Guide
Small but mighty: how to cheat yourself taller
by Vanessa Kim
Belt guide: find the right model
24.1.2020
Translation: machine translated
Do you wear a belt because you like it or because your trousers wouldn't hold up otherwise? If you haven't thought about this yet, it's about time. After all, there are one or two pitfalls when it comes to choosing a belt
You're not alone if the last thing you think of when it comes to your outfit is a belt. For many, it is simply a means to an end, for example to prevent a pair of trousers that are too big or a model with an elasticated waistband from slipping down. It is also usually covered by a jumper or shirt. A belt always works. Provided that the trousers have a belt loop. In recent years, the belt has evolved from a functional accessory to a decorative stylistic element. One that is becoming increasingly important due to the lack of alternatives. Not least because men have hardly any choice when it comes to accessories. And although the belt is neglected, there are a few sticking points when it comes to choosing the right colour, material, width and buckle.
The perfect measurements
Length:
What are the five holes for? I haven't thought about that yet. The logic behind it: Your belt is the ideal length if you can put the pin through the centre hole when closing it. The other four notches are there so that you can wear the belt with higher-fitting high-waist trousers or when you tuck a shirt into the waistband. What's more, there's nothing better than loosening the belt after a sumptuous meal. Ideally, it should be long enough so that you can easily pull it through the first loop. As soon as the end of the belt hangs down unattractively, it is too long. Tip: If you have a tummy bulge, I recommend that you don't tighten the belt, but make sure it sits loosely below your stomach.
Width:
When it comes to width, there are four different models: 4 centimetres wide for jeans, 3.5 centimetres for casual wear, 3.2 and 3 centimetres for a classic look and 2.5 centimetres for a casual outfit. If you want to limit yourself to one model, I recommend the golden mean: a belt with 3.5 centimetres is versatile, as it goes with any dress code. [[image:32291820 "A rounded look, even though the details are not colour-coordinated."]]
Material
Since you can recognise a faux leather belt from a distance, I recommend quality over quantity. You can recognise good quality by two-ply leather. For this, the cover leather is combined with lining leather: the two layers are glued together and then sewn together. This makes the belt high quality and durable. With artificial leather, either the top layer often comes loose or it breaks. It's best to buy two or three good models in black, brown and a slightly more eye-catching model for leisure. The latter category includes fabric models. But there are exceptions: braided belts. They are even suitable for business with a high-quality finish.
The buckle
The most striking detail on a belt is the buckle, which is available in various designs: the larger the belt, the more casual the dress code. This means that you can score points on an elegant occasion and in the office with a simple buckle. It should be small, unpretentious, flat and ideally in silver or gold. If you like, you can co-ordinate it with your wristwatch or tie pin. Double buckles and two-sided bow buckles belong in the casual category. This category also includes rough models, logos, clamp buckles or rivets. This model, which is not to be taken entirely seriously, is also debatable: [[video:126779]]
Accessories
In recent years, the golden style rule that belts and shoes must match has persisted. However, the colour doesn't have to be the same. It's enough if you stick to the same colour family. The important thing is that the material is the same. In other words: if you wear patent leather shoes, the belt should also be made of patent leather. If, on the other hand, you wear multi-coloured shoes including a mix of materials, it's enough to focus on one detail for the belt. But here too, exceptions prove the rule: never combine a white belt with white trainers. In this case, match the colour of the belt to the rest of the outfit. After all, the best is saved for last.
Here's the link to the men's belt range.
When I’m not exploring the depths of the sea as an open water diver, I enjoy plunging into the world of fashion. On the streets of Paris, Milan and New York is where I keep my eyes peeled for the latest trends. And I’ll show you how to take them from the catwalk to your everyday life.
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