Belt Up: The Definitive Guide To Menswear’s Most Underrated Accessory
The humble belt. It might not comprehensive like much, but without it, his style credentials, not to mention his pants, can quickly fall off.
A simple strip of leather or picture that separates the top
from the bottom, this age-old accessory can be used to tie up a look or
punctuate it, adding color and depth. This is a great example of the idea that
the smallest details often make the biggest difference. This is what makes a
good selection of belts a must-have for any man worth his salt.
"Selection" is the keyword here because not all
straps are the same. Formal and casual settings require different styles. And
with each comes a variety of leather and canvas subcategories. From colorful to
classic, here we outline the must-have belt styles, along with the information
he should be armed with before ditching his money.
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Purchase Considerations
Team
There are four key supplies to consider when choosing a
belt: leather, suede, canvas, and fabric. All of them can be used in an
informal setting, but only the first one should be used formally. If your end
goal is formal, go for a slightly slimmer style (about 1 inch wide) with
minimal details and a classic metal buckle closure.
Sizing
Belts are traditionally sold in sizes that match waist
measurements. You will find a single measure (for example, 34 ″) or a range
(for example, 32 ″ -34 ″). The first means the distance from the start of the
buckle to the center hole of the belt. For the latter, the first measurement
goes from the start of the loop to the closest hole (that is, the narrowest
hole where the belt can be attached), while the second goes to the hole in the
middle.
As for the width, glue between an inch and an inch and a
half, which will ensure that your waistband is not so thin that it does not
fill the loops of your pants, but looks so wide that it passes as a weight
lifting aid .
Circle
In addition to material and width, a belt's buckle
determines how elegant or casual it is. Tongue buckles are more common for
classic leather belts, while D-rings are popular on casual canvas belts for
summer. Also consider the type of copper - some grass roots skin can be
irritated by nickel, so it may be worth spending a bit more to ensure a better
quality material.
Colour
Belt colors don't stop at black or brown. In the case of
leather, these are the two classics that every man should have, but when it
comes to woven and canvas belts, the selections are endless. A bold woven belt
can be a respectable way to add a touch of personality to an otherwise
understated outfit, and it also has the potential to become a feature of your
signature style.
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Key Tie Elegances
Formal
Brooks Members
When it comes to finding the precise belt for your tailor,
width and quantifiable are the most chief factors. A formal belt will be fleece
and slightly thinner than a casual belt. The color really depends on the tone
of the suit and the other leathers you wear. A brown belt and shoes with a navy
blue suit, for example, is a timeless combination that always looks great.
However, when in doubt, it is impossible to go wrong with a black belt and
matching shoes.
Casual leather and suede
Canali
For smart casual dress codes or just basic everyday tasks, a
casual leather or suede belt is the perfect choice. These tend to be slightly varied
than their formal counterparts and the buckles can be more elaborate than a
simple tongue closure. Don't overdo it, you think: aim for "classic and
timeless" rather than "WWE wrestler."
Cloth
Tod's
Thanks to the continuing crossover between haute couture and
streetwear, canvas belts are experiencing a resurgence in popularity. They're
great again thanks to flavor brands like Off-White and Alyx, but you don't have
to be a fashion slave to get involved. Go for neutral and earthy colors and a
canvas belt will be a practical addition to your weekend wardrobe, bringing a
touch of Ivy League sophistication to even the most basic looks.
Tissue
Moldable
Another very tasteful staple that has a lot to offer. First
of all, it is simply beautiful and offers a way to inject texture into any