Men’s belts are commonly used to support clothes or to carry weapons. But there’s more to it! Men’s belts can also be used for making a style statement. It can create an apparent contrast between your top and bottom outfit. Want to add a personal touch to your formal wear and dress shoes? In order to make the most of it, you must make an informed decision in order to improve your look.
Men’s belts usually come in a square buckle with some punched holes on the opposite end. Choosing the right belt is one of the litmus tests for fashion. Although, it may seem a simple task, when there is an error or a mismatch then you need to learn a bit more about dressing properly. However, if you’ve done it right then it only authenticates that you are a man who is very knowledgeable about his clothes. Luckily, dressing properly is not tough to learn, in fact, it’s mostly about common sense and the rest is about your personal taste and men’s belts allow you to express it.
Best Men’s Designer Belts Explained
Leather Reversible Belt from Tommy Hilfiger – Get it via Amazon
Formal Belts are usually worn together with tailored trousers and suits, and nothing more. Typically, it comes in black, brown or other subtle colors. The strap is made of fine leather with subtle patterns. To enhance your look, choose a buckle that is made of your favorite metal finish such as gold and silver. Match this with the rest of your accessories such as watches or other jewelry.
Bullko Men’s Pin Buckle Leather Belt – Get it via Amazon
Casual belts let you express your personality and what’s more, you can even experiment with it. Thin men’s belts work best for skinny jeans only while the wider ones can be matched with casual trousers such as jeans, chinos, cargo pants, and even shorts.
Ribbon Inlay Belt from Tommy Hilfiger – Get it via Amazon
Leatherback Ribbon Belts are a perfect match for your golf shoes and boat shoes. In front, it looks casual but the back and the side give you a sharp accent. These type of men’s belts can surely grab attention wherever you go because it is never boring.
Nocona Men’s Floral Embose – Get it via Amazon
Tooled Leather Belts have tooled patterns stamped on the leather. They are typically used for interchangeable buckles. Typical patterns include Western and Celtic. It’s the best match for a simple outfit including a shirt and a pair of jeans.
Stony West Brown Western Rodeo Belt – Get it via Amazon
Rodeo Belts also feature tooled patterns. These are broad and comes with decorative studs and oversized buckles. Rodeo belts must only be paired with jeans and matching boots. It must only be worn during country events, state fairs or rodeo.
BC Belts Canvas Belt Military Style – Get it via Amazon
Canvas Belts are commonly worn by Boy Scouts, Army, and others. It has a simple style and comes with metal buckles. You can simply slide this until it reaches the desired position.
Braided Stretch Belts for Men – Get it via Amazon
Multicolored Braided Belts are well known during the 1980s and even today. It can look fabulous on plain tops and trousers. Braided men’s belts with bright colors are best for the summer look that incorporates a plain shirt, khaki shorts, and boaters.
Buckle Down Thor Vinyl Belt – Get it via Amazon
Vinyl Belts are cheap and come in various colors and patterns. These belts are predominant among the youth but can still look great on anyone who wants to have an unusual look. They are specifically designed for concerts, so don’t wear it on any other occasion.
Hemp Rope Belt for Medieval Costume – Get it via Etsy
Rope Belts are literally made of ropes wrapped around the waist. It is either clasped with a loop and a stopper knot or tied together. Although it may look quite traditional, it is easier to clean and durable too.
BC Belts Canvas Belt D-Ring Buckle – Get it via Amazon
D-Ring Belts can be characterized by its buckle. It is very flexible and functional too! The perfect belt for any outdoor activity such as hiking, fishing, golfing and others.
Unique Men’s Belts
When buying belts for men, be sure to choose the best quality so you won’t have to replace it over and over again. We’ve pulled out some of the best unique men’s belts and put everything in a list so you can complete your wardrobe. These belts can make you look sharp and perfectly dressed for a particular event.
1. BC Belts Canvas Belt D-Ring Buckle
BC Belts Canvas Belt D-Ring Buckle – Get it via Amazon
Most belts look similar but they vary in cost.
2. Nike Men’s Tech Essentials Web Belt
Nike Men’s Tech Essentials Web Belt – Get it via Amazon
Construction is one of the major elements that can affect the price.
3. 40mm Reversible Belt by Calvin Klein
Calvin Klein Men’s 40mm Reversible Belt – Get it via Amazon
An excellent belt should be made of soft, supple leather.
4. Dress Reversible Belt from Tommy Hilfiger
Tommy Hilfiger Men’s Dress Reversible Belt – Get it via Amazon
Most leather belts are made of calfskin.
