Best LC9s Holsters of 2020 – Complete Buyer’s Guide

| Last Updated: January 14, 2022

Are you looking for a great holster for your LC9 pistol? If so, you are not alone. A great holster is what you’ll need for conceal carrying on an everyday basis. Even if you don’t conceal carry every day, it might be a holster you can put to good use while you are at the range.

Once you are finished, you can safely store it away without carrying it around and risking any kind of accidental discharge.

While the market is flooded with so many holsters (including those for LC9 pistols), we’ve managed to come across seven of the best, exclusively for LC9 pistols. Before we get to the list itself, we’ll talk about the type of holsters that are available and how you can choose one for your own personal use. 

Comparison Chart of the Best LC9s Holsters

IMAGEPRODUCT
  • Best overall LC9s holster
  • Inside the waistband design
  • Made from high-quality Kydex
View Latest Price →
  • IWB design
  • Measured at .08 inches thick
  • Runner-up for best LC9 holster
View Latest Price →
  • Best LC9 holster for the money
  • Made from high-quality cowhide
  • Designed for Ruger pistols (and similar models)
View Latest Price →
  • OWB design
  • Made from high-quality polymer
  • Best OWB holster for Ruger LC9 pistols
View Latest Price →
  • Made from high-quality leather
  • Best IWB holster for LC9 pistols
  • Designed to fit most pistol models
View Latest Price →
  • Ambidextrous design
  • Best LC9 pocket holster
  • Made from high-quality material
View Latest Price →
  • Best LC9s ankle holder
  • Designed to fit most pistols
  • Made from high-quality neoprene
View Latest Price →

What Type of Holster Do I Need?

The short answer: it depends. It will depend on your needs and preferences. For example, if you need a hip holster, you can choose between an outside-the-waistband or inside-the-waistband design. If you want better concealability, the latter will be the best choice.

Alternatively, you can achieve maximum concealability with holsters like shoulder or ankle holsters. These types of holsters can also be used for the purpose of carrying secondary pistols.

How to Choose an LC9s Holster

If you are looking for an LC9s holster, it’s important to find out which one will stand out the best. With that said, you need to keep a close eye on the features and characteristics that are interesting. Now, let’s take a look at what you need to find in order to choose the best LC9s holster:

Price

If you are on a budget, you’re going to find a holster that is affordable in terms of quality and performance. Don’t confuse this as a green light for choosing something that is cheap. If you are looking for cheap, you will be disappointed. The quality will be flimsy and the holster may fall apart, thus rendering it unreliable. 

Concealment Express IWB KYDEX Holster

Quality

Quality is one of the things that matter most when it comes to holsters. So you’re going to need to find one that will be made from high-quality materials. The better the material, the better the chance that it will last you a long time (and will be more reliable in the process). Materials that you may need to keep an eye on are leather, Kydex, or polymer to name a few. 

What Type Will Suit You Best?

If you want a holster where maximum concealability is important, then choosing a holster that is an IWB design is your best bet. You can also consider a shoulder or ankle holster. An OWB holster will be perfect if you want quicker access to your pistol (and perfect for those in law enforcement that rely on an LC9s pistol as a secondary sidearm). 

Review of the Best LC9s Holsters

The following is a list of the seven best LC9s holsters. As you go through each item on the list, it would be a good idea to make a note of any features and characteristics that might be of interest to you. That way, you can find a holster that might stand out as your “ideal type”.

If you find one that matches your description, you’ll know that it’s a winning choice. Now, let’s take a look at the “best overall” holster on our list to kick things off:

Best Overall:
 Concealment Express IWB KYDEX Holster

No products found.

Pros

  • Superior durability
  • Fits LC9 pistols like a glove
  • Easy to draw and re-holster
  • Provides great concealability
  • Attaches easily on belts and waistbands

Cons

  • Clip quality could be better

What Recent Buyers Report

A lot of new users were not disappointed in the slightest with this holster. Not only was it easy to tack on, but it was also easy to fit an LC9 pistol into it. The durability was great and has the potential to last a long time according to one user. He added that the drawing and re-holstering were much faster than compared to his previous holster, which was made from nylon. Most of the new users reported no snags from this holster. 

Why it Stands Out to Us

Kydex is perhaps one of the best materials on the market when it comes to holsters. In fact, it’s blown up in popularity in recent years. The reason why is that it’s proven to be super durable and very difficult to wear and tear. While it might not be the best looking compared to leather holsters, it gets the job done in providing secure concealed carry for LC9 pistols (and other compact pistols). If you are looking for a holster that will provide maximum concealability, then you’d be hard-pressed to find something like this anywhere else. 

