What Size Belt Should I Choose? [Practical Guide]

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

I will 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 end up buying a product that doesn't fit us, isn't comfortable, and then we have to exchange or resell it. That's why today, I'm offering you a handy guide to learn how to measure your belt size. It's aimed at 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 threading it through the loops of a comfortable pair of trousers. Alternatively, you can measure an old belt from the buckle to the hole you usually use. Lastly, we also recommend paying attention to the thickness of the belt and its material, as these should match your style and body shape.

Would you like 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 to determine this using an old belt,
• How to choose a belt that suits your body shape,
• Other essential factors to consider when choosing: 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 paragraphs.

A chic and trendy detail

Worn over a dress, a belt cinches in your waist, helping to highlight your figure and accentuate your feminine curves. It enhances a plain outfit and adds sophistication. This accessory allows you to express your style and demonstrates the care you take in how you dress.

👉 Are you wondering what belt to wear with a long dress to enhance your look? Check out our article on the topic!

However, it's not always essential for your clothes to stay in place. In this case, its role is mainly aesthetic, and you can afford to choose a slightly larger size than the perfect fit. The key is to focus on the visual effect your outfit will have.

The belt, a very practical accessory

Are your trousers 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 show: it's primarily very practical. It allows you to feel comfortable in your clothes and to move freely.

In situations like this, it’s essential to choose the size that suits you so that your belt serves its purpose. In the following paragraphs, I’ll guide you on how to go about it.

How to Know if Your Belt is the Right Size?

To choose an accessory with the right dimensions, it’s crucial to find the perfect belt. It's common to have a belt for many years, and over time, our bodies can change, making the belt no longer fit properly.

Here are a few signs that will help you decide if your belt needs to be replaced:

• When you put it on, you need to suck in your tummy to fasten it.
• You only do it up at the first or the 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 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 Methods to Determine Your Belt Size

Let's get straight to the point: in the following lines, I will share three techniques to accurately and reliably determine your waist size.

👉 There are charts that can help you determine your belt size based on your trouser size. However, I’d advise against this method, as sizes can vary greatly between brands, countries, and of course, whether you’re male or female. The results you get are therefore not very reliable.

By directly measuring your waist size

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 trousers that fit you properly (that don’t fall down) and have belt loops,
• a measuring tape.

From there, thread your measuring tape through the belt loops of your trousers. Take note of the measurements between inhalation and exhalation, when your belly is moderately expanded.

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

📏 Don't have a soft measuring tape? No worries! You can use some string or ribbon instead. When taking measurements, you can mark it with a pen to help you. Then, just measure that length flat to get the result you're after!

Taking Measurements from a Belt You Already Have

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

When you buy your new belt, don’t worry if it looks longer or shorter than your old one: the size of a belt is measured from the end of the buckle to the middle hole, and there is always an odd number of holes. If you fastened your old belt on the last hole, then the new one should indeed be larger.

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

By asking a seamstress or sales assistant directly

If you visit a specialist shop, the staff are usually well-trained and able to take your measurements accurately. Don’t hesitate to ask for their help; you might also receive some valuable style advice.

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

Other Key Factors 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 your belt matches your wardrobe and enhances your look. I’ll share a bit more about this in the following lines.

Choose an easy-to-close loop that matches your style

If you buy your belt from a specialist shop, you’ll likely have a variety of buckle styles to choose from. The most classic is the prong buckle: this is a basic buckle with a metal prong that fits into a hole to secure the belt. It works well with all styles and is usually the most affordable option.

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

If you’re a woman looking for a Western-inspired belt to achieve a bohemian romantic style, then 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 tooth buckle,
• or the automatic buckle that fastens quickly.

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

Choose a Belt Width That Suits 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 exceeding 2.5 centimetres in thickness. If it's a belt to wear with a dress to add some style, 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 want to choose a belt with a thickness of between 3 and 4 centimetres. This is the ideal measurement for wearing with a suit.

Choose a sturdy and attractive material

To conclude, here are a few tips on how to choose the right material for your belt:

🔸 Leather belts are the most common type. There's a material known as "full-grain leather", which is ideal if you’re looking for a strong and attractive belt. It can be a bit pricier, but it lasts longer, making it a worthwhile investment.

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

🔸 Finally, there are now many synthetic leather belts: depending on the quality chosen, they can be either quite fragile or very durable. However, to get a faux leather belt that lasts over time, it's worth investing a bit more. These belts also have the advantage of being suitable for those who follow a vegan lifestyle.

👉 Regarding colours, black remains the most classic choice. However, if you're a woman with a boho chic style, natural brown leather will be just perfect. In any case, don't forget to match your belt with another element of your outfit: shoes, bag, etc.

I hope I've helped you choose a belt that fits 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 shop! You’ll find a wide variety of dresses, skirts, blouses, and tunics!

Long Bohemian Dress