What Belt Size Should You 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 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 us well, isn't comfortable, and ends up needing to be exchanged or sold. That’s why today, I’m providing you with a practical guide on how to measure your belt size. This guide is 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, slipping it through the belt loops of a pair of pants that fit you well. Alternatively, you can measure an old belt from the buckle to the hole you use. Lastly, we also recommend considering the thickness of the belt and its material, which should suit your style and body shape.

Want to know more? Keep reading to find out:

• How to tell if a belt fits you,
• How to measure yourself to find your accessory size,
• A simple technique to determine your size 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 accessory or an essential accessory?

Depending on your personal style and body shape, there are several reasons 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 emphasise your waist and hints at your feminine curves. It enhances a solid-coloured outfit and adds a touch of sophistication. This accessory allows you to express your style and reflects the care you take in your clothing choices.

👉 Are you wondering which belt to wear with a maxi dress to really enhance your look? Check out our article on this topic!

However, it’s not always necessary for your clothing to stay in place. In this case, its function is primarily aesthetic, and you can afford to choose a slightly larger size than the perfect fit. The main thing is to focus on the visual effect your outfit will have.

The belt, a highly functional accessory

Are your trousers slipping off your hips? Do you need to secure the closure of a dress or a coat? If so, your belt isn't just for show: it's actually very practical. It allows you to feel comfortable in your clothes and move freely.

In situations like this, it's essential to choose the size that fits you best to ensure your belt serves its purpose. 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 common to have a belt that we've owned for many years, but as our bodies change over time, it may no longer fit quite right.

Here are a few clues to help you determine if your belt needs replacing:

• 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 take a while to fade.

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

3 Simple and Effective Methods to Find Your Belt Size

Let’s get straight to the point: 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 the pant size you wear. However, I would advise against this method, as sizes can vary significantly between brands, countries, and of course, whether you are male or female. The results you get are therefore not very reliable.

By directly measuring your waist circumference

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 well (that don't fall down) and have belt loops,
• a tape measure.

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

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

📏 Don't have a flexible sewing tape measure? No worries! You can use a piece of string or a ribbon. When measuring, you can mark a spot with a pen to assist you. Then, simply lay it flat and measure that length to get the result you're after!

Taking Measurements from a Belt You Own

Do you have one or more belts that fit well, but can't remember their size? You can easily determine it by measuring. To do this, start from the buckle and measure to the hole where you usually fasten the belt, whether it's the first or the last hole. The length you get 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 holes always in an odd number. If you were using the last hole on your old belt, then the new one should be larger.

👉 To help you better understand these two simple techniques, I recommend watching this tutorial video, which is applicable to both men and women:

By asking a dressmaker or seller 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 assistance; you might also receive some valuable style advice.

👉 If you’ve 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, the size is certainly the main 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 an easy-to-close loop that suits your style

If you buy your belt from a specialist shop, you'll likely have a wide range of buckle styles to choose from. The most classic type is the pin buckle: it's a simple buckle with a metal element that fits through a hole to secure the belt. This style suits all looks and is generally the most affordable option.

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

If you're a woman looking for a western-inspired belt for a romantic bohemian style, a 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-on style,
• the studded type,
• or the quick-release buckle that fastens easily.

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 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 with a dress to enhance your style, you can opt for a wider belt, especially if you have curvier shapes.

If you're an average-sized man (or a slightly taller woman), you might want to choose a belt that is between 3 and 4 centimetres in width. This is especially the ideal measurement to wear with a suit.

Choose a Solid and Aesthetic Material

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

🔸Leather belts are the most common type. There's something known as "full-grain leather", which is perfect if you're looking for a durable and stylish belt. It is a bit pricier, but lasts longer over time, 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 synthtic leather belts available: depending on the quality you choose, they can be either fragile or quite durable. To get a faux leather belt that lasts, it's essential 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 is 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, bag, etc.

I hope I’ve helped you choose a belt that suits 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, and blouses or tunics!

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