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Nothing will ruin any day faster than losing your pants, and few accessories tie an outfit together more fully than a good-looking belt. But not every belt for men is made equal, and not every activity requires the same style to cinch your waist. While many can look similar at first glance, materials and construction quality can vary broadly. We've gone deep into the weeds to pick out the best so you don't have to.
After researching dozens of the top-selling options for men's belts, we selected and purchased a mix of the most popular for side-by-side testing to suss out which ones will truly stand the test of time and which ones will likely peel, crack, or fade with everyday use. We wore these belts daily and during extended travel to answer questions about durability, style, versatility, and ease of use.
Our favorite overall belt is the Main Street Forge The Bootlegger. It pulls most casual outfits together nicely and is built with high-quality materials, including thick, full-grain leather and a hefty steel buckle attached with metal rivets. Those looking for a casual, webbing-style belt should check out the Groove Life Groove. It offers one-and-done sizing, stretch-polyester fabric, and a self-locking, magnetic buckle.
Editor's Note: Our belt review was updated on April 8, 2025, after testing several recent additions to the lineup, including models from Dickies, Arcade, and Amazon Essentials, and naming a new batch of award winners.
Very reasonably priced, soft leather construction, double stitched, sleeker, more formal look, quality construction, large size options
Heavy-duty stretch-polyester construction, super easy magnetic-locking buckle, one-and-done sizing, stylish and versatile
Stylish, ratchet technology is very adjustable, inexpensive, overall length is trimamble and customizable, scratch-resistant, tons of color options
Micro adjustable, stylish buckle with a spring-loaded clasp
Lightweight, airport-friendly plastic buckle, machine washable, many stylish colors and designs, very easy to size and adjust, reasonably durable, simple to pack, appealing price tag
Full grain leather, good thickness, charcoal tinted steel buckle, double stitched
Strong belt material, simple design, opens bottles
Simple and strong reversing mechanism, easy pass-through buckle, lightweight
Super tough, quick-release buckle, stretch nylon fabric, decent price, lots of color options, made to last
Strong and light material, low-profile buckle, clean and sleek aesthetics
Very flexible, lightweight, comfortable and accommodating, one-time adjustment, easy to use, folds and packs up small, lots of color options
Classic leather construction, stylish metal buckle, dressier slim profile
Price friendly, easy to use, decent quality, synthetic materials
Highly adjustable, unique look
Cons
Expensive, thick cut, not suited for dress wear
Limited color options, split leather instead of full-grain, buckle loop is stitched not riveted, may not be as durable over time
Wears a little bit stiff, stubborn, not easy to size or adjust, harder to needle through belt loops, a bit more expensive
Buckle can be difficult to unlock, must be cut to length, not full-grain leather
questionable long-term durability
Heavy, potential durability issues with ratchet
Plastic buckle could be weak point, thin design, not as fashionable, may need to be hand-trimmed and heat-sealed, not as formal
Only five holes pierced, pricey
Thick buckle, cutting required for most people
Not as thick as other nylon models, trim-to-fit is inconvenient
Hard to adjust, buckle is difficult to clamp, stiff strap material, limited in versatility
Buckle connection learning curve, webbing pass-through can feel bulky
A titch too flimsy, two-piece buckle is thin and breakable, catches in belt loops, not as durable, slightly overpriced
Lower-grade leather, limited adjustment range
Lacks style, limited color choices, basic, questionable durability
Annoying roller on buckle, buckle prongs don't align without help
Bottom Line
The soft, rugged finish of this full-grain leather belt is well-suited for many situations, but not necessarily the boardroom
Rugged yet slightly formal, a functional take on the traditional, casual, leather belt
Stylish, versatile, and perfect for those who want a very functional belt with unique features
This is a classy ratchet belt that offers a great seamless look to complement any dressy wardrobe
We love this fashionable leather belt's unique ratcheting buckle that allows for micro adjustments
Made for hitting the road or flying the friendly skies because it's thin, light, has an airport-friendly buckle, and quickly washes and dries
A solid-piece full leather belt that doesn't stand out in any special way
Sometimes, simplicity rules, plus this strong nylon-webbed belt sports a buckle that doubles as a bottle opener
A simple reversable nylon belt that is easily adjustable
Sturdy and strong, this tactical belt is well-made and rugged enough for years of use
A unique slide-through buckle system accents this lightweight canvas belt
It's lightweight, stretchy, and reasonably strong, which makes this flexible option work well in the outdoors
A simple leather belt with a thinner width for more dressy occasions
Basic, price-friendly, and nice looking, but it only offers a traditional, bare-bones style
A solid genuine leather belt that might be the right look for the right person
The undeniable quality of the Main Street Forge The Bootlegger grabbed our attention from the get-go. Its strap is one solid strip of thick full-grain leather, rugged enough that we think it could last for decades. This belt is traditional and simple. Its only accessory is a hefty steel buckle, which is secured to the Bootlegger's keeper loop by two large metal rivets. These rivets have an allen screw slot, making them removable, which allows the wearer to change or replace the buckle assembly — something we really loved. Tester Jason Wanlass noted, “My belt was size 42 with seven sizing holes, and it took a bit of time to wear them in before I found them easy to use.” However, we were surprised at the Bootlegger's soft texture and overall flexibility right out of the box. This belt is primarily for casual fashion, but it also could double as a work belt, and we think it fits in perfectly in the outdoors, although it is heavier than synthetic belts.
