Carrying a full-size pistol like the Glock 17 Gen 4 concealed requires a holster that balances secure retention with all-day wearability. The five picks below cover the most practical options for IWB and OWB carry, factoring in retention adjustment, draw accessibility, trigger guard coverage, and durability across a range of body types and carry positions.
| Product | Best For | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Vedder LightTuck IWB | Slim IWB all-day carry | 4.8/5 |
| Tulster Profile IWB | Appendix and strong-side flexibility | 4.7/5 |
| Safariland 7378RDS | OWB retention with quick draw | 4.7/5 |
| CrossBreed SuperTuck | Hybrid leather-Kydex comfort | 4.6/5 |
| Concealment Express IWB | Budget Kydex daily carry | 4.4/5 |
Vedder LightTuck IWB — Best Overall Holster for Glock 17 Gen 4
The Vedder LightTuck is a standout full Kydex IWB holster that fits the Glock 17 Gen 4 with a precise molded shell. The single-belt-clip design keeps the profile low and reduces bulk against the body. Retention is fully adjustable via a small hex screw, allowing a customized draw weight without tools beyond the included wrench. The cant is adjustable from roughly 0 to 15 degrees, accommodating strong-side, appendix, and cross-draw positions. The sweat shield protects the slide from moisture and body contact. At around 70 dollars, it sits in the middle of the price range and punches above it for build quality and long-term durability.
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Tulster Profile IWB — Best for Appendix and Strong-Side Carry
The Tulster Profile is a full Kydex holster with a focus on low-profile carry. It ships with both a standard beltclip and an AIWB wing option for appendix-specific positioning. The trigger guard fit is tight and audible on re-holstering, which provides consistent passive retention feedback. The Profile’s short overall length makes it work particularly well at the 1 to 2 o’clock appendix position without printing through lighter garments. Build tolerances are tight, and Tulster’s fit adjustments are accessible without sending the holster in for modification. A solid choice for anyone who wants a configurable, precisely molded option for either carry position.
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Safariland 7378RDS — Best OWB Holster for Glock 17 Gen 4
The Safariland 7378RDS is a polymer OWB holster with ALS (Automatic Locking System) retention, which secures the firearm automatically on holstering and releases with a thumb sweep on draw. It rides close to the body for an OWB holster, making it usable under a jacket or cover garment. The paddle attachment allows on and off without threading a belt. This model accommodates red dot sights, which matters for Gen 4 and Gen 5 Glocks that are increasingly running optics. Retention and draw are consistent across thousands of cycles. A dependable choice for range days, open carry, or OWB concealment.
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CrossBreed SuperTuck — Best Hybrid Holster for Glock 17 Gen 4
The CrossBreed SuperTuck combines a Kydex shell with a full-grain leather backing panel. The leather distributes the pistol’s weight across a broader area of the hip, which reduces pressure hot spots during extended carry. Two metal clips attach over a standard 1.5-inch belt for stable positioning without cant adjustment. The molded Kydex shell provides good trigger guard coverage and audible retention. The SuperTuck positions the gun slightly deeper than some all-Kydex options, which helps cover the grip of a full-size pistol. Break-in time for the leather panel is minimal but noticeable in the first few days.
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Concealment Express IWB Kydex — Best Budget Option
The Concealment Express is a reliable full Kydex IWB holster at a price that makes it a realistic entry point for new carriers or a dedicated range holster. It includes a single metal clip with adjustable cant and covers the trigger guard completely. Retention is adjustable via a single screw. The shell is not as precisely molded as premium options, but it holds the Glock 17 Gen 4 securely and passes the shake test without issue. Re-holstering requires two hands due to the somewhat flexible shell, which is worth knowing before purchase. For the price, it delivers reliable carry performance.
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How to Choose a Holster for Glock 17 Gen 4
Start with your preferred carry position: IWB strong-side, appendix, or OWB. IWB holsters conceal better but require more belt support and a slightly larger waistband. For the full-size Glock 17, a stiff gun belt rated for holster carry is important regardless of position. Look for full trigger guard coverage and a hard-shell construction (Kydex or rigid polymer) that does not collapse after the draw. Adjustable retention lets you customize draw weight as the holster breaks in. If you run a red dot on your Gen 4, confirm the holster model specifically accommodates optics before purchasing.
For related reading, see best gun belts for concealed carry and best concealed carry holsters for Glock 19. Review our evaluation criteria at /methodology.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Glock 17 Gen 4 good for concealed carry despite being full-size?+
The Glock 17 Gen 4 is a full-size pistol, which makes it more challenging to conceal than compact models. With the right IWB holster, proper belt support, and cover garments like an untucked shirt or light jacket, many carriers manage it comfortably. Body type plays a significant role. Appendix carry works well for some; strong-side hip carry is the most popular position for this size frame.
What retention level should I look for in a Glock 17 Gen 4 holster?+
For everyday concealed carry, Level I or Level II retention is standard. Level I relies on holster friction and trigger guard fit. Level II adds a secondary mechanism like a thumb break or hood lock. Most quality Kydex IWB holsters for the Glock 17 Gen 4 offer adjustable passive retention that can be tuned with a retention screw. Active retention makes more sense for duty or open carry use cases.