What Size Belt Should You Choose? [Practical Guide]

Are you looking to buy a new belt and wondering how to find the right size for you? Are you in search of 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 often happens that we buy a product that doesn’t fit us, isn’t comfortable, and then we have to return or resell it. That’s why today, I’m offering you a practical guide to learn how to measure your belt size. It is intended for everyone and applies to all types of belts.

To choose the ideal belt size, you can measure your waist directly with a measuring tape by slipping it through the loops of a pair of pants that fit you comfortably. You can also measure an old belt, from the buckle to the hole you typically use. Lastly, we recommend paying attention to the thickness of the belt and its material, as they should complement your style and body shape.

Looking for more details? Keep reading to find out:

• How to know if a belt fits you,
• How to take your measurements to find your accessory size,
• A simple technique for determining your size using an old belt,
• How to choose a belt that suits your body type,
• Other essential factors to consider when selecting: type of buckle, material, style…

The Belt: A Simple Style Statement or an Essential Accessory?

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

A Chic and Trendy Detail

Worn over a dress, the belt helps to emphasize your waist and shows off your feminine curves. It enhances a solid outfit and adds sophistication. This accessory allows you to express your style and reflects the care you take in how you dress.

👉 Are you wondering which belt to wear with a long dress to enhance its beauty? Check out our article on the topic!

However, it’s not 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 overall appearance of your outfit.

The Belt: A Very Functional Accessory

Is your pants slipping off your hips? Do you need to secure the closure of a dress or coat? If so, your belt is not just for looks: it’s also very practical. It helps you feel comfortable in your clothes and allows you to move freely.

In this type of situation, it is essential to choose the size that fits you so that your belt serves its purpose effectively. In the following paragraphs, I’ll guide you on how to make the right choice.

How to Know if Your Belt is the Right Size?

To select an accessory with the right dimensions, it’s essential to know how to recognize the perfect belt. It’s not uncommon to have a belt for many years, only to find that our bodies have changed and it no longer fits properly.

Here are some signs that will help you determine if it’s 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, even painful.
• By the end of the day, it leaves marks on your skin that are hard to get rid of.

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

3 Simple and Effective Ways to Know Your Belt Size

Let’s get straight to the point: in the following lines, I’ll introduce you to three techniques to accurately and reliably determine your waist size.

👉 There are charts that help determine your belt size based on your pant size. However, I advise against using this method, as sizes can vary greatly between brands, countries, and of course, depending on whether you’re shopping for men’s or women’s clothing. The results from these charts are often not very reliable.

By Measuring Your Waist Directly

This technique allows you to take your measurements accurately, enabling you to select a belt that fits you perfectly. To do this, you only need to have:

• a pair of well-fitting pants (that don’t fall down) with belt loops,
• a measuring tape.

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

Your belt size corresponds to the next size up from this measurement: for example, if you measured 87 centimeters, you would need a 90-centimeter belt.

📏 Don’t have a flexible sewing measuring tape? No worries! You can use a piece of string or a ribbon instead. When taking measurements, you can mark the length with a marker to help you out. Then, just measure that length flat to get the result you’re looking for!

Taking Measurements from a Belt You Own

You have one or more belts that fit well, but you can’t remember their size? You can easily determine the size by measuring them. To do this, start from the buckle and measure to the hole you use most often, even if it’s the first or the last one. The length you get will tell you your belt size.

When you buy your new belt, don’t be concerned 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 invite you to watch this tutorial video, which is applicable to both men and women:

By asking a seamstress or sales associate directly

If you visit a specialty store, the staff are usually well-trained and able to take your measurements accurately. Don’t hesitate to ask for their help; you could also receive 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 definitely the most important factor to consider. However, there are other details that can influence how your belt coordinates with your wardrobe and enhances your style. I’ll share more about this in the following lines.

Choose an Easy-to-Close Loop in Your Style

If you purchase your belt from a specialty store, you will likely have a variety of buckle models to choose from. The most classic one is called the prong buckle: this is a basic buckle with a metal piece that secures into a hole to hold the belt in place. This style is suitable for all looks and is generally the most affordable option.

If you’re looking for a belt that provides excellent support, you might consider a double prong buckle: this design features two rows of parallel holes, ensuring a secure fit.

If you’re a woman searching for a western-inspired belt to achieve a romantic bohemian style, the flat buckle is just what you need.

There are many other variations, such as:

• the reversible buckle belt, which can be worn on either side,
• the clip belt,
• the notch belt,
• or even the automatic buckle that clips on 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 Thickness That Matches Your Body Type

The length of your belt isn’t the only measurement to consider; in fact, depending on its thickness, it will give a different style to your outfit.

If you are a petite woman looking for a belt for your pants, I recommend that you stick to a thickness of no more than 1 inch. If it’s a belt to be worn over a dress to accentuate your style, you can opt for a wider belt, especially if you have curvy shapes.

If you are an average-sized man (or a slightly taller woman), you can choose a belt that is between 1.2 and 1.6 inches thick. This thickness is particularly ideal for wearing with a suit.

Choose a Stylish and Durable Material

To wrap things up, here are some tips for selecting the right material for your belt:

🔸Leather belts are the most common type. There is a material known as “full-grain leather,” which is perfect if you’re looking for a strong and attractive belt. It is a bit more expensive, but it lasts longer, making it worth the investment.

🔸 Some belts are made of fabric or rope: they add 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 you choose, they can range from fragile to very durable. However, to find a faux leather belt that lasts, it’s important to invest a little. These belts also have the advantage of being suitable for those who follow a vegan lifestyle.

👉 When it comes to colors, black remains the most classic choice. However, if you’re a woman with a bohemian chic style, natural brown leather will be perfect. In any case, don’t forget to match your belt with another item in your outfit: shoes, bag, etc.

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I hope I’ve helped you choose a belt that matches 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 boutique! You’ll find a variety of dresses, skirts, blouses, and tunics!