The 3 men's belts every man should have in his wardrobe

De 3 herenriemen die elke man in zijn garderobe zou moeten hebben
R. van Leer Productgids

A man doesn't need ten belts. Three are enough, if you choose the right ones. One dress belt for formal occasions, one sturdy jeans belt for daily use, and one casual belt that you can wear with everything. Together, they cover almost every situation. Men's belts are generally made in basic colors like black, brown, cognac, and camel, and that is exactly why they are so versatile. In this guide, we explain which three belts you need and what to look for when choosing.

Which three belts does a man need?

1. The dress belt

A men's dress belt is narrower than a jeans belt and has a sleek, simple buckle. It pairs easily with a suit, trousers, or chinos. Opt for smooth leather in black or brown, and you can wear it with both business and smart-casual outfits.

2. The rugged jeans belt

A men's jeans belt is wider and sturdier. It is made to fit through the belt loops of a pair of jeans and typically features a robust buckle. Cognac and brown are classic colors that you can easily combine with denim.

3. The casual all-rounder

This is the belt you grab when you don't need to be formal but still want to look well-groomed. Think of a braided belt or a suede belt. Both are less stiff than a smooth leather dress belt and add more character to your outfit without being over the top.

Which belts fit this principle?

Below are four concrete options that fit the three categories.

Suede men's belt cognac — € 39.95 A 4 cm wide suede belt in cognac. Suede has a matte, slightly more rugged appearance than smooth leather. Easy to wear with jeans, chinos, or casual trousers. This is a great example of a casual all-rounder. If you want more choices in this material, view the range of suede men's belts.

Red-brown unisex belt — € 39.96 A leather belt in red-brown, a color that is slightly warmer than standard brown. Red-brown combines easily with jeans or chinos and works as both a jeans belt and a dressier everyday belt, depending on the width and buckle.

Brown 3 cm wide braided belt for men — € 29.95 A braided belt in brown, 3 cm wide. The braided pattern makes it more relaxed in character than a smooth leather belt. Wear it with chinos or jeans in an informal setting. You can find more options in this type among the braided men's belts.

Elastic blue men's belt — € 29.95 An elastic belt in blue. Elastic belts are comfortable because they move with your body. Blue is a slightly unconventional color for a men's belt, but it pairs easily with grey or navy trousers.

Which belt should you choose if you can only buy one?

Start with the casual all-rounder, because you will use it the most. A suede belt in cognac or brown, or a braided belt, works with jeans as well as chinos and is therefore the most versatile. Do you have a formal occasion? Then add a smooth leather dress belt in black or dark brown. The jeans belt is the third step, for those who wear denim daily and want a belt that can withstand it.

Check the category pages for the full range, or contact us if you are unsure about the size or type.

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Frequently asked questions

What is the appropriate width for a men's dress belt?

A dress belt for men is usually 25 to 30 mm wide. This width fits well with the loops of dress trousers. Wider belts look less formal and are better suited for jeans.

How do I choose the right size men's belt?

Take your trouser size in centimeters and add 15 to 20 cm to it. A man with a trouser size of 34 (86 cm) should therefore choose a belt of approximately 100 to 105 cm. The size of a belt is the total length, measured from the start of the leather to the middle hole.

What is the difference between a jeans belt and a casual all-rounder?

A jeans belt is usually 35 to 40 mm wide, made of sturdy leather, and features a robust buckle. A casual all-rounder is slightly narrower, around 30 to 35 mm, and has a more neutral design. This makes the all-rounder suitable for a wider variety of trousers and occasions.

Which material is the most durable for a men's belt?

Full-grain leather is the most durable and ages more beautifully than split leather or faux leather. Split leather is cheaper but does not last as long. For daily use, full-grain cowhide is a good choice for all three belt types.

Can I buy three different belts with the same color buckle?

That is possible, but not all manufacturers offer this. Silver-colored and gold-colored buckles are most commonly available in various belt styles. If a uniform look is important to you, check within a single brand or collection to see if the buckles match.

About the author

R. van Leer began his career with his own tannery in Chaam. He subsequently gained over fifty years of experience in various roles within the leather industry. He understands the entire process, from the selection and processing of hides to the application of leather in a high-quality end product.

Thanks to his extensive material knowledge, practical experience, and keen eye for quality, he knows exactly what to look for. Craftsmanship, sustainability, and honest advice are always at the heart of this. He is happy to share this knowledge with the world.