How To Buy A Belt

Whether you need something to hold your trousers up or you want fashion at your waist, you need to know how to buy a belt. It isn’t difficult if you follow some basic belt buying principles.

1. Know your waist size. If you have no idea, find a tape measure and wrap it around the part of your waist where the belt loops fall.
2. Look at belts that are larger than the number on the tape measure. If your waist is 33 inches, you’ll want to look for a belt that is a size 36 or 38.
3. Try on the belt before you buy it. You should be able to buckle it in the middle hole.
4. Choose the proper width for what you need. For formal or dressy trousers, you’ll want the standard, one and a half inch belts. For jeans and other casual wear, you can go with a wider belt.
5. Look for the highest quality leather belt you can afford. A cheap belt will make you look…well, cheap. A glossy or semi-glossy finish is ideal for work or dressy occasions.
6. Canvas, nylon or other fabric belt is fine for casual attire. Look for the width that fits the belt loops and is comfortable.
7. Choose a belt that goes with your shoes. A brown belt with black shoes is a fashion faux pas.
8. Match the metal of the belt buckle to your watch. If you have a silver watch, you’ll want a silver belt buckle.
9. Normal guys should stay away from embellished or print belts. But if you’re a rock star, professional wrestler or infomercial star, go for the bling. Same concept goes for western style belts. Rodeo buckles should be reserved for cowboys and rodeo riders.

Before you buy a belt, go shopping and try on a few. By the end of the day, you should have a good idea of how to find what you’re looking for.