Style
Men’s Fashion Belts: 5 tips on choosing the right one for you.
When it comes to men’s fashion, there aren’t as many options for accessorising as there are in women’s fashion. As a result, men have to get a little more creative with which pieces they use. There’s more thought that needs to go into the process to ensure that each piece is both functional and stylish. A belt is a great example – while it certainly can be used to hold up a pair of pants, today’s belts are also stylish. Read on for 5 tips on choosing the right belt for you.
Men’s Fashion Belts: Dapperfied Tips
1.) Consider why you need it. Are you purchasing a belt to wear as an accessory or do you expect it to pull double-duty and hold your pants up as well? If you’re looking for an accessory piece, you’ll want to consider such things as the face of the belt, the buckle and the general shape. Some men’s fashion belts have decorative ends and there are even specialty buckles that can be printed with your initials, a school emblem or another meaningful symbol.
If you’re looking for a belt that’s more functional than fun, a simple design should work just fine. Look for a belt that’s durable and fits well in the loops of the pants you’re wearing. If you’re looking for a multi-purpose belt, you’ll need something durable and attractive. While not particularly hard to find, beware that not all belts are designed for function.
2.) Get the right size. Belts come in different sizes and you can’t always just reach for the number that matches your pants. You’ll want to spend a little bit of time in the store trying belts on to find one that fits you comfortably. Remember, not all brands are the same, so you may need to try several belts in the same size if the brands are different. Pay attention to where the belt ends and whether or not you have a little extra room for growth or shrinkage as the belt relaxes or as you gain weight.
3.) Consider the colour. It’s a myth that your belt has to ALWAYS match your shoes. Match your belt to your pants if you like sometimes. If you’re wearing khakis, choose a lighter coloured belt, perhaps a brown colour. If you’re in black pants, a black belt is the preferred colour. For a casual look with jeans, brown is your best choice, but if you wear jeans to work, consider a black belt to make it appear less casual.
4.) Make it personal. With so few ways to express your individuality, it’s important that each piece of your wardrobe be carefully thought out. Choosing a belt that adds something to your outfit is just one way that you can inject a little bit of your own style into your daily clothing selections. Look at textures, colours and belt buckles to find a piece that really means something to you. Remember that a lot of stores sell men’s fashion belts, so you don’t have to settle on the first style you see.
5.) Don’t spend a lot of money. Men’s fashion belts aren’t made of much – a little leather and a metal buckle. Other than that, it’s all just cutting, sewing and punching. Decorative styles may be embossed or have some other type of design applied, but again, it’s not that difficult to make a belt. They also don’t last too long (this obviously depends on how they are used), so don’t spend a small fortune on your belt when you can get one that’s handsome and functional for under $50. You can find some really good ones here.
Wrapping it up.
Use these tips to help find a belt that’s right for your needs. Remember, just because you want a belt that’s attractive doesn’t mean you have to settle for an inferior design that can’t actually perform the function it was originally intended for. Keep your eyes open and you’ll easily find a belt that’s affordable, attractive and functional.