Get The Right Belt For Your Pans

Wearing a belt is a great way to pull an outfit together. It's important to get the right size belt to ensure a comfortable fit and to avoid your outfit looking sloppy. The general rule of thumb is to buy a belt that is one or two sizes larger than your pants size. This will give you room to adjust if your waist size changes. For example, if you wear size 32 pants, you should buy a size 34 belt. It's also important to match your belt to your outfit. For instance, a leather belt is best worn with a dress shoe, and a casual belt is more suitable for sneakers.

Choosing the right belt length

Measure Your Waist

It is important to start by measuring your waist accurately. Use a flexible tape measure and wrap it around your natural waist, which is the narrowest part of your torso, just above your belly button. Ensure you are standing in a relaxed, natural position. Take the measurement in inches and round it to the nearest inch. This will give you a good starting point for choosing the right belt length.

Consider Your Pant Size

While your pant size is not the same as your belt size, it can be a helpful guide. As a general rule of thumb, your belt size is typically two inches larger than your pant waist size. So, if you wear a 34-inch trouser waist, opt for a 36-inch belt. If your pant size is an odd number, choose a belt that is three inches larger. This allows for some adjustment and ensures the belt fits comfortably in the belt loops.

Try Before You Buy

Whenever possible, try on belts in-store to ensure you get the right length. The belt should fit easily through the belt loops of your pants and sit comfortably at your waist. Ideally, you should be able to secure the belt on the third hole. If you have to use the fourth or fifth holes, there may be too much extra material hanging, and if you use the first hole, the end of the belt may not reach the belt loop.

Opt for a Longer Belt if in Doubt

If you are between sizes or unsure, it is generally better to choose a belt that is slightly longer rather than shorter. This will give you some flexibility if your waist size changes and ensures you have room for adjustment.

Customise Your Belt

If you are still unsure or have unique requirements, consider ordering a custom-made belt. Measure your waist accurately and provide these measurements to the belt maker. They will craft a belt that fits you perfectly and offers the desired level of adjustability.

In conclusion, choosing the right belt length involves considering your waist measurement, pant size, and trying on different options to find the most comfortable fit. Remember that you can always consult tailors or belt makers for custom sizes if needed.

Matching the belt to your outfit

Formal Outfits

When wearing a formal outfit, it is essential to match your leathers and metals. The strap of your belt should be the same colour and level of shininess as your shoes and other leather accessories. For example, if you're wearing dark brown shoes, opt for a dark brown belt. The buckle of your belt should match the colour of your other metal jewellery and accessories, such as your watch or rings. However, your wedding ring can contrast with the other metals you wear.

Casual Outfits

With casual outfits, you have more room to experiment. While you should still match your metals, you don't have to be as precise with matching your leathers. For example, you can pair a brown belt with tan shoes or a tan belt with white shoes. Casual outfits often don't require leather accessories, so you can choose a belt made from other materials, such as canvas. In this case, aim for the belt to complement your overall outfit. When in doubt, go with a brown belt, as it tends to work well with various colours and styles.

Metals and Textures

When matching your belt to your outfit, pay attention to the metals and textures. If your shoes have metal components, such as buckles, try to find a belt buckle in the same metal, whether it's brass, copper, gold, or silver. Additionally, consider the texture of your belt and shoes. For instance, a braided belt can pair well with suede shoes, creating a stylish and complementary look.

Occasion and Colour

Consider the occasion when choosing your belt. Canvas belts are typically casual, while leather belts can be worn casually or formally. Match the formality of your belt to your shoes and the rest of your outfit. When deciding on the colour of your belt, refer to a colour wheel. Avoid mixing cool and warm tones, and try to stick to one colour family. For example, pair dark brown shoes with a dark brown belt or tan shoes with a belt that is only a shade or two darker.

Wearing the belt with the right type of pants

Wearing the right belt with the right pants can make or break an outfit. Here are some tips on how to wear a belt with the right type of pants:

Choose the right belt width

The width of your belt should correspond to the formality of your pants. If you're wearing casual pants, such as light jeans or cargo pants, go for a wider belt. For dressier pants, such as dress pants, chinos, or dark denim, opt for a narrower belt. Wide belts are typically around 1.5 inches (3.8 cm), while narrow belts are around 1.25 inches (3.2 cm).

Match your belt to your shoes

It is important to match the colour and material of your belt to your shoes. If you're wearing black shoes, choose a black belt. The same goes for brown shoes—wear a brown belt. If you can only afford one belt, go for a black one as it will go with almost anything. Additionally, try to match the material of your belt to your shoes—if you're wearing leather shoes, choose a leather belt.

Choose the right belt for the occasion

Leather belts are best suited for formal occasions, while cloth belts are more casual and can be made from a variety of materials. If you're dressing up, opt for a belt with a smaller buckle, and if you're going for a casual look, you can choose a belt with a larger buckle.

