Belts

[Nexus04]

Hello, following on from the denim thread, where the merits of "high end" denim and jeans has been discussed, I was wondering what belts members wear and why?
I would imagine that most people who wear a belt dont actually need them to keep their trousers up, but as a fashion accessory. Obviously some will need a belt due to something like weight loss and they like a particular pair of jeans or trousers. But it got me thinking that there are a huge range of belts available, some cheap and some very expensive, so what do you wear and why? What makes you buy a certain brand? Is it quality, fit, value for money?
You guys who spend up to £300 on a pair of jeans do you just chuck a cheap old belt on with them or go for something equally high end and expensive?

[RobM]

In my opinion a man who goes out without a belt on hasn't finished dressing, so I have a good mix of belts. For anything leather it's worth spending a reasonable sum of money; not hundreds, but you can buy decent quality in the £30-60 price range. These should last a lifetime too.
I then mix it with a variety of other non-leather belts, which don't need to be expensive at all. I tend to choose these for the colour to match into outfits, match to watch straps, shoes etc etc. I like having things just a little bit coordinated, it takes minimal effort but can lift an ordinary outfit into something a bit better.

[dejjl]

Raw denim + 'Tanner Goods' belt.

They are available in their natural (leather) colour and as a result the colour changes beautifully over time. Their wallets are quality too.

[bonzo697]

I wear American clothes so my belts are typically from Coach, Dooney & Bourke, Trafalgar or O'Connells. I usually wear Surcingle but have a few plain leather too, and they're always slim with a brass horseshoe buckle.

[mrushton]

I buy them because they match something or I like that style. The Parma belts work with a lot of casual things and I've paid stupid money for MontBlanc which are a fancy buckle and ordinary calf leather and Berluti (to go with some shoes). You don't need to spend stupid money - it's just a belt. #2 gets it right

[jmitch]

There is already an extensive thread with recommendations here:
http://forum.tz-uk.com/showthread.php?312991

[mylofitz]

For casual wear, I quite like a quality leather belt that I can match to the buckle of my choosing. I was recently in Ruthin and came across a small shop where a lady was making all sorts of leather goods - belts, bags, dog collars etc. I bought a belt and my wife commissioned a shoulder bag. Lovely quality and all beautifully hand made.

http://www.hideawayruthin.co.uk/

I've also used Geoff Wood and Tom Stemson who are both excellent leather workers.

[nunya]

If your trousers / jeans fit you properly you do not need a belt.
Might don't so I do, a nice italian leather one for smart stuff, no idea how much or where from TBH
For casual wear a black nylon QuikSilver with one of those fold over clasps, had it for decades

[Zolawinston]

Andersons are the best belts imo, they seem to have designed one for most occasions and are definitely the best I've found to go with jeans.

[TikTokTrev]

Another vote for Tanner Goods....

[snowman]

If your trousers / jeans fit you properly you do not need a belt.

I've often wondered about this, but is it true?

Maybe I just don't spend enough on clothes (I certainly don't according to some on here - I usually spend less on suits than some suggest is the minimum spend on a belt in the other thread!), but trousers (jeans especially) are either too big around the waist (and need a belt) or too tight over the thighs (but don't).

I guess you can get tailored jeans, but even when I've dabbled with brand name, supposedly good, jeans, the fit's been similar.

M

[Belligero]

^
New denim can loosen up significantly after the first few wearings, so it's sometimes advisable to get something that may initially seem a size too snug in order to achieve a proper final fit. Also, there are often significantly-different cuts available even within a given brand, so you should be able to find something works for you without tailoring.



Belt-wise, as long as the leather is of good quality and there's no visible branding, I'm happy. Bonus points if it's not sweatshop-produced.

[Fish]

Another to join the Tanner band wagon, got the 3 colours and taking an age to break in.

Fish

[Maris]

I've often wondered about this, but is it true?

Maybe I just don't spend enough on clothes (I certainly don't according to some on here - I usually spend less on suits than some suggest is the minimum spend on a belt in the other thread!), but trousers (jeans especially) are either too big around the waist (and need a belt) or too tight over the thighs (but don't).

