Cowboy belts are the most essential element of any western wear. As a fashion accessory, they go great with anything; jeans, skirts, or even shorts! Choosing the right belt is more difficult than you might think. There are many different styles and types to choose from–leather belts, braided leather belts, decorative buckles on straps–the list goes on and on!
If you’re looking for something simple yet versatile that will last for years to come without breaking your wallet in half, an all-leather belt is your best bet. If you want something more fancy but still durable enough for everyday use, braiding or decoration is what you need. Whatever style of cowboy belt suits your needs best, here’s how to choose one.
Know Your Measurements
First of all, you need to know your measurements! Using a flexible measuring tape, measure the circumference of your hips, right where your belt will rest. Take that number and add a half inch for a more comfortable fit. Don’t forget to include the size of the buckle in there also!
If you’ve got bigger hips or a wider waistline, keep in mind that you’ll need a bigger belt for it to be able to loop around your entire waist. Also, a boys leather belt has smaller loops than girl belts because males generally have slimmer waists.
Know What You Need It For
Are you looking for something to wear with more of a business casual outfit? If so, plain leather or braiding is the way to go. Plain belts tend to be bigger than decorative ones- usually more than two inches wide. They’re more suitable for looser clothing like khakis and polos rather than tighter clothes like jeans and skirts.
On the other hand, braided belts tend to be smaller than plain ones because it adds decoration that’s visible between the belt loops of your pants. Loops are closer together on these types of belts too, which makes it perfect for pairing with denim.
Decorative buckles on straps are just what they sound like- fancy buckles on leather straps! They tend to be less than two inches wide and are best worn with skinnier jeans or skirts.
Choose What Best Fits You
Make sure you pick a cowboy belt that will fit your needs! If you’re shopping around for something for everyday wear, braided or decorated might be more suited for your style. Whatever you choose, make sure it’s something that’ll fit on your waist and hold up to daily use.
