The best belts for men are often the unsung heroes of your outfit. You might not spend a lot of time thinking about belts but when the occasion calls for it, the right belt is essential for holding up your look—quite literally. Our advice: Don’t wait until you’re getting dressed for a big event to realize you need a new belt. Here, we rounded up suggestions—from the best dress belts for men to pair with workwear, jeans and more—along with pointers for avoiding any belt style blunders.

The best belts for men are stylish, durable and versatile with different pants. Ladies Belt

Our top pick overall: Flint And Tinder’s 365 Belt 2.0,a handsome leather design that pairs well with almost every type of pants, from formal to casual. For a rugged, everyday option that’s great with jeans specifically, we like L.L. Bean 1912 Jean Belt. Ahead, you’ll find all our recommendations, and for more wardrobe advice, we also have guides to the best work pants for men and most comfortable dress shoes.

Detroit-based Shinola specializes in quality leather designed in the U.S., whether for watches or accessories. Their popular Reversible Belt is one long sturdy leather band that you cut to your preferred length, with sharp scissors at home. It’s also reversible—black on one side, tan on the other—which really gives you two belts in one.

What the reviews say: While some buyers note this belt's high price point, many point out the soft texture and stylish versatility that make it a worthy investment.

Sizes: 30 to 46 | Material: Leather | Width: 1.5 inches | Colors: 2 total, including Black and Brown

Tom Ford’s leather goods, from wallets to belts, are a polished, sophisticated choice for guys. The Reversible Logo belt is cut from 100% calf leather and comes in black with either navy or brown on the reverse. The neutral colors look great with chinos, jeans and dress pants, making this a pick you’ll get a lot of value out of it.

What our fashion editor says: “Designer belts can often be too showy. I like how the T logo on Tom Ford’s belt is functional and understated, for a guy who likes luxury but doesn’t feel the need to show off.” —Kari Molvar, Forbes Vetted

Braided in a woven design with calf leather tabs and a textured finish, Faherty’s belt has a casual feel that’s great on weekends or less formal WFH days. The buckle can be notched anywhere for a flexible fit, which adds to the comfort factor.

What the reviews say: Commenters love that this well-made belt comes in versatile colors for a casual but chic look. A few remark that the sizes run small.

Sizes: 32 to 44 | Material: Leather | Width: 1.5 inches | Colors: 2 total, including Umber and Midnight

Sizes: 34 to 44 | Material: Viscose, rubber and leather | Width: 1.25 inches | Colors: Navy

Sizes: 32 to 42 | Material: Leather | Width: 1.18 inches | Colors: 3 total, including Dark Tan and Black

Dress belts are often cut a little leaner, so they don’t add unnecessary bulk to suit pants or those made from finer wool. A traditional design should be on the simple side, without too many distracting bells and whistles. Charles Tyrwhitt’s bestseller strikes the right tone, with polished leather, an embossed logo and single-prong buckle.

What the reviews say: Many note the quality, soft leather and sophisticated look of this dress belt but some would prefer a larger width.

What the reviews say: Despite its shorter length, buyers appreciate the longevity of this belt's durable leather, as well as its elegant design.

Sizes: 30 to 40 | Material: Leather | Width: 1.25 inches | Colors: 3 total, including Light Brown and Black

If you want one belt that can go from dressy to casual, Bonobos’s belt works well for both scenarios. It’s cut from 100% leather in a 1.25-inch width that speaks to its formal feel while the range of colors—from light brown to black—add style and versatility for more laidback situations.

What the reviews say: Buyers praise this belt’s comfortable fit, making it a dressy addition to your wardrobe. A few note that the brown color is lighter than shown on the website.

Sizes: 30 to 40 | Material: Polypropylene, latex | Width: 1.25 inches | Colors: 6 total, including Black and Navy Grey

While Bonobos’s Clubhouse belt is technically designed for the golf course, it pairs stylishly with jeans and shorts, too. It has a slim 1.25 inch width, built-in stretch and a woven texture that allows you to buckle the clasp at any point on the band.

Sizes: 30 to 44 | Material: Leather, canvas | Width: Not given | Colors: 2 total, including Vineyard Navy (reversible to Brown) and Grey Harbor (reversible to Brown)

Vineyard Vines’ reversible belt gives you two looks in one: The first side consists of Italian leather, and the other is mixed with striped canvas. It’s finished with a metal buckle and leather tab for a look you can easily dress up or down.

At Forbes Vetted, we are a group of writers and editors with extensive backgrounds in fashion and lifestyle. Our take on fashion is straightforward: We appreciate stylish clothing, but we also know it must be practical. We’re constantly on the hunt for the standouts in every category, from the best wallets to the best work pants for men. We meticulously research and test clothing and accessories to ensure they’re high quality and perform well—so you can feel confident buying them.

We also took price and trustworthiness of each brand into consideration to ensure our picks work for a variety of budgets and deliver excellent value. We also regularly update this story to make sure we’re providing the best, most accurate recommendations. This story was last updated in November 2023.

Leather belts are timeless and durable, with full-grain leather usually being the highest quality option. For a more casual look, explore fabric or canvas belts. Make sure you know your accurate waist size (measure the part of your waist where you want the belt to sit) and then select a belt size that corresponds to it. The right fit is important for both comfort and style. If you find that there is a significant amount of belt hanging after you've fastened it, it’s likely too long. If you struggle to fasten the belt or there's very little overlap of the belt ends, it's too short.

Think about the style and color of the belt. The buckle style should match your preferences and the occasion. A classic single-prong buckle is versatile for everyday while a double-prong buckle can add a touch of personality. Regarding color, black and brown belts are versatile choices that complement a variety of outfits. Coordinating the belt color with your shoes is another way to create a polished look.

Pay close attention to the finishing details: Look for well-stitched seams, even edges and a solid buckle fastening. A high-quality belt should last and maintains its appearance over time. Well established leather brands like Shinola, Flint And Tinder and Tecovas are known for their commitment to craftsmanship and durability. It might be worth it to invest a bit more in a belt that will last, since it’s a long-term accessory that you’ll get a lot of use out of.

I’m a reporter on Forbes’ Money in Politics team, where I investigate all things related to the intersection of money and politics, including megadonors, fundraising organizations, the wealth of those holding or seeking public office, and the leadup to the 2024 elections. Before coming to Forbes, I had bylines at The Dartmouth (the nation's oldest college newspaper) and the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. For tips, questions and comments, feel free to email kmullins@forbes.com.

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