Men have far fewer accessories in their wardrobe than women, which can highlight their individuality. Everything here is subject to classical canons and traditions. Such attributes definitely include a wristwatch, tie, purse or men's belts. The latter have a lot of varieties and their own individual characteristics, which are worth considering in more detail.

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Peculiarities

Initially, a man's belt appeared as a part of soldiers' uniforms and performed exclusively practical functions, and then they did not think about the individuality of the image. Later, aristocrats began to use it, emphasizing their high status. It was made from durable genuine leather, inaccessible to commoners - they were belted with a simple braid or rag rope.

Today, almost everyone uses men's belts - from elementary school students to venerable old men. The variety of brands, models, materials and colors is simply endless. Moreover, new products appear every season. This wardrobe item does not lose its popularity all over the world.

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If we talk about the practical functions of a belt, it supports pants or trousers, and also makes the figure more slender and helps shape posture. Much more interesting is its purpose as a decorative accessory: a belt can emphasize a man’s status, testify to his strength and confidence, reflect his character, attitude to fashion and style, and belonging to a certain subculture.

It is these not at all practical functions that have led to the huge variety of models of these wonderful products.

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In its most general form, a belt looks like a dense belt of varying thicknesses with a hard buckle and punched holes for fastening and adjusting to size. This definition, of course, is completely incomplete, since there are many varieties with their own design features, details and decor. For example, a belt with an automatic clasp or buckle does not have holes.

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Varieties

Of the variety of belts - branded or purchased at the nearest market, everyday or classic, factory or handmade, we can distinguish 3 main types that cannot be confused:

• Classic men's belts – those that are designed to belt dress trousers. They have a smooth surface - flat or slightly convex, standard width, usually 3-4 cm. The classic version has a simple and not too massive metal buckle in silver or gold; high-quality options are made of smooth genuine leather.

• Casual style or "Casual" as it is commonly called in the West, has a greater variety of models than previous ones. These belts are worn on jeans, casual trousers, shorts, and chinos. They are wider than the classic ones, the buckle can also be much more massive and have more varied shapes and mechanisms. Materials include not only leather, but also thick fabrics or weaving. Casual belts are most suitable for young people, but mature men can also use discreet options with a minimum width.

• Sports branded men's belts used with sweatpants, usually made of rubber or fabric. They can also be worn with jeans, but in this case they should be hidden under a T-shirt or jacket. Due to the nature of sportswear, this type is not very common.

Models

Models of men's belts, as a rule, differ in the design of their buckle. Its traditional type is in the form of a plaque with a fixed anchor, which is threaded through the hole. All classic models and most casual belts have such varieties; they are also called wrapped belts. There is most often one anchor, but there can be two. Another version of the badge is with a clasp and an adjustable length, which does not have holes, such as, for example, traditional soldier belts.

There are also belts without holes with an automatic buckle, which are the most practical. They fasten in one easy movement, which is very convenient for business men with a fast pace of life. For the reliability of the mechanism of this model, it is best to buy products from trusted brands. Belts with automatic buckles come in many designs.

Leather models most often have buckles with anchors, while rag and wicker ones can have automatic fasteners with loops or clips. TO Besides this, in modern fashion there are belts with removable buckles. This option is good for double-sided straps. In such accessories, the two sides have different colors or patterns. They are convenient because one belt can be used for different versions of a suit, because the color scheme must be combined with shoes, a tie and other wardrobe items.

Dimensions

The most suitable length of a men's belt should be such that it is fastened to 2-3 holes, with the free end threaded only through the first belt on the trousers. And if it is without holes with a buckle clasp, then it must be adjusted so that the excess part inside is no more than 10-12 cm. The free end of the belt that is too long, even though it is tucked inside, does not look very aesthetically pleasing.

In order to determine your belt size, you should measure your waist in centimeters and then use one of two tables according to the European or American scale. European markings have values ​​from 70 to 125 with a waist circumference from 66 to 129 cm, American - from XXS to XXXXL with a waist circumference from 61 to 127 cm. When purchasing, please note that the waist changes slightly in circumference during the day, so it is worth purchasing belts with a margin of several large sizes.

