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Every facet of your getup can speak volumes about who you are and how you leave an impression on others. And, for men, the belt undoubtedly opens up plenty of opportunities to make a statement. They wouldn’t have undergone such big leaps in decorative styles through the years otherwise.
Indeed, even if they seem secondary to pants and shirts, they can still pretty much make or break your outfit – in the same way, that a lot of other accessories can. The kind of belt you wear for your jeans, for one, should never be overlooked because of this. Those loops found in most jeans don’t just encase your belt, after all – they flaunt them as well.
With that said, choosing the wrong belt can be any man’s Achilles heel fashion-wise. One wrong move and your entire style can crumble. Fret not, we’re here to help. We’ll discuss the various belt styles available today and how to wear them, the importance of the material and buckle, and, as the cherry on top, put a spotlight on the best men’s belts for jeans.
There are multiple belt styles to choose from, each with their own twists and subcategories. The following are usually the ones that you can find in most department stores and online shops:
- Dress – Leather dress belts readily connote formality, and most men do tend to wear them as part of smarter outfits (though they can still work in casual attires with proper pairing). You’ll often find them made of polished leather with none of the frills you’ll normally find in other belts.
- Casual – These belts are often considered as the exact opposite of dress belts. They’re typically worn with denim clothes, making them the most recommended belt types for jeans. They’re also made of leather, but they’re overall sturdier.
These two make up the main belt types available today. To know whether a belt is casual or dress, measure their widths using your thumb. If they are wider than the first knuckle, there’s a very good chance that the belt is a casual one.
Other types simply add variations in design and material. Some come with all the embellishments fit for a king (of the Wild West) like cowboy belts while others add more detail and complexity as proven by woven or braided varieties. Webbed fabric belts, on the other hand, give emphasis to outfits with a more clear-cut summer casual style.
Of course, who among us isn’t familiar with different sports belts as well, like those that connote expertise martial arts? The same goes for championship belts worn in wrestling. While these belts do not skimp on aesthetics, they also readily transmit a sense of achievement, rank, and respect in the competitive world of sports.
What You Should Look For in a Belt
When trying to decide what belt to wear, you need to start paying attention to factors such as the material used on the strap and buckle. These two arguably serve as the two main parts of a belt’s anatomy. You’ll find most belts with end tips and keeper loops that also come in various materials such as metal and leather. The former acts as a protector of the other end of the belt, while the latter (true to its name) keeps the strap (once looped) in place.
When it comes to style, you obviously have to pay more attention to where all the decorative properties are concentrated: the material and type of buckle.
What are the different types of buckles?
- Plate – Mostly decorated and intricately engraved on its smooth surface; typically used on cowboy belts.
- Frame – The most common buckle that you can find in belts, casual and formal alike, due to its practical design which does not sacrifice style.
- Snap – Quick to loop and secure; mainly fulfills a very practical purpose.
- Box Frame – Hollow and designed for specialized belts that do not incorporate the holes you usually see in belts. This is because you just need to press the post on the strap while it is inside the box.
- O-Ring – A simple thin ring serves as the belt’s buckle. You commonly see this in braided and canvas belts.
Keep in mind that the larger the size of the buckle the lesser its formality. This is why you normally don’t see dress belts paired with plate buckles or O-rings. Rounded and bigger buckles abound in casual belts, which are arguably more varying than their formal counterparts. Be sure to pair them with outfits that give an equally laid-back style.
What materials should you pay attention to?
Belts are practically a showcase of all the different types of leather available the whole world round. Full-grain often serves as the gold standard and is largely used in formal belts; nothing beats it in terms of looks and overall durability. Many prize the calfskin variety of top grain leather in particular because of its relative softness.
Belts also frequently use braided and tooled leather that ups the decorative value of the belt. Many manufacturers use this approach so they can freely exercise their creativity and include themes and motifs in the belt that can make even the best artists green with envy.
Unique and beautifully designed, they can catch anyone’s eye in seconds with the right outfit. They do suit most casual and dress wear, though, so there’s no room to doubt their versatility. Polyester belts also capitalize on this, making them perfect pairs for jeans, too.
Furthermore, you’ll also come across belts with more exotic materials made of skins from different animals, like pythons, alligators, lizards, and ostriches. Most manufacturers only use them for the immediate luxury attached to them; alligator skin belts, in particular, occupies the top spot of luxury exotic belts. Exotic belts also possess a natural appeal and stellar durability.
