Best Shoulder Holsters

Annabelle Evans

By Annabelle Evans

| Updated 3 Days Ago

  • Shoulder holsters provide a comfortable and discreet way to carry a firearm, distributing the weight evenly across the upper body for all-day wear. Popular among law enforcement, security professionals, and civilians who prefer concealed carry, these holsters attach to the shoulders and hang under the arms, often secured with a strap across the back for added stability. Many models also include extra pouches for spare magazines or gear, making them practical under jackets or loose clothing. When selecting a shoulder holster, fit is crucial—look for adjustable straps to ensure a snug, comfortable fit. Material choice matters too, with leather offering durability and a classic feel, while synthetic options are lightweight. We tested several shoulder holsters to find the best ones for comfort and ease of use.

  • Galco Classic Lite for Glock

    10

    We think the Galco Classic Lite is a solid choice for Glock owners seeking a comfortable and affordable shoulder holster.

    10

    We think the Galco Classic Lite is a solid choice for Glock owners seeking a comfortable and affordable shoulder holster.

    Pros

    • Comfortable and versatile design
    • Premium steerhide construction
    • Fits multiple Glock models

    Cons

    • May require break-in period
    • Bulky for concealed carry
    • Limited color options

    We tried out the Galco Classic Lite shoulder holster and were impressed by its comfort. The harness felt secure and didn’t dig into our shoulders, even after wearing it for hours. We liked how it fit our Glock 19 snugly, with no worries about it falling out.

    The steerhide leather was stiff at first, but it softened up after a few days of use. We found the vertical magazine carrier handy for keeping extra ammo close by. The holster’s modularity is a nice touch, letting us adjust it to fit just right.

    While it’s great for range days or outdoor activities, we found it a bit bulky for everyday concealed carry. The natural color looks good, but we wish there were more color choices. All in all, the Galco Classic Lite offers good value for Glock owners who want a reliable shoulder holster without breaking the bank.

  • Galco Miami Classic Holster

    9.7

    We think the Galco Miami Classic is a top-notch shoulder holster for those who need a reliable and comfortable carry option.

    9.7

    We think the Galco Miami Classic is a top-notch shoulder holster for those who need a reliable and comfortable carry option.

    Pros

    • Super comfy spider harness
    • Fits many gun sizes
    • High-quality leather construction

    Cons

    • Pricey compared to some options
    • Takes time to break in
    • May be overkill for casual users

    The Galco Miami Classic isn’t just a holster – it’s a whole carry system. We found the spider harness to be the star of the show. It moves with you, making it comfy even after hours of wear. The straps are thin, so they hide well under a jacket.

    We like how the holster part fits lots of different guns. Whether you’ve got a compact or a full-size pistol, chances are it’ll work. The leather is thick and sturdy. It might feel stiff at first, but it softens up nicely with use.

    The mag carrier is a nice touch. It holds two magazines securely. We appreciate that it comes with everything you need – no extra parts to buy. While it’s not cheap, we think the quality matches the price tag. If you’re after a top-tier shoulder holster, this one’s hard to beat.

  • Aker FlatSider Shoulder Holster

    9.5

    We think this USA-made leather shoulder holster is a solid choice for Glock 26/27 owners seeking comfort and quality.

    9.5

    We think this USA-made leather shoulder holster is a solid choice for Glock 26/27 owners seeking comfort and quality.

    Pros

    • High-quality vegetable-tanned leather
    • Adjustable fit for various chest sizes
    • Tested by law enforcement agencies

    Cons

    • Limited to specific Glock models
    • Leather may require break-in
    • Pricier than some alternatives

    The Aker FlatSider impressed us with its craftsmanship. Made from top-notch vegetable-tanned cowhide, it feels sturdy and built to last. We found the specially contoured harness design hugged our body nicely, making it comfy for all-day wear.

    One thing we really liked was how easy it was to adjust. The tension screws on the straps let us dial in the perfect fit, even accommodating larger chest sizes up to 62 inches. This flexibility is great for different body types and clothing layers.

    We put this holster through its paces and can see why law enforcement trusts it. The draw is smooth, and the retention feels secure. While it’s made for Glock 26 and 27, we did notice it’s not as versatile for other pistols. The tan leather looks sharp, but it might take some time to break in fully.

  • Galco VHS 4.0 Shoulder Holster

    9.4

    We highly recommend this versatile and comfortable shoulder holster for Glock 19 owners seeking a reliable concealed carry option.

    9.4

    We highly recommend this versatile and comfortable shoulder holster for Glock 19 owners seeking a reliable concealed carry option.

