Why These 3 Belt Styles Are All You Need
Full disclaimer: Personally, I actually own a lot more than three belts. More than enough, really. Why take my advice, then? It’s a simple answer: because it is precisely for this abundance of choices that I have learnt what can be left out.
So, if you want to de-clutter – or upgrade – your wardrobe, these 3 belts are the bases you want to have covered. Stick around until the end and you will also find a neat little tip to always get the right size.
Classic Leather Belt: The Versatile Staple
The very first quality belt you want to buy is an all-time classic. Black or dark brown, full-leather construction, smooth to the touch and with a buckle that whispers rather than screams. Here are some examples to get the gist:
The first belt appears sophisticated due to its texture-free upper and small, polished buckle. The middle one is grained and therefore more casual. The last belt has a dark shade of brown with contrast stitching. They are all made by Timberland and have seen frequent use for over a year.
Now, many people preach that the belt should match the leather dress shoes. But honestly, they don’t have to match exactly. There’s enough space in between to show a little contrast. The same applies to their texture: you could wear a pair of smooth black leather dress shoes with the second belt, no problem. However, the width should not exceed 3,5cm / 1,37” if you plan to dress up.
As for the first pick, simply choose the color that goes best with the classic footwear you already own.
Braided Belt: Casual Chic for Business Casual
Over the years, these belts have grown to be my favorites. They exude an effortless, casual chic. They subtly stand out without being too “on the nose”. And on top of all that, their flexible construction and easy adjustability makes them perfectly comfortable.
The first belt is by Tommy Hilfiger. It’s got navy cotton inside. The second, chestnut-colored belt was a bargain at H&M – and punches way above its weight class.
Braided belts can be worn with any business casual outfit. In fact, they go well with pretty much anything. A cream-colored jeans will pair just as well as a mid-green chino or navy dress pant. The darker the hue, the easier the belt will be to combine.
Suede Belt: The Textured Touch for Fall and Winter
The last option you might consider is a belt in suede leather. These are excellent choices for fall / winter, as their textured appearance underscores the soft, cozy vibe of the season. They are usually quite bendable in construction, accounting for lots of comfort in the cool days.
I decided to pair this chocolate suede belt with other earthy colors.
Suede belts like these are perfect to wear with suede boots or loafers. Since its texture is so rich, you might even want to opt for a dark navy suede. This color still pairs well with dark footwear and feels fresh, yet understated.
Of course, you can also go the extra mile: This braided suede belt is one of my favorites.
With braided belts, it’s a good idea to size up. That way, you can tuck the end into a belt loop on the side, resulting in a very clean look.
Recommended brands
Expert Tips for Choosing and Wearing Men’s Belts
The right length isn’t always easy to find. A braided belt certainly helps in this regard. But as a general rule, look out for belts with removable buckles. Often times, you’ll be able to unscrew the tip and adjust the length yourself. This is the case with the Timberland belts you saw above. All you need is a pair of punch pliers. It has worked wonders for me to size up when ordering, then adjusting the length myself.
Last, but not least: Always, always buy the shoes first, the belt second. If you spot a splendid belt on sale, but don’t see how it fits into your wardrobe, resist the temptation. It’s going to be a regrettable purchase. You don’t want to end up with an attractive dust trap like this:
I like this belt’s color but haven’t worn it once. Shame on me – but you can do better!
And with that being said: Have fun finding your next belt!
Thanks for reading.
