Belts are oftentimes an overlooked accessory in our closets. Although belts are typically seen as just another tool to hold your pants up, they are an integral part of anyone’s wardrobe. They pull your look together to create a professional and put-together image!
However, it’s not as simple as picking the first belt you find and sliding it into your belt loops; there’s actually a lot that goes into picking the best belt for your outfit. For instance, casual belts would just look silly paired with a nice pair of slacks. That’s why having a simple, black dress belt on the rack is extraordinarily important for those important moments.
But how do you wear a dress belt, and properly at that? Luckily, we’re giving you the lowdown on how to properly wear a dress belt for your next big event.
1. Choosing your belt
While it may seem silly, it’s essential to put thought into your belt choice: especially when it comes to a dress belt. For more formal and professional occasions, we recommend choosing a neutral-colored (specifically, black) belt made with a leather-like material. The Doshi Professional 1 Crossgrain Belt is a fantastic option: it’s simple, sturdy, and complete with a silver, gently flared belt buckle.
The belt buckle is particularly important when it comes to choosing your dress belt. For instance, wearing a belt with a glitzy, distracting belt buckle may not be the best choice for a professional work meeting.
While belts can add an element of fun to your wardrobe, and fun buckles can certainly have their time to shine, it’s best to have a go-to belt that’s sleek, clean, and able to go with many pieces in your wardrobe.
Bonus tip: it’s always best to match your belt with your shoes for a cohesive, stylish look.
2. Sizing your belt
Like your pants, choosing the correct size for your dress belt is an extremely important step. When buying a belt in a store, it’s best to consult with a sales associate who can measure you and point you in the direction of your perfectly sized belt.
Belts that are too big can result in the belt tail being too long, and belts that are too small can appear short, with the tail barely going through the first loop of your belt.
However, when shopping online, getting your perfect dress belt size can get a little dicey. Luckily, Doshi has a great sizing guide that makes belt shopping simple. For our Doshi men’s belts, simply choose the belt that matches your typical pants size!
Along with this, be sure to follow the general rule of thumb when it comes to finding the perfect dress belt. If you’re stuck between two sizes, always choose the larger size! It’s much easier to cut and alter the belt to be smaller rather than bigger.
To that same degree, remember that most good quality belts have five holes and that the pin of the buckle should typically go through the third (or middle) hole. This ensures that the belt’s tail size will be in the correct proportion.
3. Wearing your belt
While this can seem extremely self-explanatory, there’s actually a right and wrong way to wear a dress belt. Therefore, it’s best to follow these rules to ensure you’re wearing your belt correctly.
- Insert your belt through the left-side loops first.
- Secure your belt through the third hole and slide the tail through the first loop of your pants.
- Be sure to sit and walk around to make sure your belt is comfortable and not too tight.
Finally, it’s always best to keep the rule of the “gig line” in your head when you’re wearing a belt. The gig line is the line that runs down the center of your torso, following the line of your trouser fly. When wearing a belt, make sure the buckle is in the center, with the end of your belt buckle following the gig line.
Remember that your belt should be not only functional but comfortable as well!
Polished, Professional, and Put Together
As you suit up for your next big meeting, work day, wedding, or any other special occasion, keep these tips and tricks in mind to look polished, professional, and properly dressed no matter what!