Who Will Use This Most

This is a holster that will be excellent for concealed carry users, new or experienced, looking for the best in concealability. Add on your LC9 pistol and holster it in for some bulge-free concealed carry. No one in your immediate vicinity will know that you are carrying. But you will be prepared for any dangerous situations that may occur if and when they happen. 

Bottom Line

The Concealment Express IWB Kydex holster is without question one of the best holsters for an LC9 pistol. And it’s proven beyond a doubt that it deserves a top spot on the list. If you want the best in quality and concealment, you’re going to really love this holster. This is a holster that is built to last and will give you consistently fast drawing. 

Runner-up:
 CYA Supply Co. IWB Holster

No products found.

Pros

  • Thick and durable
  • Clips easily on waistbands
  • Super comfortable to wear
  • Doesn’t weigh you down even when the pistol is loaded
  • Doesn’t print easily when concealed with your LC9 pistol

Cons

  • Clip may fail over time
  • Not suitable for thin pants
  • Some say it rides a bit higher than expected

What Recent Buyers Report

This holster was pretty comfortable to wear for most users. And it was compatible with many LC9 pistols. It’s a holster that was mostly used for concealed carry purposes (though a good number of users were using this as a competition holster that they have used in competitions). One user said that his draw time was much quicker since purchasing this and it gave him a greater edge on the competition. He said that timing really is everything, especially when it comes to finding a holster that will allow for snag-free drawing.

Why it Stands Out to Us

Once again, we look at a holster made from high-quality Kydex. And yes, it’s an IWB design as well. So at this point, it’s going to be a pretty good holster to use right out of the gate. It’s at the right size for compact pistols like the LC9 and as a result, will provide a good amount of concealability (and keep the pistol out of plain sight). Yes, it’s a holster where you clip and forget it. But you are confident in facing the dangers that may threaten your life or property. Though you may never encounter such a thing, it’s better to be prepared than never at all. 

Who Will Use This Most

This would be a great holster for those that want excellent concealability without dealing with the unsightly bulges that might occur with some IWB holsters. Yes, they attract undue attention and the last thing you need is that. This holster is all business and will make sure that you are carrying with confidence each and every time you wear it. If you love your pistol, then it deserves a holster that can take good care of it. 

Bottom Line

The CYA Supply Co. IWB Holster might be hard to compete against other holsters that are not made from Kydex. But it can give our “best overall” choice a run for its money within the next year or so. Specifically, we are looking at a neck and neck race between two holsters made from the same materials that provide superior durability and long-lasting use.

Best for the Money:
 Fast Gunman IWB Holster

No products found.

Pros

  • Excellent durability
  • Super comfortable to wear
  • Solid and sturdy construction
  • Allows for quick and easy drawing
  • Concealability is superb, doesn’t bulge in the slightest

Cons

  • Retention could be better
  • May slide around on some
  • Leather may loosen up over time

What Recent Buyers Report

Most of the new users were in search of a holster that was great in quality and was affordable for most budgets. And they were not disappointed with this holster at all. It allowed for easy concealed carry (or EDC carry) while making sure you are able to draw and re-holster the pistol quickly without experiencing any snagging like some holsters. Overall, concealability was great and the fit was quite comfortable.

Why it Stands Out to Us

Made from high-quality cowhide, this holster is probably the best looking of the bunch. But looks may not always matter to most. Yet, the performance is just as great. It will hold your pistol in place most of the time and won’t slip or wiggle around in the holster. Since it’s an IWB design, it will also provide excellent out of sight concealability. And leather is known for being good on the skin, so if your current holster has been giving you grief and irritation, maybe it’s time to make a switch. 

Who Will Use This Most

This holster is excellent for those starting out with concealed carry. Yes, it’s affordable and that might be enough for newbie users to snag at a really good price. Besides, it’s excellent quality and performance at a price that you can’t say no to. If you want a holster that will last a long time and won’t break the bank, this might be it. 

Bottom Line

The Fast Gunman IWB Holster is one of the better leather holsters on the market for Ruger LC9 pistols (and similar models). This sucker is quite comfortable and won’t let you down when it comes to carrying your pistol safely and securely. The quality is better than most, but cheap and flimsy certainly are not the two words that come to mind. 

Best OWB Holster for Ruger LC9s:
CYTAC Ruger LC9 OWB Holster

No products found.