We loved the overall look of the Bootlegger. It's simple, traditional, and still classy enough to tie together a business-casual wardrobe. But our lead tester points out, “I don't think anyone will say this belt has a place in high fashion or will fit into a corporate sea of suits and ties.” So, we think it will have limited versatility beyond casual, everyday wear. Although it's designed to earn an aged, weathered look, this belt absorbs oils and stains, so it can be a little problematic when it comes to spills or other mishaps. The Bootlegger has few color options, and its quality and construction process make for a higher price tag. However, the trade-off is an authentic product, made with pride, that can be worn for years and years. If you have your sights set on leather, but want to control costs, the Dickies Casual Leather is a great option. It's split leather, not full-grain, but well-made and much cheaper. The Dickies Men's Leather Double Prong and the Timberland Classic Jean Belt are also great options, although none of these three belts have the Bootlegger's rugged, raw, look or feel.
Watching a monk debate ritual in Tibet. The Bootlegger is dressy enough to pull off business casual. It's super easy to adjust and put on or take off. We also love how soft and flexible the leather is, even right out of the box.
In our opinion, the Groove Life Groove is one of the coolest synthetic belts on the market. Nothing we've recently tested comes close to its unique style, function, overall quality, or hefty price tag. After months of wearing and testing, we feel you get what you pay for with this belt, but you will pay more. In fact, it's one of the priciest models in our lineup. Cost woes aside, this beauty's stretch-fabric strap is made from durable polyester, tough enough to hold its shape after repeated use. It offers one-and-done sizing, which allows the user to adjust it once and then wear it the same size for months. We loved its stylish, sleek, self-locking aluminum buckle, which uses strong magnets to snap it closed with little effort automatically. Moreover, this belt looks good with activewear, outdoor clothes, casual dress, or a business-casual vibe. Tester Jason Wanlass noted, “I think some fashion-forward shoppers will even find the Groove compliments a more trendy suit and tie look.” It's great with jeans, shorts, chinos, slacks, and more. It also has a decent color selection to get the right belt for your attire.
We didn't like needling this belt through our belt loops, especially on jeans. The Groove is a little rigid. To be more specific, its dense polyester strap doesn't bend or flex well, making it less accommodating and harder to handle. Also, the buckle is wide, so if you make the mistake of plunging in buckle-first, it takes a bit of finagling to feed it through each belt loop. Additionally, after sizing your belt, there will be leftover strapping held in place by a capture loop. This extra belt strap also tends to get in the way when feeding the Groove through your belt loops, especially if you accidentally feed it the wrong way (there is only one easy direction to feed this belt). However, once in place, the Groove is super easy to buckle and unbuckle, and it can be left attached to your pants if you have a uniform or simply want to wear the same pair of jeans for a few days. The Mountain Khakis Webbing Belt is another great synthetic option. It's made of nylon and is less expensive. If you're in the market for a tougher tactical belt, the JUKMO Tactical Nylon Web is an exceptional option built to last. We also liked the simplicity of the Grip6 Gunmetal 32-Inch Web.
Our first interaction with our Groove Life belt. It's magnetic, stretchy, comfortable, and tough. It also has a nice look and is versatile enough to wear in any setting, but formal.
For a run-of-the-mill leather belt, we feel you can't beat the price and value of the Dickies Casual Leather. For the cost, this split-leather model has a rugged, traditional look but is also sleeker and smoother than the Main Street Forge The Bootlegger, making it more versatile because it more easily blends into what you're wearing. The Dickies is super soft, comfortable, and very pliable. It's double-stitched, offers seven adjustment holes, and is capped with a hefty, solid-steel buckle. During our tests, it outscored more expensive models across all metrics, earning it one of the highest overall scores in our entire lineup.
