5 Types of Belt Every Man Should Own

A good belt makes your whole outfit look put together. That rough old belt you’ve got in your closet would ruin a nice new suit if you let it. Understanding the different types of belt out there helps you build a smarter wardrobe, so you’re ready for any occasion. 

This guide covers five essential types of belt every guy needs in their closet, including formal dress options, classic work styles, and modern casual belts. By the end of this article, you will know your favorite types of belt and exactly how to wear them.

The Classic Dress Belt

The dress belt is the fanciest option you can own, made to wear with suits and nice pants at formal occasions. 

Dress belts, or formal belts, usually have a shiny finish, a simple buckle, and are thin, about one inch wide. It’s best practice during formal occasions to match the leather color to your shoes. So if you wear black shoes, you should wear a black dress belt. Likewise, if you wear brown shoes, find a brown dress belt that matches. 

Quality is super important when choosing a dress belt. We recommend full-grain leather for the strap and a high-shine metal buckle in brass, silver, or gold finish.  

Rugged Work Belts For Durability

Work belts are made to be tough and handle a lot of stress. A good work belt is made from thick leather and is designed to hold up heavy tools or thick work pants. These belts are the tough guys of the fashion world, meant to be worn when you do hard work outside or at a physical job. 

Some work belts have extra-strong stitching and reinforced holes to prevent stretching over time or tearing from the metal prongs. Work belts aren’t necessarily designed for fashion, but they do look great with boots and jeans.

These types of belt are made to last for many years, often longer than the pants you wear them with. If you choose one of our high-quality, durable options, you won’t need to buy a new one anytime soon.

Versatile Casual Belts

Casual belts can be worn with almost anything. They are perfect for everyday clothes like chinos or jeans, but they’ll wear out quickly if used for tough work. 

The good news? Casual belts let you show off your fun side more than any of the other types of belt. They come in creative textures and colors: suede, braided leather, fabric, canvas, woven patterns, and novelty themes are very popular. 

If you really want to stand out, you might pick a belt with a pattern: nautical anchors, fish, ducks, or geometric designs are subtle ways to express your style. These little details show others a touch of your personality, without you having to say anything.

You might feel self-conscious trying out an expressive new belt, but we promise: you’ll just look like you’re having fun. 

Modern Synthetic Belts

Synthetic belts, also known as vegan belts, have gained popularity for their incredible versatility and cruelty-free materials. They can be made from nylon, polyurethane, PVC, or elastic. 

These types of belt are also super easy to take care of. Most are waterproof or water-resistant, so you don’t have to worry about keeping them safe from the rain like you would with a leather belt. You can wipe them clean with soap and water, or even wash them in a machine.

If you prefer animal-friendly products, our vegan belt options are a great pick. They have the look and feel of animal-made leather, but come in colors you can’t get with real leather, like neon yellow or a glittering, metallic finish.

Synthetic and vegan belts bridge the gap between sports gear and everyday clothes so effortlessly that you can wear them from the gym to lunch, to work, and then out with friends. They’re one of the best types of belt for a busy, low-maintenance man.  

Functional Loop Belts

Loop belts, often called double-loop or D-ring belts, use two metal rings instead of a normal buckle. There aren’t any holes on the strap, so you can adjust it to the exact size you need. 

They’re usually made from canvas or thick cotton, which gives loop belts a relaxed, beachy feel. Without a big buckle, they feel lighter and more casual than other types of belt. That’s why loop belts are a top choice for summer outfits, perfect for weekends and vacations spent wearing linen pants or shorts.  

The way loop belts work is very simple, but strong. You just thread the belt through both loops and back over one of them, creating a tight, no-slip hold. These types of belt are easy to use, but secure enough that they’re the favorite pick for military, tactical, and nautical gear. 

Step Into Better Style

A man may be able to survive with just one belt, but does he always look good wearing it? In our experience, no. Building a collection of different, high-quality types of belt lets you move between events easily and makes your outfit look better. 

Plus, switching between your options will make them all last longer than that old belt you wear every day.

Now you know the essential styles to look for, it’s time to upgrade your closet. Shop our store to find your next favorite piece and complete your wardrobe. 

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I choose the right belt size?

Buy a belt two inches bigger than your pants size. If you wear size 34 pants, pick a size 36 belt. This gives you enough room to tuck the end in nicely and adjust the size if needed.

Can I wear a brown belt with black shoes?

It is best not to mix black and brown for fancy events. Matching your leathers makes you look sharp. For casual events, the rules are relaxed, but matching is still the safest option.

How should I care for my leather belts?

Clean leather belts with a damp cloth. Keep them away from lots of water and heat. Hang them up or coil them loosely to keep their shape.

When should I replace a belt?

Get a new one if the leather cracks or the holes stretch out. A worn-out belt makes a nice outfit look messy. Good leather lasts a long time if you take care of it.

Are expensive belts worth the investment?

Buying a good leather belt saves money over time. Cheap ones peel and crack very fast. A full-grain leather belt looks better and lasts much longer.