Pros

  • Excellent durability
  • Easy to clip onto belts and waistbands
  • Allows for quick and easy drawing and re-holstering
  • Fits LC9 pistols without any additional fitting needed
  • Auto-lock system does a good job keeping the pistol in place

Cons

  • Clip quality could be better
  • Might be a bit bulky for some users

What Recent Buyers Report

As expected, a lot of new users were happy with the holster. They managed to clip this on their waistband and belts with ease and the holster remained in position when users were moving around while out and about. The concealment was great and kept the pistol mostly out of sight. One user said that he enjoyed wearing this holster because of the overall comfort and also provided excellent security in keeping the pistol in place without any wiggle room or slippage.

Why it Stands Out to Us

We now focus our attention on OWB holsters. Yes, they are worn outside the waistband, but they are just as beneficial as compared to IWB holsters. You’ll get easier and quicker access to your pistol compared to some other holsters on the market. And it will definitely work to your advantage if and when you are in a dangerous situation. Plus, it allows for snag-free drawing and re-holstering. 

Who Will Use This Most

If you are more of a fan of OWB holsters, then this one might be more your thing. This is for those that want to carry this not just for concealed carry purposes, but also a holster that will work in competition applications. The draw times are proven to be much quicker with this holster even compared to some IWB designs. So if you want to get an edge on the competition, you best believe that this holster might be the best choice for you.

Bottom Line

The CYTAC Ruger LC9 OWB Holster will probably be the one type of holster that will stand out as the best for both concealed carry and non-concealed carry applications (i.e.--competition shooting). This is lightweight and won’t weigh you down while you are carrying. If an OWB holster is what you want for excellent concealability and quick drawing, then this holster will answer the call of duty. 

Best LC9s IWB Holster:
 Relentless Tactical The Defender Leather IWB Holster

No products found.

Pros

  • Really comfortable fit
  • Provides excellent concealability
  • Well-made construction, really durable
  • Clips on to waistbands and maintains its position
  • Fits many pistols like LC9s, Glocks, and SIGs (to name a few)

Cons

  • May be too small for some pistols
  • Trigger guard could be a bit bigger
  • Some say it might be a bit too thick for concealment

What Recent Buyers Report

Most users loved the holster for a few good reasons. For one, the holster allowed for excellent concealability that won’t bulge and give off any undue attention. The overall fit was comfortable and the holster provided no wiggling around or slippage. One user said that this IWb holster was much more comfortable to wear compared to some of the other IWB holsters that he’s used in the past (and have been proven ineffective). 

Why it Stands Out to Us

This is a holster that is made from high-quality leather that is nice and thick for durability. That alone gives it the potential to last you quite awhile compared to some soft material holsters. What makes leather so much better than nylon or other soft materials is that it’s less likely to cause any kind of jamming while drawing or re-holstering. Aesthetics wise, it looks pretty sleek and sharp. If you want a holster that is good looking and well-constructed while providing the best in IWB concealed carry, this might be the best holster out there. And for the price it’s going for, why shouldn’t you snag what seems to be the deal of a lifetime? 

Who Will Use This Most

If you are new to concealed carry, then you’ll need a holster that is solid in construction and comfortable to wear. This might be one of the better options for you since it just so happens to be affordable as well. An LC9 is also a really good pistol to use when starting out with concealed carry. So if you have an LC9 to start out with, this is a great holster that will make sure it’s fit perfectly and will provide reliable carrying each and every day. 

Bottom Line

The Relentless Tactical Defender is certainly a holster that will make your concealed carry experience a lot better. The quality is amazing and it will certainly make concealability a lot better in practice. If you want comfortable, print-free concealed carry, this holster will get the job done each and every time. 

Best LC9s Pocket Holster:
DeSantis 2001038 Ambi blk Nemesis Holster

No products found.

Pros

  • Really durable and strong
  • Easy to draw and re-holster
  • Allows for great concealability
  • Fits in most pockets quite nicely
  • Fits in most jeans and even running shorts

Cons

  • Might be a bit bulky
  • Some of the stitching might be a little off
  • May not be suitable for any loose pockets

What Recent Buyers Report

A lot of new users were looking for a great holster that allowed for excellent concealability. Sure enough, they got it with this pocket holster. The durability was amazing and concealability was perfect for most users. One user said that it was a perfect fit for his pocket despite having to go up a pants size for it to happen. Even when wearing a belt, he said that accessing the pistol was quick and easy for him. 

Why it Stands Out to Us

A pocket holster might be one of the best types of holsters you can find for the purpose of achieving maximum concealment. No, it’s not something you can attach to a belt or waistband, but you can still keep the pistol safely out of plain sight as a result. This is a holster that will make preparing for any dangerous situations that may threaten your life a lot easier. 

