According to the Market Statsville Group (MSG), the global holster market size is expected to grow from USD 1.88 billion in 2022 to USD 2.86 billion by 2033, growing at a CAGR of 4.3% from 2023 to 2033. The global holster market is expected to grow at a steady pace during the forecast period, driven by increasing demand for innovative and customized holsters. The market is driven by factors such as rising adoption of firearms for self-defense, growth in military and law enforcement agencies, and the increasing popularity of shooting sports. The demand for smart holsters and 3D printed holsters is expected to drive the market growth, as they offer improved functionality, customization, and security.

The market is highly competitive, with a large number of players offering a wide range of holster styles and customization options. The larger players in the market include Blackhawk, Galco International, Ltd., The Safariland Group, Smith & Wesson, and Vista Outdoor, while there are also several medium and small players competing in the market.

Definition of the Global Holster Market

A holster is a holder for a small gun, which is worn on a belt around someone's waist or on a strap around their shoulder. Smart holsters are designed to integrate modern technology, such as sensors, GPS tracking, and voice recognition, to enhance gun safety and ease of use. The demand for these holsters is expected to grow significantly in the coming years, as more gun owners seek advanced technology solutions to improve their gun safety and security. One of the primary drivers of the smart holster market is the increasing demand for gun safety. With the rise in gun violence and accidental shootings, gun owners are looking for new and innovative ways to keep their firearms safe and secure. Smart holsters offer advanced safety features, such as sensors that detect when a firearm is drawn or holstered, and GPS tracking that allows gun owners to locate their firearms if they are lost or stolen.

COVID-19 Impact on the Global Holster Market

Most of the countries across globe have imposed lockdown that have stopped the manufacturing of products thereby impacting the inventories of majority of the holster manufacturers. The market upswing is anticipated to be more prominent in late 2021, due to the high demand for COVID-19 immunizations is projected to hamper the market's growth as COVID-19 vaccination and the illness itself trigger an immune response.  Moreover, the costs of products will surge as the costs are dependent on various factors such as labor costs, logistic costs among others across the supply chain. The demand will decrease significantly as customers are more focused upon purchasing essential commodities rather than non-essential goods. Supply of raw materials for holster market is hit as many manufacturers as possible for the leather are in China, Brazil, Russia, and India. If the situation persists it will impact the profitability of finished goods from manufacturers.

Global Holster Market Dynamics

Drivers: Evolution of Technologies in Holster

The evolution of new technologies in holster is going to drive the growth of the holster market during the forecast period. Technologies such as radio frequency, fingerprint identification, 3D printing, and others are some of the major technologies used in the manufacturing of smart holsters. A fingerprint identification is the input device located on a holster that compares the stored finger image with the inputted finger image. The fingerprint identification feature helps in preventing theft and misuse of firearms. In addition to this, the fingerprint identification device embedded in holsters is used in firearm retaining. Firearm retaining enables a user to secure the firearm within the holster, thereby making it unusable. Further, the alarm feature in smart holsters helps in alarming the authorized user about  any unauthorized access to the holster.

Moreover, increasing smart city investment across the globe has been enhancing technological advancements in holsters in recent days. The use cases that are to witness the fastest spending growth from 2019-2022 are officer wearables that include smart holsters and smart apparel. Smart city spending reached approximately US$ 95.8 Bn in 2019 across the world and is expected to reach US$ 717.2 Bn by 2023. Increasing investments in smart holsters have been driving technological enhancements in holsters in recent days. For instance, Singapore announced the spending of US$ 1 Bn in smart city initiatives in 2019, which included technological  enhancements in smart holsters.

Restraints: Sale of Defective Holsters may Hinder The Demand for The Product

Manufacturers, retailers, distributors, and other businesses that make consumer goods available to the public have an obligation to meet the safety standards for the product. This is the case with businesses involved in the distribution, modification, and manufacturing of firearm holsters, which are expected to function as intended in order to reduce the risk of death and injuries for both the gun owner and the  surrounding people. In recent years, there has been growing concerns related to defects in holsters, which is affecting the brand image and sales of holsters negatively. Custom molded holster producers mainly face the issue of defective holsters, which may hinder the demand for holsters among customers. Technicians face failures during the manufacturing of custom holsters, which increases the risk of unintended misfire of gun or accidental discharges.

