Style has a way of constantly evolving. These days, my general rule is: when in doubt, tuck. And if you tuck, why not have a little belt showing to bring your whole look together. It’s a tricky thing though. Get it right, your outfit just got a whole lot more put together. Get it wrong, and you’ll look like a bad agent. The trick is not to go too wide; for a classic belt, aim for about a 2.5 to 3 cm belt. Anything bigger, it better be a western belt (and even then, a thin Western is a vibe). Secondly, take it easy on the buckle. For my money, the more chill the buckle, the better. But as with all things style-related, the more you think you can pull off, the more you do. A little confidence and swagger will take you a long way, and in that regard, your belt game is no exception.
Having said that, good belts, for whatever reason, are one of the hardest things to find. A cool slim belt in an interesting color or texture, even harder. A cool slim belt, that doesn’t have a dad buckle, nearly impossible. Below, we’ve done the legwork for you with our edit of our favorite belts out there right now.
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TIMELESS, CLASSIC BLACK
Every man should own one good, slim belt with a subtle buckle. It comes the most in handy when you want to skip the jacket and just go to dinner in a great knit and trouser situation. And a great belt will elevate any simple t-shirt look.
WARM IT UP WITH BROWN
Generally speaking, with warm tones, I go brown. Autumnal colors (maroons, browns, greens), brown belt. Wearing blue? Either go full tonal with a blue belt, or, if in doubt, go brown. So it’s not a bad item to keep on hand.
BRAID AWAY
Particularly in the spring/summer months, I like a braided belt. It has a relaxed quality that works with most warm weather looks. And it’s an easy way to get a little color into your ensemble.
MOCK CROC
A little texture is never bad. A croc or mock croc adds a bit of luxe to your outfit. When looking to pair a belt with a suit (something I don’t often recommend), this is a good way to go.
WEAVE IT
Looking for a big of cool, boho vibe to your get-up? A colorful woven belt does the trick.
A FISTFUL OF LEATHER
Not just for cowboys, but also not for the faint of heart… but great if you’ve got bit of rugged rock’n roll in you.
WHEN YOU DON’T WANT A LOGO BELT (BUT YOU SORT OF DO)
Admittedly, logo belts are having a somewhat ironic moment. If you ask me, eh. Leave it to your teenage daughter. However, these guys will give. you that fashion fix but in a more subtle manner. And I never mind a little touch of gold.
ELEVATE YOUR CHINOS
Just as I don’t always love a belt with a suit, I don’t love a pair of chinos without a belt. But, whatever you do, don’t go sticking a dress belt on a casual, rugged pair of chinos. Rugged pants, rugged belt.