As stated, the Dickies is made from split leather, which is sourced from less-dense, lower layers of animal hide that are located beneath the more pristine, stronger, layers of hide used to source full-grain leather. The result is a weaker leather that simply may not be as durable. In short, the likelihood of a shorter lifespan is the only serious negative aspect we specifically noted. Our lead tester has no hesitation in singing its praises: “I am confident this belt is still a great buy and is likely to last for several years, assuming proper care.” If you like the Dickies brand, but would rather have more adjustment options, the Dickies Men's Leather Double Prong has sizing holes along the entire length of its belt strap. The Timberland Classic Jean Belt is another leather option with a clean, stylish appearance but is a little higher in price.
Getting up close and personal with our favorite best buy. It's super soft and flexible, but also tough enough to wart off everyday scratches and scuffs.
Clean lines, an attractive buckle, and pinpoint sizing options define the Chaoren Leather Ratchet Micro Adjustable. We loved wearing this belt when getting dressed up for work, dinner, church, weddings, and more. It's classy and offers a cleaner, more streamlined look than conventional dress belts. What we loved most is its ratchet-style adjustment system, which allows the wearer to tighten or loosen the belt in 1/4-inch increments easily. The tip end of the belt sports a 9-inch strip of teeth that ratchets through the buckle's catching pin when the belt is tightened. To loosen, simply press the release lever on the buckle's exterior. Another customizing feature we loved was the Chaoren's pre-marked size indicators added in 1-inch increments on the backside of the belt strap. Our tester quickly commented, “These proved incredibly helpful as I cut lines to size the belt to the desired length.” However, our favorite thing about this belt is that it looks like it should have a much higher price tag than it actually does.
Although double-stitched and reinforced, the Chaoren is not full-grain leather so that it may break down over time. Likewise, the ratchet system has more moving parts than a traditional dress belt, which leaves us a bit more curious about its long-term durability. However, it held up well during our testing period. And, although it can be trimmed to size, this can also be problematic if you're not slow and methodical (there's no going back). If you choose the Chaoren, though, you'll have your pick from tons of fun colors, and it's priced well enough that you could even buy two or three. We think the Lavemi Leather Ratchet Dress Belt appears to have higher quality leather and is another great ratchet model, but it's higher priced. The Amazon Essentials Classic Dress is another friendly-priced, traditional dress belt made from synthetic materials instead of leather.
Tailoring our Chaoren to our waist. We liked the ability to custom fit our belt, but recommend doing it slowly, methodically, and in increments, because there is very little room for error.
There's not much to the Bison T-Lock, just a skinny synthetic strap and a plastic snap-top buckle. It's endlessly adjustable, super easy to use, and comes in many cool patterns and colors. Everything else about this belt is pretty basic. However, what we absolutely love about the T-Lock is how easy it is to slip on and take off. We also like how quickly it packs and how simple it is to hand-wash and hang dry. One tester raved about the Bison T-Lock, saying “Whenever I am living out of a suitcase or being an airport junkie, I can't help but love this belt — it's my new best travel buddy.” The manufacturer's site states it was specifically made with travel in mind; however, we also think the T-Lock makes for a great all-around, daily-wearer. Passing through airport security is a breeze with this belt. And, while many countries don't require it to be taken off (plastic buckle), when you are asked to remove it, it slides off the waist in two seconds or less. Its thinner strap also makes it super easy to needle back through your belt loops and get a move on to your departure gate.
We suspect the plastic buckle may wear out over time, and we aren't enamored with its skinny body. The T-Lock kind of stays in one lane, so it's not very versatile and not super fashionable. It also comes in two lengths, so if you need to shorten it, you'll need to trim it by hand and then melt the fresh end with heat or flame. But in the end, this skinny option is strong, lightweight, doesn't cost a lot, and was our favorite option for international travel. If you don't like thin belts but still like the idea of the Bison, we think you should take a look at the Mountain Khakis Webbing Belt or the Grip6 Gunmetal 32-Inch Web.
We wore our Bison T-Lock in Italy, Korea, Nepal, and Tibet. It's super lightweight, very easy to adjust, and quick to put on and take off. It's also entirely synthetic, so you can often keep wearing it all the way through airport security checks.
