Belts for Men

What kinds of belts for men are there?

Men's belts differ mainly in material, width and buckle, and these decide which outfits they suit. Here are the main types at a glance:

• Leather belts: the classic with a prong buckle, understated enough for the office and hard-wearing enough for every day.
• Fabric belts: made from canvas or webbing, they have a sporty feel and go well with shorts and casual trousers.
• Braided belts: can be fastened at any point because the prong slips through the weave, and they add a touch of texture to your look.
• Reversible belts: have a different colour on each side, such as black and brown, so one belt does the job of two.

You'll find more everyday essentials in the Tom Tailor accessories range.

Which belt width goes with which trousers?

As a rule of thumb, the smarter the trousers, the narrower the belt. With tailored trousers and a blazer, choose a belt around 3 cm wide with a discreet buckle. With jeans and casual chinos, you can go slightly wider, around 3.5 to 4 cm. Also make sure the belt slides easily through the loops without bunching up.

What size belt do I need?

The easiest way to find your belt size is to use a belt you already own and like wearing. Measure it from where the buckle is attached to the hole you use most often. This gives you roughly the belt length you need. A belt fits properly when you can fasten it on the middle hole, as this leaves you a little room either way.

How should I style a men's belt?

A belt looks right when its colour matches your shoes. A brown leather belt pairs well with brown lace-up shoes or boots, a black one with black footwear. The buckle looks especially polished when it picks up the metal of your watch. Trainers and jeans call for a more relaxed approach, so fabric and braided belts work well here too. If you like a coordinated look, add a wallet in the same shade.