How to Choose the Right Belt for a Dress

How to Choose the Right Belt for a Dress (Both for Men and Women)

Shubham Anil Jain
Sr. Consultant
Cent Edge Solutions LLP, Bangalore, India
Email: shubhamajain125@gmail.com

Introduction:
Whenever the fashion accessories are concerned, a belt can be the most important and crucial accessory, whether it’s to keep your lower garment from dropping down or to add the finishing touch to your overall outfit. Figuring out the proper size, on the other hand, might be difficult and confusing. Accordingly to the reports, it is analyzed that the most common mistake made by the people when selecting a belt is mistaking the size/length in inches labelled on the belt for the waist size of your trousers. As per the rule the waist and belt sizes are not the same. Choosing the right belt to complement a dress can enhance overall look and create a more polished appearance. Here are some tips to help you select the perfect belt for your dress. Here, in this article there is a thorough guide to everything that one need to choose the right belt for a dress, about how to measure belt size, different styles of belts, and belt size charts for men and women.

Belt Size for Men:
It is seen that the, men’s belt sizes are more simpler to analyze than women’s. For belts, men’s sizes are basically mentioned in inches, while some brands gives even-number sizing, which might be confining. Men having narrow or broad waists may find it struggle to search out the correct belt size in off-the-rack stores, which stock just the most common belt sizes.

Belt Size for Women:
For discovering the belt size for ladies is not as simple as it is for males. The main specialty of the Women’s belts, is that they are not limited to lengths/sizes in inches such as 30, 32, 34, and so on, but may also available in different number sizes corresponding to dress sizes, such as 10, 12, 14, and so on. As well as the belts for women may also be indicated with the broad alpha sizes of extra small (XS), small (S), medium (M), large (L), and extra large (XL), rather than length.

How to Analyze Your Belt Size:
The most tried and used approach is simply measuring around your waist, where your belt normally sits, for identifying your most precise belt size. One rule to consider here is, if the measurement turns out to be an odd number, it’s always better to go up to the next largest size available.

Best 3 Methods for Determining Belt Size:

1. Do Your Own Measurement:
As initially mentioned, measuring the waist circumference with a tape measure around where the belt usually sits is still the simplest and most followed and accurate method to find the appropriate belt size. One thing to take care while measuring is, wear the bottom you intend to wear with the belt may be jeans/pants/joggers. Keep the measuring tape around your waist accurately where you want the belt to go. Take your waist circumference and add it by 2-3 inches. This is a good starting point for determining your belt size.

2. Find the Length of a Favourite Belt:
Here, one has to measure an existing belt that size you well is a quick and easy technique to identify the belt size. Simply stretch out the full length of the belt, straightened, starting from buckle to end, on an proper straight surface. With the help of the measuring tape, measure from one end to the other, in this case from the end of the belt material on one end to the belt hole that you regularly use on the other end.

Note: Measure the belt only from where the end of the belt meets the buckle and not from the buckle itself.

3. Take Pants Measurements:
Although not as accurate as the other two ways, if you’re in a quick and don’t have much time, this shortcut could serve as a fast approximation to identify the belt size. As an alternative, it should fit most men’s belt sizes and even some women’s. The advantage of this is that, it is the most straightforward method. Simply find the trousers that fit you well and note their waist size in inches, such as 32, 34 and so on. Simply put on 2-3 inches to that measurement to get your belt size. If this process seems a little hazy, choose one of the alternatives listed above or take the help of the belt size tables which are available.

The Best Three Belts for Men:
If you’re not clear about which belts to select for your wardrobe, we recommend the following three as essentials:

A. Dress belts are very suitable for both work and evening wear:

Here, strap measuring is 1.5 inches
The thickness is approximately 0.1
It is a leather belt in black or brown colour
Usually gleaming
Un-embellished — perhaps a little broguing or hand burnishing
Frame type buckles are small, basic, and polished.
Match leathers with metals.

B. Casual belt — which go with jeans/khakis:

Here, the strap is 1.5-inch or wider
It is normally thicker than a formal belt.
It can be tan leather or natural leather
It is matte, rough, and braidable, textured, or adorned
A larger and/or more ornamental buckle — plate, box, or frame — is an option.
It is not necessary to match the leathers perfectly (for example, brown with tan, tan with white).

C. Summer casual with a meshed fabric belt:

The strap is 1.5-inch or wider
Always select a strap colour that complements the outfit.
The strap can be customized.
Here, a double D-ring buckle is usually used.
Can be worn with combine with chinos or shorts.

Various Belts for Women:
For women belts are available in a variety of shapes, sizes, and styles. Here are a few points to be considered while you search the many belt options:

1. Classic leather belts:
When you are out for dinner with coworkers or business colleagues, choose a stylish belt to suit the needs. A fancy belt is a leather belt that is usually only available in one colour. It can be worn with almost every outfit you want. So, if you only need one belt for many situations, get a traditional leather belt.

2. Casual belts:
If you are wearing a slacks or jeans and have a casual style, always choose a casual belt in a variety of colours and cool designs.

3. Beaded belts:
The specialty of this is that they are available in a variety of vibrant colors. They are quite feminine and tastefully accent your waistline.

4. Buckle belts:
If you love buckles, go for this type of belt. They are available in both plain and colorful varieties. While most buckles are square or round in design, there is a different range of buckle options also available. They are also found in golden, bronze, silver, and copper tones.

5. Reversible belts:
Try finding and spending in a reversible belt if you want a belt that can be used with a varieties of outfits. These belts are available in a variety of styles and are frequently available in a variety of solid colours.

Conclusion:
Nowadays, belts have come far ahead from a completely practical item to a fashionable decoration. When it comes to belt design and colour, there are certain guidelines for men wearing suits, as opposed to a woman’s choice of belt, which is rooted in fashion trends and not always out of necessity.

References:

How to Pick the Best Leather Belt for Every Occasion https://www.peroz.com.au/blogs/journal/how-to-pick-the-best-leather-belt-for-every-occasion
How To Choose Belts For Women, by Somreeta Mukherjee, July 23, 2011 https://makeupandbeauty.com/choose-belts-women/
https://www.artofmanliness.com/style/accessories/complete-guide-mens-belts/
Belt Sizes for Men & Women: Charts, Sizing Guide, Conversion https://www.blitzresults.com/en/belt-sizes/
https://www.luluave.com/blogs/lulus/10-reasons-why-people-get-piercings-shocking-results-in-progress

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Mazharul Islam Kiron

Founder & Editor of Textile Learner. He is a Textile Consultant, Blogger & Entrepreneur. He is working as a textile consultant in several local and international companies. He is also a contributor of Wikipedia.