Best Everyday Carry Belts [2023]

In the market for a gun belt? You’re not alone. More and more people are finding themselves in need of a good, sturdy gun belt to keep their firearm securely by their side. But with so many different options on the market, it can be tough to know where to start. Every day carry, or EDC, gun belts have come a long way in recent years. No longer are they just flimsy strips of leather that barely hold your pants up, let alone support the weight of a holster and gun. Nowadays, there are purpose-built EDC gun belts on the market that are designed for comfort and durability. In this post, we’ll take a look at the best EDC gun belts of 2023.

What to look for in a [EDC] Belt

No belt is created equal and for that reason alone it is important to know what to look for when purchasing your next EDC belt. While there are many belts with the same purpose in mind (holding you firearm and other EDC accessories in place without losing your pants), not all belts are made or created the same. Here are a few tips to keep in mind when shopping for the next EDC belt:

#1: Width and Thickness

The width and thickness of your EDC belt are two of the most important factors to consider. The width should be appropriate for the loops on your pants and the size of your gun/accessories. Most EDC gun belts are 1.5″ wide, but you may need something wider or narrower depending on your gear. The thickness is important for both comfort and durability. A thinner belt will be more comfortable to wear but may not hold up as well to daily wear and tear. A thicker belt will last longer but may be less comfortable. Ultimately, it’s a matter of personal preference.

#2: Buckle Type

The type of buckle you choose is mostly a matter of personal preference, but there are a few things to keep in mind. A metal buckle will be stronger than a plastic buckle but may set off metal detectors. A plastic buckle won’t set off detectors but may not be as durable as a metal one. If you’re primarily concerned with concealability, consider a friction-lock or slimmer profile buckle that doesn’t protrude from the belt.

#3: Material

When it comes to the material of your gun belt, there are two main options: leather and synthetic/nylon. Leather is classic, looks good, and generally holds up well to daily use. Synthetic materials (like nylon) are often more affordable and tend to be lighter weight, which can be nice if you’re carrying a lot of gear. Again, it’s mostly a matter of personal preference here.

Best EDC Belts Ranked:

1. KORE Essentials Belts

Our top pick for 2023 goes to Kore Essentials. A reinforced gun belt zips and locks at your exact waist size for a perfect fit, AND with plenty of support for your Glock 19 + spare mag IWB or even 1911 OWB. No joke, this is the #1 rated gun belt by pros and often referred to as the “Best Gun Belt Ever”. Their secret is a hidden track sewn into the back of the belt (hidden from sight) so you can adjust (looser or tighter) in small 1/4″ increments. No more belt holes or velcro to deal with. You can even adjust it on the move without ever undoing the buckle. That my friends a game changer. In addition, the center of the belt features Kore’s proprietary Power-Core center that gives the belt needed rigidity. No roll-over, no sag, no fooling around, this is an awesome belt. They offer 1.5″ wide gun belts in leather, tactical webbing, real carbon fiber, multicam and basketweave for LEO’s. Or if you’re up to it, try a 1.75″ wide range type belt or molle covered battle belt that micro adjust. Kore gun buckles use a patented spring ratchet mechanism thats very reliable and never jams. Buckle finishes include gunmetal, nickel, stainless, black powdercoat and brass. Interchange and mix and match them. Best of all, most styles don’t even look like a gun belt, cause no one needs to know you’re carrying. What more do you want in a belt?

Prices start at $59.95

Shop KORE

2. Klik Belts

Next up is the Tactical Belts by KLIK. These heavy duty belts are ready for any adventure. The feature a patented Cobra® buckle that some claim to be the strongest in the world. The 2-Ply webbing is designed to be rigid in the vertical direction but pliable in the horizontal direction making this an excellent concealed carry gun belt. We love the 1.5″ wide 2-Ply webbing because it fits through all pant loops. No need to worry about durability- the triple-stitched design is made for extra strength and the attached buckle is anodized (not powder coated), which provides a super hard finish and looks incredible. For those who wear a holster and looking for a good, everyday-use belt, they feature a 1-Ply version that may work better. These belts are made to Klik n’ go.

