Men’s belts are a necessary accessory that you must wear almost daily. They keep your pants in place, are a fashion statement, and complete your outfit.
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The article was last updated on 4 May 2024. The average reading time is 9 minutes.
Belts are one of the oldest accessories and have existed since people wore clothes. First, they were used for carrying tools and weapons, but later, they were used to secure pants, shorts, and skirts.
There are several types of belts today. Below, you can find all of them, and we will explain when and why to wear them.
Check out our article about gloves for men. Complete your look with style.
Casual Men’s Belts
One of the popular everyday belts is the casual belt. They are made of nylon or lightweight materials like cotton, woven, elastic, and canvas. Casual belts can also be made of leather or faux leather.
You can wear casual belts with jeans, shorts, or any other casual outfit.
Color Woven Belt
Pros
- The multi-color everyday belt for a casual outfit
- All the sizes
- Made by Boss
Cons
It’s a perfect quality belt that will never bring you down.
Check it out at next.co.uk
Dockers® Reversible Stretch Casual Belt
Reversible belts are a practical option that offers versatility. They come with two colors or patterns on each side, allowing you to switch up your look effortlessly. Reversible belts are perfect for traveling or those who want to get the most out of their accessories.
Pros
- Adjustable
- Reversible
- Good price
- Artificial leather
Cons
It is a stretchy belt; give it time to get used to it.
Check it out at kohls.com
Do you want to pair belts with hats? Check out our article about different types of men’s hats.
Braided Men’s belt
Another popular type of men’s belt is the braided belt. This belt is famous because you can fasten your waist anywhere you like. They suit well with casual clothes like jeans, shirts, and trousers.
Black braided leather belt
Braided belts are a unique option that adds a touch of character to an outfit. They are made from leather or fabric and come in various colors and patterns. Braided belts are perfect for adding a pop of color to a company and can be worn casually and formally.
Pros
- Material: leather
- Different sizes
- A reasonable price for a leather belt
- Many different colors and designs with similar prices
Cons
More of a casual style. Please don’t wear them with a suit
Check it out at johnhenric.com
I feel like my style’s always been influenced by ‘less is more.’ The coolest styles are kind of simple and classic, like a white T-shirt and jeans. Maybe you have a cool belt and cool shoes, but everything else you keep simple.
Chris Evans
Leather men’s belts
Leather belts are a classic choice that will never go out of style. They are versatile and can be worn with both formal and casual outfits. When choosing a leather belt, look for high-quality leather that will age well over time. A good leather belt will last for years and only improve with age.
You will always be required to have at least one leather belt. Choose the color, buckle, and length depending on your style and waist size. Black and brown color belts are the best because you need to pair them with the same color of shoes.
Check out our article about scarves for men. Complete your look and feel amazing.
Tommy Hilfiger Denton Leather Belt
Pros
- 100% leather
- All sizes
- Many different colors, including black, brown, organic leather, white, Testa di Moro, and desert sky
- Good price
Cons
If you do not like the Tommy Hilfiger flag, there are more designs to choose
Check it out at uk.tommy.com
Boss Italian Leather belt
Pros
- They are three primary different colors: black, dark brown, and brown
- Italian leather with a nice touch of patina
- Engraved Boss logo
- The average price for a leather belt
Cons
Just buy it
Check it out at hugoboss.com
Suspenders of belts? What to choose? Read our article about suspenders for men.
Dress men’s belts
You will need to have at least one dress belt in your wardrobe. Dress belts are usually made of high-quality leather and are necessary for events like weddings, funerals, or any other big social occasion.
Remember that you need a brown belt for wearing a blue suit and a black dress belt for your black case.
Check also our article about suit accessories
Dillard’s oiled dress belt
Pros
- Black and brown color
- Oiled full grain
- Gunmetal buckle
- Good price
Cons
If you need a dress belt, buy it now
Check it out at dillards.com
Polo Full-Grain Leather Belt
Pros
- Brown and black color
- Full grain leather
- Logo on buckle
Cons
Price above average
Check it out at ralphlauren.co.uk
You want to wear a nice tie with a lovely leather belt. Please read our complete article about ties for men.
D-ring men’s belts
For a casual belt, you can also try a D-ring design belt. They are usually made of canvas or other lightweight materials.
Wear them with your jeans, work pants, or any casual outfit
D-ring Buckle Canvas Belt
Pros
- Thick canvas material
- Six different colors
- Sizes up to 66 inches in length
- Good price
Cons
Only for an effortless business. Military style.
Check it out at etsy.com
Suede Men’s belts
Suede belts are a stylish option that adds a luxurious touch to an outfit. They are typically made from high-quality leather and have a soft and supple texture. Suede belts pair with jeans or chinos for a casual yet sophisticated look.
Brown suede men’s belt
Pros
- Made of 100% Italian genuine suede leather
- 3.5 cm wide
- Made in Italy
- Sizes up to 44″ (110cm)
Cons
For casual style. Check for discounts before buying.