    Pros

    • Fits chests up to 56″
    • Converts for right or left hand use
    • Includes magazine and speedloader carriers

    Cons

    • May be overkill for casual users
    • Leather requires break-in period
    • Higher price point than some alternatives

    The Galco VHS 4.0 impressed us with its quality construction and thoughtful design. We found the premium steerhide leather to be sturdy yet supple, promising years of dependable use. The vertical carry style felt natural and allowed for a smooth draw.

    We appreciated the system’s versatility. It easily converted between right and left-hand use, making it a great choice for ambidextrous shooters. The included vertical double magazine carrier and speedloader pouches were welcome additions, allowing us to carry extra ammo securely.

    During our tests, we noticed the holster distributed weight evenly across our shoulders, reducing fatigue during extended wear. The adjustable straps let us fine-tune the fit for maximum comfort and concealment. While it took some time to break in, we found the VHS 4.0 became more comfortable with each use.

  • Galco Kodiak Hunter

    9.3

    We think the Galco Kodiak Hunter is a top-notch shoulder holster for big revolvers, offering comfort and quick access for long days in the field.

    9.3

    We think the Galco Kodiak Hunter is a top-notch shoulder holster for big revolvers, offering comfort and quick access for long days in the field.

    Pros

    • Comfortable for all-day wear
    • Easily adjustable without tools
    • High-quality leather construction

    Cons

    • Pricey compared to some options
    • May be overkill for smaller firearms
    • Leather requires more care than synthetic materials

    The Kodiak Hunter impressed us with its smart design. It uses a diagonal carry position across the chest, which we found great for balancing the weight of a hefty revolver. The padded shoulder strap teamed up with an adjustable torso strap to spread the load nicely.

    We liked how easy it was to tweak the fit. No screwdrivers needed here – we could adjust it on the fly to work over a t-shirt or bulky jacket. This came in handy as the weather changed throughout our testing days.

    The brown leather looks and feels premium. It’s tough enough to protect your gun but supple enough to move with you. We noticed the quality stitching and solid snaps, which gave us confidence it’ll last for years. While it’s not cheap, we think it’s worth the investment for serious hunters or those carrying large revolvers regularly.

  • GUN & FLOWER Leather Shoulder Holster

    9.1

    We think this versatile leather shoulder holster is a solid choice for those seeking comfort and concealment for a range of handguns.

    9.1

    We think this versatile leather shoulder holster is a solid choice for those seeking comfort and concealment for a range of handguns.

    Pros

    • Fits many full and compact size pistols
    • Handmade from soft, high-quality leather
    • Adjustable for different body sizes

    Cons

    • May be too bulky for some users
    • Leather might need breaking in
    • Limited color options

    We’ve tried out the GUN & FLOWER shoulder holster, and we’re impressed by its quality. The full-grain leather feels soft and pliable, making it comfy to wear for long periods. We found it fits a wide range of handguns, from Glocks to 1911s.

    The adjustable straps let us customize the fit. We could wear it under a jacket or shirt without much bulk. The universal mag holder is a nice touch – it worked well with both double and single stack magazines.

    One downside we noticed is that the holster can feel a bit heavy with larger guns. The straps might dig in after extended wear. We also wish it came in more colors besides brown. But for the price, we think it’s a good value for those wanting a leather shoulder holster.

  • GUN & FLOWER Glock Shoulder Holster

    9

    We recommend this shoulder holster for Glock owners seeking a comfortable and adjustable concealed carry option.

    9

    We recommend this shoulder holster for Glock owners seeking a comfortable and adjustable concealed carry option.

    Pros

    • Custom-molded for a secure fit
    • Four-point pivoting harness for versatility
    • Adjustable retention for holster and mag

    Cons

    • Limited to specific Glock models
    • May require practice for quick access
    • Chest strap not included

    We tested the GUN & FLOWER shoulder holster with our Glock 19, and it impressed us right away. The holster clicked into place with a satisfying sound, letting us know our firearm was secure. We liked how the four-point harness adapted to different body types, making it a good choice for various users.

    The adjustable straps allowed us to find a comfortable position for concealed carry. We appreciated the ability to fine-tune the retention for both the gun and magazine, which let us set it up just how we wanted. The brass snaps on the belt tie-down straps kept everything stable during movement.

    While we found the holster well-made, it’s worth noting that it’s designed for specific Glock models. Users with other firearms will need to look elsewhere. We also noticed that drawing from a shoulder holster took some getting used to compared to hip carry. Adding a chest strap might improve stability, especially when bending over. Despite these minor issues, we think this holster offers good value for Glock owners wanting a shoulder carry option.