The Kinds of Belts that Work Best with Jeans
When considering the best belts for jeans, you certainly can’t go wrong with casual belts. It’s almost a no-brainer, really. You get more options this way, after all. And the more freedom you get in swapping belt styles, the more you’ll be able to experiment till you find the perfect belt for your particular casual attire.
Wide works wonders (and narrow too!)
Wider belts often go great together with casual clothes. But since the denim used in jeans is practically in a league of its own, you can actually pair them with wide and narrow belts of your choosing. You can even pull them off in business casual settings and similar professional dress code. That’s how versatile these nifty Levi’s and Wranglers are!
Watch the shoes
Your belt and shoes can be a dynamic duo of style when in complete synergy. As much as possible, they should have matching materials. When it comes to color, on the other hand, try to ensure that both complement their respective hues. Neutral colors like whites and browns remain your safest option in most cases.
You won’t buckle with the right buckle
When you think your belt doesn’t suit your jeans, it’s always a good idea to look at its buckle. Does it bring out your personality and style? Does it do justice to the brand? Does it match your shoes’ color? If you can answer in the affirmative for all three questions, then go for it! Most of the time, the type of buckle used in the belt should radiate your personality.
Larger ones brim with boldness and confidence, while the minimalistic frame and box buckles connote functionality and no-nonsense sensibilities.
Comparison Table
Product
Material
Wide
Price
Material: Leather
Leather
Wide: 1.25 inches
1.25 inches
Material: Cow leather
Cow leather
Wide: 1.57 inches
1.57 inches
Material: Calfskin leather
Calfskin leather
Wide: 1.5 inches
1.5 inches
Material: Leather
Leather
Wide: 1.5 inches
1.5 inches
Material: Leather
Leather
Wide: 1.5 inches
1.5 inches
Material: Polyester
Polyester
Wide: 1.38 inches
1.38 inches
Material: Leather
Leather
Wide: 1.34 inches
1.34 inches
Material: Cowhide leather
Cowhide leather
Wide: 1.5 inches
1.5 inches
Material: 94% Polyester + 6% Leather
94% Polyester + 6% Leather
Wide: 1.38 inches
1.38 inches
Material: Fabric
Fabric
Wide: 1.38 inches
1.38 inches
Material: Calfskin leather
Calfskin leather
Wide: 1.5 inches
1.5 inches
Material: Calfskin leather
Calfskin leather
Wide: 1.6 inches
1.6 inches
The 15 Best Men’s Belts for Jeans in 2022
1. Armani Exchange Leather Logo Hinge Belt
FEATURES
- Made of 100% leather and polyurethane with a cotton coating.
- Adjustable buckles bearing the Armani Exchange logo.
- Neutral black color.
You can’t go wrong with the instant luxury tied with the Armani name. Yes, Armani Exchange might be a second-rate option compared to the more august brand that bears the full name of the legendary fashion designer, but, hey, the connection’s still there, right?
That said, this affordable casual belt does live up to its prestigious ties. The strap may be simplistic but it’s able to make up for it with the dark metal buckles that pull no punches in flaunting the Armani brand. The colors of the strap and hinge plate buckle also make it very easy to pair with denim as light as the color of freshwater at high noon and as dark as seawater at night.
PROS
- Great leather quality for the price.
- Easy to clean due to dry clean feature.
- Can be paired with virtually any color of jeans due to its color.
CONS
- A little thin for a men’s belt.
2. Replay Pull Up Leather Belt
FEATURES
- Made of 100% cow leather with studs.
- Stark silver frame buckle with embossed logo.
- Leather keeper loops.
- Numerous studs align in the edges.
A belt designed by a company known to specialize in jeans. Can there be a more perfect combination? Also, what can compare with the dark brown color and texture cow leather? The quality of the leather exceeds expectations and more than makes up for the relatively simplistic frame buckles (we reckon that’s what kept the price down).
The studs really shine with the way they seem to depict the rays. This belt adds a whole new meaning to the saying, “When the stars align,” to say the least. Because that’s practically what this belt has managed to achieve: the impossible. Astoundingly cheap, yet still goes full-on fifth gear with the leather. The icing on the cake is that you also get to wear it with any kind of color of jeans. Watch out for the color of the buckle, though.
PROS
- Designed by a brand that primarily makes jeans.
- Premium quality leather makes it a steal price-wise.
- Durable and ages well.
CONS
- None.
3. Hugo Boss Reming Reversible Leather Belt
FEATURES
- Made of calfskin leather.
- Adjustable buckle frame buckle.
- Metal keeper loops.
- Reversible black and brown color.
