What's the Best Width for a Gun Belt?

Although it seems to be a pretty common question when shopping for gun belts, I don't think a "right" answer exists.  At the end of the day, its really a subjective question and is greatly dependant on your personal needs and weapon carrying applications.

For example, if you predominately wear dress clothes or dress slacks when you are carrying concealed, then a 1 1/4" belt is probably going to be a good choice for you.  Not because I'm partial to that particular width, but because most dress pants have small belt loops that will only accommodate a 1 1/4" belt.  On the other hand, if you typically train and carry your weapon wearing tactical pants like SigTac or 5.11's, then you might want to look at a 1 1/2" or 1 3/4" as those types of pants generally have fairly large belt slots.

Another factor that may come into play when choosing a belt width is the width of the belt slots or attachment points on your holster.  Many holster manufacturers, especially custom makers, are now making holsters in specific belt widths versus a one size fits all type of belt width. A great many of the production holster makers still use a one size fits all 1 3/4" slot or attachment point so it will work with most popular belt widths (at least to some degree).  If your favorite holster has 1 1/4" belt slots, than your belt choices will be restricted to 1 1/4".  Holsters with a 1 1/2" belt slot will take either a 1 1/2" or 1 1/4" belt (although a 1 1/2" belt is the best choice if possible). Holsters with 1 3/4" slots generally work well with either a 1 3/4" or a 1 1/2".  I wouldn't go down to a 1 1/4" belt for a 1 3/4" holster as there may be a considerable amount of "holster shift."

All things being equal, my personal favorite is a 1 1/2 gun belts. For my needs and uses, the 1 1/2" provides more than enought support and fits nearly every pair of pants in my wardrobe.  Do I own a 1 1/4" and 1 3/4" gun belt?  Absolutely, and there are times that they are a better choice than my trusty 1 1/2". But for my day in and day out wear, I usually end up with a 1 1/2" belt.

You may also find, like me, that you require gun belts in different widths. Although your spouse (if lucky enough to be married) may look at you a little odd, I promise that there's nothing wrong with this.  If you spend some time talking to serious shooters or folks that carry concealed all the time, they also have gun belts in various widths so you are in good company.  

Take a look at the gun belts below as you might be able to find a good deal on one for you: