There are a lot of belts on the market these days, and it can be tough to figure out which one is right for you. In this post, we will look at some of the best belts for men, from casual to formal styles. Whether you're looking for an everyday belt to wear with your jeans or something dressier for special occasions, we've got you covered. Keep reading for our favorite men's belts!
What is the difference between dress belts and casual belts?
Men's belts come in two basic varieties: dress belts for formal occasions and casual belts for everyday use. The difference between the styles basically comes down to the width of the belt strap. Formal belts are narrower, typically about one inch to one and a quarter-inch wide (1 to 1-¼") strap to fit through the narrow loops of suit pants. Casual belts are wider - typically with one and a half inches wide (1-½") strap that fits through the belt loops of most jeans or khakis.
Which belt is best for formal wear?
A dress belt is an essential accessory for men for formal occasions. Whether you're attending a wedding, christening, confirmation, funeral, or other formal event, dress belts can add a touch of refinement to complete your outfit.
If you're after a classic formal look, search for a black leather belt to wear. Black leather is a neutral color that will match well with most clothing. Black leather also has a more professional look than a brown leather belt. If you're looking for a formal belt that will make you look your best, a black full grain leather dress belt is the way to go.
→ Shop the Micron on Black Leather Belt
Is a brown belt formal?
Although black is the classic choice for formal wear, brown dress belts are still thought of as formal. Brown belts are not as widely used as black belts, but they still have a place in any man's wardrobe. The right belt is the one that matches the outfit you are wearing, no matter the color or style. When dressing formally, you should try to match your belt's color to your shoes. If you plan on wearing brown dress shoes or boots, a brown leather belt is the better choice.
→ Shop the Micron on Brown Leather Belt
How do you pick a good leather belt?
There are three main things to consider when shopping for a good leather belt - the materials the belt is made with, the belt size, and how comfortable it is to wear. Good quality leather belts are accessories that never go out of style, so here's what you need to pick the right one.
Shop for full grain leather
The first and most important factor to consider is what the belt is made of, so choose a belt made with high-quality materials. The best quality belts are made with full grain leather. This kind of leather looks good and patinas beautifully over time - you can expect to wear it for many years.
Get the right belt size
Second, your belt should be the right size. It should be long enough to fit comfortably around your waist but not so long that it hangs down or fits past your second belt loop. Always buy a dress belt one size up from your pants size to give yourself room to tuck your shirt into your waistband in without looking messy. If you want the best, most polished look, shop for a custom leather belt to match your outfit.
A comfortable belt that fits your style
Lastly, a good belt should be comfortable to wear. The best belts are made with soft, supple leather that molds to your body over time. The belt buckle should make you feel good while wearing it and match your style. When you find a belt that meets all of these criteria, you'll have an accessory that you can wear with pride!
→ Shop the Dial Belt Collection
Avoid genuine leather and reversible belts
There are a lot of belts on the market these days, but if you're looking for something that will last, avoid the cheap, poor quality ones made of genuine leather. These belts don't last long - the leather cracks and breaks easily, and the buckle hardware is usually terrible. You end up spending more money in the long run to replace these belts, so it's best to just avoid genuine leather belts altogether. Stick with belts made of good quality materials, like full grain leather. They may cost a bit more upfront, but they'll save you money in the long run. Plus, they look better and last longer, so it's really a no-brainer.
Are reversible dress belts good?
NO, reversible belts are terrible! You might think you are saving money by getting two belts for the price of one, but you're not. Reversible belts are made with bottom-of-the-barrel leather, mixed with glue, and sandwiched between two thin pieces of leather. Reversible belt buckles are under constant strain from being changed and inevitably break. The entire construction of a reversible belt is doomed to fail. Why ruin your stylish outfit with a sad, sloppy belt? It's not worth it. You can do better.
Best men's casual belts
Say you aren't in the market for a new dress belt and have a more relaxed style for special occasions. That's ok! Casual belts are a great option if your wardrobe isn't super fancy. There are a few key things to look for when choosing the best belt for casual wear. Pay attention to the leather color, belt buckle style, and how both look with your outfits.
Black leather is always a good choice - it is a classic and looks good with just about anything. Second, make sure the belt buckle is creative and unique, not just a boring, basic frame style buckle. The buckle you choose says a lot about your personality, so don't be afraid to make a statement! Finally, the strap width is important - too thin and the belt will look out of proportion with your relaxed look. A casual belt has a 1-½ inch wide strap, perfect to pair with almost any outfit. If you keep these tips in mind, you're sure to find the perfect casual belt for your next event!
