Belts were, at a time, a vital part of men’s fashion. This was mostly for practical reasons, and they were only rivaled by suspenders and cummerbunds in more ceremonial events.
Naturally, fashion has changed a lot since, and belts are no longer necessary to hold your trousers in place. Today’s fashion style leans more towards achieving a fitting look, and men own perhaps one or two belts at most.
Nevertheless, belts are a classic accessory and add a touch of class to a well-dressed man. This means that no matter how subtle you might find them, you just can’t go with any belt.
Finding the perfect belt for you requires you to understand the top qualities of a good men’s belt. Continue reading this article to familiarize yourself with the factors you should consider when buying a men’s belt.
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The Material Used
The most common type of material used in belts is leather because it is the most durable. Even so, there are different types of leather styles used in men’s belts, such as full-grain and top-grain.
These two types of leather are of the highest quality and are very durable. They present a shiny and rich finish to any belt. However, this means that they are the most expensive cuts of leather.
You can find belts made from leather cuts such as braided leather and suede, which add great detail to your outfits but are not as durable.
While a formal outfit demands a leather belt to match, some belts are more appropriate in less formal situations. For instance, plant-based viscose and heavy-duty webbing belts are commonly worn with khaki shorts in outdoor settings.
The Shape of the Belt
You also want to go with a shape that works for you and your outfit. Belt buckle shapes are very versatile, and people can get very creative with size and designs! Some of the shapes you can expect to find are the frame, O-ring, D-ring, and plate buckle.
The most popular shape is the frame buckle, that’s usually a rectangular buckle with a prong that locks into the holes for fitting. A plate buckle is detachable from the belt strap and is often used as statement pieces.
O-ring and D-ring belts are often used on braided and canvas belts and do not need a prong to secure them. The idea is to put the belt through both rings then reinforce it through one of the rings so it can remain intact.
How Wide Can You Go?
A belt as an accessory should work to complement your outfit. A belt should be up to 2 inches wide and a minimum of 1.5 inches.
Men’s formal wear goes best with narrow belts as they do not distract from the style of the suit. Casual dressing is more flexible and can accommodate wider belts, with denim jeans using the widest belt styles.
A belt that is too wide sets off your waist proportion and gives an awkward midriff shape. Wearing a suit with a wide belt will definitely strain your trouser loops and cause damage to a probably expensive investment.
Belt Buckle Material
One unwritten rule most men aren’t too familiar with is that your belt buckle material should always match your watch buckle material. Therefore your buckle is an essential aspect of your belt. Traditionally, belt buckles are metallic for durability, and formal wear goes best with metallic buckles, which give a sophisticated and clean finish to one’s outfit.
Other types of belts accommodate different materials such as plastic like the snap buckle, which works for younger belt wearers.
The Belt Colour
Your belt should also go with the color of your shoes. A black belt-brown shoe combination is an awkward site because it breaks the smooth flow of an outfit and may cause your whole look to seem imbalanced.
The popular colors on belts are black, brown, and oxblood. These shades mesh well with most colors because they are subtle and do not stand out, so they are highly preferred for formal outfits. However, casual wear has given room for brighter colors and even patterns.
Finding a Good Men’s Belt Is More About How You Wear It Than What You Spend on It
Belts are such a subtle accessory that it comes with little surprise that many men buy just any belt. However, belts are more than just a practical accessory. Whether formal or casual situations, a belt will always come in handy in giving you a finished, crisp look.
The qualities listed above should help steer you in the right direction when looking for a good belt. Just remember to look for different belts of different styles to find one that will make you feel confident in your outfit.