This belt can wow any man with its price alone, but wait till you see just how great the calfskin leather is. You can see this in the glaringly good grains on the surface. The utter thickness of the strap also affirms the unquestionable quality of the belt as a whole. If you are all about practicality and durability, then this belt certainly deserves a spot in your wardrobe.
Style-wise, though, it’s pretty safe. It doesn’t take risks, and that’s just fine for most men who are more direct or don’t really consider belts as the centerpiece of their fashion sense. Still, it surely won’t look out of place in just about any casual and even formal settings – and the reversibility feature only assures this. At best, it can smoothly cinch most styles associated with jeans. It earns most of its points that way.
PROS
- Made by a topnotch luxury brand.
- Very high value for money considering the use of calfskin leather.
- Versatile color swapping makes it suitable to be worn for more formal occasions.
CONS
- Buckles are fairly average.
4. Versace Jeans Couture Blue/Black Adjustable/Reversible Ratchet Belt
FEATURES
- Made of 100% genuine leather.
- Box buckle bearing the Versace Jeans Couture brand with signature fastening.
- Midnight blue and black reversible strap.
This belt calls to mind the riffs and rhythm of jazz music ala Kenny Burrell, whose song bears the exact color of this belt. It’s all suave and cool – settling for stylish doesn’t really do it justice. You can’t expect any less from the Versace Jeans Couture. They basically made this belt to go along with their masterful creations.
The brand only claims genuine leather as the main material, and it definitely looks and feels like it with its very fine grains. Also, more size options mean this belt can also fit the more strapping and bulky guys out there. You have to be picky with your shoes and clothes, though, especially if you’ll be using the blue side more.
PROS
- Made by a master of luxury denim.
- Smooth eye-catching azure color.
- Plenty of size options.
CONS
- The design might be too simplistic for some men.
5. Pampeano Leather Principe Polo Belt
FEATURES
- Made of genuine leather with hand-woven patterns.
- Extra think pin buckle fastening.
- Leather keeper loops.
- Embossed logo on strap.
Pampeano is an Argentinian brand that carries a lot of weight in the belt industry. They know how to make men’s belts that stand out, and this particular creation just exemplifies what makes the brand different.
Pay attention to the interlocking pattern on the belt. There are literally no words to describe the utter originality of it. The alternations in the weaves and the way they connect serve to bring about a sense of solidness to the style as a whole. The buckle oozes masculinity with its sheer stock while underlining the lasting appeal of the classic, quintessential belt design.
PROS
- Fine, distinctive style with an inimitable Argentinian touch.
- Genuine leather means you get the bonus of durability and patina over time.
- Thick, durable brass buckles.
CONS
- Style might be a bit choosy with the outfits you pair it with.
6. Tommy Hilfiger Adan Stripe Webbing Belt
FEATURES
- Made of 100% polyester.
- Silver frame belt buckle.
- Leather keeper loop bearing the brand’s logo.
- Navy/red design pattern.
The Amazon listing of this product claims it incorporates a “striking design”. We can’t agree more, considering its colors make you think of snakes and the black widow spider (heck, it’s a webbing belt, after all!). The patterns also have a V-shape that could very well spell venom to the onlooker and air a distinctively deadly charm.
It’s as tough as a cookie, too, and the polyester fibers do well to exhibit this. That said, the red of the design and the patterns might make it hard for you to decide what clothes to pair with it. You can’t go wrong with red, though, and this applies to shoes as well. But going for black footwear should suffice.
PROS
- Made of hardy polyester that’s more resilient to the elements.
- Does not sacrifice design with its red-black color pattern.
- Guaranteed to be lightweight.
CONS
- The design can be distracting if it doesn’t blend naturally with your outfits.
7. Emporio Armani Genuine Black Leather Belt
FEATURES
- Made of 100% genuine leather.
- Silver tongue buckle.
- Keeper loop lined with silver and bearing the Emporio Armani logo.
Armani really slays in the men’s belt category because it’s the second belt from the brand to make it to this list. This one brings the big guns, though. But, seriously, what charmer doesn’t want a belt with a “silver tongue” buckle in the first place? That’s exactly what this belt manages to do: it does the talking for you.
And with its sleek black genuine leather design with knockout grains and dirty silver buckle, why the hell not? Without a doubt, this belt has “smoothie” written all over it – and it wears it like a badge of honor. Think you got what it takes to be a Casanova in jeans? Yes? This belt may very well be what’s missing in your arsenal.
PROS
- Made by a high-end brand with unquestionable quality.