We never grew tired of wearing the Arcade Atlas during months of testing. It was so stretchy and comfortable that we rarely felt it around our waist. This casual belt is perfect for everyday use; however, after using it during several backpacking trips, we fell in love with it as a great choice for outdoor recreation. If you hike, climb, fish, or do other outdoor activities and are searching for a super flexible belt that is lightweight and strong enough, the Atlas is a great option. Tester Jason Wanlass spends a lot of time outdoors and mentions, “Moving outside often requires more stretching, bending, hunching, or twisting than I do in my home life; I found this belt's elastic polyester strap facilitates these movements with ease.” Even better, it can be dialed into your exact waist size with just a few tugs and then locks in to keep your preferred size permanent. Its two-piece buckle makes connecting and disconnecting easy, and its stretchy nature allows it to fit your body.
If you like to carry many things in your pockets, the Atlas doesn't hold up against heavier loads. We feel it could also wear out in just a few years if it is extensively worn. The buckle has more moving pieces and is made from plastic, so there is plenty of room for accidental breakage. In addition to not being super durable, we also had a harder time snaking it through our belt loops, and we also feel it's just a little bit overpriced. But we adore this belt when it comes to pure comfort and freedom. We also liked how the Under Armour Webbing and the Bison T-Lock performed in the outdoors, but if you want a beefier, tactical-style option, the JUKMO Tactical Nylon Web will certainly do the trick.
We wore our Atlas hiking and backpacking, and even on some travel stops in Kathmandu, Nepal. It's stretchable so it bends with you no matter what you're doing. We also loved the buckle.
Credit: Jason Wanlass
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Hanging our Grip6 Gunmetal belt out to dry in Florence, Italy. Belts consisting of man-made materials are generally easier to wash and dry.
Credit: Jason Wanlass
How We Tested
After purchasing some of the market's most promising and best-selling belts, we devised a testing plan to compare them side by side. With each model in hand, we paid close attention to the thickness, rigidity, texture, and feel of the materials, along with the weight and construction of each buckle. We put each model on and took it off several times, weaving it through our pant loops, buckling and unbuckling it, and practicing finer tightening and loosening. We cut the trim-to-fit models to our preferred size. We then wore each model with various outfits on various occasions — from running daily errands to construction projects to meetings at the office, all to identify the best options for different needs.
We tested each belt using five key performance metrics:
Material and Construction Quality (25% of overall score weighting)
Buckle Hardware and Quality (20% weighting)
Ease of Use (20% weighting)
Style and Versatility (20% weighting)
Adjustability (15% weighting)
Why Trust GearLab
This review is brought to you by Jason Wanlass, Nick Bruckbauer, and Ross Patton. Jason has been testing products for GearLab for eight years and has a considerable amount of experience in sniffing out the best gear, particularly when it comes to clothing. Jason is an avid hiker, backpacker, and traveler. Whenever possible, he combines all three passions into one trip, carrying buckets of products to use and test in real-world settings. With over a decade of experience as a professional engineer, Nick brings an analytical and scientific approach to his reviews and is an expert across a wide variety of consumer and outdoor products. His close attention to detail helps him evaluate and explain small nuances that may greatly impact the comfort or performance of a product. He takes pride in helping readers determine the performance features most relevant to their needs. Nick wears a belt daily, from more formal attire at his office job to lightweight models for weekend backcountry excursions. With a Bachelor of Environmental Science, Ross is no stranger to methodically analyzing the world around him and has been reviewing products for GearLab for over five years. For the ten years before he joined our team, he spent his winters as the technical representative for a world-class snowboard apparel brand where he specialized in R&D for men's products.
On the trail in the Italian Alps.
Getting a grip on buckle width.
Testing one of our toughest belts at work.
We conduct side-by-side tests on each belt and then wear them in various settings, doing everyday things.
Analysis and Test Results
We put our lineup to the test and rated each model to determine the best materials and construction, buckle hardware quality, ease of use, adjustability, style, and versatility. We think these performance metrics are the most important qualities to look for when searching for a new belt, and we will try to point out the most suitable options for your needs and priorities.
What's the Best Value?
