belt-buckles

[whitelighter27]

For some reason belts in department stores today have huge, heavy buckles. I used to be able to find ones with buckles that were light-weight, simple and elegant. The belt I bought recently though, didn't fare too well (see picture). Not to mention these new buckles are ugly. Does anyone know why they've started making this way, and whose idea it was? Also, can I find ones like they used to make?

 

[adrianvo]

For some reason belts in department stores today have huge, heavy buckles. I used to be able to find ones with buckles that were light-weight, simple and elegant. The belt I bought recently though, didn't fare too well (see picture). Not to mention these new buckles are ugly. Does anyone know why they've started making this way, and whose idea it was? Also, can I find ones like they used to make?

I recommend taking a look at western belts, they usually have a more classic design and smaller buckles:

I guess it depends on your own subjective taste, but I like 'em.

I don't think you'll find a good answer to why the fashion industry makes certain decisions. I don't think it's supposed to make sense, most of the time.

 

[ValidusLA]

Equus makes nice belts with a range of buckles.

As far as the oversized buckles. Been trending upwards for a while. Its much like watches - so many huge ones now that look ridiculous.

People want prominent accessories. They think it helps them "stand out."

 

[dieworkwear]

About ten years ago, I bought a few belts from Brooks Brothers. I think they were $150 at full retail and $100-ish on sale. In my experience, the quality of their belts is really good, but the company has also fallen on hard times in the last six years. I'm not as confident about recommending them anymore, but you may want to check there.

Department stores don't generally sell nice things anymore, so that goes for belts as well.

 

[whitelighter27]

Ok, thanks for the info.

 

[paxonus]

Take a look at Allen Edmonds;

 

[johng70]

The problem isn't the buckle, it's the cheap belt. After all, the buckles shown here are really just sized for the belt - it's not like they're unnecessarily wide or thick. I have AE and Equus belts and others and they're not narrower than what you posted. They don't have the metal keeper and, if you notice on the other belts how a quality belt attaches to the buckle vs the belt you showed.
Tim Hardy is another English company - not as many options as Equus but still bridle leather and just as well made at a better cost.

 

[TheChihuahua]

For some reason belts in department stores today have huge, heavy buckles. I used to be able to find ones with buckles that were light-weight, simple and elegant. The belt I bought recently though, didn't fare too well (see picture). Not to mention these new buckles are ugly. Does anyone know why they've started making this way, and whose idea it was? Also, can I find ones like they used to make?

spend the money on a proper belt. Allen Edmonds belts are solid.

my favorite these days is Brookes and Hyde from Cincinnati. Reasonable prices and good quality. I just ordered my 4th belt from them.
They use a rivet to fasten a piece of leather around the base of the buckle.
My Allen Edmonds stitches that leather piece, and it’s still nice. I like the rivet as a personal preference, sort of a reminder that it’s well made when you see it, and provides a little give/turn as you wear it throughout the day.

https://brookesandhyde.com/