Who Will Use This Most

This will be perfect for those who want maximum concealability out of a holster without relying on an IWB design. Yes, it can fit in pockets and an LC9 can fit in your pocket with or without a holster. But if you want to make sure that no lint or debris ends up inside, then you’ll want a holster that will protect your pistol. This will certainly be one of the better choices if you really want to keep your pistol out of plain sight. 

Bottom Line

If you are looking for a holster that will make sure that you conceal your LC9 properly, the DeSantis Nemesis will be one of the best ones you’ll invest in. Especially when it’s tough enough to handle the consistent drawing and re-holstering. It won’t snag nor will it bulge on you. Even if you purchase one holster on here, this might come in handy as a nice secondary. 

Best LC9s Ankle Holster:
Concealed Carrier (TM) Ankle Holster

No products found.

Pros

  • Super comfortable fit
  • Fits across most ankle sizes
  • Easily fastens and stays in place
  • Provides excellent stealth and quick drawing
  • Perfect for self-defense and secondary carrying

Cons

  • Longevity might be limited
  • Velcro quality could be better
  • May not be suitable for carrying while hiking

What Recent Buyers Report

This was a holster that a lot of users have relied on as a secondary carrying holster. They already carried a pistol on their hip or appendix carry. Other users were professional security guards that were looking to use a holster that was stealthy and intended to throw off any potential assailants looking to cause trouble. All in all, they were quite happy with the comfortable fit and the maximum concealability they got out of the holster itself. 

Why it Stands Out to Us

Ankle holsters are probably one of the best types of holsters on the market. They are great to have when you want to carry an additional pistol. But what’s even better is that this can be used to trick the most unassuming of assailants that want to attack and harm others. Typically, they’ll check your hip area to see if you are carrying. But lo and behold, when they come after you they won’t know until it’s too late that you are carrying. 

Who Will Use This Most

This will be excellent for those who want to carry two pistols at once or keep it subtle. No matter how you use it, it’s a holster that is proven to be really comfortable and will allow for super secure carrying. This is a holster that will make sure that your pistol stays snug in place and ready for action if and when you need it the most. There is no better way than to surprise an attacker by drawing a pistol while pretending to tie your shoe.

Bottom Line

If you want an ankle holster that will hold up its end of the bargain, then Concealed Carrier Ankle Holster will more than likely be the best choice for you. You can fasten this sucker around your ankle in a matter of seconds and be prepared for any survival situation that warrants the use of your pistol. An LC9 is pretty reliable in those situations, so why not get a holster that is just as reliable (and creates that element of surprise in the process)?

Aspects to Consider Before Buying

It’s important to consider some additional aspects before making an informed decision on an LC9 holster. You should ask yourself some questions so you have a good idea of what exactly you are looking for in an LC9 holster. Here are some things to ponder:

Which Holster Works Best For Me?

Are you more apt to use an IWB holster? Or are OWB holsters more of your thing? Consider your personal needs and preferences of what you want out of a holster. For example, if better concealability is what you are searching for in a holster then you may want to consider IWB holsters as your starting point.

Does the Material Matter to Me?

It depends on how often you want to purchase a holster. Some materials will last better than others in terms of longevity. At the same time, the materials will also make the difference between easy maintenance and having to discard it because it’s too dirty or damaged. 

Will I Need a Tactical Belt?

Getting a tactical belt is optional. And so if using your waistband (see ankle holster or pocket holster). But it’s important to find a holster that will easily attach to you so you are able to know exactly where it is and not have to struggle to look for it when time is not your friend in a survival situation. If you are not confident in the holster’s ability to stay put in your waistband, a belt might be what you need. 

Cautious Considerations to Keep In Mind

The following are two cautious considerations you need to know about. These should not be ignored in the slightest as doing so may risk safety hazards. Knowing these will make you more informed about choosing an LC9 holster (and making the right choice at that). Here are some things you need to know:

LC9s Have Light Trigger Pulls

LC9 pistols have a lighter trigger pull, which means that with enough pressure it may cause accidental firing or misfires. So you’re going to need a concealed carry holster that will safely allow you to draw and re-holster your pistol while preventing these unfortunate incidents from happening.

Should You Appendix Carry?

Because of the light trigger pulls on most of these LC9 pistols, it is not recommended that you should appendix carry. Since that carry position is closer to your body, you may risk serious injury due to accidental discharge. If you must wear an IWB holster, make sure it is fitting in a position like the 3 o’clock or 5 o’clock position. 

Conclusion

Finding the best LC9 holster might be a challenge. But one of these seven holsters might be yours for the taking if you want something that is high in quality and reliable in performance. It will be useful to you for the long-term and won’t render itself useless even if you wear it on occasion. If you really want to prepare yourself for any situation where self-defense is a possibility, a holster for your LC9 pistol is a must.