Belts

[nycguy]

It seems as if belts are hardly touched upon on this forum (at least not nearly as much as shoes, ties, etc.). Is that because there is less of a difference among belt brands, so long as you match your belt to your shoe?

If anybody disagrees, is there a belt brand you'd recommend?

 

[Roger]

Originally Posted by nycguy

It seems as if belts are hardly touched upon on this forum (at least not nearly as much as shoes, ties, etc.). Is that because there is less of a difference among belt brands, so long as you match your belt to your shoe?

If anybody disagrees, is there a belt brand you'd recommend?
I think that there's a lot that can be said about belts. Differences in buckle shape, size, and color, width of strap, color of strap, whether the leather is plain or patterned, drop-edged or not and with or without edge stitching, and other characteristics all establish the belt's suitability and effectiveness in a particular ensemble.

For wear with a suit I prefer the following characteristics: buckle that is relatively small, rectangular, of a "skeleton" form (i.e., just the edges of the rectangle, not filled in the center), of the same color as my jewelry (watch, cufflinks, and tie clasp), strap 1 1/8"-wide (this should be governed by one's height; I'm 6 ft. even), domed, plain, of a color approximately that of my shoes (perhaps a little lighter or darker, but the same basic color, e.g., brown), with a stitched drop edge, and with double leather (not metal) keepers. A good example is the Allen-Edmonds Basic Dress Belt shown below:

http://www.zappos.com/n/p/dp/620124/c/8609.html

As for brands, I like Allen-Edmonds, Crookhorn (who at one time made the A-E belts and may still do so), Trafalgar, and Zegna (which are a little wider, but very nice). Belts are always available in large numbers on eBay, where you'll find prices half of retail or less.

The guy we really need to come on here is Meaculpa; this guy's an expert in belts and can clue us in to some more subtle details.

 

[Tomasso]

Some people put very little thought into their choice of a belt while others.......................

 

[Margaret]

Is there terminology that distinguishes buckles where the leather attaches to the outer edge of the rectangle, as opposed to those where the leather attaches to a vertical post that bisects the rectangle? Do you know what I mean?

Edit:



vs.



Is one considered dressier than the other?

 

[Tomasso]

Standard or heal bar



Center bar


While both styles can be dressed up or down, depending on design and materials, the standard bar is the more common choice for a dress buckle.

 

[Margaret]

Danke!

 

[kabert]

I've been impressed with belts from Paul Stuart (www.paulstuart.com) and Robert Talbott. I've got a couple from Delonghi that seem to be well-made too. Trafalgar belts seem to get alot of press and mention (and I'm wearing one today), but I don't think they are much above middle-of-the-road.

 

[saddleoxford]

I purchased all of these belts from Sarar in Dallas.

[/IMG]

 

[Jovan]

I hate belts. With suits, anyhow. I prefer buckled Daks tops. If I wear anything with khakis it's usually a navy web belt. Comfortable, fully adjustable (since no notches in regular belts seem to be my exact size), and has an understated elegance. I currently have only a D-ring type one, but I'm looking into getting one with a silver or brass buckle and tip.

 

[royal618]

Originally Posted by lawyerdad

Pardon my ignorance, but what is a "buckled Daks top"? Something akin to what some people call "side tabs", or something entirely different?

I'd say so. Only having ever heard the former term, but the latter term is perfectly descriptive for what they are.

I've just about given up on finding the right match for a red-brown pair of shoes I own. Any suggestions on what one should do when you've exhausted your initial options, or what to do when you can't find a close match - or perhaps I'm overly fussy.

 

[gza]

Originally Posted by royal618

I've just about given up on finding the right match for a red-brown pair of shoes I own. Any suggestions on what one should do when you've exhausted your initial options, or what to do when you can't find a close match - or perhaps I'm overly fussy.

Perhaps you could start with a belt in a reasonably close shade, and then begin polishing it with the same wax/cream you use on the shoes. Or even just apply a red polish to a brown belt.

 

[royal618]

I've been using Neutral.. Guess it's time to change that habit.

 

[sho'nuff]

Originally Posted by saddleoxford

I purchased all of these belts from Sarar in Dallas.

[/IMG]


what is the brand name of that delicious shoe?

 

[LabelKing]

I really like belts and belt buckles. Some may maintain that suits are best with braces but I protest.

 

[misterjase]

hear hear. suits are not best with braces. braces are for fogies.

what do people prefer so far as material for buckle is concerned?