5. Tommy Hilfiger Men’s Braided Belt
Tommy Hilfiger Men’s Braided Belt – Get it via Amazon
Some prefer branded belts, however, your belt is so small so people wouldn’t be able to tell if it’s a designer belt or not. It’s wiser to spend your money on quality products.
6. Casual Belt from Tommy Hilfiger
Tommy Hilfiger Men’s Casual Belt – Get it via Amazon
To check if your leather belt won’t crack or brittle, try to flex it.
7. Classic Jean Belt from Timberland
Classic Jean Belt from Timberland – Get it via Amazon
Another way of testing your leather belt is to run your fingernails lightly on the back, tough leathers can resist this.
8. 35mm Genuine Leather Belt by Dickies
Dickies Men’s 35mm Genuine Leather Belt – Get it via Amazon
Aside from its practical use, a fabulous belt can always grab some attention.
9. 38mm Leather Bridle Belt from Dockers
Dockers Men’s 38mm Leather Bridle Belt – Get it via Amazon
Belts are an essential element for your formal or casual look.
10. Canvas and Ribbon Belt by Tommy Hilfiger
Tommy Hilfiger Men’s Canvas and Ribbon Belt – Get it via Amazon
Keep it simple and classic.
11. 40-mm Reversible Belt by Levi’s
Levi’s Men’s Levis 40-mm Reversible Belt – Get it via Amazon
For formal occasions, leather belts are commonly worn.
12. Ribbon Inlay Belt from Tommy Hilfiger
Tommy Hilfiger Men’s Ribbon Inlay Belt – Get it via Amazon
There is a wide range of colors and textures that can transform your look.
13. Dickies Men’s 38mm Leather Belt
Dickies Men’s 38mm Leather Belt – Get it via Amazon
Keep it classic and choose flexible colors such as brown, black, tan, nude and white.
14. Nautica Men’s Casual Leather Belt
Nautica Men’s Casual Leather Belt – Get it via Amazon
A brown or tan belt is best for a casual look.
15. Carhartt Men’s Anvil Leather Belt
Carhartt Men’s Anvil Leather Belt – Get it via Amazon
Black belts are obviously the most appealing of them all.
16. 30mm Braided Belt from Dockers
Dockers Men’s 30mm Braided Belt – Get it via Amazon
Wearing the wrong belt can destroy your entire look.
17. Fossil Men’s Joe Belt
Fossil Men’s Joe Belt – Get it via Amazon
Big buckles are only for casual belts.
18. Grip6 Adjustable No Holes Men’s Belt
Grip6 Adjustable No Holes Men’s Belt – Get it via Amazon
Whether you’re wearing shorts or jeans, you should always accompany it with an amazing men’s belt.
19. Wolverine Men’s Double Topstitched Leather Belt
Wolverine Men’s Double Topstitched Leather Belt – Get it via Amazon
Brown leather belts are simply elegant and timeless.
20. Calvin Klein Men’s Reversible Belt
Calvin Klein Men’s Reversible Belt – Get it via Amazon
Genuine leather belts are durable and versatile too!
21. Columbia Men’s Trinity Feather Edge Belt
Columbia Men’s Trinity Feather Edge Belt – Get it via Amazon
The brass belt buckle is a good match in this leather belt.
Men’s Belt Sizing Chart
The rule of thumb when wearing dress belts is to leave a few inches after fastening it. It should be sufficient enough for inserting into the loop or on the first belt loop of your trousers. Never leave a long tail and wrap it for the second time. This is too awkward! Although, casual belts are a bit flexible.
The measurements of men’s belts greatly depend on the sizes of the trousers. In order to have an appropriate fit, choose belts which are bigger by two or three sizes than your pants. For instance, if your waistline is 34″ then buy men’s belts which measure 36″-38″.
Obviously, the best way of checking is to fit the belt around your waist. Some belts have brass buckles and brass caps. This is usually worn by the military. Once worn, there is no more spare belt left beyond the buckle. To adjust the belt, just remove the buckle and cut the cloth to its appropriate size then return the buckle to its place.
Men’s Belts Buying Guide
As much as possible, avoid matching your belt with anything else since it may look overdone. Should you choose a bizarre buckle or strap? Either of the two is fine but not both.
Take note that if you are wearing a pair of branded jeans with a tag on the waistband, it will likely be covered with your belt. Belts which are wider than 4cm will make you ask yourself – will this fit on the loops of my pants? Is it really a good buy?
Leather, fabric, embroidered, studded, printed… the choices are endless for real men. Simply put, you have no excuse to use a formal belt when you’re wearing a casual outfit. It just doesn’t work! For a proportioned look, choose men’s belts which are a contrast to your shirt, polo or jackets. Should you wear a belt when you’re wearing a suit?