Men do not have as many accessories to flaunt as women do; only a few can quickly elevate their look. Since the Bronze Age, men’s belts have been the most common yet essential accessory. It is an essential piece that completes your overall look, especially for formal occasions.
Wearing no belt at a formal event gives the impression that you rushed out of the house and forgot to check yourself in the mirror. The evolution of this particular accessory has been quite impressive.
Classic belts, various types of leather belts, braided belts, sports belts, dress belts, elastic belts, and so on have all exploded in popularity. Belts have evolved from functional to ornamental accessories, and they continue to play an important role in the ever-changing fashion trends around the world.
What is the origin of the belt?
Belts can be traced back to the bronze age, which is a somewhat ambiguous period. Belts are thought to have been used as utilitarian accessories with no aesthetic value. People wore belts to carry their belongings during the Bronze Age because the concept of pockets was foreign to them.
The first belt was designed to carry tools, so it had to be strong and stable. It is also believed that belts were made from large pieces of fabric. They were worn as part of clothing to protect the wearer from the elements.
Belts are thought to have been used primarily as a utilitarian accessories to carry weapons and tools. Military men wore belts around their waists to keep their weapons in place during the Roman and Greek empires. Leather belts were used by the Greek and Roman military because of their durability and flexibility, which allowed them to move freely while also providing protection.
Belts did not play an important role in the military later on, but their popularity in fashion is still on the rise. Belts became very popular and a major indicator of social status during the medieval period. The upper class wore bulkier belts with chains and heavy buckles, while the lower class wore simple leather belts with coin pouches. This piece of jewelry was so revered in Mongolian culture that they used exchange belts as a good exchange with alliances.
The evolution of the essential accessory has been quite impressive over the centuries, and its significance is still intact, serving as a statement of professionalism and class. So, if you want to improve your belt game, let’s start with understanding the belt’s function.
How do I choose a belt?
Because a belt does not burn a hole in your pocket, a few high-quality belts will see you through any situation. We’ve compiled a list of factors to consider when selecting a belt.
Material:
- Leather: The most common belt material, this is best suited for any formal type of belt. It also works well in the casual category. A high-quality leather belt will keep your look in place for a longer period of time.
- Suede: This is a popular material for casual belts because it is very durable, providing good strength and durability while maintaining the look; it can also be worn with formal outfits. If you want something different from your standard leather belt, this is the material for you.
Cotton is a popular casual belt that is also inexpensive. It is available in a variety of materials and is regarded as the most relaxed belt of them all. This is the ideal material to wear on a casual day out or picnic, for example.
Buckle designs
- Frame-style buckle: This type of buckle is commonly found on all formal belts, with the strap passing through the frame and the prong passing through the holed according to waist size.
- Plate-style buckle: This is a quick snap buckle that is detachable and can be worn with different strap colors. The hook is attached to the front of the strap.
- Box-frame buckle: The buckle is shaped like a box and is hollow and open-ended; this belt has no holes or prongs. To adjust the strap, it is pressed against the box.
- O-ring/D-ring buckle: The buckle is made up of two rings, and the strap is threaded through both of them and adjusted accordingly.
Some additional tips to help you elevate your look with all of your belts.
- Match your belt to your shoes: This is the best hack for elevating your look, especially when dressing for the office or any professional meeting. When you wear shoes that are not the standard color, pair them with basic black or tan.
- Select the proper size: The ideal belt size is 1-2 inches longer than the waist size of your pants.