Moreover, Stringent environmental rules and regulations are to restrain the growth of the holster market during the forecast period. Leather, plastic, and nylon are some of the prominent products used in the manufacturing of holsters. Various leather laws imposed by different countries are one of the major factors to restrain the holster market growth. For instance, the law imposed by the EU legislation on leather industry, such as  Registration, Evaluation, Authorization, and Restriction of Chemicals (REACH) that provides guidelines for the high-level protection of the  environment and human health.

Opportunities: The Increasing Usage of Kydex Material for Holster

Out of all the materials used to make holsters, kydex is gaining popularity. It is available in several colours so that one can make holsters in different shades to suit various outfits. There are a plenty of advantages of this versatile material. It's a thin, durable, thermoplastic  sheet that can be moulded to any shape. In addition to this, Kydex is cheap. The main reason behind the high demand for kydex material is that it is an awesome material that has gained popularity in the firearms world. An 8-square-feet sheet of kydex costs less than US$ 40 and with that sheet, a bunch of holsters can be made. The kydex holster is lightweight and less expensive as compared to holsters made of leather or nylon. Furthermore, the kydex material does not absorb moisture. Thus, one does not need to worry about rot in the holster or rust on the firearm.

Kydex, being a rigid plastic, never collapses after the gun is withdrawn. So, it’s not possible to snap the trigger on the edge of the holster. It also means that the holster made of krydex won't shrink, stretch, or wear down with time, nor will it break or rip. Kydex requires no maintenance to look great, unlike other materials. In addition to this, leather is generally thicker as compared to Kydex. If someone wants a customized leather holster, he/she requires to wait for at least a few months. Leather is also more expensive compared to Kydex, and it tends to be harder on the firearm’s finish. As Kydex is lightweight, it allows for a faster draw, and it maintains its shape even when the gun is drawn. Consumers are, therefore, preferring holsters made of kydex rather than leather.

Scope of the Global Holster Market

The study categorizes the holster market based on raw material, type, pricing, size, distribution channel, and end-user area at the regional and global levels.

By Raw Material Outlook (Sales, USD Million, 2019-2033)

• Leather
  • Plain
  • Basket Weave
  • Glossy
• Plastic
• Nylon
• Others

By Type Outlook (Sales, USD Million, 2019-2033)

• Belt Holster
• Shoulder Holster
• Ankle
• Bandolier
• Laser
• Clip Holster
• Others

By Pricing Outlook (Sales, USD Million, 2019-2033)

• Below US$ 75
• US$ 75 to US$ 180
• Above US$ 180

By Size Outlook (Sales, USD Million, 2019-2033)

• Below 15”
• 15” to 30”
• Above 30”

By Distribution Channel Outlook (Sales, USD Million, 2019-2033)

• Offline Channel
• Online Channel

By End-Users Outlook (Sales, USD Million, 2019-2033)

• Civilian
• Police

By Region Outlook (Sales, USD Million, 2019-2033)

• North America
  • US
  • Canada
  • Mexico
• Europe
  • Germany
  • Italy
  • France
  • UK
  • Spain
  • Poland
  • Russia
  • The Netherlands
  • Norway
  • Czech Republic
  • Rest of Europe
• Asia Pacific
  • China
  • Japan
  • India
  • South Korea
  • Indonesia
  • Malaysia
  • Thailand
  • Singapore
  • Australia & New Zealand
  • Rest of Asia Pacific
• South America
  • Brazil
  • Argentina
  • Colombia
  • Rest of South America
• The Middle East & Africa
  • Saudi Arabia
  • UAE
  • South Africa
  • Northern Africa
  • Rest of MEA

Leather segment accounts for the largest market share by raw material

Based on the raw material, the market is divided into leather, plastic, nylon, and others. The leather segment in further sub-divided into plain, basket weave, and glossy. The leather segment is expected to dominate the market share in 2022 in the global holster market. Leather has traditionally been the preferred material for holsters due to its durability, comfort, and classic appearance. It is a strong and flexible material that provides good retention and protection for firearms, while also being comfortable to wear against the skin. Leather holsters are also known for their ability to mold to the shape of the gun over time, providing a custom fit that improves retention and draw speed. As a result, leather holsters have been the go-to choose for gun owners for many years, accounting for the maximum share of the holster market. However, with the growing popularity of polymer and synthetic materials, leather is facing increased competition from newer, more innovative materials that offer improved durability, weight, and functionality.

