Holsters and Gear Recommendations
Nylon Holsters: Soft vs Structured, Pros, Cons and What to Check
Quick answer: A nylon holster is sewn from fabric, usually ballistic nylon or Cordura, instead of molded Kydex or leather. Cheap soft nylon holsters are lightweight and fit many guns, but critics say they collapse when empty and hold the gun loosely. Better nylon holsters add a rigid inner layer and are cut for specific guns.
Two Kinds of Nylon Holster
| Type | What the sources say |
|---|---|
| Soft “universal” nylon | Armscor’s blog describes “Those cheap squishy holsters that you can buy for $12 that fit all kinds of different firearms,” held by “some Velcro strap that goes around the back of the gun.” |
| Structured ballistic nylon | DeSantis says its N71 “has a lightweight, internal substructure made of rigid polymer. The outer layer is constructed from ballistic nylon and includes a tensioning device.” |
| Premium sized nylon | 1791 sells nylon holsters by numbered size and says its nylon “has a tighter weave pattern, which makes it more durable, less likely to snag, and gives it a softer feel against the skin.” |
The Case for Nylon
Falco, which makes nylon holsters, says its premium line uses “a ballistic nylon material similar to Cordura,” which it calls “Known for its durability and resistance to abrasions, tears, and scuffs.” It describes its basic line as for “those who prioritize comfort,” with “a blend of softness and strength.”
Price is the other draw. Even Armscor’s critic understands “how the price tag could seem so inviting,” and how soft nylon “may seem like a good idea because of how universal they are.”
The Case Against Soft Nylon
Armscor’s blog lists the problems it sees with cheap soft holsters:
- Reholstering: “A nylon holster will only retain its shape if the firearm is being held by it.” Once the gun is out, it “will then proceed to close in on itself,” and “You will be forced to use both hands to re-holster your firearm.”
- The trigger guard: “A holster that can fold on itself means it can fold into any available space, like your trigger guard – which means you can risk a negligent discharge.”
- Fit: “Most things that are universal are rarely ever excellent at the job they’re made for.”
- Retention: “If you think that little Velcro strap is going to keep someone from being able to rip your firearm off your body, you are sadly mistaken.”
Its suggestion: “what is another $50 For a high-quality Kydex holster?”
Nylon vs Kydex vs Leather
Our Kydex vs leather guide compares the two molded materials and has a short note on soft nylon. This page covers nylon holsters themselves. For multi-fit holsters, many of them nylon, see our universal holster guide.
When shopping, the sources above point to three things to check: whether the holster has a rigid layer or keeps its shape when empty, whether it covers the trigger guard, and whether it’s sized for your gun rather than “fit all kinds of different firearms.”
Nylon Belts and Holster Comfort
Nylon also shows up in gun belts. The Kore Black Tactical Nylon Gun Belt we carry is 1.5″ wide and 5mm thick, with a “Nylon / Super Fiber Inner” and a Kore rating of “Up to 10 lbs. / IWB, OWB or Appendix.” The other Kore gun belts come in more colors and patterns.
For inside-the-waistband comfort, the Cloudster Pillow holster wedge mounts to any flat-back IWB or AIWB holster with hook-and-loop, angles the grip into your body, and has memory-foam fill you can add or remove to set its thickness.
Nylon Holster: Questions People Ask
Are nylon holsters safe?
Armscor’s blog argues soft nylon is risky because it can fold into the trigger guard when the gun is out. Structured designs like the DeSantis N71 use a rigid polymer substructure inside the nylon.
What is ballistic nylon?
Falco describes it as a material “similar to Cordura,” resistant to abrasions, tears and scuffs.
Can you reholster one-handed in a nylon holster?
Not in a soft one that collapses, according to Armscor’s blog, which says you would need both hands. Our holstering guide covers re-holstering step by step.
Is a nylon holster the same as a nylon gun belt?
No. The belt holds the holster up; the holster holds the gun.
Written by the Cloudster Pillow team. We make the Cloudster Pillow and the Cloudster magnetic mag carriers, and carry Kore belts. We don’t sell holsters or firearms, and no maker paid to be mentioned here. This page summarizes published views from the sources named; it is general information, not a substitute for professional training.
