A belt is often overlooked in a wardrobe update scenario, but it remains a key accessory for every man. In fact, experts consider the absence of one as a major fashion faux pas. But before we get into the intricacies of belt selection, you have to be clear on the real purpose of a belt - certainly not to hold your pants up!
The job of your belt is to complement your look, not be your look. That means you need to hold it if you were planning to get that gaudy one with an enormous cowboy buckle. Here are the most important considerations you have to make when buying a belt:
Width
The basic width for a dress belt, which is worn on formal occasion, is between 1 and 1.5 inches or about the width of your thumb. Anything wider than that is considered casual and will not be best for going to the office.
Length
As a rule, always get a belt that one size bigger than your waist. For example, if your waist size is 34 inches, get a 35-inch belt. When you try on belts, go for a snug fit at the third notch. There won't be enough leeway with anything less. Read http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/1706624/fashion-industry to know about the basics of the fashion industry.
Buckle
If you're looking for a belt for formal and casual wear, go for the traditional belt buckle or the ordinary plain metallic belt buckle, respectively. Nothing mammoth-sized like that tasteless, attention-sucking cowboy buckle, except when the situation actually demands it.
Color
Aim for the ideals - black, tan or brown. According to fashion standards, the belt must match the shoes, so just get one of each color. But since they are worn far enough, the colors may only be close and not exactly a match.
Finishing
A plain and glossy finish is good for a formal belt because that will match those normally polishes shoes. For a casual jeans-and-sneakers look, matt and dull are great. View website of retailers to some of the best belts online.
Leather
Finally, consider the leather. It will be the biggest issue in terms of cost. Synthetic leather may be very cheap, but it's also very weak. Genuine leather belts, which are often layered with full or synthetic leather externally and scrap leather internally, are more durable and reasonably priced. If you're willing to spend a little more, get a full leather belt which is more susceptible to scratches but the most durable when properly taken care of. Of course, you also have $1,000 + belts made from the skins of exotic animals like lizards, ostriches and alligators (among several others). These belts tend to be the most expensive of all and can also be quite durable, but you need more than basic fashion sense to be able to wear them with class. Continue here for more info about belts and how to properly choose one.
The job of your belt is to complement your look, not be your look. That means you need to hold it if you were planning to get that gaudy one with an enormous cowboy buckle. Here are the most important considerations you have to make when buying a belt:
Width
The basic width for a dress belt, which is worn on formal occasion, is between 1 and 1.5 inches or about the width of your thumb. Anything wider than that is considered casual and will not be best for going to the office.
Length
As a rule, always get a belt that one size bigger than your waist. For example, if your waist size is 34 inches, get a 35-inch belt. When you try on belts, go for a snug fit at the third notch. There won't be enough leeway with anything less. Read http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/1706624/fashion-industry to know about the basics of the fashion industry.
Buckle
If you're looking for a belt for formal and casual wear, go for the traditional belt buckle or the ordinary plain metallic belt buckle, respectively. Nothing mammoth-sized like that tasteless, attention-sucking cowboy buckle, except when the situation actually demands it.
Color
Aim for the ideals - black, tan or brown. According to fashion standards, the belt must match the shoes, so just get one of each color. But since they are worn far enough, the colors may only be close and not exactly a match.
Finishing
A plain and glossy finish is good for a formal belt because that will match those normally polishes shoes. For a casual jeans-and-sneakers look, matt and dull are great. View website of retailers to some of the best belts online.
Leather
Finally, consider the leather. It will be the biggest issue in terms of cost. Synthetic leather may be very cheap, but it's also very weak. Genuine leather belts, which are often layered with full or synthetic leather externally and scrap leather internally, are more durable and reasonably priced. If you're willing to spend a little more, get a full leather belt which is more susceptible to scratches but the most durable when properly taken care of. Of course, you also have $1,000 + belts made from the skins of exotic animals like lizards, ostriches and alligators (among several others). These belts tend to be the most expensive of all and can also be quite durable, but you need more than basic fashion sense to be able to wear them with class. Continue here for more info about belts and how to properly choose one.