Belts often fly under the radar in men's fashion. Their main function? Keeping your pants in place. But over time, belts have evolved from purely functional items to key accessories that can elevate your entire look.
Black Shoes with a Brown Belt: A Common Mistake
Because belts tend to get overlooked, they're often the reason an otherwise sharp outfit falls flat. Wearing a belt incorrectly or picking the wrong one is more common than you'd think. Imagine nailing your outfit, only to have a mismatched belt ruin the whole vibe.
Here are some straightforward tips on buying and wearing belts correctly.
Choosing the Right Belt Size
In Vietnam, it's common practice to try on a belt and then have it cut to size if it's too long. While this works, it's better to buy a belt that fits your waist from the start.
Belts that get shortened tend to be less sturdy since they're held together by a sharp pin, which weakens the structure. On the other hand, belts that are sewn and properly fixed are more durable and, frankly, look better.
The top one can be shortened, but it’s less durable and looks worse. The bottom one is more commonly found on high-quality belts, like the one in the picture from Edward Green, a British leather goods brand.
Ideally, choose a belt that fits your waist without needing adjustments. Belt sizes are usually measured from the buckle to the middle hole (with five holes in total). If you know your pant size, just grab a belt in the same size.
Some brands size belts as S, M, or L. You can follow the same rule: buy a belt in the same size as your pants. For example, an S belt might fit a 34 to 36-inch waist.
Wearing a properly sized belt ensures durability and the right length. A belt that's too long or too short can throw off your whole look, especially in formal wear. Casual fabric or woven belts offer a bit more flexibility, but the fit still matters.
The top image shows a belt that's the correct length, while the bottom one shows a belt that's too long.
Belt Materials
Here’s a breakdown of belt materials, ranked from most formal to most casual:
Leather: The go-to option, especially cowhide leather, which is versatile and stylish. Some prefer exotic leathers like crocodile or ostrich, but these are harder to wear and tend to draw too much attention.
Fabric: Ideal for casual summer outfits. They come in vibrant colors, so matching them to your wardrobe takes some thought.
Woven: Available in fabric, leather, or faux leather, these belts are great for casual looks and have the bonus of being adjustable without fixed holes.
Fabric belts and woven belts are perfect for casual outings.
Types of Belts Based on Style
Dress Belts
These are designed for formal wear, like dress pants and shoes. Every man should own at least one. The golden rule? Match your belt to your shoes - black belt for black shoes, brown belt for brown shoes.
Dress belts are typically narrower (under 3cm), with simple buckles and minimal design. Leather is a must for these.
Casual Belts
Wider and more rugged, these belts (3.5cm or more) can be made from leather, fabric, or woven materials. They're perfect for casual pants, and the buckles are usually bulkier.
If your shoes don’t match your belt exactly - like when wearing colorful sneakers - just match your belt to your pants or find a color that complements your shoes.
For the more adventurous, you can make your belt the standout piece by choosing a bold color, but pulling this off takes some finesse.
Avoid Belts with Logo Buckles
Let’s be real - no one wants to be a walking billboard. Belts with giant logo buckles (often fake) should stay in the past where they belong.
There’s no need to flash a brand name to look good.
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