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The ultimate guide to men’s leather belts
A quality belt is an underrated style essential
Your belt does more than just keep your pants up. Like sophisticated shoes or an elegant watch, it’s an accessory that ties your outfit together.
In this leather belt guide, we explore different types of premium men’s belts that guarantee a distinguished look – if you know how to wear them.
Martin Dingman is recognized by Forbes and the Robb Report as one of America’s finest leather goods brands. While best known for our luxurious men’s leather shoes, we complete your ensemble with exquisite handcrafted accessories like men’s leather belts. So you can enjoy unrivaled materials, world-class craftsmanship, and meticulous attention to detail in every outfit.
Types of men’s leather belts
Sleek, narrow dress belts
Dress belts are slimmer than other men’s leather belts at just 1”-1.25” wide. They’re usually made from smooth, high-quality leather like full-grain or top-grain cowhide, with a polished shine and minimal texture. The buckle tends to be small, flat, and metallic with a simple frame design
Rich, relaxed casual belts
At 1.5” wide or more, casual belts for men are more rugged and substantial than other options. They often use thicker or softer leathers, sometimes with visible grain or a distressed finish. With more choice of buckles – such as roller buckles, double prongs, and antique finishes – they’re great for adding character to casual looks.
Bold, luxurious exotic leather belts
Alligator scales, ostrich quill bumps, and the rugged grain of bison skin offer distinctive patterns that add a rare, magnificent quality to your ensemble. Finishes depend on the animal, but buckles are usually more elegant. Remember to keep the rest of your outfit simple to let the belt stand out.
How to choose a belt for any outfit
Premium men’s leather belts add the finishing touch to dashing attire. But quality of materials isn’t the only factor in choosing the right one.
Match your belt with your shoes
Your belt should match your shoes in both color and finish to tie your outfit together.
This is a strict rule in formal settings: black with black, dark brown with dark brown, tan with tan.
In casual settings, your options for matching belt and shoes are a bit more flexible. But you should keep tones in the same family to maintain a polished appearance.
As for buckle metal, match it with other accessories like your watch or cufflinks.
Choose the right color and finish
Black belts are best for formal or business wear. Choose a minimalist polished belt and pair with gray, navy, or black pants.
Brown belts are more versatile, suiting business-casual and everyday outfits. They come in a range of colors from light tan to deep chestnut.
Unique tones like oxblood, navy, or gray are great for adding personality or coordinating with standout shoes or accessories. Choose these when you’re dressing to impress or want to subtly stand out.
In terms of finish, polished finishes are better for formalwear, while matte and textured finishes are more casual. The exception is exotic leather, which a savvy dresser can use to stand out in any setting.
Pick the right size belt for you
When choosing men’s leather belts, follow the two-inch rule: choose a belt that’s two inches larger than your waist size.
This accounts for the extra length needed to wrap through the buckle and secure in the middle hole, which is usually the third of five. This ensures a clean look with neither too much extra length nor a tight squeeze.
Styling men’s leather belts for every occasion
Choosing the right clothes and shoes can be tough. But with these foolproof Strap and Stride combinations, Martin Dingman takes the guesswork out of looking your best.
A workday look that commands respect
Sleek and refined dress belts are made for structured, formal outfits.
Pair a classic Luca Luxe Italian Calf Leather Belt in black or walnut with oxfords, tailored trousers, a crisp button-down shirt, and a suit jacket.
For fashion-forward business-casual settings like the tech sector, experiment with the Landon Hand Laced Saddle Leather Belt with blue waxed cording.
Keep it classy with weekend casual
A simple matte option with visible grain like the Bill Royal Bullhide Leather Belt gives you a timeless casual look.
If you want greater flair, try the river rock Franklin Italian Saddle Leather Belt, studded Andrea Italian Bridle Leather Belt, or the Artisan “X” Italian Bridle Leather Belt with elegant stitching and antique silver hardware.
Whichever you choose, wear with denim or chinos, casual button-down shirts or tees, and a matching pair of loafers, sneakers, or boots.
Make a statement at big events
The unique texture of exotic leather belts makes them perfect for standing out with a bold statement piece. These belts go best with upscale evening wear, business-casual outfits, or fashion-forward settings.
You have a great deal of choice, from the more subtle American Plains Bison Belt to a stylish sapphire South Africa Ostrich Nubuck Belt or an arresting Hand Painted Caiman Crocodile Belt. But keep the rest of your outfit simple and let the belt be the focal point to avoid looking too elaborate.
Leather belt care and longevity tips
Should you hang or roll during storage?
Many people roll belts for storage so they take up less space.
This is fine for flexible woven belts. But tightly rolling leather belts can create permanent bends or cracks that spoil your look.
It’s better to hang men’s leather belts vertically on a belt rack or hook. This helps them maintain their natural shape and prevents creasing.
Keep it supple with cleaning and conditioning
- Cleaning: Wipe your leather belt with a soft, dry cloth after each wear to remove sweat, dust, and oils. For deep cleaning, use a damp microfiber cloth with a small dab of mild leather cleaner. Never use soap or harsh detergents on a leather belt.
- Conditioning: Apply leather conditioner every few months (or when the leather starts to feel dry) to keep your belt supple and prevent cracking. Apply a dime-sized amount of premium leather conditioner to a microfiber cloth and work in gently using circular motions.
Polishing: Use a high-quality leather polish that matches your belt’s color to maintain its shine and depth. When in doubt, always apply less.
Avoid these common belt care mistakes
- Overbending: Folding belts sharply – like over a chair or rolled up in a tight drawer – causes creases and weakens the leather over time.
- Moisture exposure: Leather absorbs water, which can stain or warp it. Avoid wearing leather belts in heavy rain.
- Forced drying: Never dry men’s leather belts with an external heat source like a hair dryer or radiator. This can cause the moisture to evaporate too quickly and lead to cracking.
- Excessive sunlight: Direct sunlight can dry or crack leather. Store your leather belts in a cool, shaded space.
Neglecting rotation: Rotate between several belts instead of wearing the same one every day. This gives the leather time to rest and helps it maintain its shape.
Invest in versatile men’s leather belts from Martin Dingman
A tasteful belt that matches your shoes is the perfect capstone to a gentlemanly outfit.
Most men need to wear a belt every day, whether at work or on a weekend getaway. By taking care of the details, you can effortlessly enhance your look.
For premium comfort and exquisite style, invest in versatile leather belts from Martin Dingman. Beautifully crafted and built to last, premium leather belts and other Martin Dingman accessories bring you many years of distinguished style.
