What are the belt requirements for men's suit styles?Commentary with popular brands
First consider the role of the belt in men's suit styles.
One of the roles of the belt is to "keep the shirt out". In the suit style, you can create a neat styling by keeping the shirt firmly in the pants.
In addition, it also has the function of "fitting the pants (slacks) so that they do not slip off." Pants with a built-in elastic cord are fine, but basically the slacks that match the suit are designed to slip off without a belt.
In addition to functionality, it also has the role of "adjusting the appearance and creating a fashionable atmosphere." You can show your true taste by choosing the right color to match the color of the suit, or by wearing luxury goods to create a luxurious atmosphere.
Points when choosing a belt
Next, let's check "What should I be careful about when choosing a belt that suits my suit style?"
design
There are various types of belts, such as "plain belts" that can be used in business scenes, "mesh belts" that can be used in casual scenes, and "suspenders" that can be used in formal scenes.
When choosing a belt to wear in the business scene, avoid gorgeous ones as much as possible and choose a plain belt with a simple design.
Especially in the case of occupations such as sales, where you often go to customers, if you wear a belt with a too flashy design, you may give a bad impression not only to yourself but also to the company, so you need to be more careful.
Belt length
The length of the belt is also important for wearing a business suit smartly. The plain belts used in the business scene are generally those with 5 holes.
And when you fasten the belt, you can create a smart look by adjusting it so that it is fastened in the third hole.
You can have the length of the belt adjusted at the time of purchase, or you can cut it yourself and adjust the length. If you are not confident, it is a good idea to have a specialty store make adjustments.
Belt width
The width of the belt is a surprisingly important point when choosing a belt. If you make the wrong choice, the belt may stand out too much when you take off your jacket.
The rule to keep in mind is that the narrower the belt, the more formal it is, and the thicker it is, the more casual it is. When choosing a business belt, try to avoid thick belts as much as possible.
"2.5 cm wide" and "2.7-3 cm wide" are recommended for the business scene. "Width 2.5 cm" is a relatively thin and classical type. "Width 2.7 to 3 cm" is the basic type. If you want to wear it in the business scene, there is no doubt that you can choose either of these two. Please select according to your preference.
Know the NG points
It is also an important point of selection to have a firm grasp of "belts that are NG in the business scene". First of all, try to avoid "plain belts that have a strong sense of casualness".
The aforementioned "mesh belt" is also not suitable for the business scene. Business belts should be simpler, so it is wise not to choose "mesh belts with a strong casual design".
Also, as explained in Belt Width, "wide belts" should be avoided. The optimum width of the belt to match with your business style is about "2.5 to 3.5 cm", so if you match a thicker belt, you will feel more casual.
Also, try to choose a buckle design that is not too flashy.
Belt conditions and etiquette that suit your suit style
Next, let's check the conditions and manners of the belt that suits the suit style.
Being a leather material
Although it is the material of the belt, considering the texture and durability, the belt made of genuine leather is still good. Although it is more expensive than synthetic leather belts, it can be used for a long time and you can enjoy the aging of the texture.
Generally, synthetic leather is less durable than genuine leather. In total, genuine leather belts may be more cost effective than synthetic leather belts, so it is recommended that you first consider using genuine leather belts.
Another attraction of natural materials is that the more you use them, the deeper the texture becomes and the more you become familiar with them. The more you use it, the more you will become attached to the belt, and you should be able to dress in your own way.
Be simple
The belt used in the business scene should be simple anyway. It is also important that the suit style keeps the orthodox form, so a strong belt is not suitable. If you're wondering what to do, the black belt is safe.
As I explained in the previous paragraph, "something like a buckle with a brand logo" is NG. Others that have noticeable stitches should be avoided. Exclude anything with extra decoration from the options and stick to a simple design anyway.
Not only the clasp but the design of the entire belt is important. The safest belt design to match the suit is plain or the embossed pattern is fine and unobtrusive. Those with flashy embossing such as crocodile patterns can basically be considered NG.
Do not exceed 3.5 cm in width
I explained the belt width earlier, but once again I will summarize the conditions for the belt width. For those who like a classical style, "2.5cm" is recommended. For those who like basic things in the business scene, "2.7 to 3 cm" is recommended. For those who prefer more casual items, "3 to 3.5 cm" is recommended.
The "3 to 3.5 cm" belt width is a standard width that can be used both casually and formally. However, if it exceeds "3.5 cm", the impression of being too casual will become stronger. Make sure you choose a belt that is at least 3.5 cm wide.
There are also belts that are "2.5 cm or less", but be careful as they are often used by ladies and give the impression that they are "too aggressive in the mode".
The color of the belt is black or dark brown
The color of the belt is important in suit style. Basically, choose black or dark brown as the color of the belt used in the business scene. If you get lost in the color, choose black and you won't fail.
Light brown belts are also popular these days. However, light brown belts have a stronger casual image than black and dark brown, and tend to give a light impression.
Light brown belts are not very desirable, especially for business people in their late 30s and 50s who want a calm atmosphere. The belt in the business scene is just "to harmonize with the whole", not to insist on one point.