Guide to Men's Belt-3
Guide to Men's Belt-3
Casual Belts
Casual belts come in many more types, styles, and colors than formal belts, and can be used to show more of your personality and individual style.
Buckle Types
Frame-Style
Not only a buckle style for formal belts, the frame-style — usually with a bigger/thicker profile — can fasten casual belts as well
Plate-Style
Usually detachable — paired with snap belts (straps without buckles)
Plate is usually decorated — e.g., in cowboy and biker belts
Hook goes through the front of the strap
Throw (distance from chape to hook) adds to the length of your belt
Box-Frame
Box is hollow, metal and open-ended
Post presses the strap against the inside of the box
No need for holes in the strap
O-Ring/D-Ring
One or two rings form the buckle
Belt is fastened by threading through them
Casual, used with braided, webbing, and canvas belts
Snap
Male” and “female” ends snap together like a seat belt
Very casual and functional, often used by those engaging in outdoor pursuits
Not to be confused with snap belts
Micro-Adjust
Uses a ratchet-style track system that requires a special type of strap
A folding piece of metal presses the “teeth” of the track system into the strap
No need for belt holes — allows minute adjustments
Strap Width
A casual belt will be 1.5-1.75 inches in width, with wider being more casual. A belt around 1.5” in width goes well with denim, chinos, and heavier fabrics. A belt wider than that is more unusual, suits jeans and casual trousers, and can be paired with classic and “statement” buckles.
Strap Materials
1. Full-grain leather.
2. Braided leather.
3. Tooled leather.
4. Suede.
5. Other Materials
6. Leather-backed ribbon.
7. Canvas.
8. Webbing.
9. Rope.
10. Vinyl.
