Well-chosen closet is an integral part of the image of modern men. It is not necessary to follow all the fashion trends and tons of buying up new items in all colors of the rainbow. But it is important to have the necessary base and to combine it correctly. And you can't do without a belt.
Basic things are not only quality pants, shirts, coats and the rest of the clothes. But also good shoes. As well as classic accessories that will never go out of fashion. Every man should have at least a pair of watches, ties and, of course, a belt. We've picked up the most important tips for you: how to find the perfect belt, how to wear it and with what.
How to choose the right belt
The purpose of the belt is not reduced solely to a utilitarian function. Today, the belt does not just support the pants, but also acts as a complement, and even a bright accent of the image. In order to harmoniously complement the clothing, it is important to find the most "personal" accessory. There are several nuances and secrets here.
The size
Like any other closet detail, the belt has a size grid. It should sit perfectly on the waist. The size of the product is the length from the buckle to the central hole on the tail. It is always indicated on the tag. Most brands use the traditional letter system, where S stands for small, M for medium, and L for large. The letter X is an "extra" prefix: XL is extra-large or XS is the smallest. Also very popular is the European size scale. Here, the size is given in centimeters. And it indicates the waist circumference plus or minus 4 centimeters.
In addition to the length of the waistband, its width is important. It depends on the type of pants. "The gold standard" is 3-3,5 cm. Such a belt is well combined with everything, first of all - with classic suit pants. With loose jeans you can wear a wider belt - 5-6 centimeters. And with skinny pants - up to 2.5 cm.
Ideally, the width of the belt and the shoulder straps on pants should be approximately the same. In the casual style this rule can be neglected. But if the belt is noticeably narrower than the straps, then it should be "supported" by other details of the image. Wear a thin tie, shoes with narrowed socks or a jacket with small lapels.
Material
The eternal classic is natural leather. But you can also take high-quality artificial leather. To determine the quality of the product, run your fingernail across the back of it. A small trace should be left on the natural soft leather. If the material is not pliable, then it is a bad synthetic, or it has aged.
A belt made of good materials has a long life and looks decent with any clothes. So you should not save money. However, there is no need to overpay just for the brand. It is better to give preference to the average price segment, as in the choice of other elements of the image. Especially since very expensive belts are not too combined with cheap pants, as well as vice versa. Such combinations immediately give away a lazy approach to creating a closet.
How to wear a men's belt
Wearing this accessory is regulated not only by the laws of fashion, but also by etiquette. According to it, men should fasten belts from right to left, so that the buckle is on the left side. The product should be put through only in special slips. It is not allowed to use stitched labels for this purpose.
It is considered that a suitable accessory can be loosely fastened on the third hole from the beginning. Otherwise, the belt simply does not fit properly. However, for the sake of this rule, you should not sacrifice comfort and overstretch the strap. This is simply harmful.
It is not necessary to leave too long free tail. It is desirable that it was not longer than your thumb. In everyday looks, a little longer is acceptable. But if there is always too much material, it's better to just cut it. The free edge is necessarily tucked into both rings, both fixed and movable.
It is not recommended to often pierce additional holes in the belt. Especially do it yourself, the first object that came to hand. This can tear the material. In addition, when the belt has a lot of holes, it does not look as neat. If you need one more hole, it is better to trust the work to a master. And instead of punctures, you can remove the buckle and simply cut the extra length.
In the business style it is unacceptable to cling to the belt all sorts of decor and accessories like a phone case or a key chain. And in casual looks too heavy additional details unsightly pull away the belt and deform it. So if possible avoid the abundance of decorations.
Best combinations
Even the most stylish and elegant belt can be spoiled by the wrong combinations. Let's understand how to match it with clothes and shoes.
The easiest way not to make a mistake is to wear a belt in the tone of the shoes. In the same shade, you can pick up and watch strap, as well as the bag. If they have a similar texture, it will make the image more rigorous and thoughtful. To glossy brown shoes - a shiny brown strap. A black matte shoes will be complemented by a black matte leather belt. However, you don't have to try so hard every time. Undoubtedly, for a business dinner it is better to wear a dark leather belt in the tone of the shoes. But for every day with sneakers you can wear belts made of different materials in different shades.
As for the buckle, it should also match the overall style of the outfit. Classic clothes are combined with minimalistic rectangular buckles of gold or silver metal. With jeans you can afford more bright options. Metal buckles can (but not necessarily) match other metal details of the outfit: watch bracelets, cufflinks, rings.
The belt is a mandatory attribute of the image with a suit-double or just with pants and a shirt. Thus this accessory excludes suspenders. That can be worn instead of it on more solemn occasions. For example, with a tuxedo for a dinner party. Images for every day do not require wearing a belt. But it certainly will not harm ordinary jeans or trousers-chinos.
The most difficult thing is to match the belt to the color of the pants. So, with any denim, from light blue to deep blue, brown details look better. Pants of darker colors are combined both with black and brown belts. If the pants are a very light shade, you can pair them with a gray, beige or red strap.
Every man should have at least one basic belt of black or dark brown color (in the tone of most of the shoe closet). So it is worth starting with the purchase of such a product. Some brands offer double-sided accessories, with black and brown sides. This is a good universal option.
Care rules
For the product to last a long time and keep a presentable appearance, you need to take care of it properly. First of all, it is better to initially take things of decent quality. Without protruding threads, cracks, scuffs. But even a quality belt needs time to disperse and adapt to the shape of the waist.
The belt must necessarily be periodically taken out of the pants and hung up by the buckle, to avoid fractures. From time to time the accessory should be cleaned. It is enough to wipe its length and buckle with a slightly damp cloth.
Don't forget that it's the details that create the style. And nothing will accentuate your status like the right accessories. So don't skimp on yourself and take the time to look for a good belt. We hope these tips will help you find one that will perfectly fit your closet, be comfortable and practical.