There is no specific classification for the width of men's belts: the classic version has a maximum of 4 cm, and wider everyday ones can reach 7-8 cm.

Popular brands

French brand Lacoste Known all over the world, the company began producing fashionable clothing and accessories back in the 1930s. Their genuine leather belts for men are incredibly durable and have a simple yet very stylish design. They are easily recognized by their signature alligator logo, which can be embossed on the leather or engraved on a metal plaque.

Stylish men's belts from the brand Hermes recognizable from afar by the unchanged metal buckle in the shape of the letter H. The manufacturer does not produce accessories in huge quantities, often it is a very small number of products or an individual order. Their prices are very high, but they are justified by their impeccable quality. Another characteristic feature of Hermes belts from classic collections is the perfectly straight seam along the edges.

Sevaro Elit is a famous Italian manufacturer of leather goods. For men, there are collections of wrapped belts and a machine with a badge in a casual style. Leather products can be of various colors: black, brown, beige, blue. There are also wicker accessories that can stretch - single-color or with interlacing threads of different colors. All products look very stylish.

American design house Tommy Hilfiger has been producing original accessories and shoes for over 30 years, including many models of narrow men's belts made of leather, suede, fabric or nubuck. In the "Tommy Hilfiger" and "Hilfiger Denim" collections you can find classic leather, youthful fabric and canvas or elegant wicker products to suit every taste.

Belts from the brand Calvin Klein Made from completely natural leather without synthetics. They can always be recognized by the company logo from the abbreviation of the name, which will be present on the label and the product itself. There are classic wrapped options with a metal buckle frame specifically for jeans. This look has remained unchanged and popular for several decades. There are also fashionable everyday models with an original plaque design.

Brand Diesel in the 2017 season, it presents more than 40 models for men that will successfully emphasize a slender torso and masculinity. This feature has always distinguished the company's products. The most popular are the “Only the brave” “B-round”, “B-washy” and “B-fuel” collections, which harmoniously combine with any trousers or jeans in a sporty and youth style.

Italian leather belts Gucci They always have a completely original design that goes beyond the classical canons. They are unlikely to look harmonious on respectable gentlemen in formal suits, but they are also perfect for young people in stylish clothes. There are options made of leather or thick fabric, monotonous or with several colors, with elegant or brutal massive plaques.

Products Levi's widely known in many countries, and incredibly stylish belts for men with smooth or embossed leather, with thin or massive buckles, are no exception. These accessories go well with classic jeans, especially from the brand of the same name. And today almost all fans of fashionable clothing know about their neat cut and durability.

World famous brand Louis Vuitton this season presents collections of men's belts "Dynamo", "Metropole", "Pont Neuf", "Stamp", which have a very bold and not strict design, suitable for young guys. And accessories from the collections can be a pleasant novelty for fashionistas." Boston", "Damier Print", "Slender", which are double-sided.

Italian manufacturer Piquadro offers classic models of leather straps with a simple design. You can choose different colors: black, gray, beige and blue.

Clothing and accessories from Hugo Boss have always been distinguished by sufficient severity, which can emphasize strength and courage. Therefore, belts from this brand are suitable for confident men of any age. This season, dark leather models with a classic but massive frame-shaped buckle are especially popular.

Belts Wrangler is a quality product from an American manufacturer, known since 1986. Today you can choose products of various styles from black, beige or brown leather in a classic version. They go perfectly with both jeans and men's suit trousers.

Fashion trends

Among the styles popular for this season are classic narrow leather belts, but there are slight differences from the fashion of previous years. The trend is plastic buckles and a textured, slightly convex surface. Also in demand under jeans are options in the style of the Wild West with a golden buckle.

For reliability, it is best to choose genuine leather - smooth or textured. This material will always remain in fashion, in addition, it is visually noticeably different from leatherette.

Elastic men's belts, which, although made from textile materials, stretch well like an elastic band, have become very popular recently. They have one advantage - they belt trousers well, but do not compress or rub the body.

Fabric belts of various colors with various shapes of buckles are produced from dense material. They practically do not wear out, so you don’t have to worry about a short service life. Another excellent and relevant option would be a woven belt, but due to the thinness of its threads, it is better to choose genuine leather.

