Monza kaubamärgi disainer ja ettevõtte Mono-Stil asutaja
“Such a universal accessory as a belt is able to decorate, refresh and make any image more interesting. The main thing is to wear it correctly. Let’s find out how and with what to combine this thing”.
A belt is an accessory that has been known to us for a long time. Back in the days of Julius Caesar, the belt was considered a popular element of equipment. If now it is worn by everyone, then in the V-IV centuries BC this item was exclusively male. It was used both as decoration and functionally – to carry weapons. To support pants, the belt began to be worn only during the First World War.
Today, the belt is used mainly to complement the image. It is presented in completely different colors, materials and designs. That is why there may be problems with how to wear it correctly.
How to wear a belt correctly?
The belt should be worn in the rivets. ZapAh in a woman – to the left, in men – to the right. There is a lifehack that helps to easily determine this point. On which side of the pants are fastened – on the same side and the belt.
By the way, few people know, but this accessory is mandatory for jeans. If the pants have labels (patches), it must be worn over them.
There are certain etiquette norms that dictate us that the buckle should match the color of the accessories. The belt itself – with the tone of the shoes, especially if it is not black, but, for example, brown.
The exception is a pair of white color. Why? A white belt is a very accent story. If you add also shoes in the same bright color, it can be overdone.
It is also important to know that today’s fashion standards are changing, the rules are no longer rigid. For example, it used to be impossible to mix accessories made with different metals in an image. Today it is normal. It’s the same with combinations of belt and shoes.
You can show creative freedom. You just need to know what effects create certain combinations. Remember that the more contrasting belt and pants, the more informal the image. Models of the same tone visually pull out the silhouette. Using this technique, you will appear taller.
If it is difficult for you to decide on a choice, then give preference to a classic black or brown leather belt with a minimalist buckle. It’s a win-win.
When you wear lacquered shoes, you should combine them with a glossy tie and belt. Fans of matte materials should choose the same accessories.
What material should the belt be made of?
Today we have a wide variety of belts available to us. In classic images with leather shoes, it should also be from this material. If the shoes are sporty (for example, sneakers), it is recommended and even appropriate to wear an accessory made of braided leather or textile. In this way, you can continue the idea of informal, free style.
Suede belt requires support in the form of shoes made of a similar material. Fabric variants are perfectly combined with chinos and models made of cotton.
By the way, to determine whether the belt is made of genuine leather or not, there is one lifehack. Slightly run your fingernail on the back side. If a trace remains on the product – it is a quality accessory. If there are no deformations – alas, it is an artificial material.
What should be the buckle?
The most popular is a frame buckle. It is chosen by many, as it is universal and corresponds to the closet, which will “work” for many years. The standard width of the buckle should be 5-7 cm. Other options are also in trend: boxes, plates, clips.
An important rule to adhere to is the color of the buckle (gold or silver) should be in harmony with the shade of metal accessories. We are talking about watches, bracelets, cufflinks and tie clip.
The best option is an open buckle. If you like closed, then give preference to a model with an anchor or clip. Here you do not need holes. Most often such buckles are found on fabric models.
What width and length should the belt be?
The standard width of the belt is 5 cm. Why? Its wearing implies functionality: either we make an accent, or it supports the lower waistband in the presence of pleats in the product.
A thin belt should be supported by other elements of the closet. For example, narrow lapels of a jacket, a tie or narrowed capes of shoes.
In any case, remember that the boundaries of etiquette are erased. Fashion rules are not as categorical as they used to be, although they remain the standard.
It is not recommended to wear belts with suspenders, because they are considered an element of underwear. Suspenders are better to wear with products that do not have pleats. But do not forget that this is the norm. In general, you can choose what you like and corresponds to the stylistic image.
What length should the belt be? This is a frequent question. It is important that in the buckled form, the end of the belt should be about the length of the thumb of the official clothes. In other cases, slightly longer is allowed. The most important thing is that it should not reach the second rivet.
When you can not do without a belt?
If the pants do not fall down, it does not mean that it is necessary to abandon this element of the closet. Why? It is he who will create the finality of the overall image of a man. But this is not the only reason to wear it.
A belt is a must when:
- you’re wearing jeans;
- your shirt is tucked into your pants;
- with a classic suit.
What’s important to know before you buy?
Be sure to consider what you will be wearing it with. It’s important that the option you like fits your overall closet style and physique. Stick to the rule – a narrow belt will give volume to your hips, too wide will shorten your legs considerably.
How do I know if I’m wearing the belt correctly?
Try the belt on. See how it fits. An accessory for men should fit around the waist and hips without overstretching them. Buckle it on the middle (usually the third) hole. The free end should be threaded through the pants’ seam, so that it does not dangle.
How do I store my belt?
In order for it to serve you for a long time, you need to remember a few things. First – in your closet there should be several models of belts. The only accessory will quickly lose its presentable appearance. The second – the belt should be properly stored. So on your product will not form creases and kinks. There are several options.
1. Containers and organizers
Today in large numbers are presented in stores and on marketplaces organizers for storage. Including belts. They are stylish and will fit into any apartment design. But the main thing is that they are convenient to use. The belt should be stored in them rolled up.
2. Hooks or hangers
This is the most popular way of storage. In the vertical position, your accessory will retain its presentable appearance for a long time. You can use hooks on an adhesive base. In this case, they are attached to the inside of the closet. Remember that on one hook should hang a maximum of two accessories.
A simple option – hangers. On sale there are both special ones for belts, and ordinary hangers with additional hooks.
3. Pull-out sections
Most manufacturers of built-in closets and closets offer a functional way to store belts. These are pull-out sections with hooks. They are easy to fit into the design as they take up little space.