Mentioned previously, but worth repeating (IMHO). There is a lot to holster selection beyond how well it works and looks in front of a mirror. You have to learn to eliminate the “tells”…the constant adjusting here and there, taping to make sure it’s secure, looking at reflections in mirrors and windows to see if it is printing. It requires putting it on and going through an entire day without any tapping or checking while driving or taking public transportation, while eating at a restaurant, getting in and out of a car, going up and down stairs, picking up something you dropped on the floor, using a public restroom, and more. When you can do all this and remain concealed “you will be a (concealed carry) man, my son.”
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appreciate the detailed feedback, that actually helps a lot. I was already a bit concerned about printing and movement, so good to hear a real experience. Seems like belly bands are a bit hit or miss depending on setup, might look into options with better retention or even alternatives.
thanks for sharing 
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I think you have gotten a lot of good information so far.
However, you have avoided answering a very important question – what pistol are you planning to carry? A vague as the weekend weatherman answer of 9mm IS NOT AN ANSWER!
A Sig P226 Legion is north of 40 ounces – empty! A Sig P938 is around 16 ounces empty. Barrels can easily range from 3” to over 5”. Size and weight is an important consideration if you are serious about belly band carry.
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that is actually solid advice, appreciate you sharing it. It is easy to focus on comfort and concealment in front of a mirror, but real-world movement is a whole different test. I guess the key is consistency and training until it becomes natural without constant checking. Definitely something I will keep in mind
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I should have been more specific, I am leaning toward something compact like a Glock 19 or possibly a smaller option like the P365. Still figuring out what would balance comfort and concealment best with a belly band.
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Good luck figuring out…
Make sure you shoot one better than the other before looking at carrying options. Don’t reverse priorities.
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I have a Gootus band. It helps my back, around the house I use it for my phone and box cutter. I think it depends on where you are after comfort. In a church you may reach down to your ankle to not draw attention yet or where you will be walking and upright most of the time.
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I am a little guy : 5’10",175. IWB with HK VP9SK
It may not work for everyone, but it’s an option.
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Seems like any holster is a choice of lesser evils. Since most of us did not grow up wearing holsters, there are no comfortable holsters. The only way a holster gets comfortable is just to wear it, wear it, wear it And wear it some more. I’ve found Belly bands are a reasonable compromise. The variables of winter time / summertime / clothing require different holsters to fit the occasion. Like everybody else, I have a duffel bag full of the perfect, most comfortable holsters. Some cheap, some expensive. My most perfect comfortable holster I wear around the house is a cheap vinyl fabric eyeglass holder, cut and modified with T-Rex tape to fit the EDC around the house. . Fits most of my pockets great.
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I have a belly band. It is great as long as I stay sitting. While I am 5’11’", I am only 152 pounds. Thus, when I sit my middle is the largest. So, I sit, get the band on, then stand up and the band starts it’s journey to my feet. If I stand to put it on it is fine, but sitting down and breathing are tough. It has been consigned to the “holster box”. I use as tactical t-shirt where the gun tucks up on my left side along with a trigger guard. Not ideal if you are in a hurry or need to dig through outer clothing, but it works.
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Comfort and placement really do make all the difference. Interesting point about different situations too, most people do not think about that part until they actually wear one daily.
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That is probably the most honest take on belly bands I have read 
There really is not one “perfect” holster for every situation. Sounds like belly bands work best because they adapt better to different clothes and everyday comfort.
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Thank you for your reply. I’ve also found (concealed carry), that the less I carry in a belly band, the better. Some are like a ,“batman”, utility belt, which works better as open carry in the field for me. Kinda like a fanny pack, with holsters.
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Search internet on “holster that looks like a fanny pack.” There are some good options.
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that actually makes a lot of sense. The simpler and lighter the belly band setup is, the more comfortable it seems for daily concealed carry. Once they start turning into a full utility belt, it is a completely different use case
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Found using the one that looks like a Batman utility belt for outside the waist carry out in the desert or in the woods. Can take the ones that are simply a holster and a magazine or speed loader bring them up across your chest like a shoulder holster or a chest holster.
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different setups definitely make more sense depending on the environment. A lighter belly band for everyday concealment and a larger utility style setup for outdoor use sounds like a pretty practical balance.
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Sometimes I add a shoulder holster for back up. Especially going to an ATM or the bank. Walmart is also getting on that list. Or if I’m going to a restaurant new to me, or some other business new to me, until I’m comfortable it’s a low risk situation. I also carry in an off body “sling” all the time. Been in a few gunfights, 1 attempted robbery, and been robbed once. Since I stayed away from places and people I shouldn’t have been around in the first place; I’ve had 1 incident.
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sounds like your experiences have really shaped how you approach everyday carry. I think the part about staying aware of your surroundings and avoiding high risk situations is something a lot of people overlook.
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Thank you for your comment. My biggest change was my spirituality. Which changed my lifestyle. The situational awareness is just a new political term for being alert to your surroundings and watch your back, I learned in the military. Staying away from risky places didn’t come till I changed my lifestyle about 30 years ago. I’ve had a few close calls since then but nobody has actually shot at me for the last 30 years or so. Prior to that, (not including actual military combat), I stupidly got involved in a few civilian gunfights, fortunately, I was never convicted of anything to prohibit me from buying or owning a firearm. I never got shot. I did learn some lessons the hard way. A person has to be really careful walking away cuz it’s not to smart to turn your back on an aggressive person anymore than turning your back on a Bear or any animal that can do you harm. I used to hunt alot. Bear hunting became a passion for me for about 35 years. Facing off with a charging bear will definitely test your perception/reaction responses. I Really like bear meat. I no longer have the desire to kill anything. I don’t even want to kill a fly. My biggest problem is, I’m overconfident in my ability to handle situations by myself. But I’ve never had much luck with 911 involving law enforcement. I’ve had 2 occasions though, a State trooper was fantastic. Firefighters and medics have been great though on 911 calls. I still love the smell of burnt gunpowder, even the sound and recoil. Punching holes in targets and occasionally plastic bottles and missing plastic bottles mostly.
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