Thanks to the ever-evolving trends in fashion, especially men’s fashion, they are now bestowed with more essential and accessory options beyond the usual suspects of shirts, trousers and shoes. Although belts have been around for the longest time and are today identified as a unisex addition, nothing can beat their functionality and finish! Be it classic formal belts or men’s casual belts, the sky’s the limit when it comes to choosing the perfect companions to elevate your look or hold those bottoms in place.
However, there is more in store than what meets the eyes while picking a suitable belt. To help you make the right choice, here are some factors to consider before you grace your wardrobe with one:
Type: One of the first things you need to zero down before you go in to make the best buy is the type of belt you need. It would be ideal if you had clarity about what you wish to pair your belt with, either casual or formal wear and then get down to select from a range of variants available. You could opt for a traditional buckle-style belt or opt for a sleek strap width. If you’re looking for a classic vintage addition, you can pick a buckle plate style or a frame variant. For a more laid back look, a snap buckle will do the thing for you.
Material: Next in line is the material. An important thing to remember is that even the most appealing belt can look dull or lose its charm after a few wears if it is made of a compromised material. While leather is the most commonly used material for starters, you can also opt for faux-leather variants for a more conscious choice. You can also opt for suede, braided leather or tooled materials to add more variety. For a more budget-friendly option, you can choose the vinyl variant or a webbing material loaded with colour and pattern options.
Size: The size of your belt can actually decide if the belt is going to find a spot on your waist or not. A general rule of thumb is to pick a size that is slightly greater than your waist size. Besides, if the type of belt you’ve chosen is size-neutral or has an elastic feature, then you are thoroughly sorted. Although they only work well with casual clothes. You need to ensure that the belt size is perfect for a more formal finish and may have to try it on to gauge this. Whatever your choice, the trick is to try it on before bringing it home!
Maintenance: Often underestimated, your belt, just like any other part of your attire, needs some maintenance, if not more. Especially if you’re thinking of buying a leather belt or even a range of men’s casual belts. Therefore it is essential to ensure that you are very sure of the belt material. Picking up a belt purely for aesthetics can render your purchase redundant in the long run. To avoid this, apart from weighing in all the above factors, pay special attention to the material and remember to don it suitably. For example, depending on the material, keeping your belt safe from water or the sun can prolong its life span considerably.
Taking the above into consideration, you can be sure of making a worthwhile purchase.
