Why do belts come in different sizes?
A belt has a fixed length. Your body has a specific circumference. The two must correspond — which is why belts are made in sizes. The belt size indicates the total length of the belt, measured from the buckle to the middle hole, and roughly corresponds to the circumference at the point where you wear the belt. If you buy a belt that is too large, the end will stick out far past the buckle. If it is too small, you won't even reach the middle hole. Belts are therefore produced in fixed size increments, so that you can find a belt for every body size that fits well. Below you can read how this sizing works, what the differences are between men's and women's belts, and how to determine the right size.
How is a belt size determined?
The belt size is the total length of the belt in centimeters, measured from the buckle to the middle hole. That size roughly corresponds to your circumference at the point where you wear the belt. If you measure that circumference at 90 cm, you choose belt size 90.
Why is the circumference the deciding factor, not the trouser size?
Your trouser size says something about the fit of your trousers, not about the circumference of your body at the place where you wear the belt. The two differ. Therefore, always use the size charts to go from your circumference to the correct belt size. For men's belts, for example: a hip circumference of 87-92 cm corresponds to trouser size 48 and belt size 90. For women's belts, that same circumference corresponds to trouser size 38 and belt size 90.
What about hip belts versus trouser belts?
You wear a trouser belt through the loops of your trousers. A hip belt, also known as a waistband, is worn more loosely on the hips. The wearing position differs, and therefore so does the circumference you need to measure. Always measure at the place where the belt will actually be worn, not at your waist or based on your clothing size.
Why do women's belts come in more sizes and widths than men's belts?
With women's belts, you see a greater variation in width. That has a practical reason: women's clothing does not have a fixed loop width like a pair of jeans or a suit does for men. Men's trousers have loops that are rarely wider than 5 cm, which means men's belts generally stay within that width. For women's belts, width is more often a fashion choice than a technical limitation.
Why are there also more color options for women's belts?
Women's belts appear more often in fashion colors. This has to do with the material: synthetic leather is easier to produce in specific colors than full-grain leather, and women's belts are more often made of synthetic leather. This allows a manufacturer to respond more quickly to changing color trends. Men's belts are more often made in basic colors such as black, brown, cognac, camel, gray, and blue, because those colors are broadly combinable.
Are belts also made in children's sizes?
Yes. Children's belts follow the same sizing logic: the belt size corresponds to the circumference at the wearing position. The sizes are smaller, but the way of measuring remains the same.
What if a belt cannot be shortened?
Some belts have a fixed length and cannot be shortened. In that case, measuring your circumference at the wearing position is even more important. You have no margin: the belt must be the correct size. Always check whether the offered size matches your circumference before ordering.
How many holes does a belt have and where is the middle one?
A standard belt has five holes. The middle hole is the third, and that is the hole on which the size is based. The two holes above and below give you some adjustment room if your circumference changes slightly.