The sweat guard is the piece of the holster on either the backside or the both sides of the gun slide that extends to either mid-slide or to the top of the slide of the gun.

The purpose of the sweat guard is to:

1. Protect the gun slide from potentially rusting due to carrying long periods of time.

2. Protect the individuals clothing from gun oil.

3. Aids in the re-holstering of the weapon after shooting.

The sweat guard is not a can of spray that comes with the holster to stop or prevent sweating. The sweat guard has nothing to do with the retention or the operation of the holster. It is all shooters preference. 

The different configurations of the sweat guard are:

1. High or Full Sweat Guard. This sweat guard will only be on the side of the holster that touches the individuals body. (Second Most Popular)

2. Medium Sweat Guard.This sweat guard will only be on the side of the holster that touches the individuals body. (Most Popular)

3. No Sweat Guard.

4. Double High / Full Sweat Guard. This sweat guard will be on both sides of the gun slide.

5. Double Medium Sweat Guard. This sweat guard will be on both sides of the gun slide.

The most popular sweat guard is the medium sweat guard. This is often due to the fact that the sweat guard may cause pinching when the individual sits with the gun in the appendix position. However, ultimately the decision comes down to the individuals preference.