Buying a belt can be an overwhelming endeavour. There are different styles and types of men’s belts, each with its specific use. The best way to buy a new belt is by determining what type you need and then determining which brands have the style you like best.
Belt Size
To find your belt size, measure around your waistline. To get the most accurate measurement, stand straight and bend over slightly to wrap the tape measure around your body at the natural waistline (where you would typically wear a belt). Make sure that the tape measure is parallel to the floor as you take this measurement.
If you’re between sizes and want to go with something that’s more comfortable, then choose one size larger than what you think would fit best; otherwise, it will be too tight when it stretches out over time.
Belt Material
The material of a belt also influences its price and appearance. Leather is the most common material used in men’s belts, and you can find them in different shades of brown and black. Leather belts come in both whole grain (the highest quality) and split grain (the lowest grade). They are also available in suede and patent leather.
Cloth belts are made from cotton or polyester fabrics and tend to be less expensive than those made from leather or suede. Cloth belts look great with dress pants but may be too casual for business attire.
Synthetic materials like polyurethane, nylon, Cordura, and others are used to make inexpensive faux-leather belts that look very similar to genuine leather without requiring any animal products. These synthetic materials can be dyed any colour you want, so there’s lots of variety when it comes time to shop around for these types of products online. However, some people prefer not to have anything artificial touching themselves, especially if they have sensitive skin issues such as allergies which may prevent them from ever wearing these types of accessories around their waists. Remember: always try something before buying it.
Casual Belts
Casual belts are great for men who like to keep things simple. Casual belts can be made from leather, suede and canvas and are usually available in different widths. These belts are most often worn with jeans or other casual clothing.
Casual belts can also be worn with dress shirts and casual shirts, so you can wear them at the office or even out on a date with your wife (or husband). Because these belts are so versatile, they’re an excellent choice if you want an accessory that will last you for years.
Dress Belts
Dress belts are made of leather and are usually narrower than casual belts. Some dress belts have a single piece of leather that wraps around the entire belt, while others have two pieces sewn together in the middle.
Men’s Belts for Formal Wear
In the world of formal wear, the rules are very clear about what colour belt a man should wear.
Black: A black belt is the only colour that can be worn with a tuxedo or a white dress shirt. Though not technically part of the ensemble, men should also wear black socks when wearing this combination.
Brown: This is one of two options for formal occasions (the other is white) and looks best with brown shoes. It’s also acceptable to pair it with khaki pants—make sure they aren’t too light in colour.
Buy a Well-Fitting Belt in the Right Style and Colour
If you are looking for a new belt, you will first want to ensure it fits. This means that the belt should be long and wide enough to fit comfortably around your waist without being too loose or tight. The second thing to consider is whether or not the belt style matches your personality and fashion preferences.
It can be tricky to know how much room each man needs in his pants. That said, there are some general guidelines:
If you wear dress slacks with a shirt tucked into them regularly, wear a dress belt (with two loops). If you wear jeans more often than not, wear a casual or western-style leather band (with four loops). If you wear both pants but want one style for all occasions, look at tactical belts, which come in many different styles, such as cop/military or urban camo prints.
A good belt is an essential accessory that can add style to any outfit. With so many options on the market, it’s hard to know which one is right for you. Make sure your belt fits properly and matches your style—from casual to formal.