How to Choose the Right Belt Size: A Practical Guide

Are you looking to buy a new belt and wondering how to determine 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's common to buy a product that doesn't fit well, isn't comfortable, and then have to exchange or resell it. That's why today, I'm offering you a practical 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 measuring tape by sliding it through the loops of a pair of pants that you feel comfortable in. Alternatively, you can measure an old belt from the buckle to the hole you use. Finally, we also recommend paying attention to the thickness of the belt and its material, as these should be suitable for your style and body type.

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 Element or an Essential Accessory?

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

A Chic and Trendy Detail

A belt worn with a dress, to cinch it at the waist, allows you to accentuate your figure and highlights your feminine curves. It enhances a solid outfit and adds a touch of sophistication. This accessory lets you showcase your style and demonstrates the care you take in how you dress.

👉 Are you wondering which belt to wear with a long dress to enhance it? Check out our article on this 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 allow yourself to choose a slightly larger size than the perfect fit. The most important thing is to focus on the visual appeal of your outfit.

The Belt: A Highly Functional Accessory

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

In this type of situation, it's crucial to choose the right size for you to ensure that your belt serves its purpose. In the following paragraphs, I will guide you on how to go about it.

How to Know if Your Belt is the Right Size?

Choosing an accessory with the right dimensions is crucial for finding the perfect belt. It's common to have a belt for many years, only to find that our bodies have changed over time, making the belt no longer fit properly.

Here are some 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 digging in, and it can be uncomfortable or even painful.
• By the end of the day, it leaves marks on your skin that take a while to fade.

👉 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 right to the point: in the following lines, I will share three techniques to accurately and reliably determine your belt size.

👉 There are charts that can help you determine your belt size based on the pant size you wear. However, I would advise against this method, as sizes can vary greatly between brands, countries, and of course, whether you are male or female. Therefore, the results obtained are not very reliable.

By measuring your waist directly

This technique allows you to take your measurements accurately, enabling you to choose a belt that fits you perfectly. To do this, all you need is:

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

From there, run your measuring tape through the belt loops of your pants. Take the measurements between inhalation and exhalation, when your stomach is moderately expanded.

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

📏 Don't have a sewing tape measure? No problem! You can use a piece of string or a ribbon. When taking your measurements, you can mark the spots with a felt pen to help you out. Then, simply lay it flat and measure that length to get the desired result!

Taking Measurements Using a Belt You Own

You have one or more belts that fit you well, but you can’t remember their size? It’s easy to figure it out by measuring them. 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 obtain will give you your belt size.

When you purchase 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 an odd number. 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 watching this tutorial video, which applies to both men and women:

By Asking a Seamstress or Sales Associate Directly

If you visit a specialty store, the staff are typically well-trained and capable of taking your measurements accurately. Don't hesitate to ask for their assistance; you could also gain some valuable style tips.

👉 If you have already measured your belt size using one of the two techniques mentioned above, you can simply ask them to confirm.

Other Essential Criteria for Choosing the Right Belt

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

Choose an Easy-to-Close Loop That Matches Your Style

If you purchase your belt from a specialty store, you will likely have a variety of buckle styles to choose from. The most classic is the pin buckle: this is a basic buckle with a metal prong that fits into a hole to hold the belt in place. This type works well with all styles and is generally the most budget-friendly option.

If you're looking for a belt that holds up nicely, you might consider a double-prong buckle: this features two rows of parallel holes that ensure a secure fit.

If you're a woman looking for a western-inspired belt to achieve a romantic bohemian look, the flat buckle is exactly what you need.

There are many other variations, such as:

• the reversible buckle belt, which can be worn on both sides,
• the clip belt,
• the toothed belt,
• or 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 that Suits Your Body Type

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 are a short woman looking for a belt for your pants, I recommend choosing one that is no thicker than 2.5 centimetres. If it’s a belt to wear with a dress to enhance your style, you can opt for a wider belt, especially if you have a curvier figure.

If you are an average-sized man (or a woman who is a bit taller), you might choose a belt that is between 3 and 4 centimetres wide. This is particularly the ideal width to wear with a suit.

Choose a Solid and Aesthetic Material

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

🔸 Leather belts are the most common type. There is what is known as “top-grain leather,” which is perfect if you're looking for a durable and stylish belt. It costs a bit more, but it lasts longer, making it worth the investment.

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

🔸 Lastly, there are now many synthetic leather belts available: depending on the quality you choose, they can be either fragile or quite durable. To find a faux leather belt that 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 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 element of your outfit: shoes, purse, etc.

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I hope I’ve helped you choose a belt that matches your style and that you can wear for a long time!

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