How to choose a belt: length, width and buckle

A belt barely shows, but you notice it when it's wrong: too long and it dangles; too short and it strains on the first hole; too wide and it won't go through the belt loops. Three measurements and two or three style pointers are all you need to choose the right one.

Finding the right length

The surest method: take a belt you already wear that fits, lay it flat and measure it from the fold at the buckle to the hole you use. That's your length.

With no belt to hand, measure your waist with a tape measure, where you wear your trousers and over your trousers, then add a few centimetres for the thickness of the fabric and the end that sticks out.

A well-chosen belt fastens on the middle hole: you keep some leeway if you change trousers, or shape.
The end should pass the first belt loop after the buckle, without going much further.
A leather belt that's too long can often be shortened by a cobbler, at the buckle end.

Choosing the width

Around 3.5 cm: the classic width for a belt worn with jeans or casual trousers.
Around 3 cm: a dressier belt, for suit trousers or smart trousers.
Under 2.5 cm: the skinny belt, worn at the waist over a dress, a long shirt or high-waisted trousers.
Wide or tie belt: it cinches the waist over a dress, a coat or a cardigan, without going through belt loops.

Before ordering, check the width of the belt loops on your favourite trousers: a belt that's too wide won't fit through.

The buckle: prong, ratchet or clip

The prong buckle is the most common: a metal pin goes through a hole. Simple and sturdy, it adjusts hole by hole.
The ratchet buckle (or automatic buckle) needs no holes: the strap slides into the buckle and locks at the exact length, to the nearest half-centimetre. Handy when your waist measurement varies through the day.
The clip buckle is mainly found on elastic belts: clip it on, unclip it, nothing to adjust.
The tie belt has no buckle at all: you tie it like a ribbon, more or less tightly depending on the outfit.

Which material for which use

Leather develops a patina over time and gradually moulds to the shape of your waist. It's the belt you keep for years.
Faux leather has the same look, costs less and copes better with rain.
Canvas and nylon webbing are light and washable: ideal for weekends, sport or outdoor work.
Elastic moves with you and stays comfortable when you sit down: great on a dress or flowing trousers.

Matching your belt to your outfit

With leather shoes, choose a belt in the same colour family: black with black, brown with brown.
If possible, match the metal of the buckle to that of your watch or jewellery: gold with gold, silver with silver.
An ornate, western or embellished buckle speaks for itself: let it take centre stage, over a plain top.

Care

Store a leather belt flat or hung by the buckle, never tightly rolled: that way it keeps its shape.
Wipe leather and faux leather with a dry cloth; condition leather from time to time with a colourless balm.
Canvas and nylon belts can be hand-washed in warm water, with the buckle removed if possible.

Our belts

Free delivery in France and across Europe, and 14 days to change your mind:

Women's belts: skinny, wide tie, elastic and studded belts, with gold-tone or embellished buckles.
Men's belts: smooth or engraved leather, ratchet straps, western buckles.