How to Choose the Right Belt Size? [Practical Guide]

Are you looking to buy a new belt and wondering how to find the right size for you? Are you searching for a simple, reliable, and quick measuring technique that works for both women and men?

I'm here to help you.

As a fashion enthusiast, I understand how essential it is to know your size for every type of clothing or accessory.

Without this, it's quite common to buy a product that doesn't fit us well, isn't comfortable, and then we have to exchange or sell it. That's why today, I’m offering you a handy guide to learn how to measure your belt size. This guide is for everyone and applies to all types of belts.

To choose the perfect belt size, you can measure your waist directly with a tailor's tape by threading it through the loops of a comfortable pair of pants. Alternatively, you can measure an old belt from the buckle to the hole you typically use. Lastly, we also recommend considering the thickness of the belt and its material, as these should complement your style and body shape.

Want more details? Keep reading to find out:

• How to tell if a belt fits you,
• How to take your measurements to find your accessory size,
• A simple technique to determine it using an old belt,
• How to choose a belt that suits your body shape,
• Other important factors to consider when selecting one: type of buckle, material, style…

The belt: a simple style element or an essential accessory?

Depending on your preferences and body shape, there are several reasons why you might choose to wear a belt. Let's explore this topic a bit further in the following lines.

A stylish and trendy detail

Worn over a dress, a belt helps to highlight your waist and subtly showcases your feminine curves. It enhances a solid outfit and adds a touch of sophistication. This accessory allows you to express your style and reflects the care you take in your wardrobe choices.

👉 Wondering which belt to wear with a long dress to really enhance it? Check out our article on this topic!

However, it isn’t always necessary for your clothes to stay in place. In this case, its function is mainly aesthetic, and you can afford to choose a size slightly larger than the perfect fit. The key is to focus on the visual appeal of your outfit.

The belt, a highly functional accessory

Are your pants slipping down your hips? Do you need to secure the closure of a dress or a coat? If so, your belt is not just for looks: it's primarily very practical. It allows you to feel comfortable in your clothes and gives you the freedom to move.

In this situation, it's essential to choose the size that suits you, so that your belt functions properly. In the following paragraphs, I'll guide you on how to go about it.

How to tell if your belt is the right size?

To choose an accessory with the right dimensions, it's essential to know how to recognise the perfect belt. It's quite common to have a belt for many years and find that our body has changed, making it no longer fit properly.

Here are a few signs that indicate it might be time to replace your belt:

• When you put it on, you need to suck in your stomach to fasten it.
• You only buckle it at the first or last hole.
• Throughout the day, you often feel your belt, and it can be uncomfortable or even painful.
• By the end of the day, it leaves marks on your skin that are hard to remove.

👉 If you identify with one or more of these statements, then it’s probably time to level up!

3 Simple and Effective Methods to Determine Your Belt Size

Let's get to the heart of the matter: in the following lines, I’ll share three techniques to accurately and reliably determine your belt size.

👉 There are charts available that can help you determine your belt size based on your trouser size. However, I would advise against using this method, as sizes can vary significantly between brands, countries, and of course, whether you’re buying men’s or women’s clothing. Therefore, the results you get may not be very reliable.

By directly measuring your waist circumference

This technique allows you to take your measurements accurately, making it easier to choose a belt that fits you perfectly. To do this, you only need the following:

• a pair of trousers that fit you well (that don’t slip down) and have belt loops,
• a measuring tape.

From there, thread your measuring tape through the belt loops of your pants. Take the measurements between inhaling and exhaling when your stomach is moderately filled.

Your belt size corresponds to the next ten up from your measurement: for example, if you measured 87 centimetres, you will need a 90 centimetre belt.

📏 Don’t have a soft tape measure? No worries! You can use a piece of string or ribbon instead. When measuring, you can make a mark with a pen to help you out. Then, simply lay it flat and measure the length to get the result you’re after!

Taking Measurements from a Belt You Own

You own one or more belts that fit well, but you can't remember their size? It's quite simple to determine it by measuring. To do this, start from the buckle and measure to the hole you use most often, whether it's the first or the last one. The length you measure will give you your belt size.

When you buy your new belt, don’t worry if it seems longer or shorter than your old one: the size of a belt is measured from the end of the buckle to the middle hole, with the holes always being in odd numbers. If you were using the last hole on your old belt, the new one should be larger.

👉 To help you better understand these two simple techniques, I recommend checking out this tutorial video, which is suitable for both men and women:

By Asking a Seamstress or Sales Assistant Directly

If you visit a specialty store, the staff are usually trained and capable of taking your measurements accurately. Don't hesitate to ask for their help; you could also gain valuable style advice.

👉 If you've already measured your waist size using one of the two methods mentioned above, you can simply ask them to confirm.

Other Essential Criteria for Choosing the Right Belt

When buying a new belt, size is certainly the most important factor to consider. However, there are other details that can affect how well your belt matches your wardrobe and enhances your look. I'll share a bit more about this in the following lines.

Choose a simple closure that suits your style

If you buy your belt from a specialty store, you’ll likely find a wide range of buckle designs to choose from. The most classic is the single-prong buckle: this is a basic buckle with a metal prong that inserts into a hole to secure the belt. This style suits all looks and is usually the most budget-friendly option.

If you're seeking a belt that offers excellent support, you might consider a double prong buckle: this features two parallel rows of holes, ensuring a secure fit.

If you're a woman on the hunt for a western-inspired belt to enhance your bohemian romantic style, the flat buckle is just what you need.

There are many other variations, such as:

• the reversible belt buckle, which can be worn on both sides,
• the clip belt,
• the notched belt,
• or even the automatic buckle that attaches quickly.

Feel free to try them out to find the one that suits you best and that you find the easiest to put on and take off.

Choose a Belt Width to Suit Your Body Shape

The length of your belt isn't the only measurement to consider: depending on its thickness, it can give a different style to your outfit.

If you're a petite woman looking for a belt for your trousers, I recommend not going over 2.5 centimetres in thickness. If it's a belt to wear over a dress for styling purposes, you can opt for a wider belt, especially if you have curvy shapes.

If you're an average-sized man (or a slightly taller woman), you might consider choosing a belt that's between 3 and 4 centimetres wide. This width is particularly ideal for wearing with a suit.

Choose a solid and aesthetically pleasing material

Finally, here are some tips for choosing the right material for your belt:

🔸 Leather belts are the most common choice. There’s something known as “full grain leather”, which is perfect if you’re after a sturdy and attractive belt. It is a bit more expensive, but it lasts longer, making it worthwhile to invest in one.

🔸 Some belts are made of fabric or rope: they give a more relaxed vibe to your outfit and are perfect for a casual style.

🔸 Finally, there are now many synthetic leather belts: depending on the quality chosen, they can be either fragile or very durable. To ensure a faux leather belt lasts over time, it's important to invest a little. These belts also have the added benefit of being suitable for those who follow a vegan lifestyle.

👉 When it comes to colours, black remains the classic choice. However, if you’re a woman with a boho-chic style, natural brown leather will be perfect. In any case, remember to match your belt with another element of your outfit: shoes, bag, etc.

I hope I've helped you to choose a belt that suits your style and that you'll be able to wear for a long time!

Are you a woman looking for unique, affordable, and stylish clothing? Check out our bohemian fashion store! You'll discover a wide range of dresses, skirts, blouses, and tunics!

Long Bohemian Dress