Leather Bandolier Belt Sizing & Holster Wear Guide

By Handmade Leather Floggers, Bullwhips | Published: 2026-10-18

Category: How-to Guides

Learn how to size a leather bandolier belt for concealed carry, how to wear a shoulder holster, and how to adjust a double mag pouch for comfort and access.

Quick answer

Measure your chest circumference just below the collarbone, then add 2–4 inches for the bandolier belt length. Wear the holster horizontally on your strong side for concealed carry, and position the double mag pouch opposite for balanced weight.

Why bandolier belt sizing differs from waist belts

A bandolier belt sits across your chest and shoulders, not your waist. That means you cannot use your usual pant belt size. The belt should be snug enough to stay in place under a jacket or vest but loose enough to allow full arm movement. A common mistake is choosing a belt that is too long, which causes the holster to sag or shift during movement.

Horizontal carry holster placement trade-offs

A horizontal shoulder holster like the Handmade Universal Leather Shoulder Concealed Holster keeps your firearm parallel to the ground. This orientation prints less under a light cover garment but can be slower to draw than a vertical holster. It also requires the belt to be tight enough so the holster does not slide toward your armpit.

Step-by-step sizing and wearing guide

Measure your chest circumference: Wrap a soft measuring tape around your torso just below the collarbone and under your armpits. Keep the tape level and snug but not tight. Record the measurement in inches. Do not use your waist size — the chest measurement is always larger.
Add 2–4 inches for the bandolier belt length: Add 2 inches for a slim fit under a shirt or vest, or 4 inches if you plan to wear the belt over a jacket or heavy coat. This extra length allows the belt to cross your back and attach to the opposite shoulder strap. Too much extra length causes the holster to sag; too little makes the belt pull tight across your chest.
Position the horizontal holster on your strong side: Attach the holster to the belt so the firearm sits horizontally under your non-dominant arm (e.g., right-handed shooters place the holster under the left armpit). Adjust the belt so the holster is high enough to clear your elbow when you draw. A common mistake is setting the holster too low — it should be just below the collarbone, not at waist level.
Place the double mag pouch opposite the holster: Attach the double mag pouch to the belt on your dominant side. This counterbalances the weight of the firearm and keeps the belt from twisting. Slide the pouch so it sits just behind your hip bone for easy access with your support hand. If the pouch shifts forward, it can dig into your ribs when you sit or bend.
Test the fit with a full range of motion: Put on a cover garment and raise both arms overhead, twist your torso, and bend to pick something up. The belt should not ride up or shift more than an inch. Tighten the shoulder strap if the holster moves when you raise your strong arm. If the belt feels restrictive during any movement, lengthen it by 1 inch and retest.

Product fact

Handmade Universal Leather Shoulder Concealed Holster Horizontal Carry & Double Mag Pouch: The Handmade Universal Leather Shoulder Concealed Holster is built from full-grain leather and uses a horizontal carry design. Full-grain leather molds to your body over time, improving concealment and comfort, while the horizontal orientation helps the holster stay hidden under a jacket or vest.
Handmade Universal Leather Shoulder Concealed Holster Horizontal Carry & Double Mag Pouch