Fashion Blogs

I do not think there is anyone who is not familiar with the belts. The western clothing has the belt as a vital part of their outfit since 1920s. It has been a vital clothing item since decades. The belt has also served as a fashion statement from time to time. Initially, the belt's purpose was to hold pants and prevent them from falling off. Nevertheless thanks to perfect tailoring the belt no longer serves that purpose, unless you have ill-fitted pants.

Even though we have known belts for a long time, we still get confused when dressing up. Some of the most infuriating questions are: should I wear a belt with this suit? Should I skip the belt? Which belt will go with this suit? I have been through that, to clear these belt cobwebs from my mind, I talked to various fashion experts. Their advice has helped me to learn about types of belt and how to select an appropriate belt for my suit. If you are going through the same dilemma,here is what they told me about belts:

Types of belts

There are many types of belts, from utility to carpenter belts to wrestling and karate belts. You can find multi-purpose belts in all forms and sizes. However, clothing belts that are most common can be divided into two types.

Formal belts

These belts are made out of leather, patent leather or faux leather. They are mainly in black or tan in color. They usually have metal buckles in silver, gold, black or chrome color. These belts give a more polished and refined look. These types of belts are all-age appropriate

Informal/ Casual belts

They are made of different fabrics and materials. Woven fabric, jeans, canvas, webbing, rope, and vinyl are most common. They are lightweight compared to formal belts. They can be found in a variety of colors and patterns. These belts are mostly used as a fashion accessory by fashion forward people. These belts cannot be worn formally.

Type of belt buckles

Frame style buckle: these buckles are the most common type of buckles. They are found in both formal and casual belts. They are sleek and very subtle, that is why it is preferred more than any buckle. These buckles are available in black, gold and silver colors.

Collector’s belt buckles: these buckles are to present one’s personal interest. Hundreds of buckles styles are present from fishing to hunting to sports teams. You can also get your personal engraving of your favorite logo or symbol or name of personnel.

Plate style buckles: after frame style, the plate styles are also very popular. They are also found in both formal and casual belts. However, they are more prominent and shiny. The plates are often crafted with designs or labels.

Box frame buckle: these are similar to plate style but they are adjustable buckles. They can be found more in informal belts or fabric made belts.

What length to choose

When you are shopping for a belt for length, always follow two thumb rules. According to this rule, you buy 2 sizes larges belt than your waist size. For example, if your waist is 36 the belt size will be 38. About how many belts should be left out again goes with 2 holes. Only the last two holes of the belt should be hanging out. If the belt is too long then you should tuck it in the loops. The width of the straps should be selected to the loop size of your pants. If the loops are wider than wide strap belt and if the loops are small you should choose small width belt.

How to match belt with attire

It would come as surprise to you that the belts are not worn on formal suits. If you have seen fashion magazines lately, designers are designing pants that do not have loops altogether. Even if the pants have loops the belt is not worn. On the other hand, if you are wearing pants without a blazer or jacket then you must wear a formal belt. You should wear a belt in informal suits. The bottoms like chinos, khaki pants, and other informal pants can be worn with belts, which give them a more refined look. As far as the color and material of the belt are concerned, you always match the material and color of your belt with shoes. The formal belt goes with dressing shoes, loafers, and boots. You don’t match your belt with sneakers, joggers and tennis shoes. The belt buckle should be matched with the material and color of your wristwatch.

Where to shop for belts

You should always invest in good belts. As the belts can be worn with multiple suits, again and again. The cheap belts rapidly wore out and give lousy look. The belts are available in almost every clothing store. However, if you cannot find some particular design, you can always look up in the online store. There are numerous stores which have an exclusive section for belts. Stores such as Gucci, Grip6, Prada, Burberry, Philipp Plein, Salvatore Ferragamo and many more have a vast collection of belts.

Some of the high-end store belts can be quite pricey but you can still purchase them on sale. On sale, the prices are reduced up-to 15-75% of the original retail price. So keep an eye out on all the holiday sales. You can also make use of your saving coupons to get a discount without a sale. You can also avail offer such as buy 1 get 1 and free shipping through these coupons.

So this is how I learned the types of belts and how to choose an appropriate belt which suits my dress. The right belt will not only complete your outfit but also commends it. Next time you go for belt shopping keep in mind these tips and tricks. This will assist you in selecting belts that will gather you handful compliments every time you go out.