AIWB — Appendix Inside the Waistband Carry Explained

AIWB (Appendix Inside the Waistband)

AIWB is the carry-position acronym for 'appendix inside the waistband' — concealed carry with the holster between your body and your pants, positioned forward of the strong-side hip near the 1 o'clock position. Functionally identical to 'appendix carry.' It's the dominant modern concealment style.

See our full appendix carry guide for the complete breakdown including safety considerations, holster selection, body-type considerations, and common mistakes. AIWB is the same thing — just the acronym version.

Quick reference

Position: 12-2 o'clock (1 o'clock typical for right-handed)
Holster type: Rigid kydex IWB with adjustable retention, claw or wing for grip-to-body rotation, wedge for comfort
Belt: 1.5" rigid gun belt — fashion belts will collapse and let the holster sag
Pants: Plan to go up one waist size from your usual fit
Reholster: Slowly, deliberately, looking at the holster mouth. Never in a hurry.

The case for AIWB

Fastest concealment draw geometry
Best concealment for most body types with proper wedge + claw
Gun is in your line of sight, hard to disarm
Centered weight distribution — both sides of body balanced

The case against

Muzzle direction toward femoral artery during reholster
Requires 3-4 weeks adaptation for sitting comfort
Larger guns less comfortable than strong-side carry
Soft holsters dangerous — must use rigid kydex

Frequently asked

What's the difference between AIWB and IWB?

AIWB is a SPECIFIC IWB position — appendix, around 1 o'clock. 'IWB' alone usually implies strong-side carry at the 3 or 4 o'clock position. Both are inside the waistband; AIWB is the front-of-body specific case.

Is AIWB the same as appendix carry?

Yes. AIWB and appendix carry are interchangeable terms. AIWB is the abbreviation.

Why is AIWB so popular now?

It draws faster, conceals better with a claw-equipped holster, and keeps the gun in your line of sight where you can defend it. The trade-off is the muzzle direction (near the femoral artery) and the discipline required during reholster.

What gun is best for AIWB?

Most modern carry pistols work for AIWB — Glock 19/43X/48, Sig P365 series, Sig P320 Compact/X-Compact, S&W M&P 2.0 Compact/Shield Plus, Walther PDP-F. The key factors aren't the gun itself but the holster fit and a quality belt. Smaller guns (P365, Shield Plus, Hellcat) are more comfortable; larger guns (G19, P320 X-Carry) shoot better but take more adaptation.

AIWB (Appendix Inside the Waistband)

Quick reference

The case for AIWB

The case against

Frequently asked

What's the difference between AIWB and IWB?

Is AIWB the same as appendix carry?

Why is AIWB so popular now?

What gun is best for AIWB?

Related terms

Appendix carry — full guide

IWB holsters

IWB vs OWB