Choosing the Right Belt Size: A 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 will help you.

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

If you don't, it's common to buy a product that doesn't fit well, is uncomfortable, and then you end up having to exchange or sell it. That's why today, I'm offering you 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 by threading it through the belt loops of a pair of pants that fits you well. Alternatively, you can measure an old belt, from the buckle to the hole you usually use. Finally, we also recommend paying attention to the thickness of the belt and its material, which should suit your style and body shape.

Would you like more details? Keep reading to find out:

• How to know if a belt fits you or not,
• 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 essential factors to consider when selecting one: type of buckle, material, style…

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

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

A chic and trendy detail

Worn over a dress, a belt helps to emphasise your waist and subtly highlights your feminine curves. It enhances a plain outfit and adds a touch of 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 maxi dress to enhance it? Check out our article on this topic!

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

The belt, a highly functional accessory

Are your trousers slipping down your hips? Do you need to secure the fastening of a dress or coat? If so, your belt isn't just for looks: it's especially practical. It allows you to feel comfortable in your clothes and gives you the freedom of movement.

In situations like this, it's essential to choose the right size for you, so that your belt serves its purpose effectively. 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 identify the perfect belt. Often, we may have owned a belt for many years, but as our bodies change, it may no longer fit us comfortably.

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 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 recognise yourself in 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'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, because sizes can vary significantly between brands, countries, and of course, whether you are male or female. As a result, the outcomes are 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, you only need to have:

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

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

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

📏 Don't have a sewing tape measure? No worries! You can use a piece of string or a ribbon instead. When taking your measurements, you can mark them with a felt-tip pen to help you. Then, simply lay it flat and measure that length to get the result you're looking for!

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 entirely possible to determine that 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 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 your old belt on the last hole, then your new one should be bigger.

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

By asking a seamstress or a sales assistant directly

If you visit a specialist shop, the staff are usually trained and capable of taking your measurements accurately. Don’t hesitate to ask for their help; you may also receive valuable style advice.

👉 If you’ve already measured your waist 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 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 explain a bit more about this in the following paragraphs.

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

If you buy your belt from a specialised shop, you'll likely have a wide variety of buckle designs to choose from. The most classic is the prong buckle: this is a simple buckle with a metal piece that fits into a hole to secure the belt. It works well with all styles and is generally the most budget-friendly option.

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

If you're a woman looking 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 belt buckle, which can be worn on both sides,
• the clip belt,
• the toothed belt,
• or the automatic buckle that fastens 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 shape

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

If you are a petite woman looking for a belt for your trousers, I recommend that you choose one that is no thicker than 2.5 centimetres. If it's a belt to wear over a dress to enhance your style, you can opt for a wider belt, especially if you have curvier shapes.

If you are an average-sized man (or a slightly taller woman), you can choose a belt with a width of between 3 and 4 centimetres. This is particularly the ideal measurement to wear with a suit.

Choose a robust and appealing material

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

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

🔸 Some belts are made from fabric or rope: they add a more laid-back vibe to your outfit and are great for a casual style.

🔸 Lastly, there are now many synthetic leather belts available: depending on the quality chosen, they can vary from being quite fragile to very durable. To get a faux leather belt that lasts, it’s necessary to invest a bit. These belts also have the added advantage of being suitable for people 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 just perfect. In any case, don’t forget to match your belt with another element of your outfit: shoes, bag, etc.

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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 variety of dresses, skirts, blouses, and tunics!