You’ve got a Glock 26. That’s awesome! So now you’re in the market for a holster for this sub-compact handgun. You might wonder what’s the best holster for the Glock 26. You’ll want something light that ensures concealment, yet one that is also easy to draw and re-holster. Here is our essential guide to the best IWB Glock 26 holsters.
Our choice for the best Glock 26 holster is the Inside Waistband (IWB) Concealed Carry Holster by CYA Supply Company. It’s designed to ride inside the pants, helping you to properly conceal your weapon.
The molded Boltaron polymer with passive retention guarantees a secure fit, and there’s no retention strap or finger button to slow down your draw. It offers a smooth draw and re-holster, and it has user-adjustable cant (carry angle).
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What to Consider When Buying a Holster
There are a number of things to keep in mind before you purchase a holster for your Glock 26. Most holsters are not ambidextrous, so you’ll want to make sure you choose a holster set up for either the right- or left-hand, whichever is your strong side.
For concealment purposes, you’ll need a holster that will help keep your firearm hidden from view. In addition, you should keep in mind your choice of wardrobe. Make sure you have long-tailed t-shirts or a jacket or sport coat you can use to guarantee concealment.
An inside the waistband (IWB) holster will keep your pistol securely at your side. But depending on your needs, you might also choose an ankle rig or a pocket holster.
General Holster Types
There are a number of different types of holsters, so let’s take a quick look at some of the more popular styles.
- Inside the Waistband (IWB) – these are designed to keep your weapon inside the waistband of your pants.
- Outside the Waistband (OWB) – these holsters usually come with a belt clip or slots to slide your holster over a belt.
- Ankle Holster – this is a rig that straps to your ankle, keeping the pistol hidden under your pant leg.
- Pocket Holster – a pocket holster uses friction to keep the holster situated in your pocket. Many of these can also be used inside the waistband.
- Semi-permanent Belt Clips – a belt clip attaches to a pin, usually at the rear of the grip under the slide. This allows you to clip the gun directly to your waistband without the use of a holster, like clipping a pocket knife to your pants.
- Belly Bands – these are worn around the abdomen and have elastic holsters to secure your pistol.
Things to Keep in Mind When Buying a Glock 26 Holster
Here’s a handy checklist of things to keep in mind when purchasing a holster for your Glock 26.
What’s Your Dominant Hand?
Remember, holsters are not usually ambidextrous, so you’ll need to be careful when ordering one, especially online, that you get the correct right- or left-handed model. If you decide to carry cross-draw, small of the back, or using a shoulder holster, you’ll still need to keep in mind your dominant hand.
Concealment
Are you carrying concealed? Do you have the proper wardrobe to ensure concealment? This may include long shirts or a jacket, but you should also look at holsters that will aid you in keeping your weapon hidden.
Comfort
Some holsters, usually those made of polymer and mounting via a paddle, are not comfortable for those who are thin with bony hips. Perhaps a leather holster will prove to fit this body type better, or, if nothing else, try a belly band or ankle holster.
Firearm Security
If you’re an active person, you might want to consider a holster with at least passive retention, to keep your pistol secure in its holster. Or you might decide a holster with a retention strap or thumb break will ease your mind.
Draw Speed
Any time you add retention straps or thumb breaks, you might increase your draw speed. If you get a holster with added retention features, you’ll want to practice with it a bit to guarantee you can draw quickly if the need arises.
Best Holsters for Glock 26
So, now you’re ready to learn a bit more about specific types of holsters. Let’s take a look at a selection of them and go into more detail about each one.
| Product Name | Where to Buy | |
|---|---|---|
 | Pistol Holster by Sticky Holsters |  |
 | Concealable Belt Holster by Galco | |
 | Inside the Waistband (IWB) Holster by CYA Supply Co. | |
 | Glock 26 Thumb Release Paddle Holster by Orpaz | |
1. Pistol Holster by Sticky Holsters
This is a friction holster that can go in your pocket or inside the waistband (IWB). It uses the compression of your waistband to hold it securely to your side.
The Pistol Holster is made of somewhat molded nylon with heavy-duty stitching. It does not offer adjustable cant (carry angle).
You can also carry this holster in a pocket, and the friction generated holds the holster in the proper position. It’s easy to draw and easy to re-holster.
The holster is also designed to break up the ‘printing’ of the pistol, preventing it from leaving identifiable markings on your pocket.
This holster does not have any retention straps or thumb breaks. The Pistol Holster is one of the rare holsters that is ambidextrous, and the same holster can be used by either right- or left-handed shooters.
2. Concealable Belt Holster by Galco
This is a pancake-style leather belt slide holster intended to be worn outside the waistband (OWB). The holster is molded for a tight fit, and the belt slots will fit belts up to 1 ½ inches.
As with leather holsters, a short break-in period may be required. Wrapping the firearm in several plastic shopping bags and inserting it into the holster for a day or two can help this process.
This holster does not offer adjustable cant (carry angle) or retention, but it’s set at a standard muzzle-back angle.
It doesn’t have added retention straps to slow down your draw. Firearm security is guaranteed with the molded leather and covered trigger guard.
3. Inside the Waistband (IWB) Holster by CYA Supply Co.
This is a polymer holster designed to fit inside your waistband (IWB). It’s made of Boltaron, a PVC rigid plastic, and molded to fit your firearm.
Boltaron is said to outperform Kydex in impact and heat resistance and is not prone to abrasion.
This holster offers a user-adjustable cant (carry angle) from zero to fifteen degrees using a hex key provided by the manufacturer.
There is no retention other than the passive ‘click’ of the polymer when the firearm is properly holstered. The holster gives a smooth draw and re-holster.
4. Glock 26 Thumb Release Paddle Holster by Orpaz
This is a polymer paddle holster molded to fit the Glock. It’s a level 2 retention holster, giving both passive and active retention.
The holster will give an audible ‘click’ when the firearm is securely holstered, and the user must press a thumb release to draw.
The Paddle Holster has adjustable cant (carry angle) and rotates 360 degrees.
It also has adjustable retention, guaranteeing a perfect fit. It can be worn either inside the waistband (IWB) or on a belt, up to two inches wide, using the same paddle; there’s no changing out the back piece.
This holster has a molded sight channel to protect your gun’s all-important sights. It is NOT available in a left-hand model.
Our Final Thoughts on the Best Glock 26 Holster
Now, you have a good idea of the types of holsters available for your Glock 26. We’ve discussed holster styles in general and have looked more in-depth at some specific models. You’ve probably decided on what kind of holster you need.
We’ve chosen the Inside the Waistband Holster by CYA because of its innovative material, retention, and ease of use.
It offers passive retention without a strap or button to interfere with your draw. It has user-adjustable cant (carry angle) and is designed to last a lifetime. That, along with a 100% satisfaction guarantee from CYA makes this holster a win-win.
