As far as material goes, picking the right ones is crucial if you want your custom holster to keep its promise of comfort, durability, and functionality as well as quality materials. Whether you walk the wild as a civilian, law enforcement officer, or concealed carry permit participant, a shoulder holster that meets your requirements will be a holster that you cannot live without. In this guide, we will walk you through the most common elements you need to consider when choosing the right materials for your custom shoulder holster.

Custom shoulder holsters — Material matters:

The material used for making a custom shoulder holster affects several aspects like durability, weight, flexibility, and comfort. Research from the industry says that the materials behind the firearm holsters influence both the performance and longevity that the holster is capable of. Here are some basic differences in materials that will aid your choice, and if you are buying a holster you are going to wear every single day or in a tactical environment.

Internal Shoulder Holster Best Materials

Shoulder holsters have few materials of choice and each of them brings certain characteristics that lend themselves more than others to specific needs. Now, onto the most commonly available options and why each is your ideal selection for a custom shoulder holster.

Leather classic 3-piece leather skirt, much rough and tough business

The most common material used to create custom made shoulder holsters is leather, which is mainly due to the practicality of the old look and durability of the material. Leather items are and will always be durable, permanent in style, and disappear individually for every consumer, the global leather products market is estimated to be worth more than $400 billion in 2022 according to Statista.

Leather holsters need to form to the gun to be right. They are also incredibly durable, and a built-in aging process gives every holster a singular patina.

Cons: Heavier than synthetic and may require periodic upkeep – like some oil every so often perhaps – to prevent it from stiffening and becoming fragile.

Highlights: Considering the daily wearer with its durable classic appearance.

Kydex – The Stiff and Well Fitted

Kydex is a space-age plastic that is generally liked for custom shoulder holsters because it is light yet rigid. Despite Kydex being a specific thermoplastic, an Allied Market Research report from 2021 revealed that the thermoplastics industry itself (including Kydex to a certain extent) is set to experience tremendous growth due to the consumer preference for lighter consumer wear.

Pros: Kydex holsters are molded to the gun allowing great retention and ease of reholstering the gun. These are weather-resistant and need low maintenance.

Disadvantages: Kydex (if I am really talking about Kydex) is hard stuff, and it will not adapt to the shape of your body, so it may not be comfortable for a long time. The good news is, it may be slightly clanky when being drawn quickly which may make it less useful for tactical considerations.

Best for: A weather-resistant, lightweight, and shape-holding holster

Shoulder Holster Materials: Key Elements to Keep in Mind

But there is a whole pile of other concerns you should consider with your custom shoulder holster aside from just what kind of material.

Comfort and Fit

Comfort — This is a given since shoulder rigs are a part of your body for extended periods. The other criterion, with 65% of respondents being Pew Research Center users, is comfort again being placed top on the list of any holster or method of carry. Flexibility — Leather and nylon will bend and conform to your body which will be 100x better and Kydex is ideal if you would prefer a rigid holster instead of a flexible one.

Wear & Durability

Every pixel material has its lifespan and its level of resistance to regular wear. Kydex & Leather: extremely durable Nylon: will wear out a hell of a lot faster than leather + Kydex. A good holster will last a fair while, but if you carry every day or do maybe even a wet ride of 2 a week, then get some leather or some kind of Kydex and it should last you plenty of time with your holster in question not having to contend with it.

Weather and Maintenance Resistant

So too can the weather affect the functionality of your shoulder holster. Leather’s strength isn’t the problem, but regular oiling may be needed to keep it flexible during dry air. On the other hand, Kydex and nylon require very little or no maintenance at all, and so they serve their owners who happen to be stationed in high moisture or rainy climates quite well. Given that International Textile Association studies show Kydex and nylon retain shape and moisture-resistant traits, you may need to consider if you typically carry under different climate conditions.

More Goodness to Add on Your Custom Shoulder Holster

This is just the tip of the iceberg in terms of what to look for when it comes to choosing the correct fabric. Here are more options to make your custom shoulder holster functional and more adjustable:

Adjustable Bands: You need adjustable straps as they will give you a comfortable fit while you wear them. Search for padded elastic or leather to have a better range of movements.

Close the doors: Retention is a massive tool of defense — especially if you’re on the run! Choose materials that work well with retention systems (thumb breaks, or tension screws)

Secondary Pouches or Magazines: For the extra magazine pouches or storage, try nylon material since it is easier to sew and they can add on to it as well.

Making the Final Decision

As you consider choices for a custom shoulder holster, there is no single best material for all needs. According to your needs, lifestyle, and preferences. Here are the factors to take into consideration and by weighing the pros and cons of each material therefore you can choose which you can have your custom shoulder holster made of which is not only functional but your style and comfort as well.

Conclusion:

In the case of your custom shoulder holster, choosing a belt for optimum performance is a decision that can optimize performance and make you comfortable. By identifying the unique characteristics of the leather, the Kydex, the nylon material, and your own needs you should arrive at a holster that provides you both the ideal blend of function, durability, and looks. The essence of any good holster is quality materials and craftsmanship, this makes it comfortable durable, and oriented to your lifestyle.