I am always on the lookout for quirky or unique tools and gadgets that look like they could be useful in an everyday carry situation. If you buy something through the links on this page, we may earn a commission at no cost to you. NO – Actually, there's no argument about this one. YES – it looks as if you’re terrified of your pants falling down, and creates three sides of a square around your midsection – not flattering. A single style eccentricity looks intentional and characterful on a man who clearly knows what he's doing. You can also get away more easily with quirky buckles if everything else about your style is impeccable, or if you're exceptionally good at your job. That’s a no in general, but it'll go over better in a less conservative workplace or in a state with a lot of formal western wear. I also got a question on wearing decorative plate-style buckles to the office. Newer styles such as the micro-adjustable buckle can work just as well, as long as they follow that rule. NO – The rule behind the rule is SMALL, PLAIN, and POLISHED. YES – This is the traditional look for a dress belt. You can also get your pants converted from belt loops to side adjusters if there’s enough material in the waistband. It’s best to fit the trousers on the middle button so you can make them bigger or smaller as needed. They allow you to make the waistband a couple of inches smaller, but not larger, so have the trousers made to fit you when you’re at your largest.īutton side adjusters work by fastening a tab to one of three different buttons. They let you tighten the waist of your pants with no visual interruption to your outfit at all.īuckle side adjusters are the smartest-looking option. NO – Side adjusters are a third option for bespoke or made-to-measure suits. This application is still relevant for many types of formal trousers. Suspenders were designed as a belt alternative in the 1820s, when pants were so high-waisted that men COULDN’T wear a belt to hold them up. They look great on short guys and those with broader frames because they draw the eye upward, adding height. YES – Suspenders are a good option with smart men's dress codes, from business casual up to formal wear. If you can accept it with separates, there's a chance it's occasionally worth it with a suit. A belt adds visual interest to suits as well as separates – if you've got one that really adds something, try it and see how it looks.Īfter all, belts with separates still make you look shorter, just not as much. NO – If you're tall and skinny, breaking up your line can actually be a plus. The matching jacket and pants of a suit create a continuous line that makes you look taller and slimmer – a belt can break it up and make you look shorter and fatter. YES – Separates often look better with a belt, which draws the eye to the other pieces of your outfit. Different Belt Rules For Suits And Separates If you have a good-fitting pair of trousers and no belt to match and you're worried about it, you can also get a tailor to remove the loops. ![]() But the deciding factor should be whether it's looking good, on you, in this context, at this moment. Of course there are rules and traditions (in menswear there always are) and those exist for good reason. Think carefully about whether your belt adds to the outfit or takes away from it. ![]() NO – These days, slacks, odd trousers and suit pants can do without if they fit well. A belt that’s mismatched or makes your outfit look too busy is worse than none – don't wear a bad belt just to fill the loops. A braided leather belt in bright colors makes a good accent piece for something preppy like chino shorts and a polo. Go for a lightweight casual belt like a webbing, canvas, or leather and canvas belt. ![]() Tooled leather or western belts are other good options.īelts with shorts don't have as hard a rule, but again, if they have belt loops they were likely designed with belts in mind. 90% of the time, jeans look wrong without a work belt (that’s a belt 1.3 to 1.5 inches wide in rugged, matte leather, often thicker than a dress belt). Working men didn’t have a tailor to make their pants fit perfectly, so they needed a belt to hold them up. ![]() YES – Jeans originated as workwear in the early days of ready-to-wear clothing.
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