Long gone are the days when people wore belts to keep their bottom wear in place. In today’s time, it has become one of the most preferred fashion accessories for both men and women alike.
Whether it’s to boost simple apparel or add an accent statement to the overall look, belts can transform your appearance within minutes.
In fact, nowadays, you will come across trendy designs that are nowhere close to the plain, old look from ages ago. Since you can style your apparel with this accessory, finding the right belt size is of utmost importance.
Wearing a shorter belt size will cause you immense discomfort, while a longer one won’t fit you perfectly. Whether you want to define your curves or keep your apparel in place, the belt size will make the real difference.
Having said that, we have prepared a comprehensive guide explaining how you can measure the right size.
With this guide, you will no longer have doubts about the size you want when purchasing a new belt for your accessory collection.
Table of Contents
Why Does the Right Belt Size Matter?
- Wearing a smaller belt length will create creases and folds in the dress. On the contrary, a longer belt will cause the pants to slip down from your waist, thereby requiring repeated adjustments. Now, it would be quite inconvenient, especially if you are in a public place.
- No matter how you use it, you would never want it to limit your movements or cause pain due to the smaller size. Similarly, wearing a belt larger than your waist size would never be able to keep your dress in place. The very obvious reason to get your belt size right is to avoid any sort of discomfort and uneasiness.
- Fashion accessories are worn to enhance the overall appearance and not to demean the same. However, if you get it incorrect, especially the belt’s size, your fashion style won’t meet the expectations. Instead, the accessory will look like a sore thumb for the onlookers.
- A sleek belt will define your formal outfit, while a stylish one will help you create a focal point in your appearance. But for this, you need the correct belt size. If not, your confidence level will take the hit, no matter how crisp or stylish your outfit is.
What Factors Determine a Belt Size?
Size of Your Waist
- The belt should hug your waist perfectly, leaving at least a gap of two fingers. Anything apart from this means you have got the incorrect size. Now, while placing an online order, always follow the general rule of “+2 inches”. In other words, you need a belt that is 2 inches longer than your exact waist size.
- Use a measuring inch tape to directly check the circumference of your waist. Do not rely on the pant size you wear because it may not align with your actual waist size.
Size Measurement Technique
- Most manufacturers use the buckle-to-middle-hole technique to provide accurate measurements for their products. Here, the length mentioned will imply the space between the buckle’s edge on one end and the middle hole on the other.
- Although seldom used, you may come across belt size listings where the manufacturer has provided the entire length minus the buckle.
- Since the size may be different from the chosen measurement technique, be very precise while picking a belt for your fashion wardrobe.
Belt Style and Purpose
- The belt size will also depend on how you want to use the accessory. Getting an incorrect size will completely ruin the purpose, which is why you need to be mindful while scouting the shop.
- For a casual appearance, comfort takes the top seat. So, you can opt for a belt size that will have a semi-loose fit around your waist. In other words, you should have enough flexibility to move in any direction after putting on the belt.
- Dress belts impart a sleeker and crisper look. So, you need a size that will allow you to fasten the belt in the middle hole. It will add more value to your overall persona and make the aura more profound.
Belt Width
- The fit also varies with the belt’s width you have picked from the rack.
- Narrow belts having a width of 1 inch or less go mostly with formal wear. So, you need a size that hugs your waist snugly without causing any crease in your outfit.
- Belts of 1.25 inches to 1.75 inches wide are mostly worn with regular outfits. Choose a size that will sit flexibly around your waist while ensuring it doesn’t restrict your motion range.
- For belts with a width of more than 1.75 inches, go for a size up. Picking a smaller length will cause discomfort around your waist.
Body Shape
- The belt size will vary greatly depending on your body shape. If not, your appearance won’t have a balanced and proportionate look.
- People carrying maximum weight around their waist and belly will need a belt that can make the body look slimmer and narrower. If you, too, have the same body shape, go for a longer belt so that it can create a perfect balance.
- On the other hand, if you have a slim build, go for the standard “+2” formula to pick the right belt size.
Belt Materials
- Leather belts will have a snug fit at the beginning. However, after repeated use, they will elongate by a few millimeters due to stretching. So, if you choose a larger size from the beginning, it will become extremely loose after a couple of months.
- Elastic belts, on the other hand, can be stretched to a great extent. As a result, it affects the sizing if not carefully considered.
Closing
Finding the right belt size is not just about comfort. Instead, it will change the way you appear and carry your fashion style out in public.
So, do not settle for the wrong size just because you don’t want to put in the effort to take the measurements.
Besides, we have already outlined the factors you need to consider for a belt’s size. With this, you can rest assured the new accessory will have the right fit for you.
