Kydex vs Leather: The Ultimate Holster Material Showdown

When it comes to choosing the perfect holster for everyday carry (EDC), law enforcement duty, or range time, few decisions spark more debate than Kydex vs. leather. Primarily we use Boltaron for our holster making. The holster making industry uses Kydex as a generic term in regards to Plastic Thermoformed holsters. Kydex is a Brand along with others.  These materials dominate the market—and for good reason. Each offers a unique set of benefits (and drawbacks), and the right one for you depends on your carry style, needs, and preferences.

In this in-depth comparison, we’ll break down four essential factors:

• Retention

• Durability

• Comfort

• Maintenance

By the end of this post, you’ll know which holster material is best suited to your lifestyle and why many modern carriers are making the switch to Kydex style holster.

Retention: Security Matters

Kydex: “The Click” That Means It’s Locked

Kydex holsters are made from a thermoplastic material that is heated and vacuum formed to the exact dimensions of your firearm. That precise molding creates a passive retention system meaning the holster “grabs” the gun and locks it in place without requiring external straps or buttons. Generally we prefer to have retention based on the trigger guard.  On light bearing holsters we use the light attachment point generally for retention.

That audible “click” when you holster your weapon? That’s not just satisfying it’s a sign of secure retention. Many shooters value this immediate feedback that the firearm is properly seated. For those who carry with optics, Kydex holsters can also be custom fitted to accommodate modifications.

Bonus: Adjustable retention screws allow you to fine tune the draw resistance.

Leather Holster: Traditional, But Less Precise

Leather holsters rely on friction fit rather than form locking retention. While high quality leather holsters are molded to the firearm, they will inevitably soften over time. This can reduce retention unless you’re using a holster with an added thumb break or strap.  A leather holster being Friction fit only, means you will experience more wear and tear on the handgun slide.

For users who prefer a “broken in” feel or who grew up on leather rigs, this softer hold might feel more natural but it can come at the cost of consistent retention.

Winner: Kydex
For consistent, secure, and adjustable retention, Kydex takes the lead.

Holster Durability: Built to Last?

Kydex Holster: Rigid and Weather Resistant

Kydex is impervious to water, sweat, oil, and temperature changes (to a certain heat). Whether you’re in the rain, at the beach, or sweating in July heat, your holster won’t warp, crack, or absorb moisture. It also doesn’t stretch or soften with age. Simply put, Kydex holsters lasts.

This resilience makes it ideal for high stress environments, including law enforcement, military, or daily concealed carry where gear takes a beating.

Of course material thickness comes into consideration when choosing a holster.  We use 0.080″ thick material on our IWB Style holsters.  Some manufactures use 0.060″ thick material which is more prone to cracking.

Leather Holsters: Ages Gracefully—But at a Cost

Leather, by contrast, is an organic material, which means it will degrade over time. It’s vulnerable to moisture, stretching, and heat. With proper care, a high quality leather holster can last for years but it requires regular maintenance (more on that shortly).

Also worth noting: leather can collapse when the firearm is drawn, making one-handed reholstering difficult or dangerous. Kydex retains its shape, allowing for safe and fast reholstering.

Winner: Kydex holster
Kydex holster outperforms leather holster when it comes to long-term durability, especially in harsh conditions.

Comfort: The Daily Carry Test

Kydex Holster: Minimalist and Rigid

One common criticism of Kydex is its rigidity. It doesn’t flex with your body, which can make it uncomfortable for some users during extended wear—especially inside-the-waistband (IWB) carry. That’s why it’s important to make sure you’re placing your holster at the right part of your body, either between 12:30 and 2:00 for Appendix carry or 3:30 to 4:00 for Behind the hip carry and lifting your waistband to the highest comfortable height before sitting. 

Our holster add 0.080″ thickness to your handgun.  Leather by its nature adds quite a bit more thickness to the holster,

That said, for outside-the-waistband (OWB) or duty carry, the rigidity becomes a strength—keeping the holster positioned exactly where it should be.

Leather Holster: Soft, Flexible, and Familiar

When it comes to comfort, leather is often the clear winner. It molds to your body over time and offers a softer surface against your skin or clothing. This makes it a favorite for long-time carriers and those who prioritize discretion and comfort.

There’s a reason leather is still popular for IWB concealed carry—it simply feels good, especially when worn directly against the body.

A properly place Kydex style holster can be more comfortable if properly made.  Choose wisely.

Winner: Leather
Leather’s flexibility and ability to conform to your body give it a clear edge in comfort—at least until hybrid holsters catch up.

Maintenance: How Much Effort Does It Take?

Kydex Holster: Wipe and Go

Kydex is virtually maintenance-free. Got sweat on it? Wipe it down. Drop it in the mud? Hose it off. It doesn’t absorb moisture, smells, or oil, making it ideal for low-maintenance users.

Also, unlike leather, it doesn’t require conditioning or drying out after exposure to elements. It’s ready to go whenever you are.

Leather Holster: High-Maintenance but Worth It?

Leather requires regular upkeep to stay safe and functional. This includes cleaning, drying, and conditioning with specialized oils or creams to prevent cracking, molding, or stretching.

Neglecting maintenance can lead to weapon retention issues or even unsafe draw strokes if the holster begins to deform.  Mold is a real concern with organic leather holsters.  Ever see the green corrosion marks around the screws? 

Winner: Kydex
For anyone who wants a hassle-free option, Kydex wins this round hands-down.

Final Verdict: Which Kydex vs Leather Is Right for You?

Let’s recap the scorecard:

So which is better, Kydex vs Leather?

That depends entirely on your needs and lifestyle.

• If you want rock-solid retention, zero maintenance, and a holster that can take a beating, Kydex is your best bet.
• If you value comfort, tradition, and the warm feel of a material that molds to you, leather might be the way to go—just be ready to put in the maintenance hours.

Conclusion

Choosing between Kydex vs Leather isn’t just about looks—it’s about performance, comfort, and safety. While both have their place, Kydex holsters have surged in popularity for good reason: they’re durable, secure, and require minimal care. Read our post on Will a Kydex Holster Scratch?

Whether you’re new to concealed carry or upgrading your kit, understanding the differences between holster materials will help you make the right call for your mission.

Still unsure? Try both. You might find that one works better for range days and the other for daily carry. Or, explore our custom Kydex options—designed to meet the specific needs of today’s responsible gun owners.

Ready to make the switch?
Check out our line of premium Kydex holsters—crafted for performance, tested for reliability.