Belts are one of the most common accessories, yet also one of the most over-looked. Most men simply buy a cheap belt as an after-thought without paying too much attention to material, craftsmanship, or design. A great belt can add a lot to an outfit, however, so it behooves the modern gent to bear in mind a few rules regarding style and quality.
The Occasion
Belts can be worn with almost any outfit short of formal wear. Casual belts are generally 1.25 to 2 inches wide and should not be too thin, particularly when worn a tucked-in shirt. Dress belts should be a bit slimmer and under-stated without stylistic features like contrast stitching. These are generally 1 to 1 and 3/8 inches wide, with 1.25 inches being the most common.
The Length
Belts …show more content…
For casual outfits, your belt and shoe leathers don’t have to match exactly but should be in the same color family. For dress belts, match not only the color but also the tone and shine of the leather to your shoes.
Belts or braces?
Before the 20th century, men typically wore leather belts for carrying weapons. As this practice became less common, belts were no longer a necessity and men wore braces in order to support their pants. Owing to this, traditional suit trousers lacked belt loops and instead had buttons on the inside of the waistband for attaching suspenders. Many modern suits, particularly bespoke garments, still feature classic details such as these. If going this route, don’t wear braces with a belt. It’s visually busy and looks amateurish.
No belt at all?
An oft-cited quote states, “Simplicity is the height of sophistication.” Today, many style experts echo this sentiment and feel that belts are not mandatory. The attitude is that if you need a belt, your pants are too large, and properly-fitting trousers make belts entirely optional. An increasing number of men are choosing to leave the leather at home and go with a clean belt-less look. As with any clothing choice, this one comes down to your own style – just be sure your pants
The Occasion
Belts can be worn with almost any outfit short of formal wear. Casual belts are generally 1.25 to 2 inches wide and should not be too thin, particularly when worn a tucked-in shirt. Dress belts should be a bit slimmer and under-stated without stylistic features like contrast stitching. These are generally 1 to 1 and 3/8 inches wide, with 1.25 inches being the most common.
The Length
Belts …show more content…
For casual outfits, your belt and shoe leathers don’t have to match exactly but should be in the same color family. For dress belts, match not only the color but also the tone and shine of the leather to your shoes.
Belts or braces?
Before the 20th century, men typically wore leather belts for carrying weapons. As this practice became less common, belts were no longer a necessity and men wore braces in order to support their pants. Owing to this, traditional suit trousers lacked belt loops and instead had buttons on the inside of the waistband for attaching suspenders. Many modern suits, particularly bespoke garments, still feature classic details such as these. If going this route, don’t wear braces with a belt. It’s visually busy and looks amateurish.
No belt at all?
An oft-cited quote states, “Simplicity is the height of sophistication.” Today, many style experts echo this sentiment and feel that belts are not mandatory. The attitude is that if you need a belt, your pants are too large, and properly-fitting trousers make belts entirely optional. An increasing number of men are choosing to leave the leather at home and go with a clean belt-less look. As with any clothing choice, this one comes down to your own style – just be sure your pants