North America is expected to witness the largest market share by Region

Based on the regions, the global holster market has been segmented across Europe, North America, the Middle East & Africa, Asia-Pacific, and South America. North America is projected to account for the highest market share in 2022. This can be attributed to the high adoption of firearms and the increasing demand for holsters among gun owners and law enforcement agencies in the region. Moreover, the presence of key manufacturers in the region has also fueled the growth of the North American holster market. Moreover, the U.S. accounted for 80.5% of share in North America. Presence of leading industry players in the U.S. will augment the market growth. With the rise in incidents of accidental shootings, there is a growing awareness about the importance of proper firearm safety.

Competitive Landscape: Global Holster Market

The holster market is a significant competitor, and extremely cutthroat in the sector are using strategies including product launches, partnerships, acquisitions, agreements, and growth to enhance their market positions. Most sector businesses focus on increasing their operations worldwide and cultivating long-lasting partnerships.

Major key players in the global holster market are:

• 5.11 Tactical
• The Safariland Group
• Galco International
• Crossbreed Holster
• Smith & Wesson
• Blade Tech Holsters
• Bulldog Cases & Vaults
• Tedder Industries
• NcSTAR Inc.
• Vista Outdoor
• High Noon Holsters
• Blackarch Holsters
• MTR Custom Leather LLC
• Dara Holsters
• Bravo Concealment Holsters

Recent Development

• In January 2022, The Safariland Group a global provider of safety products designed for the public safety, military, professional and outdoor markets and one of Cadre Holdings, Inc.’s (“Cadre”) key brands, had unveiled the 6000 Series holsters Cordura wrapped in Aloha POW Poppies of War a signature print licensed to Safariland as part of a holster collaboration with Otte Gear. Safariland’s collaboration with Otte Gear is just the beginning for the new, unique lines of holsters.
• In March 2020, Galco has introduced multiple new holsters such as the Combat Master belt holster, the Fletch,  the TacSlide belt holster, and the QuickTuk Cloud IWB holster for the Smith & Wesson M&P  Shield EZ 9mm.
• In January 2020, Safariland has introduced Red Dot Optic Protection, 7TS Holster Series for Glock Handguns. The demand for red dot optic is increasing in the military. The new product aims at fulfilling the clients' demands.
• In January 2020, Safariland has introduced the 637 ALS Belt Slide Concealment Holster at the 2020 SHOT Show. The new product has ALS locking retention system; the belt is adjustable, and the retention system is higher and closer to the body. The new model is available for large frame semiautomatic pistols that include Glock 17/19, Smith & Wesson M&P 9/40, and Heckler & Koch  VP9, P30, and P2000, among others.
• In July 2019, Galco improved its VHS to the VHS 3.0. The improved product allows reshaping and redesigning on the harness straps, and it comes with an innovative tie-down system, among other features. VHS 3.0 has vertical holster, ammo carrier, harness, tie-downs, and a set of harness fasteners.

Key Issues Addressed

• What is the market size by various segmentation of the holster by region and its respective countries?
• What are the customer buying behavior, key takeaways, and Porter's 5 forces of the holster market?
• What are the key opportunities and trends for manufacturers involved in the holster supply chain?
• What are the fundamental dynamics (drivers, restraints, opportunities, and challenges) of the market?
• What and how regulations, schemes, patents, and policies are impacting the growth of the market?
• What are the upcoming technological solutions influencing market trends? How will existing companies adapt to the new change in technology?
• The market player positioning, top winning strategies by years, company product developments, and launches will be?
• How has COVID-19 impacted the demand and sales of holster in the global market? Also, the expected BPS drop or rise count of the market and market predicted recovery period.
• Detailed analysis of the competitors and their latest launch, and what are the prominent startups introduced in the target market? Also, detailed company profiling of 25+ leading and prominent companies in the market.