Of course, for a classic suit you should always choose a black or brown belt of the appropriate style, combining it with shoes. But the "Casual" or sporty style can be harmoniously combined with many colors. Thin leather straps in blue, white, beige or light blue are popular. Fabric models should be chosen in several colors, for example, red, green and white or any other palette to suit your taste.

How to choose

Many people know that you need to choose a belt to match the color of your shoes, but it’s even better if the shades match. For example, there is not just brown, but also dozens of its varieties. Each has its own name, and fashion experts and many experienced clothing retailers know them, so there is someone to consult with. Not only colors and shades should be combined, but also texture: for a smooth belt - smooth shoes, for a wicker belt - the same shoes. Then the image will become truly spectacular and as harmonious as possible.

For office work, business meetings or other serious events, of course, you should choose a classic style made of smooth monotone leather with a small buckle. But on vacation or while walking with light, loose clothing, it will look out of place. In this case, you can wear a braided strap, or preferably a textile one. If it has bright colors, then you also need to remember to combine them with other accessories, but here this is not so important.

Experts believe that a belt is a must-have accessory in the appearance of a modern man. Regardless of whether it is trousers, jeans or shorts, the look will look incomplete without a belt. Therefore, a belt is an ideal gift option; all that remains is to figure out how to choose a belt for a man according to the size chart and from the offered assortment.

A belt is not only a men's accessory, but also a multifunctional item of men's wardrobe. With the help of a belt today, they do not so much support the position of trousers at the waist, but rather harmoniously place accents in the image. And if it is a high-quality and expensive accessory, then the man will emphasize his wealth, status and sense of taste.

For the first time, men began to wear belts back in the Ancient world, then this accessory served as an indicator of a person’s belonging to the rich class, that is, his status and ability to pay. If we talk about knights, the belt personified the valor, conscience and honor of a warrior, and the loss of the belt was equated with great shame. Today, men use a belt to express their individuality and sense of taste.

For reference! If initially a belt for a man was a multifunctional accessory, today it serves more of a decorative function.

Stylists advise being able to distinguish between types of belts in order to create a harmonious external image. There are 3 strap options available:

1. Classical. In this case, the belt is made of leather or leatherette in a minimalist style, that is, discreet colors without additional details. The buckle of such a belt should be a standard rectangular shape of medium size.
2. Informal. Here men are given absolute freedom of choice; belts can be of different colors and with decoration. Also, the buckle can be of different shapes and sizes, and this style of strap can be worn with different styles of clothing.
3. Sports. This type of accessory is made mainly from fabric, rubber, rubber. You can wear a sports belt under sportswear or jeans, but according to the rules of etiquette, it must be hidden under a sweater or T-shirt.

Classic men's belts are most often in demand, as they are an essential element of a strict clothing style. Informal belts can be worn with different outfits, combining colors and prints correctly. But the sports version of the accessory is less popular and in demand in modern male society.

How to determine size?

Not all men know this, although etiquette requires the correct length and width of the accessory. If, after fastening the strap, an excessively long tail remains, this may be considered bad form. Therefore, before purchasing, it is important to learn how to choose the right belt for a man; for this, 3 methods are offered:

1. A man needs to measure his waist size in inches, and then add two to this figure. For example, if your waist size is 34 inches, the belt size will be 36 inches. This is an American method of calculating sizes for men who buy accessories online.
2. If a man needs a leather belt, it is better to visit the store and choose the appropriate option with his own eyes. To determine its size, take your waist circumference and multiply by 2.54 units, getting centimeters instead of inches. According to the size charts, size 38 is a belt size of 95 cm.
3. Calculating the tail length of the belt is also a way to determine the size. Ideally, after trying on the belt, its tail should reach the second loop. In the classic version, the tail is the length of a man’s thumb; in a casual style, a longer length is acceptable.

The most reliable way to choose a belt size is to compare the new accessory to the old one, which has already worn out. You can refer to ready-made size tables, equating your measurements to the specified sizes of the accessory. It is important to take into account the country, since in America, Europe and Russia, measurement methods and sizes vary.

What should a quality belt be like?

A high-quality men's belt is made from natural materials, most often it will be leather. When choosing an accessory, it is important to consider its color and texture. Stylists believe that it should resemble a man’s shoes, or, in extreme cases, a watch strap. Particular attention should be paid to the buckle, as it determines the style of the belt.

