“Clothes maketh the man!” is a famous proverb, which means that what we wear, indicates our status! This proverb was mentioned by a wise person centuries ago – and somewhere we feel that it is true till date. Many of us tend to pass the first judgment on any person, just by looking at the way they are dressed. When you see someone in a crisp shirt, perfectly tailored pants, well-polished shoes, there is a sense of respect towards them. That is the power of dressing well, and when it comes to outfitting men, the sophisticated belt has a role to play, too.
Ask any man and he will tell you that good quality leather belts are more than just a fashion accessory; it is an important member of a classic wardrobe, which can help blend functionality with style. Whether you're dressing for a formal occasion or aiming for a casual look, the right leather belt can help complete your outfit by adding sophistication as well as structure. Let us help you understand how to get the perfect belt!
Here is how to choose a belt that will work with your wardrobe
For many people, a belt is just a way to keep trousers or jeans in place, but those who are aware will tell you that a belt is surely an important fashion accessory and could make or break a look. When you are choosing a belt for yourself, you need to pay the same amount of attention that you would pay for a pair of shoes or a formal shirt.
If you are looking for some help on how to choose the best leather belts for men, here are some points to consider -
Learn more about the leather
So, you are looking to invest in a good quality leather belt, and that means that you need to first learn more about the variants of leather. The highest quality leather is known as full-grain leather, which is made from the topmost layer of the hide because the natural grain is retained, it ensures a rich character and absolute strength. There is top grain leather, which is one rank lower than full-grain leather, it is generally sanded down slightly to remove any imperfections that might be there, which is why it might not be as smooth, but there is no question on the durability at all.
Wondering about the width?
This might not seem like an important factor, but when you are looking to select good belts for men, you surely need to consider the width. Here is a simple guide:
Formal and dress belts – If you are looking for belts that you can wear to work or for formal events, such as weddings or meetings, then you should ideally choose a belt that is narrower; in general, anywhere between 1 to 1.5 inches wide is considered most appropriate to be paired with formal trousers.
Casual belts - For casual wear, such as denim jeans or chinos, you can go for a wider belt, like those between 1.5 to 2 inches wide. A wider belt can give you a more laid-back, comfortable and rugged look that suits everyday outfits.
Look for the length, too
Getting the right length is key to a belt's comfort and overall appearance and it is important that you pay heed to the length of the belt as well. These are some pointers on how to pick a belt with the right length:
Point One - A well-fitting belt typically falls between the third and fourth hole. So, you can add 1 to 2 inches to your waist size to determine the length appropriately.
Point Two - Ideally, a belt should have about five or six holes, and when fastened, the belt tail should end just past the first belt loop on your trousers. The tail of the belt should not hang out too long, because it can look improper.
Behold the buckle!
Most people identify their belts by the buckles and although there are several shapes, sizes, and finishes available these days, you need to make sure that you choose right. The type of buckle that you pick could enhance or detract from the overall look that you are trying to achieve. The most common styles are the frame style and the plate style. The frame style is the most traditional and is commonly found on dress belts. There is a metal frame through which the strap is pulled and fastened. On the other hand, the plate style buckle can be more decorative, which is why it is seen more on casual belts. The belt is attached to the buckle using snaps or screws, and a prong or hook that fastens the belt.
Consider the colour
When you are looking to buy a belt, there are some colours that are considered classics - black, brown, tan, and burgundy are the most popular colours when it comes to belts, but you might be able to find other colours, too. The general thumb rule is to match your belt colour with your shoes, especially when you are getting dressed in a more formal manner. Black belts are considered the most versatile and are perfect to be teamed with formal and casual wear. Same goes for brown and tan belts – these can be worn with various shades of brown or tan shoes, making them ideal for semi-formal and casual outfits. Burgundy is a more unique colour and will work well with darker shades of brown shoes, giving you a polished, distinctive look.
Think about the texture
The texture and finish of the belt can further add to your outfit, which is why you need to pay some amount of attention to this factor as well. A smooth leather belt is a classic choice for formal occasions, while textured or patterned belts work well for casual wear. You can even pick and choose between matte or glossy finish, depending on what you are looking for.
