Dress Belts For Different Body Types: Choosing The Right Width And Fit

A good sense of fashion or style is about finding the right clothes for your fit and then nailing the details. The right shirt or pair of pants can convey whatever message you’d like: confidence, fun, mystery, or something else entirely. But to truly get your personality across, you need the right accessories to accent your look. Choosing the right belt is critical.

Unfortunately, many men fail to understand how to select the right dress belt for their body type, winding up with a sloppy or unflattering look. Use this guide to learn how to find the right belt for a style that will leave you feeling competent and confident. You can visit the site BeltOutlet.com.

Anatomy of a Dress Belt

At its most basic, a belt is a strip of material worn around your waist to hold up an article of clothing. You can use anything as a belt really, from the finest Italian leather to even just a simple rope.

Most commercially available belts have a few different parts:

• The strap: The actual “belt” part that circles your waist
• The buckle: A mechanism to hold the two ends of the strap together
• Keeper loop: A loop near the buckle end that prevents the end from hanging loose
• End tip: Protective bit added to the free end to prevent damage or fraying

Some belts come with the strap and buckle permanently connected while other belts have detachable buckles that can be changed according to want or need.

Buckles are defined by their closure method.

• Frame buckles with a rectangular loop and a post that keeps the strap in place.
• Plate buckles are typically removable and close belts using a hook behind the plate.
• Box frame buckles resemble frame buckles except their posts hold belts in place from behind.
• O-ring buckles work by threading the belt through one or two rings and are typically used with fabric belts.

Picking a Belt for Slim Bodies

Men with slim body types should opt for dress belts that create a sense of width. Choosing a narrower belt will add a sense of size to your outfit and make you seem bigger. Create contrast by experimenting with color, patterns, and different materials. 

Choose a sleek, narrow belt buckle made from matte or brushed metal.

Belts for Athletic Body Types

Men with broad shoulders, larger legs, and a narrow waist should choose a wider belt to make their waist appear more proportional. If you’re an athletic build, opt for a darker belt, either black or deep brown. 

A belt with a slightly larger frame or hollow frame buckle will help create a slimming effect.

Selecting a Belt for a Larger Body

For a larger body type, dark, wide belts are the way to go. Dark colors have a slimming effect and a wide strap balances the upper and lower body while creating a more defined waistline. Choose a smaller or more narrow buckle like a frame or hollow frame so as not to draw the eye to the area. 

Finding the right men’s belt to complement your physical build requires thoughtful consideration. Strap width, buckle size, material, and color must all come together to create the most flattering effect for your body. When shopping, don’t hesitate to experiment and try different options until you find the perfect accessory for your style.