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Choosing the Right Belt to Wear with a Suit

December 4, 2017 by Brent Wallace

The single most important accessory to wear with a suit is a belt. You can choose a high-quality, premium men’s suit. But it’s not going to look complete without the right belt. A belt creates greater symmetry in your outfit while also adding new colors and style. For these reasons and others, you should always wear one with a suit. So, consider the following tips when choosing a belt to wear with a suit.

The Color

One of the most important things to consider when choosing a belt is the color. Some men assume that it’s best to wear a belt in the same color as their trousers. This isn’t necessarily bad, but it’s not recommended either. If your belt is the same color as your trousers, it will remain somewhat concealed; thus, offering little-to-no benefit. A better option is to choose a belt in a slightly different tone than your trousers. If you are wearing gray trousers, for instance, consider a dark gray or black belt.

Genuine Leather

When wearing a suit, it’s best to stick with genuine leather for your belt. Some retail and department stores sell belts made of fabric. These are usually more casual, however, and not appropriate for formal attire. Belts made of genuine leather offer a more formal appearance that reflects the elements of a high-quality suit. You can expect to pay more for a leather belt, but there’s no substitution for its exceptional style.

The Fit

Of course, you should also choose a belt that fits your body. Just because you can wrap it around your waist, however, doesn’t necessarily mean that it fits. If there’s too much or too little material remaining after the belt has been secured to your waist, it may look awkward. Ideally, your belt should be secured right in the middle. In other words, if the belt has 12 holes, it should be secured in the sixth hole. If the belt has 10 holes, it should be secured on the fifth hole.

Thin vs Thick

Finally, you’ll need to consider the thickness of your belt. Some belts are thick, whereas others are thin. A good rule of thumb, however, is to choose a thin belt for formal wear and a thicker belt for casual wear. Thin belts usually fall somewhere between 1 and 1.5 inches wide, whereas thick belts are 1.5 to 2 inches wide. Along with their formal appearance, thin belts also have a slimming effect, making you appear thinner.

References:

https://www.realmenrealstyle.com/mens-belt-guide/

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