Buckle selection

The male image implies restraint, rigor and conservatism, including in the choice of a belt. The ideal classic option is a belt with a medium-sized rectangular buckle without decoration or unnecessary details. Stylists advise sticking to minimalism so as not to overload the image.

Modern belts can have two types of buckles:

1. A buckle that has an anchor on the inside that is threaded into the holes on the tail of the belt. A good belt will have a rounded anchor.
2. A buckle with a clip, thanks to which the length of the belt can be adjusted, and there are no holes on the tail.

Modern belt models can be sold with interchangeable buckles included to transform the belt into different styles. In addition, such a removable element will extend the service life of the accessory if handled and stored correctly.

How to choose a good leather belt?

Do you wear leather belts?

YesNo

Stylists share the main criteria for choosing a good belt:

• the manufacturing material must be natural, soft and flexible, so as not to leave creases and kinks;
• On a high-quality belt, a mark should remain on the inside when held with a fingernail; if there is none, the belt is made of old leather;
• a good belt will be stitched with threads, but neatly without protruding tails or unstitched areas;
• a high-quality belt has edges that are simply cut off and not processed in any way;
• a good belt will have a buckle with a rounded anchor to protect clothing from damage;
• if there are rivets on the holes, you need to carefully bend the belt to check whether the material will come out of such fittings.

Expert opinion

Helen Goldman

Male stylist-image maker

Many men believe that they can only choose a high-quality and worthwhile belt from popular brands. In fact, the name does not play a decisive role; it is enough to verify the quality of the belt from an unknown manufacturer according to the specified criteria.

Conclusion

You can choose a belt in any store or online if you know the rules for measuring the size of an accessory and what a quality accessory should be. Stylists advise adhering to minimalism in choosing the type of belt and its buckle, giving preference to natural materials and high-quality tailoring in accordance with standards. And only a correctly selected option will serve a man faithfully for many years.

A man's wardrobe is not as enchanting as a woman's. Still, the strong half of humanity, for the most part, is distinguished by restraint in its addiction to all kinds of excesses. Almost all wardrobe items have slightly different requirements - stylishness, practicality, reliability. The variety of colors and designs of men's wardrobe items is not intended to capture the imagination of others. At the same time, every little detail of the image should tell about all the advantages of its owner.

But even the most conservative man these days tries to be stylish, and considerable attention needs to be paid to accessories. Since ancient times, a belt has been considered a sign of nobility. Today it is associated, in addition, with presentability, stateliness and many other characteristics that speak of status.

But statuses vary, so the question of how to choose a men’s belt and what to wear it with is fundamentally important. Modern men understand that a belt is needed not only to hold up pants. First of all, it allows you to express your individuality, your understanding of the need to look stylish and tasty.

“Golden” rules for choosing belts

The first rule is that if you think that the rules do not need to be followed, you are mistaken. This question is sensitive, one might even say delicate, so you will have to familiarize yourself with the “golden” rules of how to choose a belt. Moreover, they will have to be fulfilled!

No self-respecting man would allow himself to wear a not very expensive belt under an expensive suit. This rule also applies in reverse;

A belt and suspenders are two irreconcilable opponents who will never get along in one image. However, there are exceptions, but they have nothing to do with the modern stylish, respectable, status man;

Some stylists call it bad manners to wear products whose width is less than 5 cm if a man is over 25 years old. But there is another camp of fashion connoisseurs who consider such rules almost prejudices. In this matter, rather, the appearance of the owner of the accessory, his image, is more important;

Mixing styles is an extremely bold decision. If we are talking about business style, then it is probably even unacceptable. Therefore, the accessory should match the style of your clothing, especially if it is business;

The label of jeans is not a belt loop! Not only is there no need to thread a denim belt under it, it is strictly prohibited; - Fashion experts recommend wearing narrow belts with wide jeans, and now it’s time to remember that, according to many of them, age has absolutely nothing to do with it;

Pay attention to the texture of the products. Since you need to combine them primarily with accessories and shoes, then in matters of texture you should focus on them. It should be taken into account that there should not be too much “picky” texture in the image. For example, you should match a suede belt with suede shoes, but then the bag should be made of a different material. By the way, it is shoes in such combinations that are the preferred second half of a duet with a belt;

If a man’s solidity is confirmed by the constitution of his body, he should wear wide accessories. This also applies to representatives of the stronger sex who consider themselves not tall enough - the products will help you visually become taller;

The belt does not need to be too tight.

