Custom Holster Boxes
A holster box holds the product partly exposed rather than fully enclosed. The board wraps around three sides and leaves a face open, so the item is visible and touchable while still being held securely. Cosmetics, electronics and tools all use it for that reason. We produce a lot of holster box work at ZEE Packaging and the partial exposure is exactly the appeal.
Held But Visible
A holster box shows the product without releasing it.
- The board wraps around and leaves one face open
- Shoppers see and touch the actual product
- It still holds the item securely in place
- No window film is needed to show contents
- Less board is used than a fully enclosed carton
- The exposed face makes the product itself the display
Most brands choosing a holster box want visibility without paying for a window patch.
Grip Without Damage
The holster has to hold firmly and release cleanly.
- Too tight and the product is hard to remove
- Too loose and it falls out on a rack
- Die cut cradles hold shape better than plain walls
- Delicate finishes need a coated or lined contact face
- The open face must not let the item slide sideways
- Send us the actual product rather than dimensions
- Three sided holster the standard holster box we run
- With a hang tab for peg display
- With a die cut cradle gripping the product shape
- Partial front version covering part of the open face
- Sleeve holster the product sliding in from the top
- With a backing panel extra branding behind the item
Sizes We Print Regular
Every holster box is built to your product, though these run often:
- 2" x 2" x 5" for a cosmetic tube
- 3" x 2" x 6" for a standard item
- 4" x 3" x 7" for a larger product
- 1.5" x 1.5" x 4" for a slim item
- 5" x 3" x 8" for a bulkier product
- 2.5" x 2" x 5" for a mid size format
Send us the product itself, since the grip depends on its exact profile rather than its dimensions.
Board And Print
- SBS C1S at 18pt to 24pt for retail formats
- 24pt where the product has any real weight
- Kraft board for a natural or artisan position
- Matte, gloss and soft touch lamination
- Foil, spot UV and deboss on the visible panels
- Coated contact face where the finish is delicate
Board stiffness does the gripping here. Too light and the holster relaxes over time, letting the product work loose on a shelf.
Materials Worth Choosing
- Recycled board grades, widely available here
- FSC certified stock, certificate available on request
- Soy based ink through the whole run
- No window film, since the product is exposed
- Less board than a fully enclosed carton
- Right sizing so no material is wasted per unit
What Ordering Involves With Us
- 100 unit minimum, so a small brand can order properly
- Free 3D mockup and flat proof before anything prints
- Free dieline drawn by our own designer
- Physical sample on request to check the grip
- Urgent turnaround at 5 to 8 business days
- Free shipping worldwide with nothing hidden
Frequently Asked Questions
Will the product fall out?
Not at the right grip. A loose holster is the usual cause, and we set that against your actual product.
How much do holster boxes cost?
Rough estimate is $0.15 to $0.50 per unit plain, $0.28 to $0.75 with print and $0.45 to $1.20 with finishing at moderate quantity. Volume moves it. Shipping is included in our price. This is estimate only, so ask our team for a exact quote.
Is it cheaper than a window carton?
Usually, since there is no film patching and less board overall. It also avoids the plastic entirely.
Can it hang on a peg?
Yes, with a reinforced hang tab. Plenty of holster formats are designed specifically for peg display.
Will the product get damaged on display?
Shoppers touch it, which is the trade off. For delicate finishes we would suggest a window carton instead.
Which caliper should we use?
18pt for light items, 24pt where the product has weight. Stiffness is what does the gripping.
Can it be printed all over?
On the wrapped faces, yes. The open face is the product itself rather than board.
