A men’s belt is perhaps one of the most impactful accessories in a man’s closet, but not all belts are created equal.
Far more than a simple means of ensuring you’re not caught with your pants down, a man’s belt has the ability to whisper quietly about your assured sense of style or scream loudly about your unforgivable lack of judgment. Choosing the best belts for men is not a simple matter of practicality or even well-established style rules, but of good taste, too.
To ensure you don’t buckle under the pressure, we’ve compiled the best men’s belts so you can find the perfect one for you—and look great in it. Find our favorite men’s fashion belts for all occasions listed below.
When it comes to men’s fashion belts, Italian luxury brand Luca Faloni’s rarely disappointed. Each belt is handcrafted in Bergamot each with a distinctive detail element. We love this belt specifically for its versatility and class. It is made with the finest calf leather and a clean silver buckle for a timeless look that will serve many occasions and dress codes.
Timothy Lord, a menswear stylist who counts Jude Law, Keith Richards, and Michael Fassbender as clients, raves about the universal application of the leather belt. This is why we chose a trusty leather belt as our top overall pick.
In addition, Luca has wowed us again by making this belt reversible; it includes two staple belts in one (black and brown) – a perfect addition to a versatile fashion wardrobe. The belt’s handmade, high-quality nature and the fact that it’s essentially two belts in one easily justifies its manageable-for-most $150 price point.
Price: $$ | Material: Calf leather | Size Range: 30 – 40 inches, 85 – 100 centimeters | Color(s): Black, dark brown, reversible black/brown | Buckle: Silver | Other Features: Reversible, handmade
Look no further if you are searching for the perfect dress belt that will also serve you in less-formal settings. This Cole Haan Harisson grand belt was designed to pair with an older line of mens’ dress shoes that the brand released, meaning that they were designed with dress in mind.
Although we would categorize this as a dress belt, its neutral colors and sleek nature make it wearable for multiple occasions. Wear this belt with a suit or slacks for an elegant, classic look.
Price: $$ | Material: Fine grain leather | Size Range: 32 – 40 inches, 75 – 100 centimeters | Color(s): Black, java| Buckle: Nickel | Other Features: Classy and elegant look
This Johnston & Murphy belt is next on our list of the best belts for men. This leather belt whispers class while also making a statement. The strap is accented with gold contrast stitching for a subtle two-toned flair.
Pair with jeans or chinos for an elevated casual look that can accompany you on a weekend outing or date night dinner. Pair with a t-shirt or really any smart-casual outfit.
Price: $ | Material: Leather Size Range: 32 – 44 inches, 81 – 112 centimeters | Color(s): Navy/Gold| Buckle: Silver | Other Features: two-toned, Italian made
Next on the list is a men’s belt that needs no introduction—it takes “BBE” (that is, big belt energy) to an entirely new level. Tom Ford has done it again with a belt that pretends to be humble but also demands respect.
The polished lozenge-shaped buckle gives it some extra finesse that is sure to catch the eyes. And, of course, you can’t justifiably spend $890 on a belt that doesn’t have the brand on it—that’s why the buckle is engraved with the Tom Ford emblem. Furthermore, the 30 mm width makes the belt wearable with most pant styles. Its black leather nature also makes it a great companion to the business-casual office (or any Zoom meetings that catch you below the waist).
Price: $$$ | Material: Full grain leather | Size Range: 35 – 43 inches, 85 – 105 centimeters | Color(s): Black, | Buckle: Silver | Other Features: Luxurious, designer
In the same realm as backpacks or duffle coats, elastic belts are too often filed under ‘not suitable for adults—we’re calling bullshit. Stretch is not only practical but can be disguised with a great design as well.
Our pick for the best-woven belt is another two-toned woven option. This sporty Ted Baker woven belt makes an excellent option for any casual outing. Wear it over your favorite pair of jeans or chinos for the perfect everyday accessory.
This belt comes in a navy, black and white combination or orange, olive, and navy—but there is a solid color on the other side of the belt that you can wear if reversed. You really can’t go wrong with either option, in our opinion. The strap is elastic, so it is sold in 3 sizes, S/M, M/L, and L/XL. But there is a size guide on the website for further guidance.
Price: $$ | Material: Polyester, Elastodiene, Polypropylene, Bovine, Leather | Size Range: 28 – 44 inches, 79 – 19 centimeters | Color(s): Navy, Orange | Buckle: Brushed silver | Other Features: Elastic, multicolored, reversible buckle
This belt takes the cake as the best
If you are stuck between colors, remember to choose a buckle color that matches any other heavy metal you often wear, such as a watch or cufflinks. The light waxy finish on the band wards off scratches and wear. The belt does run a bit small, so we recommend ordering one size up from what you would normally.
Price: $ | Material: Full grain leather | Size Range: 30 – 48 inches, 76 – 122 centimeters | Color(s): Black, dark brown, hickory | Buckle: Silver-tone/brass-tone | Other Features: Light wax finish, multiple colors
Want to have it delivered tomorrow? Amazon offers a great men’s belt for virtually every occasion. This leather belt comes in 12 different colors—all shades of black, tan, and brown. The 8,000+ 4.5 star reviews all speak for themselves.
The neutral color range and timeless metallic buckle make it easy to pair with various shoes and accessories. While this certainly is not your Tom Ford option that we featured earlier in this article, it’s undoubtedly an excellent option for an affordable price.