Types and styles of belts

There are not many of them, and their differences allow you to understand which product is most suitable for which image.

Classic options. They are distinguished by their rigor and laconic lines and design. Such products, as a rule, are one ton, their ends are rounded, and there are practically no decorative elements. The latter can be lacquered metal buckles (silver or gold) and stitching, the color of which differs from the main color of the product. Strict classics do not accept any logos, drawings, or other images on the belt and its buckle. By the way, there is a trend that says that the size of the buckle is inversely proportional to the formality of the image. A classic belt is recommended to be worn with a classic business suit. It can be made from good quality leatherette, suede, leather. The color of the accessory should be calm, discreet - as a rule, these are dark colors - brown, black. These options should be combined with a bag or shoes.

Here is a good example of such a combination:

Casual belts are an excellent and wide choice for creating an informal style. Without further ado, men attribute everything that does not correspond to the canons of unshakable classics to this particular style. They can be combined with many types of clothing, but not in a business, classic style. The design of such products is a huge field of activity and embodiment of the fantasies of their creators. They give the owners almost complete freedom of action when creating an image (but you still need to know when to stop).

This combination looks stylish and original:

A more daring, but no less interesting option would be:

No matter how much men strive to be laconic when talking about fashion trends, it is worth mentioning some casual styles:

Sports belts. Rubber, fabric, rubber, etc. - all these products are suitable for both a sporty style and for wearing with jeans and other informal styles. When wearing a sports accessory, you need to take into account an important rule - they must be hidden under a sweater, shirt, T-shirt;

Everyday accessories. Their variety is enormous - they can have different textures, colors, and materials from which they are made.

For example:

There are also universal products, the design of which allows them to be woven into both business and everyday style.

How to choose a belt color

There are few rules here, but they must be followed unquestioningly.

The color of the belt should match the color of the shoes or bag. Products may not match in color down to halftones, but they simply must be consistent in the same range.

For example:

If you prefer a sporty style and want to emphasize this, provide a color contrast between the belt and the trousers;

If you are wearing a watch, you should match the color of the belt with the tone of its strap (or dial), and the color of the buckle with the tone of tie clips, cufflinks, and other metal accessories. In this case, the wedding ring does not count;

When choosing the color of the buckle, you can also focus on what color clothes you are wearing the belt with. Silver buckles go well with black, blue, gray tones, while warm colors - green, brown, red - are in harmony with golden details;

For blue jeans, you should choose a brown belt. If you choose the black version, it won’t be bad manners, but the claim to originality is not appropriate here. A light shirt and a jacket with wide lapels will fit very well into this “ensemble”;

Many men prefer plain belts, but other options can be used.

For example, this way:

Regardless of what color your accessory is, when combining it with shoes, you need to take into account that if the latter is glossy, then the belt should be so. This also applies to matte products;

Usually the belt is not matched to the color of the trousers - it is better if it is combined with other accessories. But if you want to appear taller, you should not create a clear contrast between the trousers and the belt.

Selecting the belt length

This is a very important criterion to consider when choosing a product to buy and wear for a specific occasion. You can determine the required length of the accessory based on your size.

The simplest calculation algorithm is:

• Measure your waist;
• Add about 10-15 cm to it. This value will be the length of the belt that you need.

It is important to take into account one point - the size of the “tail”. It should not be too short, otherwise it may seem that you have grown out of this belt. But it shouldn’t be too long.

The best option is a “tail” that does not reach the second belt loop of trousers or jeans. This applies to both options with adjustable length and models with non-adjustable length.

If you are guided by your size, then the length of the belt is determined taking into account the fact that it should be a couple of sizes larger than the size of your trousers or jeans.

A men's belt is a very important accessory, which has a number of important functions, so you need to carefully choose what to wear it with and how to wear it.

