Concealed Carry Positions Explained: Appendix, Strong Side, and Small of the Back

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One of the first decisions every new concealed carrier faces is where to carry their firearm.

If you've spent any time researching concealed carry, you've probably heard terms like appendix carry, strong side carry, and small of the back carry. Each position has its own advantages and disadvantages, and finding the right one often comes down to personal preference, comfort, body type, and experience level.

Let's break down the three most common concealed carry positions and discuss the pros and cons of each.

Finding the Right Carry Position

One thing every new gun owner should understand is that concealed carry is highly personal.

The carry position that works perfectly for one person may not work well for someone else. Factors like body type, clothing choices, firearm size, and daily activities all play a role in determining what feels comfortable and conceals effectively.

The best approach is often to experiment and find what works best for you.

One Holster, Multiple Carry Positions

One of the challenges for new concealed carriers is figuring out which carry position works best for them. The problem is that many people don't know whether they'll prefer appendix carry, strong side carry, or another position until they've spent time carrying.

That's one of the reasons we created the Aren One. The Aren One IWB Holster is designed to work in all three of the carry positions discussed in this article: appendix carry, strong side carry, and small of the back carry. This allows new carriers to experiment with different positions and find what works best for their body type, lifestyle, and comfort level without needing to purchase multiple holsters.

Because concealed carry often involves trial and error, having a versatile holster can make the learning process much easier.

Appendix Carry (AIWB)

Appendix carry, often referred to as AIWB (Appendix Inside the Waistband), typically places the firearm around the 12 o'clock to 1 o'clock position on the front of the body.

Over the last several years, appendix carry has become one of the most popular concealed carry methods among both new and experienced carriers.

Benefits of Appendix Carry

• Fast access to the firearm

• Excellent concealment for many body types

• Easier to protect and retain the firearm

• Comfortable access while standing or walking

• Works well with concealment wings and claws

Because the firearm sits near the centerline of the body, many people find it easier to conceal compared to other carry positions.

Challenges of Appendix Carry

Like any carry position, appendix carry requires an adjustment period.

Many new carriers need time to get comfortable sitting, bending, and moving with a firearm positioned in front of their waist. Proper holster selection, belt choice, and carry setup can make a significant difference in comfort.

Despite the learning curve, appendix carry remains one of the most effective and commonly recommended concealed carry positions.

Strong Side Carry

Strong side carry places the firearm on the carrier's dominant side, typically around the 3 o'clock to 5 o'clock position.

For many people, strong side carry feels natural because it closely resembles how duty holsters and range holsters are commonly worn.

Benefits of Strong Side Carry

• Familiar and intuitive draw motion

• Comfortable for many body types

• Popular for larger firearms

• Often preferred by newer carriers transitioning into concealed carry

Strong side carry has been a popular carry method for decades and continues to work well for many people.

Challenges of Strong Side Carry

Compared to appendix carry, strong side carry may be more difficult to conceal depending on clothing and body type.

Some carriers also find that reaching behind the hip can be slightly slower than drawing from an appendix position. Additionally, reholstering may require extra attention because the holster is not always visible during the process.

However, many concealed carriers continue to use strong side carry successfully every day.

Small of the Back Carry

Small of the back carry places the firearm near the center of the lower back.

While this carry method is less common today, some carriers still prefer it for certain situations.

Benefits of Small of the Back Carry

• Keeps the firearm out of the way while standing

• Can be comfortable for some body types

• Allows concealment under certain clothing styles

Challenges of Small of the Back Carry

Small of the back carry presents several challenges that cause many instructors and experienced carriers to recommend other options first.

These challenges can include:

• More difficult access to the firearm

• Slower draw stroke

• More difficult reholstering

• Reduced accessibility while seated

• Increased difficulty maintaining consistent concealment

For these reasons, many new carriers choose to focus on appendix carry or strong side carry instead.

Which Carry Position Is Best?

There is no single answer that works for everyone.

However, if you're just getting started with concealed carry, many experienced carriers recommend beginning with appendix carry and exploring strong side carry if appendix does not fit your needs or comfort level.

Both positions are widely used, well-supported by modern holsters, and offer practical solutions for everyday concealed carry.

Why Experimentation Matters

One of the biggest lessons new gun owners learn is that concealed carry often involves trial and error.

You may think you'll prefer one carry position only to discover another works better for your body type, clothing, or daily routine.

That's one of the reasons we created the Aren One Holster. By supporting appendix carry, strong side carry, and small of the back carry, the Aren One allows new carriers to experiment with different positions while they learn what works best for them.

The Aren One allows new carriers to experiment with different carry positions without investing heavily in a highly customized setup. It provides a simple, reliable, and affordable starting point while you learn what works best for your lifestyle.

Final Thoughts

Choosing a carry position is one of the most important parts of building a comfortable and effective concealed carry setup.

Appendix carry, strong side carry, and small of the back carry all have their place, but the right choice ultimately comes down to what allows you to carry safely, comfortably, and consistently.

The most important thing is to start with quality equipment, practice safely, and spend time learning what works best for you.