Trend: Wide belts for women

Trend: Brede heupriemen voor dames
R. van Leer Trend

A wide women's belt is wider than a standard belt loop and is worn on the hip or waist, either separately from trousers or threaded through them. This article showcases three specific models from the current collection at Afdeling Riemen: a bronze leather belt with a silver buckle, a grey drop belt, and a cognac hip belt. The selection is intended for those who consciously choose width as a defining feature and want to know which model suits which situation.

Why wide belts for women are relevant now

Wide belts for women are visible in multiple style directions this season. The belt is worn not only through loops but also draped loosely over a dress, skirt, or long sweater as a hip belt. The latter use requires a belt with supple leather and rounded edges so that the belt does not curl up on the hip. Women's belts differ from men's belts in that they appear more often in fashion colors and are made in wider sizes. Men's belts generally remain narrower due to the width of trouser loops. This limitation is less of a factor with women's belts, allowing for wider models in colors such as cognac, grey, and bronze. Wide women's belts are available in leather and faux leather, with faux leather making it easier to quickly capitalize on seasonal colors.

Explanation per model

Bronze wide women's belt 6 cm leather with satin silver buckle (€ 39.95)

This is a 6 cm wide leather belt with a satin silver buckle. The combination of bronze and silver is unusual: bronze as the leather color, silver as the buckle color. That contrast stands out due to the color shift between belt and buckle. The belt is suitable for those who want to make a bold statement. If you wear it loosely over a dark dress or skirt, the color of the leather stands out well. The satin finish of the buckle reflects less light than a polished buckle, which gives the belt a subtle finish despite the striking color contrast. Leather bends more flexibly than faux leather in wide models, which makes a noticeable difference in how a 6 cm wide belt sits on the hip.

Wide grey marl drop belt (€ 39.95)

A women's drop belt hangs loosely down the side, unlike a belt that sits tightly around the hip or waist. This model is grey marl, a color that appears less frequently in belts and therefore stands out in the collection. Grey marl is a neutral color that combines with black, white, and earth tones. The drop belt is a model for those who want to wear the belt as a visible accessory, not as a functional fastener. If you wear it over a long sweater or cardigan, the belt hangs freely at the side. For those curious about the terminology: the differences between a hip belt, waist belt, and wide belt are explained in the article what is the difference between a wide belt, hip belt, and waist belt?

Wide leather hip belt cognac (€ 29.95)

Cognac is a warm brown tone with a light orange undertone. This model is a leather hip belt in that color and, at € 29.95, is the most accessible of the three. A hip belt is worn on the hip, not at the waist. Therefore, measure your circumference at the spot where you will be wearing the belt to determine the correct size, not your trouser or waist size. Cognac combines easily with jeans, beige trousers, or a skirt in an earth tone. The leather gives the belt enough stiffness to be worn loosely over clothing without losing its shape. For those who want to wear the belt through loops: check whether the width of the belt fits within your trouser loops, as wide belts do not always fit through standard loops.

For a different type of accessory in the same vein, there are also chain belts for women, where the belt is partially or entirely made of links.

In conclusion

The three models in this article are each suitable for a different way of wearing: the bronze belt as a bold choice with color contrast, the grey drop belt as a loosely worn accessory, and the cognac hip belt as an accessible entry-level model in a versatile color. View the full range of women's waist belts if you are also looking for wider models for the waist. Unsure about the size? Measure the circumference at the spot where you will be wearing the belt and use the size chart to determine the correct belt size.

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Frequently asked questions

How do I measure my size for a wide waist belt?

Measure the circumference where you want to wear the belt, so on the hips and not at the waist. Use that measurement in centimeters to determine your belt size: for a hip circumference of 82 cm, choose belt size 85, not your trouser size. Measure the belt itself excluding the buckle, otherwise you will quickly order one that is 5 cm too long.

Can I also wear a wide waist belt through belt loops?

A wide hip belt like the 6 cm wide leather belt is not intended for that purpose. Belt loops on women's trousers are rarely wide enough for a 6 cm belt. A wide hip belt looks best worn loosely over a dress, skirt, or long sweater.

What is the difference between the bronze leather belt and the cognac leather waist belt?

The bronze belt is 6 cm wide and features a satin silver buckle, making it suitable as a statement accessory. The cognac hip belt is narrower and more affordable (€29.95 versus €39.95), and has a warmer brown color that pairs well with neutral outfits. Both are made of leather.

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.