How to Pick the Best Mens Belts

Picking the right belt can be difficult, especially if you aren’t certain what to look for, but want to get an awesome belt. Finding a high-quality belt that will last can be challenging with the numerous styles and leather goods brands available. This article will help you navigate the choices available on the market to find the best options for your needs. In this article, we break down all of the factors that you should consider when choosing your next belt.

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How do you pick a good leather belt?

These are the key factors to consider when shopping for a quality men’s leather belt:

  • the belt and belt buckle should match your personal style
  • the type of belt you wear most often
  • the craftsmanship and quality of leather the belt is made with
  • the leather color
  • your belt size and whether you need a custom size
  • your budget for an affordable belt

What are the different types of belts?

Most belts fall into two categories: dress belts and casual belts. However, the best belts can easily transition from casual to business-casual settings. They come in different colors and styles to match your personal preference. Choose a versatile belt that looks great with jeans or that can be styled for a night on the town.

black mens belt with dark pants. casual leather belts look great with jeans on men. these are the best belts for men.

Casual Belts

Casual belts are a classic style to wear with jeans, t-shirts, or other casual clothing. They are typically 1.5” wide to fit through the wider loops of blue jeans or casual pants. For heavy-duty option, find a thick casual belt suitable for everyday carry.

There are no style rules to wearing a casual belt - they are meant to showcase your personality. If you pair a casual belt correctly, you can even wear it in a more formal setting. If you only want to own one belt, casual belts are simply the best belts for men.

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Retro futuristic gunmetal belt buckle turns like safe lock. Full grain American leather black dress belts. Custom belt sizes.

Dress Belts

Men’s dress belts are a great fashion accessory for formal occasions, the office, or as a golf belt. They are specifically designed to suit formal or professional clothing, making them ideal for pairing with suits and business wear. They are usually 1-¼” to fit through the narrow belt loops of dress pants, but some 1.5" width dress belts will also work. Traditionally, a dress belt should match the color of your shoes and complement your outfit. For example, if you’re wearing black dress shoes and blue dress pants, your dress belt should be a shade of black to match your clothing. The buckle should have an elegant, classy design to accentuate your other accessories.

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Buckle Hardware Quality

When it comes to picking the best men’s belts, the quality of the buckle hardware is just as important as the leather itself. A well-crafted buckle made from solid materials makes a world of difference. Our buckles are designed to withstand years of wear, balancing durability and style with sturdy construction, smooth operation, and a secure locking mechanism. We rigorously test our buckles to ensure they are a reliable accessory, no matter how often you use them.

the outlaw gun belt buckle on black leather belt opens with a bang when you pull the trigger

Advantages of an Obscure Belt

Obscure Belts invented a completely new type of belt buckle and offers handmade leather belts for men. Our unique belt buckle shapes use an adjustable metal sizing piece that screws into the leather belt holes. Each solid metal buckle is a little wearable lock that uses a hook, steel, and a magnet to open and close with the push of a button. It’s easy to adjust your size - just screw the removable stud into a different hole.

We’ve got something for everyone, whether you need to replace your old boring belt or upgrade your style with a sleek buckle to pair with your favorite jeans. We make tons of different styles of cool leather belts for men and women. If you don’t see anything you like right now, join our mailing list and we will update you when we release something new!

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Slate Grey Full Grain Leather has a vintage feel, perfect for mens leather belts. Handmade leather belts for men.

What is the most durable leather for belts?

Full-grain leather belts are the longest-lasting, best belts.

A good leather belt is made from high-quality materials, but remember that not all leather is created equal. The most common type of leather to use for belts is cowhide, which can be split into two general categories: full-grain leather and corrected-grain leather.

The best quality and most durable belts are made with full-grain leather. Full-grain leather belts are the highest quality, and it is, by far, the best leather for belts. The material maintains its natural character and develops a beautiful leather patina as it ages. With proper care, you can expect a full-grain leather belt to last you over a decade.

Corrected grain leathers also make good-quality belts. The natural leather grain is sanded down to give products made with it a more uniform, even pattern. These are a good option for a solid everyday belt.

Regardless of whether you choose a full-grain leather belt or a corrected-grain leather belt, always try to buy from local leather artisans. Handcrafted leather belts have design elements and superior craftsmanship from skilled artisans, much better than you will find from larger outfits.

How can you tell the quality of a leather belt?

All men’s belts are not created equal. Quality may not seem a priority for belts, yet materials can impact long-term usage. If your new leather belt is made with a cheap belt material, like bonded or genuine leather belts are, expect it to break easily and feel like crap on your waist. If the company does not offer any information about the type of leather they use in their products, don’t waste your money on them. Whatever you do, don’t bother with genuine leather belts or reversible belts.

You can also tell how good a leather belt is by touch. The weight and thickness of the strap are good indicators of quality. Some belts are made from thinner, less expensive leather than others, giving them a deceptive lightweight feel. The heavier the leather strap, the more cowhide was used in its construction, and the better it will wear over time. The best men’s leather belts are thick and sturdy, but still comfortable to wear all day.

