Belts are a staple accessory for men, but do you truly understand their function and style?
Beyond simply holding up your pants, belts play a crucial role in completing your outfit, creating a clear division between your upper and lower body, and adding a personal touch.
While modern pants often fit well without needing a belt, this accessory still serves to enhance your style and polish your look.
Choosing the Right Size
Finding the right belt size is key to ensuring both comfort and style. A belt’s length is measured from the buckle to the middle hole, which is typically used. Compare this measurement to your hip size for the best fit.
A well-fitting belt should loop through the first belt loop on your pants. If it extends to the second loop, it’s too long and can make you look sloppy. If you find yourself with a belt that’s too long, visit a leather repair shop - like those on Hà Trung Street in Hanoi - to have it resized. A well-fitted belt makes a noticeable difference!
Belts are often sized in S, M, L, etc., corresponding to your pant size. For instance, a size S belt fits a 30-inch pant size, size M fits 30-32 inches, and size L suits larger sizes.
Formal Belts
Formal belts are meant for suits and dress pants and should complement your shoes. Typically, these belts are 2.5-3.5 cm wide, crafted from leather, and feature minimal detailing.
Two versatile options - black and brown - are generally sufficient for formal attire. Avoid belts with excessive details, ornate patterns, or unusual buckles. Subtle features like a slight texture or a hint of shine are acceptable, but keep it understated.
Casual Belts
Casual belts offer more flexibility. Although there are no strict rules, here are some guidelines:
Width: Narrow belts (1.5-2 cm) suit skinny pants, while wider belts work with a range of pants, from chinos to jeans.
Matching: Casual belts don’t need to match your shoes. Just avoid clashing logos.
Tag Coverage: If your jeans have a leather tag, ensure the belt covers at least three-quarters of it.
Wide Belts: Belts over 4 cm wide should be scrutinized for practicality. They must fit through belt loops and suit various occasions. Generally, wide belts can be hard to style and less attractive.
Avoid Formal Belts: Don’t use formal belts with casual outfits.
Essential Belts for Your Collection
If you’re building or updating your belt collection, consider these essentials:
A black or brown formal belt: Perfect for pairing with dress shoes.
A light brown casual belt: Ideal for jeans and comes in styles like plain leather or braided leather.
A fabric belt: Versatile for jeans, chinos, shorts, and more.
Styling Tips
To create a taller appearance, match your belt to the color of your pants or shirt, minimizing breaks in your outfit. Conversely, if you’re tall and want to balance your look, choose lighter-colored belts.
Belts can enhance your outfit’s style. For instance, a narrow belt with vintage-style studs adds flair to dress pants, while a shiny leather belt complements distressed jeans. And if your pants fit perfectly, you might not need a belt at all - minimalism can often highlight inherent masculinity and sophistication.
Và đơn giản hơn, nếu chiếc quần của bạn đã quá vừa vặn thì cũng… chẳng cần đến thắt lưng nữa. Tôi luôn ủng hộ phong cách tối giản, tôn lên vẻ nam tính sẵn có. Trông bạn sẽ gọn gàng hơn khi đóng bộ mà không cần đến thắt lưng, chắc chắn là như vậy!
braces
A final note: never wear a belt and braces together. If you opt for braces, leave the belt behind. Braces add a vintage touch and a distinctive style to any outfit.
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