The Glock 42 is the lightest and most compact pistol Glock makes. At just 13.76 oz unloaded, it is a genuine all-day carry option for people who prioritize minimal weight and maximum concealability. The.380 ACP chambering keeps recoil manageable, and the slim single-stack frame means it disappears under even lightweight clothing. The holsters below are purpose-fit for the G42’s shorter grip and slim slide.
Comparison Table
| Product | Best For | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Vedder SoftTuck G42 | IWB tuckable carry | 4.8/5 |
| DeSantis Nemesis G42 | Pocket carry | 4.7/5 |
| Sticky Holster MD-4 | Pocket/IWB beltless | 4.6/5 |
| Tulster Echo IWB G42 | Minimalist Kydex IWB | 4.6/5 |
| Alien Gear Cloak Tuck 3.5 G42 | Hybrid comfort IWB | 4.4/5 |
Vedder SoftTuck — Best IWB for Glock 42
The SoftTuck uses a neoprene backing with a Kydex shell and two clips that allow the holster to be tucked behind a shirt. The G42-specific shell holds the pistol securely, and the neoprene backer is soft against skin during extended carry. The dual-clip design distributes weight evenly, which matters on a light pistol where you want the holster to stay put without cinching your belt too tight. Ride height and cant are adjustable. It is one of the best tuckable options available for this platform.
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DeSantis Nemesis — Best Pocket Holster
DeSantis has made the Nemesis for decades, and the G42 version remains a benchmark for pocket carry. The outer skin is a sticky, pack-cloth material that grips the inside of a pocket so the holster stays put when you draw. The interior is slick for a smooth, snag-free presentation. The Nemesis covers the trigger guard completely, breaks up the gun outline in a pocket, and is thin enough to not create a noticeable bulge. For acurrent pricing holster it performs far above its price point.
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Sticky Holster MD-4 — Best Beltless Option
Sticky Holsters rely on a high-friction outer material to stay in place inside a waistband without any clips or loops. The MD-4 size fits the G42 properly. This approach works well for people who prefer athletic wear, scrubs, or clothing without a rigid belt. Draw the pistol and the holster stays in the waistband. It also functions as a pocket holster in larger pockets. The trade-off is that reholstering requires removing the Sticky from your waistband first, which is a deliberate step rather than a drawback.
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Tulster Echo IWB — Best Minimalist Kydex
The Echo is a full Kydex IWB with a single low-profile clip. It is one of the thinnest G42 IWB options available, making it ideal when you want the holster to disappear completely. Retention is tunable with a hex key. The open muzzle design accommodates suppressor-height sights without obstruction. At under an inch of added width, you will not notice you are wearing it after the first hour. A solid pick for appendix or 3 o’clock carry when a minimalist build is the priority.
Shop Tulster Echo IWB Glock 42 on Amazon
Alien Gear Cloak Tuck 3.5 — Best Hybrid Comfort
The Cloak Tuck 3.5 uses a breathable neoprene backer with a Kydex shell. The G42 version sits flush and comfortable even on warm days thanks to the ventilated backing material. It comes with both single- and dual-clip configurations in the box. Retention and cant are fully adjustable. It is a good crossover option if you carry the G42 in hot climates and want something that does not trap heat against your side the way full leather hybrids sometimes do.
Shop Alien Gear Cloak Tuck 3.5 Glock 42 on Amazon
How to Choose a Glock 42 Holster
Decide first whether you plan to carry IWB, pocket, or beltless. Pocket carry is viable with the G42 in a way it is not with larger Glocks, so do not dismiss it. For IWB, confirm the holster is molded for the G42 specifically, as the G43 mold will not give you proper retention. Look for full trigger guard coverage, adjustable retention, and a clip width that matches your carry belt. If you carry without a belt, a Sticky-style friction holster is your best option. Ride height and cant adjustability become important once you settle into a consistent draw stroke.
Our guides on the 5 Best Concealed Carry Holsters for Glock 43 and 5 Best Concealed Carry Holsters for Glock 36 cover the other compact Glock slim options in the lineup. For our review criteria, visit our methodology page.
Frequently asked questions
Can the Glock 42 be carried in a pocket holster?+
Yes. The Glock 42 is one of the few Glock pistols small enough for reliable pocket carry in cargo pants or larger front pockets. A proper pocket holster breaks up the gun's outline so it looks like a wallet, keeps the trigger guard covered, and prevents the pistol from shifting during movement. Dedicated pocket holsters from DeSantis or Sticky are purpose-built for this.
Does the Glock 42 use the same holsters as the Glock 43?+
No. The G42 and G43 look similar but have different dimensions. The G42 is chambered in.380 ACP and is slightly shorter and narrower than the 9mm G43. Holsters molded for one will not provide correct retention for the other. Always confirm the holster listing specifies your exact model number.