I guess you can get tailored jeans, but even when I've dabbled with brand name, supposedly good, jeans, the fit's been similar.

M

I always wear a belt even if its not needed to hold my trousers up. I think you look half dressed without one.

[scrog10]

I had one of these delivered a couple of months ago.
I was very impressed with the quality with the options and price they are excellent value.
Delivery was around 2-3 weesk over Christmas so should be quicker this time of year.

http://www.itailorshoes.com/designbelts/

[Marios]

I had one of these delivered a couple of months ago.
I was very impressed with the quality with the options and price they are excellent value.
Delivery was around 2-3 weesk over Christmas so should be quicker this time of year.

http://www.itailorshoes.com/designbelts/

Very interesting, thanks for sharing. I'll be placing an order tonight

[Toshk]

Very impressed with this Devon made:

[Shoughie0]

For anything leather it's worth spending a reasonable sum of money; not hundreds, but you can buy decent quality in the £30-60 price range. These should last a lifetime too.

Anyone got recommendations for a formal black leather belt to wear with a suit for about £80 or less? Thanks in advance.

[Wolfie]

I had one of these delivered a couple of months ago.
I was very impressed with the quality with the options and price they are excellent value.
Delivery was around 2-3 weesk over Christmas so should be quicker this time of year.

http://www.itailorshoes.com/designbelts/

What a cool website... Do you have a pick of your belt as would be very interested to see the quality

Ben

[MonkeyBoy]

Following linked belt thread linked, I recently bought from Beaver Bush Craft. Excellent service and products.

[snowman]

Following linked belt thread linked, I recently bought from Beaver Bush Craft. Excellent service and products.

Oh come on, that's not REALLY a company is it????

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AvWfbIe4X_4

M

[MonkeyBoy]

Oh come on, that's not REALLY a company is it????

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AvWfbIe4X_4

M

LOL aka Shark Designs

[BaBa]

Anyone got recommendations for a formal black leather belt to wear with a suit for about £80 or less? Thanks in advance.

Whilst always trying to avoid wearing a belt with a suit or formal trousers, where essential I find these Paul Smith ones to be the most suitable from an appearance and comfort perspective:
http://www.paulsmith.co.uk/uk-en/sho...FUmeGwodQMYHYg

They are extremely soft and so suit fine suiting fabrics well, and are well made and durable. Can be found for less than £80 in sales and are widely stocked in online stores.

For all other purposes, Anderson's are best imo.

[Nexus04]

There is already an extensive thread with recommendations here:
http://forum.tz-uk.com/showthread.php?312991

Thanks for the link, I never thought to search the forums for Belts!

[Slamdoor]

I get my belts from Equusleather.co.uk. First class made to measure bridle leather belts. Got five of them and will last me out.

[Waldorf]

IMO some of the finest belt makers are in the UK. Top pic left to righ Ian Atkinson "Leodis Leatherwork" oak bark. 2 by Geoff Wood in Buffalo. Also 2 oak bark by Terry Dear 6mm thick but fantastically supple when broke in , triple harness stitched.
Good luck

[MB2]

Andersons are the best belts imo, they seem to have designed one for most occasions and are definitely the best I've found to go with jeans.

I am a big fan of these too - loads of colours, stretchy and infinitely adjustable - very comfortable.

http://www.matchesfashion.com/produc...d-belt-1030124

[mmgg1988]

RM Williams ones are really good for jeans etc. Bought one on a whim but have recently added another. I second Paul Smith for formal ones although the coating on the buckle of one of mine is wearing a bit now.

[Magsal]

I am a big fan of these too - loads of colours, stretchy and infinitely adjustable - very comfortable.

http://www.matchesfashion.com/produc...d-belt-1030124

Agree, Anderson are choice. Thoroughly recommend.

[mrushton]

Following linked belt thread linked, I recently bought from Beaver Bush Craft. Excellent service and products.

Is that name safe for work? Googling beaver bush may lead me to places I don't wish to go

[Red Steve]

Just bought 3 from this company based on a recommendation from a friend. Very impressed so far, plus their prices seems very competitive too.

https://www.beltstudio.co.uk