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Leather belts are a timeless accessory for any man who wants to make an outfit stand out. They are a staple in any wardrobe and have the effect of turning any casual look into a real head-turner. However, deciding which leather belt is the most suitable choice can be a confusing process due to the number of options there are available on the market. From skinny belts and statement buckles to thicker designs with auto-locking, there are so many new features to choose from. It is also important to note that a good leather belt should be as durable and sustainable as it is aesthetically pleasing and stylish. With so many things to factor into your decision, where do you even start?!
Well, to help you out in making the right decision on which leather belt will suit you and your style best, we’ve put together a helpful guide that also showcases our highest-rated leather belts of 2024.
Comparing the Top Leather Belts of 2024 in Detail
Buffway Belt — Best Overall
Key Features
- Made of 100% genuine cow-hide Italian leather
- Curved metal buckle sits flat on your waist
- Hook and loop closure is secure and adjustable
- 12-month refund and replacement guarantee by the company
- The thick strap measures 1.5” in width
Available in six different colors and in sizes ranging from 30 to 58, the Buffway Belt for Men is a great product for those who want more variety. Unlike recent market additions, this belt is as classic as it gets. The belt features a timeless hook and loop closure with a curved metal buckle that sits flat on your waist. Made of 100% Italian genuine cowhide leather, the materials are definitely high quality. What’s more, its design also pairs well with any outfit.
Lavemi Belt — Runner-Up
Key Features
- Made of 100% leather
- Available in 40+ colors and styles
- Can be adjusted in 38 ways for maximum comfort
- This belt has no holes
- The buckle is easy to remove for any trimming
- The auto-lock belt buckle is easy to use
Available in 40+ colors and styles, the Lavemi Men’s Real Leather Ratchet Dress Belt is a modern product that is hard to beat. Rather than coming in different waist sizes, this product only comes in two sizes: 22” to 44” and 44” to 52”. The belt is adjustable for all waist sizes falling within these two ranges, so you don’t have to worry about any sizes running bigger or smaller. If the strap is too long, you can always trim it. This belt does not have any holes, and it features an auto-lock buckle that is easy to use.
Dickie's Belt — Contender
Key Features
- Made of 100% genuine leather
- 14 different designs and styles to choose from
- Measures a standard 38mm in width
- Features a classic hook closure for easy use
- Hand wash to increase lifetime use
An affordable and casual choice, the Dickies Men’s Casual Leather Belt is a good option for those who just need a reliable belt for daily use. This product comes in 14 different colors and styles, with different buckle designs depending on your taste. It measures a standard 38mm in width and is made of 100% leather. It also features a classic hook closure. These belts are tough and made to last, making them an overall high-quality product at a great price.
Steve Madden Belt — Honorable Mention
Key Features
- Available in 10 styles
- Made of 50% leather and 50% polyurethane
- Design is classic making it good for everyday use
- Reversible, so it can be worn on both sides as black or brown
Very affordable yet stylish, the Steve Madden Men's Dress Casual Every Day Reversible Leather Belt is an excellent option for those looking for a leather belt to wear every day. This belt is made of 50% leather and 50% polyurethane and is available in 10 different styles. The design for this belt is quite classic, and you can wear it with both formal and casual outfits without raising any eyebrows.
This belt does run a bit small, however, so be sure to order 1 to 2 sizes up.
Timberland Belt — Also Consider
Key Features
- Made with 100% genuine leather
- Measures 38mm in length
- Quality materials make it heavy duty and secure
- Available in two colors with an additional rubber patch style option
- Good product at a great price
A great belt for the hard worker, the Timberland PRO Men’s 38mm Boot Leather Belt is a must-have for any heavy-duty leather belt enthusiast. This belt is one of the more affordable options on the market, making it a great choice for those on a budget. Available in two colors, black and brown, you even have the option of selecting a belt with a rubber patch. Made of 100% leather, this belt gives off a soft and smooth feel.
The only “issue” with this belt is that the sizes run small, so you should order one size up from your pant size.