Ensure your pants fit well

Make sure your pants fit comfortably at your waist before putting on a belt. Your pants should stay in place without the belt, and the belt should fit easily through the belt loops. If you have to squeeze the belt through the loops, it's too wide.

Adding belt loops to pants

Adding belt loops to your pants can be a quick and easy way to ensure they fit better. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to do it:

Measure the belt width and add 1 inch (2.5 cm) to find the loop length

Before cutting your fabric, measure your belt so you know how long to make the loop. Then, add 1 inch (2.5 cm) to the measurement to allow for the ends of the loop to be tucked under. For example, if your belt is 2 inches (5.1 cm) wide, add 1 inch (2.5 cm) to get a loop length of 3 inches (7.6 cm).

Decide on the number of loops

Most standard jeans or pants for women have 5 loops: 2 for the side seams, 2 for the front, and 1 at the centre back seam. For men's jeans, add an extra 2 loops at the back of the pants. You can add more loops if you like, especially if they are lightweight loops for a flowy skirt or dress.

Cut a strip of fabric that is long enough for all the loops

Decide how many loops you want to sew and multiply that number by the loop length. Then, cut a strip of matching fabric to this measurement. Make the strip 3 times as wide as you want the finished loops to be. For example, if you want to make 5 finished loops that are each 2 inches (5.1 cm) long and 1⁄2 inch (1.3 cm) wide, cut a strip that is 15 inches (38 cm) long and 1 1⁄2 inches (3.8 cm) wide.

Fold the fabric in thirds lengthwise and iron it flat

Lay the strip of fabric with the wrong side facing up. Fold one of the long edges towards the middle by 1/3, then fold the other long edge towards the centre by 1/3 so that the strip is narrow. Press a hot or warm iron along the strip so the folds stay in place.

Sew a straight topstitch along both edges of the strip

Thread your sewing machine with thread that matches the colour of your garment's topstitching. Then, sew straight stitches across each of the long sides of the strip, as close to the edge as you can.

Cut the strip into equal lengths for your loops

Refer back to the loop length measurement and mark this on the strip of fabric. Then, cut out the equal-sized pieces so you have your loops ready to attach to the pants.

Tuck 1⁄2 inch (1.3 cm) of each end under the loop and iron it flat

To hide the raw edges of the loops, fold 1⁄2 inch (1.3 cm) of each end under and iron it flat. The heat from the iron will prevent the ends from unfolding before you sew them to the pants.

Centre the middle of each loop on the waistline and pin it to the pants

Take one of the loops and use a sewing pin to attach it vertically to the waistline, with the top edge straight against the top of the pants. Line up the rest of your loops around the waistline, placing 2 loops on the front, 2 loops on the side seams, and 1 loop in the centre back. If you are attaching more than 5 loops, space the others so they are an even distance apart.

Sew straight stitches across the ends of each loop onto the pants

Once you are happy with the positioning of the loops, sew straight across the top edge of each loop to secure it to the pants. Remember to sew reverse stitch across the loop to make it sturdier, then straight stitch along the bottom edge of each loop.

Measuring for a new belt

Step 1: Put on the outfit you want to wear with the belt

Pull your pants up to your natural waistline, or to the height you typically wear them. If you usually tuck in your shirt, do that too.

Step 2: Prepare your measuring tape

You can use a soft cloth measuring tape, or a metal/plastic one. If using a cloth tape, weave it through the belt loops of your pants. If using a metal/plastic tape, you can hold it in place at your waist.

Step 3: Take your measurements

Pull the tape measure snug, but not too tight, and take a measurement of your waist to the nearest quarter-inch. It's important to get the correct measurement, so use a mirror or ask a friend to help if you need to.

Step 4: Consult a belt size chart

The belt sizes listed give a range of the tightest to loosest fit. Choose the belt size closest to your waist measurement. Your waist measurement should fall in the middle of the range. For example, if your waist measures 37.25 inches, buy a size 36 belt.

Step 5: Order a custom size if needed

If you can't find your size in the charts, or want an even more precise fit, you can order a custom belt. Measure your waist as described above, and provide the exact waist measurement when ordering. The belt maker will then create a belt with a few holes bigger and smaller, so you can continue to use it if your body changes.

A note on pant size vs belt size

It's important to remember that your pant size is not the same as your belt size. A general rule of thumb is that your belt size will be two inches larger than your pant size. So, if your pant size is 32, your belt size will be 34. However, due to the differences in sizing between clothing brands, it's always best to measure yourself before purchasing a new belt.

A note on belt length

When measuring a belt, remember that you are only measuring to the hole you intend to use, not from tip to tip. Also, do not include the length of the buckle in your measurement.

Frequently asked questions