What Is Kydex? The Holster Material Explained
Kydex is the material behind most modern holsters. Here's what it actually is, why it dominates the holster market, and what to know when speccing it.
Key Takeaways
- Kydex is an acrylic-PVC thermoplastic sheet, heat-formed to shape.
- It's rigid, waterproof and low-maintenance — ideal for holsters.
- 0.080" (2mm) is the standard holster thickness.
- It holds molded detail for crisp audible-click retention.
What Kydex is made of
Kydex is a brand of acrylic-polyvinyl-chloride (acrylic-PVC) thermoplastic sheet. When heated it becomes pliable and can be pressure-formed over a mold; once cool it holds that shape rigidly. That moldability plus rigidity is exactly what a holster needs.
Why holsters use Kydex
- Rigid, so it holds an open mouth for one-handed re-holstering
- Waterproof and sweat-proof — won't rot like leather
- Precise retention with an audible click
- Lightweight and low cost at scale
- Takes custom colors and patterns
Kydex thicknesses
0.060" for slim IWB and mag carriers, 0.080" as the all-round standard, and 0.093" for heavy-duty holsters. For a deeper comparison see Kydex vs Boltaron.
Frequently asked questions
What is Kydex made of?
Kydex is an acrylic-PVC thermoplastic sheet. It's heated until pliable, pressure-formed over a mold, and cooled so it holds a rigid molded shape.
Is Kydex better than leather for holsters?
For most modern carry, yes — Kydex is rigid, waterproof, low-maintenance and offers crisp retention, while leather offers a traditional feel but needs more care.