Accessories
Waist Management: Best Men’s Leather Belts
There are a few pieces in every man’s wardrobe that are considered to be classic, timeliness and a great investment: a sturdy briefcase, a trusted timepiece, a pair of chestnut brown lace-ups, and of course, men’s leather belts.
In 2022, belts have evolved beyond their practical use of holding up your pants. Instead, they have become a highly personal accessory that says so much about who you are. Genuine leather belt? Classic and dependable. Braided belt? Relaxed and fun. Gucci Marmont belt? Trendy and bold.
Because the belt you’re wearing will make a statement, it’s important to know that the wrong belt can work against you. Sporting a belt that looks cheap, cracked and old, choosing the wrong belt for the wrong occasion, or simply not wearing a belt at all may unintentionally send the same kind of message as someone who shows up in a faded shirt or worn-out shoes.
Thankfully, there are many high quality belts available that will suit every style at every price point. Today, I’m here to guide you through the world of men’s leather belts and help you select the one that’s right for you.
Table of Contents
What to Look For in a Leather Belt
When looking for a men’s leather belt, the first thing we recommend is to consider it as an investment piece. This doesn’t mean going beyond what you can afford, it simply means selecting one based on quality and style rather than price. Next, you’ll want to consider the occasion for which you’ll be buying, the color, style and fit, and finally, the leather choice.
While occasion, color, style, and fit are all based on personal preference, it’s important to note that not all leather is created equal. In general, there are six leather grades: top grain, full grain, corrected grain, split grain, genuine, and bonded. While a high-quality leather belt made of top or full grain will last for several years, a low-quality leather belt may only last a few months.
Below, we’ve rounded up what we consider to be the best men’s leather belts on the market, helping you start your selection process without having to step foot in a store.
The 8 Best Men’s Leather Belts
Best for the office: Anderson’s Soft Leather Belt
If you’re seeking a timeless belt to complete your professional style, look no further than Anderson’s Soft Leather Belt. Founded in 1966, Anderson’s is a trusted Italian brand that sports an English name in the spirit of classic British style.
Anderson’s Soft Leather Belt is made of soft woven leather and is complete with a subtle pin buckle. You can count on this belt’s quality and sleek design to complete your wardrobe without taking over the show.
Best reversible: Montblanc Horseshoe Buckle Black/Brown Reversible Leather Belt
Montblanc is renowned for crafting their products with the utmost care and passion, and their leather belts are absolutely no exception. As a product of master craftsmen, the Montblanc Horseshoe Buckle Black/Brown 30 mm Reversible Leather Belt will give you mileage for your investment.
With this men’s belt, you’re not only getting high-quality craftsmanship. You’re also gaining the versatility to wear it on either side: black or brown.
Best formal: Alfred Dunhill 35mm Classic Belt
For our selection of Best Formal Belt, the esteemed Alfred Dunhill ranks at the top of the list. This British manufacturer is renowned for having crafted the world’s finest leather products since the 19th century. The sleek and subtle design of this belt will complete your look without being overpowering, allowing you to carry the history of the brand with pride, reflecting the gentlemen you are every step along the way.
Best braided: Dalgado Hand-Braided Leather Belt
The Dalgado Hand-Braided Leather Belt is offered in five colors under one trusted design.
Not only are these hand-braided belts crafted with incredible precision and detail that showcases the beauty of their natural leather, their makers also are committed to doing so through a fully green and ethical production.
In a commitment of good corporate citizenship, Dalgado plants a tree for every order received. So with this belt, not only will you look good, you’ll also be doing good in the process.
Best vegan leather option: Watson & Wolfe Taylor Brown Vegan Leather Belt
Whether you’re in the mood to go casual or classic, our top choice for the best eco-friendly vegan leather belt will have you covered. Watson & Wolfe’s Taylor Brown Vegan Leather Belt is a gender-neutral design that has been expertly crafted with durability and longevity in mind.
Made of three layers and complete with an Italian-made antique silver buckle, this belt is one that can give you the craftsman quality and visual appeal of leather without the environmental or ethical impact.
Best statement piece: Gucci Marmont Thin Belt
Love it or hate it, the wildly popular Gucci Marmont belt makes a bold statement. For many, this accessory is the perfect way to show off your sophistication and penchant for the finer things in life. In addition to being a quality designer brand, the Gucci Marmont belt grants you an immediate and unmistakable status symbol that announces your commitment to fashion at first glance.
While there are several different styles of Gucci Marmont belt that range in color, texture, pattern and metal, our selection is the Gucci Marmont Thin Belt in black leather, allowing you to make the statement you’re longing for without being too over-the-top.
Best bang for your buck: Levi’s Men’s Genuine Leather Bridle Belt
This year, we’ve seen 90s fashion come back in a big way. Not only are mom jeans and mullets making a resurgence, but brands like Champion and Levi’s are, too. When it comes to our pick for the men’s leather belt that will give you the biggest bang for your buck, Levi’s ranks number one.
While this genuine leather belt may not last as long as your love for The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, it will provide you the classic look of a soft leather belt at an extremely affordable price.
Best splurge: Tom Ford Men’s Leather T-Buckle Belt
Looking to spoil yourself? Tom Ford is one luxury fashion house that can allow you to make a statement without conforming too closely to current fashion trends.
While Tom Ford is a renowned and highly respected designer brand, the men’s leather T-Buckle Belt is classic and minimal in its design. With this leather accessory, you will be sporting a timeless look that has just enough of a modern twist to turn heads.
Made in Italy and complete with a silver T-buckle, Tom Ford will allow you to carry an air of mystery, sophistication and sex appeal, while still providing high-quality materials and workmanship.
FAQs
1. How to wear men’s braided leather belt
Men’s braided leather belts are the perfect finishing touch for any spring or summer wardrobe. While this style has traditionally found its home in preppy aesthetics, it has branched out to earn its spot in any style, being worn in warmer weather and casual environments. Pairing a cognac braided leather belt with a pair of cognac slip-on shoes is the perfect way to dress down your summer style without compromising sophistication.
2. What outfit to wear leather belt with
Leather belts can be worn either casually or formally. The general rule of thumb is that the thicker the belt, the more casual the style. Of course, the exception to this rule is when seeking to use your belt as an accessory to punch up your outfit or make a bold statement.
3. Who makes the best men’s leather belts
Although leather belts have been a wardrobe staple for hundreds of years, there is no clear leader in who makes the best men’s leather belts. Rather than racing to a particular manufacturer, we recommend selecting your perfect belt by considering the following factors: leather quality, color, buckle style, width, overall fit, and of course, price. Once you’ve considered these factors, you’ll be able to best narrow down the best men’s leather belt for you.
4. How to measure men’s leather belt size
To measure men’s leather belt size, take your pant size and add two inches. For example, if you wear a size 36 pant, you are best suited to purchase a size 38 belt. It’s important to keep in mind, however, that leather stretches. That means that if you predict you’ll be shedding a few pounds or are wavering between sizes, you may want to err on the side of caution from sizing up too, too much.
5. Should I purchase a black belt or a brown belt?
This is a common predicament many shoppers face when selecting any leather accessory. When it comes to selecting your perfect leather belt, consider what color leather and accessories you already have in your wardrobe. For example, if you plan to use your belt for work or formal occasions and have black leather shoes, you’ll want a black leather belt.
While the colors do not have to be a perfect match to be deemed fashionable, they should be within the same color family. An easy solution to this problem? A reversible belt.