Check it out at leatherbeltsonline.com
Valentino Garavani Reversible Leather Belt
For the last belt, we have something different—a Valentino Garavani belt with an extraordinary design.
Pros
- Reverses in Navy and brown leather.
- Designer belt with a V logo on the buckle.
- It fits true to size.
Cons
Designer accessories are always high in price. This men’s belt is not an exception.
Check it out at mrporter.com
Tips and Tricks
- Match your men’s belts to your shoes: As a general rule, your belt should coordinate with your shoes in both color and finish. For example, pair a black leather belt with black leather shoes, or a brown suede belt with brown suede boots.
- Get the right size: Measure your waist where you typically wear your belt and add 2-3 inches to determine your belt size. The tip of the belt should fall between the first and second loop of your pants when buckled.
- Invest in quality leather: A high-quality full-grain leather belt will age beautifully and last much longer than cheaper alternatives. Look for belts made from a single piece of leather rather than multiple layers glued together.
- Consider reversible belts: These versatile options offer two colors (typically black and brown) in one belt, making them ideal for travel or minimalist wardrobes.
- Choose the right width: For formal wear, opt for narrow belts (1-1.25 inches). Wider belts (1.5-1.75 inches) are better suited for casual outfits and jeans.
- Pay attention to buckle styles: For formal occasions, choose simple, sleek buckles. Save larger, more decorative buckles for casual wear. Silver-toned buckles are more versatile, while gold-toned ones can be dressier.
- Rotate your belts: To extend their lifespan, avoid wearing the same belt every day. This allows the leather to rest and retain its shape.
- Care for your men’s belts properly: Clean leather belts with a damp cloth and condition them periodically with leather cream. Store them rolled up or hanging to prevent creasing.
- Experiment with textures: While smooth leather is classic, try incorporating different textures like suede, woven leather, or fabric belts to add interest to your outfits.
- Consider belt alternatives: For a modern look, explore options like side adjusters on trousers or suspenders, which can eliminate the need for a belt altogether in certain outfits.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you determine the men’s belt size?
You can add 2 inches to your pants size to be sure. Or take one size larger than your trousers.
How thick should a man’s belt be?
For formal occasions, choose a belt around 1″-1.5″. For the casual belt, choose from 1.5″ to 1.75″. One inch is 2.54 cm, so the formal belt is 2.5cm to 3.75cm, and the casual belt is 3.75cm to 4.5cm. Don’t wear wider belts. They are only for special occasions, like work forms or military applications.
How long do leather men’s belts last?
Depending on the thickness and quality of the belt, it can last from 5 to 15 years maximum. Some straps are thick enough to stay longer but are not so comfortable for daily use. Also, remember that the buckle must be attached firmly to the belt.
What are some different styles of cool belts for men?
There are many different styles of cool belts for men, including leather belts with unique buckle designs, woven fabric belts in various patterns and colors, canvas belts with metal accents, and braided belts made from materials like suede or leather.
How do I know what size belt to buy?
It’s essential to measure your waist before purchasing a belt. Most belts are measured from the end of the buckle to the middle hole. Choose a belt one size larger than your waist measurement for the best fit.
Can I wear a dress belt with casual outfits?
Wearing a dress belt with casual outfits is not recommended as it may look out of place. Instead, opt for a more casual belt like a woven or braided belt.
Are reversible belts a good option?
Reversible belts can be a good option as they offer versatility and can be worn with multiple outfits. However, ensuring that the reversible side is of the same quality and material as the primary side is crucial.
How do I care for leather men’s belts?
Wipe it down with a damp cloth and mild soap to care for your leather belt. Avoid using harsh chemicals or soaking the belt in water. Apply a leather conditioner every few months to keep the leather soft and prevent cracking.
Can I wear a belt with suspenders?
Wearing a belt with suspenders is not recommended as it may look too busy and redundant. Instead, choose one accessory to complete your outfit.
How do I choose a belt for formal occasions?
For formal occasions, opt for dress men’s belts made of leather in a neutral color such as black or brown. Avoid straps with large or flashy buckles, as they may draw attention away from your outfit.
What are some popular buckle styles for men’s belts?
Some popular buckle styles for men’s belts include standard D-ring and box buckles. Standard buckles are the most common and have a classic look. D-ring buckles are more casual and provide a secure fit. Box buckles are typically used on dress belts and have a sleek, polished appearance.
Conclusion
Well, here are the most popular belt types in the market. Any other belts like studded, Thin leather, or canvas web belts are not recommended.
Please let us know in the comment what type of belts you have in your closet.
Pashalis Laoutaris
I am a professional writer, fashion blogger, and owner of the site https://laoutaris.com. As a salesperson for more than 20 years, I have experience of 10 years in the fashion industry. I consider myself a true fashionista. I am writing daily blog articles about fashion, tools and converters, and everything you need to know about the current fashion trends.
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