- Amazingly detailed leather grains.
- Very unique keeper hole design.
CONS
- Might be too narrow for certain casual jeans.
8. Brighton Portland Belt
FEATURES
- Made of 100% leather.
- Frame buckle with protruding upper edges.
- Handcrafted with stitching right in the middle.
- Dark brown color with black lining on keeper hole edges.
The middle stitching of this belt almost seems like a ready statement of rebellion. It dares you to say that it’s playing safe when it clearly isn’t. Nonetheless, its impudence belies a certain laid-back aura. You know that it caters more to smart casual wearers because of it. Daring and unfussy, two of the finest qualities in a man.
The dark brown color obviously makes it very amenable to pretty much any denim color. But the stitching does make it seem too specialized – to the point of being an outsider in style. It appeals to men with a very specific temperament, that much is certain. Perhaps, a combination of the two mentioned above?
PROS
- Works well not only with denim but dress pants, too.
- Classic silver frame buckle closure with a modern twist.
- Up to 8 sizes to choose from.
CONS
- Might be a little overpriced.
9. Paul Smith Bright Stripe Keeper Belt
FEATURES
- Made of cowhide leather.
- Glossy silver frame buckles.
- Paul Smith trademark stripes on keeper loop.
- Shiny black color.
This belt obviously readily an image of tradition. The inclusion of the Paul Smith stripes can either serve as a delightful surprise or a jarring distraction. It depends on how you will react to a sudden flash of bright wrinkled colors in a field of black.
The stripes almost seem like an afterthought – a last-ditch attempt to break convention. For it’s practically what promptly catches the eye of anyone who views this men’s belt.
That said, even if we did say that the buckles and the color of the straps matter more when deciding your outfit, you certainly have to be mindful of the keeper loops of this belt when trying to decide on colors to match with it. It’s an anomaly that way – but in a good quality belt kind of way.
PROS
- Undeniably high-quality cowhide leather.
- Conventional neutral black colored stripes go well with the silver buckles.
- Evidently thick and durable mean you do not miss out on the leather.
CONS
- Rather too simplistic for its price.
10. Orciani Leather Belt
FEATURES
- Made of 100% leather.
- Brass engraved buckle.
- Dark brown leather with excellent patina and motifs.
- Plain leather keeper loop.
A list of the best men’s belt for jeans is never complete without an Orciani offering. The guy built his own belt from scratch, for Pete’s sake. How anymore manly can you get? And doesn’t this same manliness just smoothly transmit from this bonafide art belt? The snippets of engraved history on the strap and the sublime symbols etched on the gold buckles, don’t they all emanate a profound virility?
As much as it exudes masculinity, this belt does not fail to exhibit the passion and artistry of its brand as well. Once you lay your eyes on it, you know you are beholding a Presence. Do you make the same impression? If yes, this waist cincher should be what’s holding your equally splendid jeans in place.
PROS
- Exquisitely styled by a master of men’s belts.
- Wonderful strap engravings.
- Superb glossing that rounds up the aesthetics.
CONS
- Only available in limited numbers.
11. Prada Canvas Belt
FEATURES
- Made with a combination of leather and canvas.
- Silver box buckles engraved with Prada logo with an original fastening mechanism.
- Grey and black strap.
- Leather and canvas keeper loop.
Any man wearing a canvas belt made by one of the best luxury designers in the world has the “winner” label attached to him. This is gospel truth. The sheer prestige of Prada sheaths this belt with a nice armor of luxury, which can only be chinked by men who stand apart from the crowd – the elite. Dare to wear a belt of this caliber?
That said, the canvas strap obviously goes the safe route with its design and hues. The grey and black colors mingle well and really quiz you about the right jeans and shoes to wear with it. Of course, the real star of the show is the box buckle embossed with the name of this royal member of the fashion kingdom. The casual sportiness of the strap almost backtracks in the presence of such a devilishly opulent buckle.
PROS
- Created by one of the most worshipped luxury brands in the planet.
- Ideal for most business and smart casual settings.
- Asserts the prestige of its brand with natural ease thanks to the high-quality buckle.
CONS
- The mainly canvas strap makes it seem like the brand was cutting costs as much as possible.
12. Dolce & Gabbana Black Belt
FEATURES
- Made largely (94%) of polyester and a bit (6%) of leather.
- Unique double frame buckle with special closure.
- Glossy black polyester strap with leather bearing the brand’s name.
- Black leather keeper loop with visible stitching.
