You bought a holster, you set it up appendix because the EDC subreddit said so, and now you are sitting at your desk wondering if you should have gone strong side instead. Or the reverse. Either way, you are not alone.
This article walks through the real differences between appendix (AIWB) and strong side carry. No dogma. Just what each one is good at and what each one is not.
The Short Answer
Appendix carry is faster to draw, easier to conceal under fitted clothing, and harder to get comfortable when sitting. Strong side carry is more forgiving when seated, easier on certain body types, and slightly slower to draw cleanly.
Most experienced carriers we know carry appendix. Most new carriers we know start strong side and migrate to appendix. Neither is wrong. The right answer depends on your body, your daily routine, and your willingness to invest in good gear and good practice.
How Each Position Works
Appendix carry (AIWB) means the holster sits inside your waistband at roughly the 1 o'clock position (for a right handed shooter). The gun is in front of your hip bone, near the appendix area, hence the name.
Strong side carry means the holster sits inside or outside the waistband at roughly the 4 o'clock position, behind the hip on your dominant side. The gun rides at your side near the kidney.
Comfort
Appendix:
- Standing, walking, and active movement are comfortable for most body types.
- Sitting can be uncomfortable, especially for carriers with a longer torso or more midsection. The gun grip can press against the lower abdomen when leaning forward.
- A wedge or claw attachment shifts the muzzle slightly outward and the grip slightly inward, which improves both comfort and concealment.
Strong side:
- Sitting is comfortable. The gun rides next to the seat back without contact.
- Standing is comfortable. The gun's weight is supported by the belt at a balanced point.
- Reaching across your body to draw can be awkward in tight quarters or seated.
- A heavier body type may find the gun digs into the kidney when sitting. A thinner body type may find the gun prints through fitted shirts at the hip line.
Concealment
Appendix:
- Easier to conceal under tucked button downs, polos, and t shirts.
- The gun is in front of you so you can monitor printing in a mirror.
- A wedge attachment makes the muzzle push outward and the grip inward, reducing print.
Strong side:
- Concealment depends heavily on shirt cut. A loose shirt covers the hip well. A fitted shirt prints at the grip.
- Cover garments like an open button down or a vest hide a strong side rig completely.
- Reaching for items above your head (like reaching for a shelf) can lift the cover garment and expose the gun.
Draw Speed
Appendix:
- A clean appendix draw is typically faster than strong side. The gun is in the centerline of your body, closer to where your hands rest.
- Draw stroke is short. The gun comes up and out in one motion.
- Re holster requires a deliberate index. Looking the gun back into the holster is best practice.
Strong side:
- Draw stroke is longer. Your hand has to swing back to the hip then forward.
- Re holster is easier to do without looking, since the holster is at your side.
- In a seated position, drawing strong side requires either standing first or significantly twisting in the seat.
Safety Considerations
Both positions are safe with a quality holster, a trigger guard fully covered by Kydex, and good practice. Specific things to know:
Appendix:
- The muzzle of the holstered gun points down and slightly inward toward your femoral artery and groin. A negligent discharge in this position can be life threatening.
- This is why appendix carry requires a quality Kydex holster with full trigger guard coverage and zero exposure of the trigger. Soft holsters are not appropriate for appendix carry.
- Re holster slowly. Look the gun in. Never rush.
Strong side:
- The muzzle points down and slightly outward away from the body. A negligent discharge here is still dangerous but unlikely to hit a major artery.
- Strong side is more forgiving for new carriers learning re holster mechanics.
Which Body Types Each One Favors
Appendix tends to work better for:
- Lean to average builds.
- Carriers with shorter torsos.
- Carriers who spend most of the day standing or walking.
- Carriers who train regularly with a structured holster.
Strong side tends to work better for:
- Larger or heavier builds.
- Carriers with longer torsos.
- Carriers who spend most of the day sitting (drivers, desk workers).
- Carriers who prefer a more forgiving learning curve.
What to Try First
If you are new to concealed carry, start with strong side at 4 o'clock. It is more forgiving for the learning curve. Get comfortable with the draw stroke and re holster mechanics for 30 to 60 days.
Then try appendix. The TUKD ORIGIN holsters are optimized for appendix carry but allow slight adjustment for strong side via the clip mount. So one holster can work for either position while you experiment.
Carry both ways for a week each. Pay attention to comfort sitting, comfort walking, and how confident you feel about concealment. Pick the one that wins more days.
Gear That Matters Regardless of Position
- A real gun belt. Department store belts will not support a holstered gun. Get a 1.5 inch reinforced gun belt.
- A quality Kydex holster with full trigger guard coverage. The TUKD ORIGIN works for either position with the same shell.
- A wedge or claw if carrying appendix. Sold separately at TUKD.
- Cover garments cut for concealment. Untucked polos, button downs one size larger than your t shirt size, and casual jackets.
The Bottom Line
Appendix and strong side are both legitimate carry positions. The right answer depends on your body, your day, and your willingness to invest in the right gear and the right practice.
If you want a holster that works for either position, the TUKD ORIGIN is set up for AIWB but adjustable for strong side. Pick your gun model, your hand, and your color via Find Your Holster.
Carry safe.