Price: $ | Material: Cowhide leather | Size Range: 30 – 44 inches, 76 – 111 centimeters | Color(s): Black, tan, brown | Buckle: Metallic | Other Features: Prime shipping speeds, screw closure, various sizes and colors.
Another belt that needs no introduction, Salvatore Ferragamo (another Italian brand) earned our top pick for men’s designer belts. Anyone who is anyone recognizes the statement belt buckle so you can make a statement without jumping into some of the more overdone options (*cough*
This belt comes explicitly in black, so it can be worn to your most important affairs but is also reversible, so you get a brown option as well. The belt does run small, so order one inch up from your standard belt size.
Price: $$$ | Material: Calfskin leather | Size Range: 32 – 46 inches, 81 – 116 centimeters | Color(s): Reversible black/brown, | Buckle: Silver | Other Features: Reversible, handmade, sleek design
It turns out Italy may have something else that beats their pasta and wine—men’s belts. This Italian-made
Price: $$ | Material: Suede | Size Range: 30 – 40 inches, 85 – 110 centimeters | Color(s): Dark brown, navy, gray, light brow| Buckle: Silver | Other Features: Multiple colors, woven, hand-stitched buckle
Don’t be fooled by all of our leather options, suede is in style too! Luca Faloni is back on the list with a classic belt for elevated-casual swag. This belt is versatile not only by design but also in its different color variants: dark brown, navy, gray, and light brown.
Price: $$ | Material: Suede | Size Range: 30 – 40 inches, 85 – 110 centimeters | Color(s): Dark brown, navy, gray, light brow| Buckle: Silver | Other Features: Multiple colors, woven, hand-stitched buckle
Another option that we couldn’t not mention in our list of the best belts for men is the Magnanni Carbon Leather Belt. This belt is made in Spain and makes a fine addition to any gentleman’s wardrobe. Great for breaking up a separates look, the leather is hand-burnished for ultra-elegance, and the silver buckle makes it incredibly wearable.
Price: $$ | Material: Leather | Size Range: 32 – 46 inches, 81 – 116 centimeters | Color(s): Cognac| Buckle: Brass | Other Features: Hand-burnished leather
Finally on our list of the best belts for men is the Torino (for the second time) Woven Leather Belt. Woven with Italian leather and finessed with contrasting leather accents, this belt had to be included on our list. Wear it with jeans or chinos for the perfect elevated look.
Price: $$ | Material: Italian Leather | Size Range: 32 – 46 inches, 81 – 116 centimeters | Color(s): Brown, black| Buckle: Silver | Other Features: Leather accents, satin-finish buckle
What to Look For When Buying Men’s Belts
Material & Durability
“When it comes to the quality of belts, both the material used and the manufacturing process are important,” says Luca Faloni, founder of the eponymous luxury Italian brand. “Leather should age well, be resistant and not stretch: that’s why full-grain leather is the best material for classic belts.
“Also look for nubuck leather on the inner face, which is silky to the touch and durable: attention to detail doesn’t always have to be visible.”
Matching Accessories
Come on, this is menswear 101: your accessories have to match. When choosing a belt, match the color to shoes you know you’ll wear a lot, then make sure your belt’s finish (matte, patent, suede) is also on the same page as your favorite kicks and the rest of your accessories
Pro Tip: Don’t choose a loud color or tonal design if you’re looking for versatility.
Height
Skinny belts aside, the height of your belt should always be between one and one and a half inches. This measurement will work well with almost any style of pants and ensure that your belt isn’t comically wide. You’re not Batman.
Metal Finish
While silver, gold, and brass tones are all acceptable finishes for a belt buckle, try to pick a material that matches any other heavy metal you’re wearing, such as a watch, suspenders, or cufflinks.
Pro Tip: Don’t choose designs with large buckles or metallic detailing unless it’s a designer option.
Style
No single belt will suit every occasion, so consider what kind of clothes make up your sartorial arsenal before buying. A formal belt works for those who spend their days suited up, while woven or casual styles will, literally, hold up more relaxed looks.
Pro Tip: Don’t stick to one belt color for all occasions. Instead, have a brown, black and tan option to cover most eventualities and dress codes.
Fabric
Leather may be the default belt material, but it’s not the only option to circumnavigate your waistline. Don’t dismiss twill cotton or woven fabric belts which can offer a more laid-back, personalized spin, especially with casual summer outfits.
Sizing
For the ideal fit, the belt’s tip should extend comfortably past your first belt loop, but stop halfway on its journey to the next one. No self-respecting man should get the kitchen scissors out to puncture his own holes.
Your belt size? It is often indicated in inches or centimeters. This number corresponds to the length of the tour of the strap – measured from the buckle to the mid hole – which is where it should be fastened, allowing for slightly higher or lower waist trousers and the natural variations in waist circumference we all go through, especially at Christmas:
However, some brands choose to size their belts in the same way they do clothing (S, M, L, XL), which often comes with a waist range, such as 34?-36?:
FAQs
How are men’s belts sized?
Belt sizes are often indicated in inches or centimeters. This number corresponds to the length of the tour of the strap—measured from the buckle to the mid hole—which is where it should be fastened. However, some brands choose to size their belts in the same way they do clothing (S, M, L, XL), which often comes with a waist range, such as 34 -36.
The belt’s tip should extend comfortably past your first belt loop but stop halfway on its journey to the next one for the ideal fit. Of course, no self-respecting man should get the kitchen scissors out to puncture his own holes.
Which way do men’s belts go?
Men’s belts should go from right to left, with the end of the belt ending on the left side of the zipper.