The way the words Dolce & Gabbana appears to tower in this belt’s strap makes it clear that the brand is well aware that you, as the wearer, would want to flaunt their majesty as much as possible. Cleverly made with practical polyester superimposed with glossy leather, this waistband
The buckles are quick to catch the eye as well upon closer inspection. You not only get one but two of these silver beauties, and what’s more, they don’t have tongues. Instead, they incorporate a special way to keep the strap in place. Overall, it won’t be hard to pair it with any business casual or smart casual outfit you choose because of the color combinations. The belt does stand on its own pedestal in the way it’s designed, though.
PROS
- Crafted by one of the most recognized Italian luxury brands.
- Does not go full luxury to the point that it will be out of place in a casual setting.
- The dual frame buckles lend it with an entirely different appeal.
CONS
- Very sparse amounts of leather used.
13. Gucci Blue Fabric Brass Anchor Buckle Belt
FEATURES
- Made of fabric with a few leather parts.
- Brass buckle studded with anchor motif.
- Dark blue color.
- Leather keeper loop.
Name me a profession that’s more masculine than sailing. Stumped, huh? We can’t blame you. Only the stout-hearted would dare venture into strange seas for years. And the fact that this belt’s motif readily summons that image makes it perfect apparel for the truly male at heart.
Gucci did outdo themselves with the design of this belt’s buckles. Yes, they’ve tested the waters of nautical styles before but this is on a whole new level. The fact that it’s made of brass – making it a perfect candidate for the manly past time of metal polishing – only The intricate detail of the anchor has no equal; the same goes for the ultra-narrow ridges it is set.
Even so, that’s pretty much the only facet worth praising in this Gucci creation. The dark blue fabric plays it safe, so you won’t have much of a struggle trying to decide what to wear it with.
PROS
- Masterfully designed by one the world’s leading luxury brands.
- Standout brass buckle with an attractive nautical theme.
- Fabric with deep, dark blue hue makes it perfect for most jeans.
CONS
- Too much attention seemed to have been invested in the buckle.
14. Salvatore Ferragamo Paloma Adjustable & Reversible Belt
FEATURES
- Made of 100% smooth calfskin leather.
- Inimitable buckle design.
- Black and auburn reversible straps.
Silky smooth calfskin leather, immaculately black and fine-grained. These almost seem like a standard description of any high-quality casual leather belt. However, if it’s made by a brand as worthy of deification as Salvatore Ferragamo, you’ll find that it immediately metamorphoses into s. Indeed, the Salvatore Ferragamo touch shows in the handling of the leather, its exceptional glossiness.
Of course, luxury belts are never complete without their logo as buckles. This belt opts to go all-black with a single, small strap of leather bearing the founder’s signature holding the logo in place. This men’s belt astounds in more ways than one because of the commingling of these features.
PROS
- One of the best luxury brands when it comes to leather goods.
- Phenomenal leatherwork.
- Color of both sides look stellar.
CONS
- Only accommodates men with sizes between 32 to 38.
15. Louis Vuitton Monogram Canvas LV Initiales Reversible Belt
FEATURES
- Made of genuine calfskin leather.
- Shiny silver LV buckle.
- Reversible monogram and black sides.
Louis Vuitton has the reversible belt figured out with this masterpiece. The floral motif and color of the leather are pretty ubiquitous in plenty of other products by the brand. Why? Because the Louis Vuitton monogram canvas is already style incarnate. They may be more popular in handbags but they’re certainly no stranger in the realm of men’s belts.
And, boy, does this belt just massacre the competition. The staggeringly wide calfskin leather (only the finest!) strap readily exudes power and luxury in style, multiplied tenfold by the regular rows of alternating logos and motifs printed all over it. The buckle speaks for itself – words just become lame approximations.
What’s good is that it isn’t really partial to any colored attire, too. Just be sure to do it justice with your selections.
PROS
- Made by a powerhouse in the ritzy part of the fashion industry.
- Has the much-prized Louis Vuitton monogram canvas.
- Won’t look out of place in formal occasions as well.
CONS
- Very limited availability.
Final Thoughts!
As you can see, belts should not be viewed as pushovers when it comes to men’s fashion. They can literally say, “Look at me,” with relative ease or imbue you with a quiet confidence that can readily be felt by anyone in your presence. Not a lot of other accessories can achieve this kind of impact, so make sure to make the most of it.
You also don’t have to pay more than $100 to land quality leather belts. Knowing the best leather materials you need to look out for, it should be easy for you to detect them from now on. Also, always remember the fashion pointers so you won’t end up in splitting hairs situations.
