Belts were introduced decades ago as a necessity. Men used to wear them to keep their pants in place and prevent slipping. But if we look at the current picture, their purpose has crossed the limit.
In the present era, a belt is more of a fashion accessory than a necessity in the wardrobe. Although its functionality remained the same, the ultimate purpose has shifted from holding clothes together to styling an outfit.
If you visit any shop, you are bound to come across numerous types of belts specifically designed for the masculine gender.
Wearing the right belt can make you impart a desired statement or finesse to your overall attire. On the contrary, if you choose a random one, your looks won’t have the refinement and sleekness.
Each type has a specific purpose in terms of styling. So, you need to up your fashion game and ensure you are pairing the belt in your wardrobe correctly with your outfit.
Only then can you have a properly balanced look and catch everyone’s attention. That being said, we have elaborated on the top 10 belt types for men below.
Additionally, we have also mentioned a few styling tips for each category so that you won’t end up ruining your looks.
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10 Types of Belts for Men Every Stylish Guy Should Know
From timeless leather staples to modern ratchet designs, these belt types blend style and functionality to elevate any outfit.
Discover the must-have belts every fashionable man should wear for every occasion. But before you start exploring all the stylish options, it’s crucial to measure your belt size correctly.
1. Dress Belt
These types of belts complement collared shirts worn with dress trousers or a three-piece business suit.
Although the designs are not loud, correctly pairing a dress belt with your outfit can create a proportioned look.
A Pro Tip: Opt for colors like tan, black, and brown to match any dress you wear. Whether it’s a formal business meeting or a regular office visit, put these on to have a refined and sophisticated appearance.
What’s more unique is that the buckles are the epitome of minimalism and understatement.
2. Classic Leather Belt
Known to be timeless, a classic leather belt is a must-have for a man’s wardrobe. You can find these mostly in cowhide leather, but other exotic options are also available on the table.
Nowadays, eco-friendly cactus and jute leather belts are also available. A leather belt comes in various colors, from dark obsidian black to light brown. Buckles are the most simple in design, but you can go for an ornate one.
As for the surface finish, you can choose from a smooth belt to a textured or printed one to match your outfit.
3. Fabric Belt
Known as one of the most versatile types of belts, it is manufactured with numerous textiles. Usually, you will have material choices like polyester, nylon, and even cotton.
Most fabric belts have a plain design, but you can look for printed or textured ones according to your fashion preferences.
Wearing them will impart a stylish yet sporty look, especially with the striped or printed ones. You can pair it with athletic or casual outfits while ensuring the color complements your look.
4. Braided Belt
These types of belts are popular amongst male fashion enthusiast who like to experiment with their styles. Thanks to the interwoven strands of leather or fabric, it exudes Bohemian vibes.
Whether you want to define your casual outfit or impart a rustic look to your overall appearance, it has got your back.
The textured look is the main attention-grabber, ensuring the person wearing it can walk with confidence, oozing out from every orifice.
A Quick Bonus Tip: If you want a sleek and refined look, go for a black or brown shade.
5. Reversible Belt
If you are looking two-in-one fashion accessory, have these types of belts in your wardrobe without fail. They feature two different textures or shades on either side of the long strap.
All you need to do is flip the belt according to the outfit you choose. Buckles are usually detachable, which is why reversing the belt won’t be difficult or time-consuming for you.
Pro Idea: get a reversible belt with a sleek, polished look on one side and a more casual or funky look on the other.
6. Canvas Belt
Whether it’s a relaxed weekend outing or running outdoor errands, canvas belts are the go-to option for many men.
Featuring a military-inspired buckle, they come in multitudinous textures and colors. Cotton and woven canvas are the two most popular material choices for these types of belts.
That’s how they have redefined comfort and flexibility in the men’s fashion world. You can choose a solid color to match any outfit or opt for a patterned design to style any specific look for an outdoor occasion.
7. Suede Belt
The premium-quality suede leather is widely known for its napped texture and soft surface feel. You will find a velvet-like surface finish that complements almost all types of semi-formal and casual outfits.
Most designs depend on minimalism, ensuring the person wearing the belt can have a proportioned look. Buckle designs, on the other hand, are mostly simple so as to point the limelight to the strap.
8. Western Belt
These types of belts draw inspiration from the cowboy fashion sense popular in Western countries. Most belts are equipped with decorative buckles, intricate design patterns, and embellishments.
Thick leather is mostly used as the strap material for more durability. With this accessory, you are about to go all bold and draw several eyes toward yourself.
9. Golf Belt
Are you looking for a comfortable belt that can be paired with your sporty outfit? In that case, no other types of belts will be as good as the golf belt!
Made with stretchable fabric, it delivers optimal comfort during physical activities without putting any limitations on mobility.
Quick Bonus Tip: For a medium budget, go with the synthetic blend fabric, while for a premium collection, leather will be the best fit.
10. Ratchet Belt
Revolutionizing the fashion industry, ratchet belts are on the rise! They feature an immaculate design with a self-adjustable buckle.
No more worries about buckling it by adjusting the holes now and then! The ratchet-style buckle will help you make micro-adjustments for a sleek and chiseled look.
Our Thoughts
Men’s fashion has transformed a lot in the past few decades. And these diverse types of belts are the living proofs of the statement we said earlier!
You no longer have to rely on a single accessory to pair with different outfits and end up ruining the look. Instead, invest in multifarious designs so that you can level up your style game and become the center of attraction!
This guide is invaluable. Thank you for clearly breaking down the different types of belts! I especially appreciated the distinction between casual and formal belts and how material and buckle design play a role in styling. Seeing such practical fashion advice laid out in an easy-to-understand format is excellent.