This reversible belt below is less than a year old and you can see how genuine leather belts age terribly. This type of product is made with cheap belt material and isn't worth your money.

old mens dress belts. very poor quality men's belts made with bonded or genuine leather will break apart in less than one year

How much does a good leather belt cost?

Broadly speaking, you can quickly assess a leather belt’s quality based on its price. High-quality vegetable-tanned full-grain leather belts will usually cost in the range of $80 - $150, or higher, depending on the craftsmanship and type of belt buckle. Sometimes these handmade leather belts are called “buy it for life” belts or heritage belts because you can expect them to last a very long time. At Obscure Betls, all our belts are crafted from a single piece of full-grain leather made in the USA. Our customers leave rave reviews about their durability and longevity.

Belts for men under $40 are most likely made with an inferior leather product. We wouldn’t touch a belt at this price because it is likely made with leather by-products and glue. The worst by far are reversible belts - they are such poor quality that they will fall apart after only a few months.

The old adage "you get what you pay for" counts when it comes to getting a good leather belt. Invest in a quality belt up front - your wallet will thank you in the long run.

Adjustability: Getting the Perfect Fit

Finding a belt that fits just right shouldn’t be hard. The best belts offer room for adjustment and are typically made with five to seven hole sizes that allow for various adjustments. This allows you to get a snug, comfortable fit whether you’re wearing jeans, chinos, or dress pants. When searching for your next belt, look for options that offer a wide range of sizes or innovative adjustment systems. Always measure for your belt with the clothes you plan to wear most, so you can be sure it feels perfect and offers the comfort you need all day long. With the right belt, you’ll find it easy to stay comfortable and confident, no matter the occasion.

Handmade leather belts for men and women. black leather belt, brown leather belt, grey distressed leather belt.

What color belt should I buy?

The most common belt colors are black and brown. Grey belts are less common but still very versatile. When choosing a belt color, it's important to select one that is relevant to your wardrobe and personal style.

Black is the most common color for leather belts. Black belts are a great choice for everyday use with lighter or monotone shades of clothing. Their sophisticated style and versatility work well for both formal and casual wear. This is the one color belt everyone should own.

Brown belts are usually worn with neutral or earth tones and are great for people with a more rugged style. They are the second most common belt color and are the perfect belt for casual outfits or jeans.

Grey belts are a very versatile option that can be easily dressed up or down. We particularly like wearing a grey distressed leather belt with futuristic clothing. It makes a unique accessory to finish off a statement outfit.

How to Match Your Belt with Jeans

Matching your belt with jeans doesn’t have to be complicated, and a little attention to detail goes a long way. Start by considering the color: a black belt is a classic choice for dark wash jeans, while a brown belt looks great with lighter washes. If you’re after a more rugged look, opt for something with a rustic finish to pair with distressed or ripped jeans. For a cleaner, more polished style, a sleek leather belt is the perfect match for slim-fit or straight-leg jeans. Following these simple guidelines, you’ll find it easy to pick the perfect belt to complement your jeans and complete your look.

measure through the belt loops with your pants worn at a traditional height or wherever you typically do. 36 pants size uses a 38 belt. If you need a large mens belt order a custom size

What size belt should I buy?

The biggest mistake people make when buying a new belt is assuming belt sizes are the same across different brands or designers. Don’t buy a new belt without measuring your waist first. Put on the outfit you want to wear your belt with and use a cloth tape measure to get an accurate measurement.

For the best experience and most comfortable fit, buy a belt that fits in the middle of the size range. There should be enough additional belt holes so you can adjust your belt size easily as needed, even if your pant size changes.

Always consult the brand’s size guide and don’t be afraid to ask if they make custom sizes or extended sizes. A good leather craftsperson can just as easily make a custom belt size as a standard size. We offer custom sizing on every belt we make, so don’t settle for anything less than a perfect fit.

Other Types of Specialty Leather Belts

There are also a few styles of specialty leather belts available from select retailers and on the Obscure Belts site.

Kilt Belts - Kilt belts are special types of leather belts designed to be worn at the natural waistline with a kilt. They are typically custom-made to fit and are 1-¾” - 4” wide. The types of belts are a big part of cosplay outfits. For the best look, always try on kilt belts with your kilt before purchasing. If not, ask for a custom fit based on your exact measurements so you won’t have to deal with returns.

Waist belts - Similar to a kilt belt, a waist belt is meant to be worn at the natural waistline. They vary in width, from a very narrow ½” wide all the way up to 4” wide, and are usually worn snug to cinch and accentuate the body. While not typically considered the best leather belts for men, waist belts are our favorite pick for dresses or sweaters. If you're interested in a waist belt, check out our line of Ohm belts in a custom size.

We have over twenty years of experience making cool belts and have earned a reputation for stylish, one-of-a-kind quality. We have our sights set on future innovation and maintaining the highest standards of American-made craftsmanship. You don’t have to worry about the durability of our belts - they’re built to last through years of daily wear and are backed by a limited lifetime warranty.

We hope the tips and tricks we’ve provided in this article help you find and buy the best belts with confidence. If you’re convinced we know what we’re talking about when it comes to guys' belts, head over to our online shop to discover the wide variety of cool leather belts we make. We would love to have you as a customer and Obscure Belts fan.

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