A Guide to Belt Wearing: What to Look Out For
Look in any fashion-conscious person’s wardrobe, and it is guaranteed that you will find a belt. Versatile, trendy, and personalized – belts have always been considered an accessory that can make or break an outfit. Of course, they offer a practical function, too!
With summer around the corner and belts being as popular as ever, you may find yourself curious about which type of belt would make the best accessory for that new suit you have purchased for a friend’s wedding. Or which belt is the best addition to that pair of shorts you plan to wear for that upcoming hiking holiday?
It may seem odd to have an entire article on wearing a belt, but look at any magazine about celebrities, and you will soon spot mismatched belts. Nobody wants to look bad when they are out and about, especially if there are photos! So, this piece aims to look at how to wear belts for any occasion and how to look good while doing so.
A Guide to Belt Wearing: What to Look Out For
Choosing A Belt
Belts can be challenging to measure, especially if you buy them online. Each shop has small, medium, and large versions.
Some belts are completely adjustable, like Lizard Tail rope belts, which come in a variety of colours and patterns, but this may not be the look you want, especially if you have a soft spot for natural materials or are going to be wearing a suit for a special occasion.
When choosing a belt, be sure to take measurements of where you will wear it and compare this to the online guide if purchasing from a website. In person, be sure the belt has some material left over when buckled or fastened. Aim for about 2- 4 inches to be safe. That goes for both smart and casual.
As obvious as it sounds, get a belt that fits. Not you, but also the trousers or shorts you will wear. Belts come in different thicknesses, as do belt loops. So check the measuring tape early and ensure your desired designer belt will fit into your designer pants!
Now, let’s move on to the different kinds of belts for other outfits.
Formal means natural
You can pull it off if it’s good enough for James Bond!
Whether it’s a job interview, wedding, or graduation, natural belts are best for a suit or other formal; this includes leather and suede options. If you are vegan, don’t worry! There are plenty of leather and suede belts available online that you can purchase.
As fashion changes, so do the colours that are in. Therefore, if you are embarking on job changes and have many different coloured suits, you may need more than one belt to match. Leather is available in every colour, from light sand to black, and suede is even more specialized in its hues, ranging from white right through the rainbow. There is nothing to say you can’t wear a red suede belt with a light grey suit.
Colourful means casual
Of course, you can choose your belt’s colour and pattern, and a selection is available online and in shops.
Brighter-coloured belts can add a minimalist fashion touch. This is great at the beach or simply going out with friends. Or you could mix it up and wear a bright red belt with a dark suit. It’s an accessory that you can use to bring your personality to any outfit. However, if the belt is colourful or a bit surfer-chic, don’t wear it to the office. Keep it casual and fun in the right environment.
Hiking Means Synthetic
Are you planning to wear a belt with your hiking trousers or shorts?
A belt can be a lifesaver while out in the wilderness, with some holding up to just under 1 kg in weight. As with nature, you will need something sturdy, especially when hiking up a mountain where the weather is likely turbulent.
If you have ever owned a natural belt, like one made of leather, you will know how quickly it can warp or crack. Ergo, when looking for a belt for hiking or outdoors, a synthetic belt is best. A range of nylon-based belts online can help in this area. To be safe, try to get one that does not have a buckle. Why? Because buckles can break, the last thing you want is to carry items up a mountain that were once attached to a belt.
You will also want one that is easy to wash for hiking and other outdoor belts. Easy maintenance is vital when you are in the wild! So, a belt that can be cleaned with as little water and gentle soap may be needed when you are out and about with Mother Nature.
When Should You Wear A Belt?
Belts can make or break an outfit, but are they always required?
If you aren’t sure if you need to wear a belt, step back and look at the outfit you want to wear it with. Do the trousers have belt loops? No? Then there is no need to wear a belt.
Is your shirt going to be tucked in or hanging loose? If it is going to be tucked in, what better opportunity than to show off a belt? Similarly, if you wear a blazer, this is another excellent time to wear a matching belt.
If the outfit is all one hue, like black, a belt can add a splash of colour that provides striking contrast while also looking professional.