Buyer's Guide: Finding the Right Leather Belt
As any fashion-forward man knows, a stylish leather belt is one accessory that has the ability to tie any outfit together. Classic, timeless, and extremely versatile, leather belts are always a statement piece, regardless of the occasion. However, this evergreen quality means that the experience of shopping for a belt can be no less than an adventure. With hundreds of options to choose from, ranging from belts with modern auto-lock buckles to the many different styles and fits, any buyer is bound to get overwhelmed and confused.
To make sure your shopping experience is seamless yet satisfying, we have developed this set of guidelines for you to follow. A good leather belt should be as comfortable and durable as it is stylish, so make sure you choose your final purchase with a lot of care. Browse through all your options and take note of your own body type and wardrobe preference before making any final commitment. But there is no need to fear, for we are here to help you with all your leather belt buying needs! Read below to find out more about which leather belt is perfect for you.
Types of Leather Belts
While browsing through the many options of leather belts available on the market, you may have noticed that there are two prominent descriptions with which belts are often advertised. This description is what defines what type of wear a leather belt is suited for. These descriptions can be condensed into two types of leather belts: casual belts and dress belts. Read on to find out which is the one for you!
Dress belts
Dress belts, as the name suggests, are to be worn on formal occasions. Ideally, you should buy a dress belt that matches the color of whatever formal footwear you have. If the material matches the shoes, then it is even better. Dress belts can be recognized by both their width and the material that they are made from. The width of a leather dress belt is usually around 1 ½” inches and the material is full-grain leather. This is incredibly important, as a formal dress belt should be of the highest grade of leather possible.
Casual belts
Casual belts, on the other hand, are to be worn for longer periods of time throughout the day. They are belts that are worn when lounging around the house, during any physical activity or menial work, or while running errands. These belts are typically wider and thicker than dress belts. Again, you should go for full-grain leather when selecting a casual belt, as it will be less likely to wear down and, thus, last longer.
The Grain of a Leather Belt: Why Does it Matter?
One of the first things that you should check when purchasing a leather belt is what grain of leather it is made from. The grain of the leather is an incredibly important factor, as it is what tells you what the quality, pattern, and texture were used when the belt was constructed. The best option is always a full-grain leather belt, as it is the highest grade of leather and therefore the best quality. Full-grain leather is taken from the top layer of whatever hide the leather is made from.
An alternative option to full-grain leather is top-grain leather, which can be thought of as second in terms of grade and quality. Top-grain leather does not include the outermost layer of the hide, and so it is not as thick and durable. Other than full-grain and top-grain, you will find bonded and corrected-grain leather belts as well, but you should definitely not opt for them as your first choice, as they are much less durable and will not last very long.
Other Things to Keep in Mind When Buying Leather Belts
There are a number of factors to keep in mind when shopping for leather belts, as even one thing overlooked could result in an awry purchase. There are so many designs and options to choose from nowadays, so being well prepared is what you should focus on.
Buckle
The buckle is an essential part of any leather belt, as it is what makes the overall look of the belt pop. You can find so many different types of buckles on the market nowadays, from the classic loop and hook closure to auto-lock buckles that snap into place; there is truly something for everyone. Buckles are made from both brass and zamac, and you can choose whichever one falls within your budget. The bigger the buckle, the more casual a belt is, so do keep that in mind when making your purchase.
Sizing
Sizing in belts is extremely important, as the wrong size can greatly affect both your look and fit. Usually, belts have five holes by which the waist size can be adjusted, mainly for ease of wear with different materials and body changes. An ideally sized belt is one where the buckle pin fastens exactly at the middle hole, with about 6 inches of leather leftover. An ideal length for any leather belt would be your hip size plus 6 inches.
Taking care of your leather belt
Once you buy a belt, taking care of it should be your top priority. Leather damages easily and must be dealt with carefully, so if you accidentally find dirt or residue on your leather belt, make sure to dab at it with a soft cloth and warm water. Do not rub or use extra force. If the stain is too deep, then some leather cleaner should do the trick.
However, the job does not end once the stain is removed. Constant friction causes the leather to lose some of its natural oils, and you’ll want to restore those with a leather conditioner. This can be done by applying a leather conditioner with a soft towel and letting it absorb into the belt for over a half hour.
