Quick answer: A pancake holster is an outside-the-waistband holster made of two layers of material, usually leather, with two slots that the belt passes through. The slots pull the gun close to your body, which makes it comfortable, stable and quick to draw from. It can be open-end or closed-end and often includes a thumb break for retention.
If you have browsed holsters for any length of time, you have seen the term pancake holster. It is one of the oldest and most popular OWB designs, and it is still a favorite with people who value comfort, stability and a quick, natural draw. This guide explains exactly what a pancake holster is, how it works and whether it is right for you.
What is a pancake holster?
A pancake holster is a holster made of two pieces of material, traditionally leather, joined together with the gun held between them. It has two slots, or sometimes a set of slots, through which a belt passes. When the belt is threaded through, the holster is pulled flat against your side, which is where the name comes from. It is an OWB holster, which means you wear it outside your pants; see our guide to OWB holsters for the whole category. For general background on the holster family, see the overview of the holster.
How does a pancake holster work?
The belt slots do most of the work. They hold the holster at a fixed height and angle and, because they sit on both sides of the gun, they pull it in toward your body. That keeps the gun stable when you walk, bend or sit and reduces the “swing” some holsters have. The leather is molded around the gun, which holds it in place, and many pancake holsters add a thumb break strap for extra retention.
Open-end vs closed-end pancake holsters
You will see both terms on our listings, so here is the difference:
- Closed-end: The holster wraps around the end of the barrel. It feels enclosed and keeps lint out of the muzzle end.
- Open-end: The muzzle end is open, which can be a little more forgiving across different barrel lengths and easy to wipe out and dry.
Neither is better in every case, and both hold the gun with a molded fit. See how we apply this to specific models in our Beretta 92 and CZ 75 guides.
What is a thumb break?
A thumb break is a small leather strap with a snap that fastens over the back of the gun. As you draw, your thumb flicks it open. It is a simple, widely used way to add a second layer of retention, and many of our pancake holsters offer it. Retention levels are explained in our guide to picking the right retention holster.
Handmade leather pancake holsters for popular pistols and revolvers
Pros of a pancake holster
- Comfort. The gun rides on the outside of your belt, with no pressure inside your pants.
- Stability. The two slots hold the holster steady and pull it close.
- Easy access. The grip is easy to reach, and the draw is natural.
- Works with large guns. Full-size pistols and revolvers are easier to carry this way than inside the waistband.
- Pairs well with pouches. A magazine pouch or speedloader case can thread onto the same belt, as in our pistol holster and magazine pouch sets.
Cons of a pancake holster
- Concealment. It needs a cover garment such as a longer shirt, jacket or vest.
- Belt dependent. It needs a stiff belt that fits the slot width; see our gun belt guide.
- Slower to remove. You usually have to unthread the belt to take the holster off.
- Break-in. Leather versions need a short break-in period.
Pancake holster vs IWB holster
An IWB holster hides inside your waistband for the best concealment, while a pancake holster stays outside for comfort and speed. If you want to compare them in detail, read our IWB vs OWB guide. Many people end up owning both.
Which guns have pancake holsters?
We make handmade leather pancake holsters for many popular guns, including:
- Glock 17, 19, 22 and 23
- 1911 pistols
- Beretta 92 and 84F
- CZ 75 and Browning HP
- Smith & Wesson J-frame and K-frame revolvers
- 357 Magnum revolvers
Many include a single or double magazine pouch, or a speedloader case for revolvers. Browse everything in our OWB holster collection.
Pancake holster vs paddle vs belt slide holster
Pancake holsters are one of several OWB designs. Here is how they compare:
| Style | How it attaches | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Pancake | Belt passes through two or more slots | Stable, comfortable carry that pulls the gun close |
| Paddle | A flat paddle slides inside the waistband | Quick on and off |
| Belt slide | A loop or slot threads onto the belt | Low-profile, simple carry |
We make belt slide holsters too, such as the Yaqui slide belt holster for the Glock and the Yaqui slide belt holster for the 1911, which have adjustable tension.
Revolvers and pancake holsters
Pancake holsters are a classic match for a revolver, and many of ours include a speedloader case. Browse our OWB revolver holsters and revolver holster sets.
Care and break-in
A leather pancake holster needs a short break-in and some basic care. See our guides on breaking in a leather holster and leather care.
How to choose one
- Pick your exact gun model.
- Decide on open-end or closed-end.
- Choose thumb break retention if you want it.
- Add a pouch if you carry spare magazines or speedloaders.
- Check your belt width and stiffness.
Once it arrives, follow our steps to break in a leather holster safely. All of our holsters are handmade from genuine cowhide leather and covered by a lifetime warranty on stitching and hardware.
Key takeaways
- A pancake holster is an OWB holster whose belt slots pull the gun close to the body.
- It is comfortable, stable and quick to access, and it suits full-size guns and revolvers very well.
- Open-end and closed-end designs differ at the muzzle end; thumb breaks add retention.
- It needs a cover garment to conceal and a belt that fits the slot width.
- We offer more than 50 handmade pancake holsters for pistols and revolvers.
Holster and magazine pouch sets, ready to wear
Frequently asked questions
Why is it called a pancake holster?
The name comes from the flat, layered shape. A pancake holster is made from two flat pieces of material joined together, with the gun between them, and it lies flat against the body like a pancake.
Is a pancake holster IWB or OWB?
A pancake holster is an OWB holster, meaning it is worn outside the waistband on your belt. It is not designed to go inside your pants.
Are pancake holsters good for concealed carry?
They can be. With a longer shirt, jacket or vest covering it, a pancake holster conceals well, and many people find it more comfortable than inside-the-waistband carry. For maximum concealment, IWB is usually better.
What is the difference between open-end and closed-end pancake holsters?
A closed-end holster has leather around the muzzle end of the gun, while an open-end holster leaves that end open. Both hold the gun through a molded fit, and either can have a thumb break.
What is a thumb break?
A thumb break is a small leather strap with a snap that secures over the back of the gun. You release it with your thumb as you draw. It adds retention, which helps keep the gun secure when you are moving or active.
This guide is general information, not legal or professional advice. Always follow your firearm manufacturer's instructions, practice the basic rules of firearm safety, and make sure you understand the laws that apply where you live.