Fashion/Style : Buying a man’s belt

Unlike women, men have limited fashion accessories to choose from, so they have to make the most out of what they have. Men’s belts are their most beloved fashion accessory. The problem is most men don’t know what their belt size is which color or size goes with what! In order to overcome this problem, there are a few steps to take before you buy a man’s belt.

Saturday, February 19, 2011

Unlike women, men have limited fashion accessories to choose from, so they have to make the most out of what they have.

Men’s belts are their most beloved fashion accessory. The problem is most men don’t know what their belt size is which color or size goes with what! In order to overcome this problem, there are a few steps to take before you buy a man’s belt.

Let’s look at what you need to know in order to choose the right belt for yourself or as a gift for someone else.

Size and length

When choosing a man’s belt, it is important that the belt is not too long or too short.

A belt that is too long will have too much strap left and will need to be tucked into the loops on your pants, which can make you look bulky. A belt that is too tight is not only unsightly, but also uncomfortable.

It is likewise important that you get the right width when selecting a belt. Because different slacks have different size belt loops, you need a belt for each style. The belt should rest gently against the edges of the loop.

It should not be squeezed into the loops because it is too wide, and it should not look lost within the loops because it is not wide enough.
Keep the width down to 11/2 inches if you buy a man’s belt for formal occasions. Anything wider is strictly for casual wear.

Material

The most common material for men’s belts is leather. When choosing a leather belt, be sure to choose the highest grade leather that you can afford so that the belt will last longer. Canvas belts look better with jeans and casual pants while leather is ideal for dress slacks.

Purchase a leather belt if you want to use it with a suit. Leather belts are dressier. Cloth belts tend to be more informal and go well with khakis and shorts.

Measure the waist of the person wearing the belt. You need to add 2 to 3 inches to the length when buying a man’s belt. If the waist size is 34, get a 36 or 37 belt. When you buy a man’s belt, you want to make sure that the stem of the buckle fits in the middle hole.

Colour

Choose the appropriate colour, matching the shoes and the belt to get a finished look. The shoes should go with the outfit. If you have a black suit, don’t buy a brown belt.

Make certain the belt isn’t more costly than the shoes. You need good quality in both, but if you pay a huge amount for the belt and wear shabby shoes, you still look bad. Get something that’s good quality at a comfortable price.

Select a belt buckle that goes with the outfit. When you buy a man’s belt for a formal occasion, you don’t want a large belt buckle. Simplicity for formal wear and that big turquoise belt buckle for those jeans is a rule of thumb.

martin.bishop18@yahoo.com