistband while the holster itself remains outside the waistband.
Paddle systems are often convenient to put on and remove without threading the belt through fixed loops.
Drop / Drop-and-Offset / Belt Drop
These terms describe mounting hardware that positions an OWB holster lower than a standard belt-height attachment.
An offset can also move the holster farther away from the body.
These setups are common for range, competition and tactical applications.
Tek-Lok
Tek-Lok is a Blade-Tech belt attachment that opens and closes around the belt.
It is commonly used with OWB holsters, magazine carriers and other belt-mounted equipment.
Tek-Lok is a product name, not a generic term for every locking belt attachment.
Tek-Mount
Tek-Mount is Blade-Tech’s quick-connect mounting system.
It allows compatible equipment to be moved between mounting locations using mating components.
DME offers Tek-Mount as an attachment option on compatible Standard OWB holsters.
QLS / Quick Locking System
QLS is Safariland’s Quick Locking System.
It consists of mating components that allow a holster to be attached to or removed from a compatible mounting platform without removing all of the mounting hardware from the belt.
QLS Fork / QLS 19
The QLS fork, commonly the QLS 19, attaches to the holster.
It connects to the matching receiver.
QLS Receiver / QLS 22
The QLS receiver, commonly the QLS 22, is the receiving plate mounted to another platform such as a belt attachment.
The QLS fork locks into the receiver.
UBL / Universal Belt Loop
UBL is Safariland terminology for its Universal Belt Loop family of holster mounts.
UBL configurations are available in different ride heights.
CUBL / Cantable Universal Belt Loop
A CUBL is a Safariland belt-loop mount that provides cant adjustment.
MOLLE
MOLLE is a modular webbing attachment system commonly found on tactical equipment, vests, packs and belts.
A holster normally requires an appropriate adapter or mounting system to attach to MOLLE webbing.
Holster Materials & Construction
Kydex
Kydex is a brand of thermoplastic sheet material commonly used for molded holsters.
Because Kydex became so common in the holster industry, people sometimes use “Kydex holster” as a generic description for almost any rigid thermoplastic holster.
Not every rigid thermoplastic holster is actually made from Kydex-brand material.
Boltaron
Boltaron is another thermoformable sheet material used for holsters.
Like Kydex, it can be heated and formed around a mold to create a rigid holster shell.
DME uses Boltaron whenever practical for its holster construction.
.080 / .093 Material
Numbers such as .080 and .093 describe the approximate thickness of the sheet material in inches.
Thicker material is not automatically “better.” Material thickness is selected based on the holster design, intended use and desired characteristics.
DME generally uses:
- .080 Boltaron for IWB, AIWB and Pancake OWB holsters
- .093 Boltaron for standard black Standard OWB builds
Material used on color or printed Standard OWB configurations may vary depending on availability.
Holster Shell
The shell is the formed main body of a rigid holster.
It is the portion molded around the firearm and accessory configuration.
Hardware / Posts / Screws / Spacers
Holster hardware can include screws, threaded posts, washers and compressible spacers.
These components may attach belt hardware, control adjustable retention or join different parts of the holster assembly.
Because screws can loosen with repeated use, holster hardware should be inspected periodically.
Firearm Fit & Ordering Terminology
Firearm Model
The firearm model is the specific handgun the holster is designed to fit.
Do not assume firearms that look similar use the same holster.
Variant / Model Variant
A variant is a particular version of a firearm model.
Variations can include differences in:
- Slide length
- Barrel length
- Frame dimensions
- Accessory rails
- Controls
- Optics systems
- Generations
- Factory configurations
These differences can affect holster fit.
Generation / Gen
Some firearm families are produced in multiple generations.
You may see terms such as Gen 3, Gen 4 or Gen 5.
A holster that fits one generation may or may not properly fit another.
Barrel Length
Barrel length is an important way to distinguish between similar versions of a firearm.
If an order form asks for barrel length, verify the actual firearm rather than guessing from the model name.
Right-Hand / Left-Hand Draw
Holster handedness refers to the hand used to draw the firearm.
Right-hand draw means the holster is configured for the firearm to be drawn with the right hand.
Left-hand draw means it is configured for the left hand.
This is not necessarily the same as which side of the body the customer ultimately intends to place the holster in unusual carry configurations such as cross-draw.
Accessory Configuration
Your accessory configuration is the combination of equipment actually installed on the firearm.
This may include:
- Weapon-mounted light
- Laser
- Red-dot optic
- Threaded barrel
- Compensator
- Tall or suppressor-height sights
- Other modifications
When a holster is molded for a particular accessory configuration, changing that configuration can change the fit.
Exact Light Model
If a holster order asks which weapon light you use, the exact model matters.
For example, simply selecting “Streamlight” is not enough. Different Streamlight models have different dimensions.
The same applies to SureFire, Olight, Crimson Trace, Viridian and other manufacturers.
Optic Position
Not all red-dot sights occupy the same amount of space or sit in exactly the same position on the slide.
Large optics, enclosed-emitter optics and optics mounted farther forward can require additional holster clearance.
Real-Firearm Test Fit / Test Fitting
A test fit means checking the finished holster against the intended firearm or equivalent fit standard to verify fit, clearance and retention.
At DME Holsters, finished holsters are test-fitted with real steel before shipment.
A Few Important Rules When Comparing Holsters
If you are comparing holsters from several manufacturers, remember these basic rules:
Similar words do not always mean identical designs.
A claw, wing and ModWing perform the same general function, but their shape and effectiveness can differ.
“Optic ready” does not mean every optic will automatically fit.
Large or unusually positioned optics may require additional clearance.
“Open bottom” does not mean every compensator will fit.
Width and shape matter in addition to length.
“Light bearing” does not mean every weapon light will fit.
The holster normally needs to be designed around the exact light or a specifically compatible group of lights.
Retention levels are manufacturer-specific.
Read the manufacturer’s explanation rather than relying on Level I, Level II or Level III alone.
You do not need to buy every concealment accessory from a holster manufacturer.
Something as simple as a foam wedge can be customized at home. Search “Kydex holster foam wedge” on YouTube and you will find many examples and ideas.
Most importantly, if you are unsure what an option means while ordering a holster, ask before guessing.
The purpose of all of this terminology is to help you get a holster that fits your firearm, your accessories and the way you intend to carry it.
DME Holsters
DME Holsters manufactures custom thermoplastic holsters in Marana, Arizona for a wide range of handguns and accessory configurations.
DME offers IWB, AIWB, Pancake OWB and Standard OWB configurations with support for many weapon-mounted lights, lasers, red-dot optics, threaded barrels and compensators.
Our holsters are created using in-house CAD, 3D scanning, 3D printing and our extensive mold library, and completed holsters are test-fitted with real steel before shipment.
Made in Arizona • Test-fitted with real steel before shipment.
If you are unsure about a firearm, accessory or holster option, visit Holster Help & FAQs or contact DME Holsters before placing your order.