A wedge acts as a fulcrum that rests between your body and your holster, and is usually secured with velcro. The wedge acts as a pivoting point, much like the base of a teeter totter -- which is why the exact placement of the wedge on the holster is so important! The holster wedge helps tilt the grip of the gun closer to your body for better concealment and less printing. A wedge can be made out of a number of different materials such as kydex or foam.

Placement plays a key role in how a wedge works. As a general rule, if we place the wedge on one side of the holster, it’s going to change the concealment effect on the opposite end of the holster. Understanding this idea will help you as you work through wedge placement.

Some body types may not need a wedge to achieve their ideal level of concealment, but others will find that it plays a crucial role, both in concealment and comfort.

Here are a few concealment problems that might be solved by a properly shaped and placed holster wedge: 

• Slide tipping away from body causing rear sight/optic printing
• Grip printing even with the presence of pressure and holster wing
• Painful hot spot created by the muzzle end of the holster.
• Comfort and concealment problems for bigger men with a gut

If you identify with any of the concealment problems above, then you might benefit from playing around with a few different kinds of wedges.

Using a holster wedge is simple once you understand the basic wedge use concepts. First, you'll need a way to attach your wedge to your holster.

We highly recommend attaching your holster wedges with Velcro hook-and-loop. If your wedge didn't come with velcro, we recommend purchasing your own velcro rather than adhering the wedge directly to the holster (we recommend 3m industrial adhesive Velcro). Using Velcro to attach your holster wedge allows you to remove the wedge when you need to, like for washing. It also allows you to reposition your wedge if you need to make adjustments to your concealment, say because your body composition changed, or because you wore a different type of outfit that called for more or less than your usual amount of wedge.

Once you have attached your velcro, It's time to discuss where exactly on the holster you will place your wedge. The placement really matters! Small differences in wedge placement can give you different effects on your concealment, as you'll see in the graphics and videos below. Generally speaking, placing your wedge more toward the slide side of your gun will give you more grip tuck, while placing it toward the grip side of your gun will give you more slide tuck (also useful for reducing optic printing).

Holster wedges are easy to make yourself at home, for very little cost. If you're interested in making your own wedge, watch our holster wedge DIY tutorial video.

Keep in mind, you can use a wedge on any IWB (inside-the-waistband) accessory to help with comfort and concealment. Magazine carriers, knife sheaths, or anything else which might tip over the belt, causing printing or discomfort, can be carried more comfortably with a wedge.

If you’re looking for a quicker, easier way, try our Modular Wedge Kit.

Avoid common wedge mistakes with the information in this video:

Keep in mind that a wedge may not be your only solution. We’d also encourage you to consider changing up your holster positioning within 10-2 (between your hip bones, on the front of your torso) to see what works best for you. For a more clear guide on this process you’ll want to visit our blog post about finding your concealment sweet spot!