When shopping for a new belt, you will want to think about fit, function, and fashion. The first two aspects are basic, but important. A good fit is essential for comfort, and everyone looks better in correctly fitted clothes. Strictly speaking, belts should be worn with any pants that have belt loops, but especially if your shirt will be tucked in. Be sure a new belt will properly fulfill its function of keeping your pants up.
Once you’ve determined your basic parameters, it’s time to make some fashion choices. A good place to start is to look for something that matches the shoes you’ll most often be wearing with your new belt.
Most men will want to have at least one brown and one black belt, but if your closet contains much variety, you’ll want a variety of belt styles, too. Click here to see some great options.
Leather belts have two essential parts, the buckle and the strap. Some will also have an end tip and/or a keeper loop. Belts aren’t very complicated, but there are a few details you’ll want to consider when shopping:
1.Length and Width
Belts are adjustable, but not infinitely so. You’ll want to allow for a little day to day variation in your waist, so when shopping for a new leather belt, look for one that doesn’t already require you to use the furthest hole to either side.
A standard width for dress belts is 1 to 1.5 inches. Generally the thinner the belt, the more formal it looks (up to a point), but also consider that thinner belts look good on smaller men.
2.Style of Buckle
Formal belts typically go with a frame style of buckle. This classic look is sleek and practical.
Casual belts may also use the frame style, but alternatively may go in a more adventurous direction with a plate style. These are often detachable, for use with belts made for swapping out buckles. Likely to be seen on wider belts, these have a fun cowboy (or, in a modern equivalent, biker) vibe.
Box frames allow you to buckle a belt without holes, as you simply press the strap into the buckle.
3.Type of leather
The first thing to decide when considering the material for your new belt is the source of the leather. Cowhide is certainly the most popular, and an excellent choice. Within this category there is a wide range of options, depending on the grade of leather and cut of hide, along with how thick the leather is. If you’re looking to branch out from your standard cowhide, other good options include crocodile or alligator, lizard, ostrich, or even water buffalo.
4.Color and Texture
Classic formal belts tend to be dark, and patterned subtly, if at all. If you’re looking for a more fashion-forward look, you might opt for a colorful or more noticeably patterned belt.
Complete Your Wardrobe With a New Leather Belt
Whether you’re looking to freshen up your own look or seeking the perfect gift for a dapper friend, be sure to include leather belts in your search.