The Very Best Belts Do So Much More Than Keep Your Trousers Up
Here's the thing about belts: They aren't necessary until they're really necessary. Don't get me wrong, I'm always here for wearing a belt as an accessory and nothing more. But until you've experienced having way-too-big trousers and nothing to hold them up with, you haven't truly felt the need for a belt. And if you've been in that situation, then you're well aware: you need a damn good belt in your arsenal.
That's where I come in. I'm all about belts that'll stand the test of time, 'cause this is a functional accessory that you shouldn't have to keep replacing. Have one in black and one in brown so that you can match with all of your footwear, but other than that, it's down entirely to your preferences. A leather belt will last you longer, but might run you up a little more dough when you make the investment. Fabric belts are great, but less dressy, so you might want to save those for the weekend.
The moral of the story is this—you've gotta have a belt (or two, or more) on-hand. The 13 best ones that our editors love are right here.
Classic Jean Belt
Yes, you can get it in Wheat to match your Timbs, or a standard dark brown or black leather. In any case, this is as good of a belt as you'll find for the price. I love it for its versatility; with a rugged pair of jeans, this is easily laid-back, but with chinos or khakis, you're ready for your 9 to 5.
Essential Leather Belt
A belt from the Bean that's as reliable as the brand's famous duck boots. It's sturdy and affordable, crafted from leather with a silver belt buckle for some dressiness. Really, it's right in the name; this one's an essential.
Classic Dress Belt
If you need a belt in a pinch, we won't rag you for buying the Amazon option. Does it look the best? No. Is it the highest quality? Nope. But if you're buying a belt for £15, this will do everything you need it to do.
Reversible Belt
Remember when I said you should have one black and one brown belt so all your footwear can match? Well, this belt is one of my all-time favorites for its sheer genius. Whether you need a black or a brown belt, Calvin Klein has you covered with their sleek, reversible leather option. Plus, it's at a great price, especially for two belts in one.
Leather Belt
Montblanc excels at leather goods—their calfskin belt is no different. This is a luxurious belt that stands the test of time, and that'll always be infallibly ready for a good suit or pair of dressy trousers to be thrown its way.
Metal-Tipped Three-Piece Leather Belt
For a belt that isn't too wide, turn to Madewell. In burnished brown with silver details, this one is up for both the office and the bar, and everything in between.
Centre Bar Buckle Belt
At one-and-a-quarter-inch, this belt is versatile, fitting your weekend jeans and weekday trousers, though the buckle and lack of stitching make it more of a weekend belt. The leather on this belt is phenomenal, one of the best mass-produced models I've ever held in my hand. Yes, it's an expensive belt, but it's a damn good one.
Vintage Leather Belt
The kind of belt that will have the guy who walks past you searching "Vintage belt," on eBay. But the fact that it's brand-new Todd Snyder can stay our little secret; it's so sturdy and timeless that it'll be vintage someday, anyhow.
Leather Round-Buckle Dress Belt
So, you need one belt that can do it all, and you need it to be under £100 or so. This is the only belt that will do that. It's a thin belt, great for formal occasions, but the rounded buckle gives it a casual look that'll help it pull double duty.
For the money, it's a solid belt, but don't expect it to be the most durable you've ever laid your hands on.
Portfolio Braided Belt
For my money, it's tough to find a great braided belt. But this one from Perry Ellis does, in fact, rock. I think it's thanks to the extra hardware, which adds some much-needed contemporary style to this retro, indie vibe.
Classic Leather Dress Belt in Black
For a dress belt that's just a step up from the high street brands, I think it's got to be Todd Snyder. This one also comes in brown, but Todd Snyder sells some freakier options as well, like this Western-inspired number from Anderson's. It's a great place to buy a good belt for under £200.
Gancini Belt
You'll never buy another belt again with this luxe option in your arsenal. Ferragamo's iconic Gancini logo merges with the brand's high-quality leather to make the perfect minimalist belt, that feels as smooth and sleek as it looks.
Leather Belt
Made from luxurious Italian leather, this is a belt for the guy willing to invest in a life-long accessory. Even your baggiest jeans will look infinitely better when you're rocking this on your waist. And with a black leather jacket and some Chelsea boots? Don't even get me started.
What To Consider
Material: Not all leather is created equal. The Amazon Essentials belt is blended with enough poly-garbage that I might not even call it leather, but it serves a purpose. Some canvas belts are stronger than others, and some nylon ones look better than the rest. For everything in this list, we made sure that the material matched its price tag, and we tried to call out ones with materials that exceeded the price tag.
Size: What size belt am I? Your belt size is two inches larger than your trouser size. That gives you plenty of wiggle room for your next decade of bulking and cutting.
Quality: It's all about the details when it comes to belts, and that's why you need to pay close attention to the finishing touches. A high-quality belt should withstand the test of time, should have well-stitched seams, even edges, and a solid buckle fastening
Tips For Styling Belts
The beauty of a belt lies in its versatility. Adding the accessory can make a casual outfit look more thoughtful and elevated, it can make a formal look seem put-together, and it also has an added level of functionality, too. Whether you're buying a belt because all your pants are a little bit too big or you just want to accessorise with a classic, timeless piece, don't be afraid to start adding it to your wardrobe and seeing what works.
Whether with jeans and a casual shirt or dress pants and a blazer, a belt is always a welcome addition. Just follow the most important rule—make sure your belt matches your shoes. A brown belt and black shoes or vice versa is a fashion faux pas that you can't say we didn't warn you about.
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