A good leather belt can last for years, so it is worth choosing carefully. This guide covers the things that matter when buying a men's belt: width, material, buckle, colour and size. When you are ready to size, see our belt size guide.
Belt Width: 35mm or 40mm?
Width is the first thing to decide.
- 29 to 32mm: slim belts for smart trousers and dressier outfits, such as the British Bag Company 29mm lined leather belt.
- 35mm: the most versatile width, suitable for chinos, smart trousers and jeans. See our 35mm belts.
- 37 to 40mm: a wider, sturdier belt that suits jeans, cords and country wear. See our 40mm belts and the Hoggs of Fife 37mm leather country belt.
As a rule, choose a belt that fits your belt loops comfortably, and match the width to the formality of your trousers.
Leather Belt Types
Calfskin: smooth and refined, ideal for smart wear. The Robert Charles 3751 calfskin belt comes in black, brown, navy and red.
Hand brushed and burnished leather: a richer, more characterful finish for casual and country wear, such as the Robert Charles 1140 hand brushed belt and the 6307 burnished belt.
Patchwork leather: a colourful, distinctive option for casual outfits. Browse the patchwork belts.
Woven stretch belts: a leather and cotton blend that gives with movement, such as the Robert Charles 1003 woven stretch belt. See the cotton blend belts.
Plaited leather: a braided style for a relaxed look, such as the Dents plaited leather belt.
Canvas and Webbing Belts
For outdoor use and work, a webbing belt is light and hardwearing. The Deerhunter canvas stretch belt is a comfortable everyday option, and the 5.11 TDU belt suits tactical and practical use.
Which Colour Belt?
Match your belt to your shoes or boots where you can. Black belts go with black shoes, and brown belts go with brown and tan footwear. A brown belt is the most flexible choice for country and casual wear.
How to Pick the Right Belt Size
A common rule is to choose a belt size about 2 inches larger than your trouser waist, so that you fasten it on the middle hole with room either way. For example, a 34 inch waist suits a 36 inch belt. Brands differ, so check the size chart and see our belt size guide.
Looking After a Leather Belt
Keep leather away from direct heat, let it dry naturally if it gets wet and rotate between belts to help them last. A leather conditioner can help keep the leather supple.
Men's Belt FAQs
What width belt should I buy? 35mm is the most versatile. Choose 40mm for jeans and country wear, and a slimmer belt for smart trousers.
What size belt do I need? Usually 2 inches larger than your trouser waist size.
Are Robert Charles belts real leather? The Robert Charles belts we stock are made from leather and are made in Italy. Check each product page for details.
For more about the brand, see our Robert Charles belts guide.
Shop Men's Belts at 4 Elements Clothing
Shop all men's belts or browse Robert Charles belts.
