Men & Belts: 4 Mistakes to Avoid

August 11, 2010, By 7 comments

What to Look for in a Belt

If you are a normal guy, here is all you need to know when shopping for a belt:

The belt should match your shoes. They are a team: Don't let one of them be disqualified for not having a matching uniform. Shiny black dress shoes need a glossy black dress belt. Casual brown leather shoes need a simple, canvas-like brown leather belt. Match the color and finish of the shoes to the color and finish of the belt.

Never spend more on the belt than on the shoes. However, the more expensive the shoes, the more expensive the belt. Don't let a shabby belt ruin a perfectly good looking ensemble.

The belt latch should fit in the middle hole. Usually this will mean a belt three-to-four sizes larger than your waist. A 32 waist equates roughly to a 34-to-36 belt, etc.

Really shiny buckles should be reserved for formal wear. Don't wear shiny belt buckles with casual wear such as jeans unless you're a hustler. Period.

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Comments (7):

Alan B. i have been reading a lot of these today. wow, you want a metro man. not a MAN. you want a fairy guy instead of a masculine guy. oh and im a cowboy, BELT BUCKLES that are BIG and SHINY are a MUST. ALWAYS! we wear cowboy hats wranglers and belt buckles. your a tard if ya think thats not acceptible. who the hell are you anyway. fairy man or women writing this... - 09/23/2011
Max B. Belt "arsenal?" How about "collection" instead. - 06/10/2011
Rich A. What about matching the buckle and color of the belt with your watch? - 05/17/2011
Wil H. Add one clarification.....belt buckle color counts. When wearing a yellow shirt or a tie with gold/yellow in it, one should wear a gold toned belt. I still have two leather belts; each in reverseable with black/brown leather with either a goldtone or silver belt. Oh, sorry, I have a burgundy one when I where burgundy shoes. - 05/16/2011
K F. I'm impressed that you worked the term "Proustian" into an article about belts! Good info too! - 05/08/2011
Allyson W. Thanks for this handy guide! My husband is belt shopping so I will share this with him! - 05/04/2011
Tom H. Don't skimp on the accessories, ie the belts or the shoes. - 05/02/2011

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