A good everyday carry setup is three things working together: a holster that fits your gun, a mag carrier for a reload, and a belt that supports both. Most people buy the holster and stop there, then wonder why the whole rig sags or shifts around. Get all three pieces right and carry becomes something you stop noticing. This guide walks through each part and how to make them work as a system.
Start with the holster
The holster is the anchor of the setup, so get it right first. For inside-the-waistband carry, you want a shell molded for your exact pistol, with retention that holds the gun securely and releases cleanly on the draw. A TUKD shell is hand-formed Kydex with pre-tuned retention and no adjustment screws, and every shell is retention-tested before it ships, so the draw is consistent from day one rather than something you have to tune.
Pick your exact model when you order so the shell matches your slide. The design is appendix-first, with a slight clip adjustment that lets you move to strong-side carry if that suits you better. Ride height is fixed, which keeps the shell simple and the retention predictable.
Dial in concealment with a claw
Once you have the shell, concealment comes down to how the grip sits against your body. The grip is the part that prints, and a claw or wing helps rotate it inward so it tucks under a shirt instead of pushing out. Claws, wings, and wedges are sold separately from the shell, so decide whether you need one based on your body type and clothing.
Whether a claw is right for you is worth understanding before you buy. Our breakdown of claw versus no claw covers when the attachment helps and when the bare shell is enough, so you are not adding hardware you do not need.
Add a mag carrier
Carrying a spare magazine is a personal choice, but if you carry one, a dedicated mag carrier beats dropping a magazine loose in a pocket where it collects lint and sits at an unpredictable angle. A Kydex mag carrier holds the magazine at a consistent position and orientation so a reload is repeatable.
Mag carriers are an inexpensive addition to a setup, priced from $29.99 to $39.99. You can see the options on the mag carrier page and match one to your magazine. Position it on the support side so a reload is a natural reach, and set it at a height that clears your cover garment.
The belt ties it all together
The belt is the piece people skip, and it is the one that makes or breaks the setup. A holster and a loaded mag carrier put real weight on your waistline, and a soft dress belt will let all of it sag and roll. A proper gun belt is stiffer and holds its shape, keeping the holster at a consistent height and angle all day so your draw is the same every time.
You do not necessarily need a tactical-looking belt. Plenty of belts are built with a rigid core and a normal appearance, so the belt supports the gear without announcing it. The key is stiffness and a secure closure, not the look.
Putting the system together
With the three pieces chosen, setting them up on the belt is quick. Position the holster where you draw most naturally, which for appendix carry is at or just off the centerline on your dominant side. Place the mag carrier on the support side. Thread everything on the same belt so the load is distributed and nothing floats independently. Wear it around the house for an afternoon before you carry for real, and adjust positions until the draw and the reload both feel natural.
Do not overthink the extras
It is easy to keep adding gear, but a clean setup is usually a simple one. A well-fitted shell, a claw if you need it, a mag carrier if you carry a spare, and a belt that supports the weight will cover the vast majority of everyday carry. Start there, carry it for a while, and add only what you find you actually miss.
Where to start
If you are building a setup from scratch and want a broader checklist before you spend anything, our holster buyer's guide covers what to check on the holster itself so the anchor of your setup is solid. From there, add the mag carrier and belt to complete the rig. Everything TUKD makes is hand-formed in Las Vegas and backed by a lifetime warranty, so the core of your setup is built to outlast the gear you hang around it.