Men’s Belts: A Guide to Styles, Materials, and How to Wear Them

A belt is more than just a practical item for holding up your pants—it’s a key accessory that can tie your whole outfit together. The right belt can add sophistication to formal attire or provide a stylish accent to casual looks. Here’s a comprehensive guide to men’s belts, covering essential styles, materials, and tips on how to wear them.

1. Types of men’s belts

Formal leather belt

The formal leather belt is a wardrobe essential for business and formal occasions. Made from high-quality leather with a simple, classic buckle, formal belts are typically narrower than casual belts, offering a sleek and polished appearance.

• Style tip: Pair a formal leather belt with dress pants or a suit. Match the color of the belt with your shoes for a cohesive, polished look.

Casual leather belt

Casual leather belts are slightly wider and more rugged than their formal counterparts. They’re designed for everyday wear and often feature more texture, stitching, or a distressed look. Casual belts work well with jeans and chinos.

• Style tip: Pair a casual leather belt with jeans, a t-shirt, and boots for a laid-back, everyday look. For a smart-casual vibe, wear it with chinos and a button-down shirt.

Canvas belt

Canvas belts are lightweight and durable, making them perfect for casual or outdoor activities. They usually come in a variety of colors and patterns, offering a more relaxed, sporty look. Canvas belts often feature metal buckles or D-ring closures instead of traditional belt buckles.

• Style tip: Wear a canvas belt with shorts, jeans, or chinos for a casual weekend look. They’re perfect for pairing with summer outfits or outdoor attire.

Braided belt

Braided belts offer a unique texture and casual flair. Made from leather or fabric, braided belts are versatile and can be worn in both casual and smart-casual settings. The braided design allows for more flexibility with sizing, as you can fasten the belt anywhere along the braid.

• Style tip: Pair a braided belt with chinos, loafers, and a polo shirt for a stylish, smart-casual outfit. They’re also great for summer looks with linen trousers or shorts.

Suede belt

Suede belts offer a more relaxed, textured alternative to smooth leather belts. They’re ideal for smart-casual and semi-formal outfits, providing a subtle but sophisticated touch.

• Style tip: Wear a suede belt with tailored trousers, a button-down shirt, and desert boots for a sharp yet casual look. Choose neutral colors like brown or tan for versatility.

Reversible belt

Reversible belts are practical and versatile, offering two different colors in one belt. Typically, one side is black and the other brown, allowing you to switch the color to match your shoes or outfit. Reversible belts are a great option for travel or minimalist wardrobes.

• Style tip: Use the black side for formal occasions and the brown side for smart-casual looks. Pair with dress shoes, loafers, or boots, depending on the occasion.

Webbed belt

Webbed belts are made from woven fabric and are popular for outdoor activities or casual summer outfits. They’re lightweight and often feature D-ring or clip closures, making them easy to adjust.

• Style tip: Pair a webbed belt with cargo shorts or casual trousers for a laid-back, outdoor-ready look. These belts work well with casual footwear like sneakers or sandals.

Ratchet belt

A ratchet belt uses a mechanism that allows you to adjust the belt without traditional holes. It offers a custom fit and a sleek, modern look. These belts are versatile and can be worn for both casual and formal occasions.

• Style tip: Pair a ratchet belt with a business suit for a polished look, or wear it with jeans for a more casual style. The belt’s clean, hole-free design adds a modern edge to any outfit.

2. Belt materials

Leather

Leather is the most common material for men’s belts, known for its durability, versatility, and classic style. Full-grain leather is the highest quality, offering strength and a rich patina over time. Split leather or bonded leather is less durable but still offers a stylish, affordable option.

• Style tip: Invest in high-quality leather belts for formal or business wear, as they will last longer and develop a beautiful patina with age.

Suede

Suede belts are made from the underside of animal hides, offering a soft, textured finish. Suede belts are perfect for smart-casual outfits and add an element of sophistication.

• Style tip: Keep suede belts clean and avoid wearing them in wet weather, as moisture can damage the material. Pair with suede shoes or loafers for a cohesive look.

Canvas

Canvas belts are made from durable cotton or synthetic materials and are typically used for casual or sporty outfits. They are lightweight and comfortable, making them ideal for warmer weather or outdoor activities.

• Style tip: Choose canvas belts in neutral colors like beige, navy, or olive green for versatility. They’re great for pairing with casual summer outfits like shorts and sneakers.

Synthetic

Synthetic belts, often made from polyurethane or nylon, offer a budget-friendly alternative to leather. These belts can mimic the look of leather while providing water resistance and durability.

• Style tip: Synthetic belts are perfect for outdoor activities or casual wear. Choose synthetic belts with simple designs and clean lines for a modern look.

3. How to choose the right belt size

To choose the right belt size, select a belt that is 1-2 inches larger than your waist size. For example, if you have a 34-inch waist, a 36-inch belt should fit perfectly. This allows room for adjustment and ensures the belt buckle fastens comfortably in the middle hole.

• Style tip: Avoid belts that are too long, as the excess length can hang awkwardly. If the belt is too short, it won’t fasten properly or might look unbalanced.

4. How to match your belt with your outfit

Match the belt color with your shoes

A general rule of thumb is to match the color of your belt with your shoes. For example, if you’re wearing black dress shoes, opt for a black belt. The same applies to brown, tan, or suede shoes.

• Style tip: For casual outfits, matching isn’t as strict, but keeping your belt and shoes within the same color family creates a more cohesive look.

Coordinate the belt material with your outfit

Leather belts work best with formal and business attire, while canvas, webbed, or braided belts are more suitable for casual outfits. Suede belts are versatile and work well in smart-casual and semi-formal settings.

• Style tip: Choose a belt that complements the fabric and texture of your outfit. A leather belt pairs perfectly with a suit, while a canvas belt looks great with denim or casual cotton pants.

Consider the belt buckle

The size and style of the belt buckle can also impact your outfit. Formal belts typically have smaller, simple buckles, while casual belts can feature larger, more decorative buckles.

• Style tip: Stick with classic, understated buckles for business or formal settings. For casual outfits, feel free to experiment with larger or more unique buckle designs.

5. Belt dos and don’ts

Do:

• Invest in quality belts: High-quality leather or suede belts are worth the investment, as they will last longer and look better over time.
• Choose the right size: Make sure your belt fits comfortably and isn’t too long or too short. The ideal belt fastens in the middle hole.
• Match your metals: For a cohesive look, match the metal of your belt buckle with other accessories, such as your watch or cufflinks.

Don’t:

• Wear a formal belt with casual outfits: Stick to canvas, braided, or casual leather belts for everyday wear. Save your formal leather belts for suits and dress pants.
• Ignore maintenance: Leather belts require regular conditioning to prevent drying and cracking. Keep suede belts away from moisture to maintain their texture.
• Use a belt as a focal point: The belt should complement your outfit, not overpower it. Avoid belts with overly large or flashy buckles in formal settings.

6. Final thoughts

Men’s belts are more than just functional—they’re an essential accessory that can enhance your overall style. By understanding the different types of belts, materials, and how to match them with your outfit, you can build a versatile collection that works for both formal and casual occasions. Whether you prefer classic leather belts for business or braided and canvas belts for weekends, the right belt can tie your outfit together and elevate your look.