Any belt consists of two parts: a buckle and a ribbon made of leather or other material. Additional elements are a loop and a tip. The loop secures the free edge of the belt, and the tip protects it from wear. On a leather belt it is usually metal, on a fabric belt it is leather.

What types of belts are there?

Strict

They are not much different from each other. Let's look at their general characteristics.

Buckle

Shiny and smooth, gold or silver color. Usually in the form of a frame. It differs from everyday ones in its smaller size.

Width

Strict belts are always thin. The width should not exceed 2.5–3.8 centimeters.

Material

Exclusively leather. Natural or very good artificial if you are against using animal skin.

The most common material is cowhide. She is beautiful and durable. Calf leather is softer and more elastic. Belts made from it are considered to be of especially high quality.

Rare and expensive options are crocodile or snake skin. In dark colors they are quite suitable for strict ones.

Color

A strict belt should not draw attention to itself. Traditional colors are black and brown. For a less formal dress code, deep red, beige, dark blue, gray are also suitable, and for the summer - white. The surface of the belt should be smooth and slightly glossy, preferably without a pattern.

Combining a belt with a suit

The leather of the belt should match the color and shine of the shoes. And the buckle goes with the rest of the metal accessories, with the exception of the wedding ring.

Everyday

When choosing a belt for every day, you can show your imagination. It will reflect your personality and sense of style.

Width

Casual belts are wider than formal belts, usually 3.8–4.5 centimeters. The 3.8 cm wide belt goes well with chinos and thick fabrics. Wider ones can be worn with jeans and casual trousers, combined with a classic or bold buckle.

Color

Brown is a universal color for everyday wear. Black belts do not go well with jeans and khakis. If you want to add personality to your look, pay attention to bright colors.

What kind of buckles are there for everyday belts?

Frame

On everyday belts it is larger and more massive than on formal belts.

Buckle-plate

Usually unfastened. Most often with an inscription or pattern. Makes the belt longer.

Automatic buckle

There are no holes in a belt with this type of buckle. The tape is fixed inside the buckle itself.

D or O shaped buckles

They consist of one or two rings through which the belt is threaded. Such buckles are most often found on wicker and canvas belts.

Buckle-lock

The opposite ends snap together, like a seat belt. A very practical type of buckle. Popular among those who lead an active lifestyle.

What material are belts made of?

• Genuine Leather. Everyday leather belts are wider and stiffer. They are usually made from the outer layer of cowhide. On some, they deliberately leave traces of scars or marks that were on the animal’s skin during life.
• Braided leather. A good option when you want to subtly refresh your look. Braided belts don't go well with suits, but they do go well with sports jackets. A multi-colored belt can be worn with khaki shorts and a polo shirt in summer.
• Embossed leather. Such belts will fit well into a simple look, for example, pair with jeans and a basic shirt. Don't wear them with bright clothes. Together they will look too flashy.
• Leather combined with ribbon. A bright and bold option that will help you stand out. Pairs well with boat shoes and golf shoes.
• Suede. Less wearable than leather. For durability, the backing of such belts is made of leather.
• Woven fabric. Practical material, suitable for those who spend a lot of time outdoors. There are colors and patterns to suit every taste.
• Rope. It is more often found in women's wardrobes, but is also quite suitable for men's clothing. Such belts, for example, are worn by sailors. Usually they are secured not with a buckle, but with a knot. This belt will last a long time and will not suffer, even if it gets wet.
• Canvas fabric. This belt with a metal buckle is a simple but practical option. It is usually plain or with a horizontal stripe of a contrasting color.
• Vinyl. Bright, bold and cheap option. Suitable only for young people, and only at a concert. Most often it looks tasteless.

When should you wear a belt?

Ideally with any pants that have belt loops. That's why they are sewn on. Without a belt, the look will look careless.

A belt is required with business suits. For a more casual look with an untucked shirt, you can skip it.

If desired, the belt can be replaced with suspenders. They will perform the same function - they will hold the trousers in place. Suspenders are especially good for, they will visually reduce the volume at the waist. Plus, they will make you appear taller. The main thing is not to wear a belt and suspenders at the same time.

What should you combine the belt with?