  • LIBOSHENG Shoulder Holster

    8.7

    We think this versatile holster is a good choice for those seeking comfort and concealment, but it has some drawbacks to consider.

    8.7

    We think this versatile holster is a good choice for those seeking comfort and concealment, but it has some drawbacks to consider.

    Pros

    • Comfortable neoprene material
    • Fits many gun sizes
    • Multiple carry positions

    Cons

    • Shoulder strap may be too short
    • Can be bulky under tight clothes
    • Velcro might wear out over time

    We tried out the LIBOSHENG shoulder holster and found it to be pretty comfy. The neoprene felt soft against our skin and didn’t make us sweat too much. We liked that we could wear it in different ways – on our belly, under our arm, or on our chest.

    The holster fit our Glock and Sig Sauer pistols well. The push-button design let us draw quickly with one hand. We noticed it works for both men and women and can fit chests up to 42 inches.

    One thing that bugged us was the shoulder strap. It seemed too short to use as a true shoulder holster. The holster can also feel a bit bulky under tight shirts. We worry the Velcro might not last forever with daily use. Still, for the price, it’s not a bad option if you want a flexible way to carry your gun.

  • Aysesa 1911 Leather Shoulder Holster

    8.7

    We think this Aysesa shoulder holster offers good quality and comfort for 1911-style pistols at a reasonable price.

    8.7

    We think this Aysesa shoulder holster offers good quality and comfort for 1911-style pistols at a reasonable price.

    Pros

    • Soft yet durable leather construction
    • Adjustable for different body sizes
    • Includes dual magazine holder

    Cons

    • Requires break-in period
    • Straps may be thin for some users
    • Limited to right-hand draw

    We tested this Aysesa leather shoulder holster with a 1911 pistol and found it to be well-made and comfortable for all-day wear. The soft bullhide leather molds nicely to the body while still providing good weapon retention. We like that it keeps the firearm high and tight, making concealment easier under a jacket or coat.

    The adjustable straps let us get a good fit, though we noticed they’re on the thinner side. This helps with concealment but some users may prefer thicker padding. The included dual magazine holder is a nice touch, giving us extra ammo without adding bulk.

    When we first tried the holster, it was quite snug. After following the break-in steps, it loosened up nicely. The thumb break snap took some practice but got smoother with use. While not perfect, we think this Aysesa holster provides solid value for 1911 owners wanting an affordable leather shoulder rig option.

  • Limited to right-hand draw

    8.6

    We recommend this comfortable and versatile chest holster for concealed carry enthusiasts seeking an affordable option.

    8.6

    We recommend this comfortable and versatile chest holster for concealed carry enthusiasts seeking an affordable option.

    Pros

    • Very adjustable to fit different body types
    • Made of breathable neoprene for comfort
    • Universal fit for many pistol sizes

    Cons

    • Retention strap may slow draw speed
    • Takes some adjustment to get the right fit
    • Not ideal for quick-draw situations

    The HOGIKUO chest holster surprised us with its quality and comfort at such a low price point. We found the neoprene material soft against the skin and breathable, even when worn for long periods. It’s a nice change from stiffer leather options we’ve tried.

    Adjustability is a strong point. We were able to get a good fit on different body types by tweaking the straps. The universal design accommodated various pistols we tested, from compact to full-size models. We liked being able to position the holster on the chest or slightly off to the side.

    There are some trade-offs at this price. The retention strap, while secure, did slow down our draw speed a bit. It took some trial and error to find the ideal positioning. This isn’t the holster we’d pick for quick-draw practice, but for everyday concealed carry, it does the job well. We think it’s a solid choice for budget-conscious buyers wanting comfort and versatility.

Buying Guide

When looking for the best shoulder holster, we recommend focusing on a few key factors:

Comfort

Comfort is crucial for all-day wear. Look for:

  • Padded straps
  • Adjustable fit
  • Breathable materials

Retention

A secure holster keeps your firearm in place. Consider:

  • Thumb breaks
  • Retention straps
  • Molded designs

Concealment

For discreet carry, prioritize:

  • Slim profiles
  • Dark colors
  • Minimal bulk

Draw Speed

Quick access is important. Seek out:

  • Simple release mechanisms
  • Ergonomic designs
  • Practice-friendly features

Durability

A quality holster should last. Opt for:

  • Sturdy materials like leather or Kydex
  • Reinforced stitching
  • Corrosion-resistant hardware

We suggest trying on different styles if possible. What works well for one person may not suit another. Pay attention to how the holster feels when moving and sitting.

Remember to check your local laws about concealed carry before purchasing. Some areas have specific requirements for holsters.

With careful consideration of these factors, you’ll be well-equipped to choose a shoulder holster that meets your needs.