Price: $84 on KLIK Belts

Shop Klik

3. Hanks Belts

Hanks Belts have been around for ages, and their additional Kydex made belt holds just about anything you put on it. Hanks Kydex reinforced CCW gun belt has a Kydex core that simply won’t allow any sag. It’s backed with rugged nylon to keep overall thickness down and is made in their most popular 1 1/2″ width. Each of these belts is composed of full grain USA extra heavy vegetable tanned leather and then they add a Kydex stiffener and back it with super rugged high tensile strength nylon. By backing it with nylon these belts keep the overall thickness down but still giving you the support only a reinforced belt can provide. The nylon backing has the added benefit of low friction which makes the belt slide on and off effortlessly. The heavy duty roller buckle makes it easy to cinch the belt down as tightly as you like without binding or excessively marking the belt. When you need a gun belt with ultimate support for your firearm, the Hanks Kydex Reinforced CCW belt will get the job done.

Pricing Varies- See Prices

Shop Hanks

4. Crossbreed Belts

CrossBreed Holsters has gone next level with their Classic Gun Belt. This belt is now has a woven nylon webbing strap as a liner to their already tough, sturdy belts. This nylon core increases the support of the belt, making it stiffer, and keeps the belt from stretching long term. This liner is set in place with industrial adhesive between the layers of top grain leather, and as always, the belts are recessed stitched to keep a smooth look and provide for longer, fray free wear. The Classic Gun Belt by CrossBreed has been recently redesigned, to make it stronger and better than ever! We already dig their belts with the hides specifically tanned, and now we love them even more. Each leather belt strip is matched cross grain with a premium 7 oz leather liner using industrial adhesive, and now incorporates a ¾” woven nylon webbing strap. This new design provides additional support and keeps the belt from stretching through continued use. Each belt is beveled, burnished, and joined by recessed stitching using 277 thread. These belts will be approximately ¼” thick resulting in a strong belt with superior support for your carry needs, while still offering flexibility for comfortable everyday wear. Each belt comes standard with a Stainless roller buckle, with additional buckle options available. Belts by CrossBreed come with a try it free, two week guarantee.

Pricing Starts at $64

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5. Blue Alpha Belts

Blue Alpha EDC belts are made from two layers of high quality 1.5″ nylon webbing that are sewn together with matching color bonded nylon thread, creating an extra strong and extra stiff belt that looks great. The sizing is specific to each pant size, yet allows for movement of your waistline or for the extra space you need for your concealed carry. Each belt is made with pride in the USA, and their EDC belts carry a Lifetime Warranty on craftsmanship. The smaller female buckle will fit through most belt loops easily and measures just over 1.5″ with the release clips. These belts will adjust +/- 2″so if you feel like you are in between two sizes or can’t decide which of two sizes to choose, we recommend the larger size.

Pricing Varies around $94

Shop Blue Alpha

Honorable Mention: Nexbelt

These belts are essentially a knock off of the KORE Essentials belts, but made the end of the list as they’re still decent belts with good adjustability. Unfortunately they have a higher price point, less selection, and have a bit less rigidity than some of the other belts on the list.

Shop Nexbelt

4 Purchasing Takeaway Tips:

When considering what belt to add to your cart and then wear for your EDC adventures, be sure to keep these 4 tips in mind before checking out!

Ease of Use

One of the most important things to look for in a gun belt is ease of use. After all, if you can’t easily put on or take off your belt, it’s not going to do you much good in an emergency situation. Look for a gun belt with a simple buckle that can be undone quickly and easily, even with one hand.

Comfort

Another important consideration is comfort. You’re going to be wearing your gun belt all day, so you need something that won’t dig into your sides or otherwise cause discomfort. Look for a gun belt made from breathable materials like leather or nylon, and make sure it’s not too tight or too loose.

Durability

Of course, durability is also important. You need a gun belt that will stand up to daily wear and tear and won’t fall apart at the first sign of trouble. Look for belts made from high-quality materials like full-grain leather or reinforced nylon webbing. Stay away from belts made from cheap plastics or metals—they’re more likely to break under stress.

Affordable Price

Finally, don’t forget to consider price when selecting a gun belt. There’s no need to break the bank on something you’re only going to wear occasionally, but you also don’t want to skimp on quality and end up with a belt that falls apart after just a few uses. Look for something that strikes a balance between quality and price, and you should be good to go.