A belt can complement your look or contrast with the rest of your outfit. In the first case, it should be combined in color with other parts of the costume, for example with shoes. This is a must for strict belts. For everyday wear, it is enough to combine the color of the buckle with metal accessories. And the color of the shoes does not have to match. For example, it is quite possible to wear brown with beige or beige with white. The main thing is that the belt fits into the image. When in doubt, choose brown.

Another option is a bright or unusual style belt. In this case, build an image around it. Choose plain items and accessories without patterns. One or two bright spots in the image are enough. Don't forget that such a belt will draw attention to your waist. Don't wear it if you're not confident.

Formal and casual belts can sometimes replace each other. The former are suitable not only for business jackets, but also for more formal sports jackets. Casual ones can be combined not only with jeans and shorts, but also with chinos.

When clothing clearly belongs to a certain style, the belt should match. A formal belt will look out of place with casual trousers. It will seem disproportionately thin. A casual belt with a business suit will ruin the serious impression you want to make.

How to determine your size?

Measure the waistband of your pants. The belt should be 3–5 centimeters longer. Or just measure your old belt.

If you find a belt that is the wrong size or your old one is too small, don’t make new holes yourself. They will stand out noticeably, and the belt itself may break at the puncture site. Take it to a shoe repair shop.

A straight belt should have a short free end. Only a few centimeters of the belt should be visible from under the fastened buckle - enough to pass through the first loop.

So how do you choose a quality belt?

Everyday belts can be changed every couple of years depending on fashion or desire. It is better to buy a strict belt for a long time. If you choose a quality one, it will serve you for decades. The ideal option is a calfskin belt. It should be soft and flexible.

• Bend the belt to check if the leather is cracking. Lightly press the underside of the belt with your fingernail. If a small mark remains, the leather is still soft. There will be no marks left on old hard leather.
• Pay attention to the stitches. They should be small, close to each other, without protruding threads.
• See if the buckle is removable. A belt with a removable buckle is more profitable. You can change it depending on the situation.
• The brand isn't that important. It is unlikely that anyone will notice that you are wearing a designer belt. Quality leather and accuracy are more important.

One of the few accessories that are constantly present in a man’s wardrobe is a belt. It turns out that choosing a men's belt is a whole science. This strip of leather most often serves not only to hold the trousers in their rightful place, but also complements your image, making it complete and coherent. And as ancient people believed, the belt - the prototype of the modern belt - protected the owner from an evil word or an evil eye. And ancient warriors used their wide belts to protect their bellies. According to the rules of modern etiquette, a belt must be present on your trousers. It is a must-have accessory in a man's wardrobe. It should be noted that if you like to wear suspenders, then a belt will be completely out of place in your wardrobe. And, conversely, when using a belt, you should not wear suspenders. How to choose a men's belt and not miss, but remain satisfied with your purchase?

1. Decide what you will wear your new belt with. Modern belts are divided into two main types: casual and classic. You can’t wear a casual belt with a formal business suit. So when choosing a belt, maintain a consistent style.

2. It is advisable that the belt matches the watch strap, and the belt buckle matches the dial.

3. A classic belt must have a simple buckle, without unnecessary logos or stones.

4. Choosing a men's leather belt should not go with a suit or trousers, but with shoes. The height of elegance will be a correctly selected belt that matches the shoes not only in color, but also in texture.

5. Too expensive a belt requires the same suit. Otherwise it will look out of place.

6. The belt should be at least four to five centimeters wide. These are the belts that are recommended for men. Teenagers and young people no older than 20 can afford narrower belts.

7. The length of the belt is also an important point. It is very important that the belt covers you with a small margin, but no more than 20 centimeters. If the belt you like is too long, you definitely need to shorten it. Moreover, this must be done immediately after purchase.

8. If the men's belt is chosen correctly, corresponding to the size, then it should be fastened into one of the middle holes. When purchasing a belt, be sure to pay attention to the spare holes. It's better if you have at least 1-2 holes left.

9. By the way, when choosing a men's belt in a salon or company store, you can immediately make additional holes. Under no circumstances should you do this yourself at home. This reduces the service life of the new belt.

10. Modern belts can be made from leather, leatherette and durable fabrics. Don't expect a belt that isn't made from leather to last long.