Belts have a fairly wide price range due to different materials, design quality, or special features. Sometimes, certain models only cost more because of their brand name. The one you choose should depend on your style and needs, but it will also depend on your budget. The Dickies Casual Leather is one of the best values in our lineup, because it's well-made and easy to afford. The Lavemi Leather Ratchet Dress Belt and Chaoren Leather Ratchet Micro Adjustable are affordable, look great, and are adjustable in 1/4-inch increments. The straps on the Mountain Khakis Webbing Belt and Bison T-Lock are all made from high-quality synthetic materials that are tough, inexpensive, and built to last. For folks in the market for a stretchy belt ideal for outdoor recreation, travel, and action sports, the Arcade Atlas is worth every penny. Lastly, you can't go wrong with the Main Street Forge The Bootlegger or the Groove Life Groove. Both will cost you more, but they are durable, solid investments.
A slew of belts prepped for the rigors of our hands-on testing process.
Credit: Nick Bruckbauer
Material and Construction Quality
Sometimes, it's hard to distinguish between products, as many belts can look alike at first glance with similar colors, styles, and general material types. Quality might not seem a high priority for a simple accessory meant to hold up your pants. Still, we've found that better-quality materials and construction techniques can be the difference between a belt that loses its luster after a few months and one that lasts several years or even decades. By spending a little more upfront for higher quality materials, you will enjoy a well-built product that won't crack, peel, warp, sag, or fade as you wear it through the years.
One of the most impressive models we tested is the Main Street Forge Bootlegger. It is made from a single piece of full-grain leather nearly a quarter-inch thick and is noticeably burlier than most other leather models in our lineup. The thick leather is surprisingly soft and flexible, even right out of the box. It also sports a weathered, rustic finish that is perfectly at home in everything from the rugged outdoors to even some business-casual settings. The beauty of this belt is in its simplicity — a simple build with high-quality materials means that the Bootlegger should last many years of daily use.
The Bootlegger is all natural and made the old-fashioned way. It has two parts: metal and solid, full-grain leather. Simple but extremely tough and built to last.
Credit: Jason Wanlass
Know Your Leather
All leather is not the same. Full-grain leather is the thickest and most durable variety and has not been sanded or altered from the original hide. Top-grain leather is similar to full-grain leather, except the top layer has been sanded or polished to remove imperfections or unevenness. Genuine leather typically consists of the middle layer of a hide after the outer layers have been removed and often has an artificial texture added to it. Bonded leather is like particle board, whereby tiny scrap pieces of hide are bonded with chemical agents.
We never had to worry about the Bootlegger's ability to survive our daily activities and chores due to its simple design and quality materials.
Credit: Matt Bento
Full-grain leather models are made with high-caliber materials and construction and could make a great choice that should last a very long time; however, this kind of quality will cost you more. On the less-expensive side — but still quite durable — is the Dickies Casual Leather. It's a split-leather belt, so its lower-grade leather is stitched and reinforced, yet it still performed well in our testing and is stout enough to last for several years.
The Dickies belt is split leather, not full-grain, but it's double-stitched, solid, and still tough enough to last.
Credit: Jason Wanlass
Other durable options include the JUKMO Tactical Nylon Web, Groove Life Groove, and Chaoren Leather Ratchet Micro Adjustable. We especially loved the flexibility and strength of the JUKMO and Groove Life synthetic fabrics and their very rugged buckles.
Playing with our JUKMO quick-release aluminum buckle. It's smooth (and a little addicting) to operate, and it's really strong.
Credit: Jason Wanlass
Several other synthetic options in our lineup also received respectable scores, despite being lighter in weight. The Mountain Khakis Webbing Belt, Bison T-Lock, and Timberland Classic Jean Belt are well-made with high-quality materials and simple and strong construction. We also really liked the Grip6 Gunmetal 32-Inch Web. All are lighter and would be ideal for active use outdoors or casual wear.
Getting ready to hit the historic streets of Florence, Italy. As for pure strength, the Grip6 is very lightweight but extremely rugged -- it's also a little more difficult to lock and load.
Credit: Jason Wanlass
Buckle Hardware Quality
Today's marketplace includes some intriguing buckle designs in addition to the classic prong style. Our lineup also includes models with plastic and metal quick-release clips, metal slide-through buckles, clamp-style buckles, and a pass-through ratcheting design. We evaluated which styles were the easiest to use, the most reliable, and the least intrusive.
The full-grain leather option that we tested also has a high-quality buckle connection. The Main Street Forge Bootlegger buckle is attached with a double-backed leather loop and removable screw-like rivets. This construction method seems very durable and versatile, allowing you to remove and replace the buckle. But you'll need to take care not to damage the finish on the rivets when unscrewing them.
The Bootlegger is a little bulky out of the box, but surprisingly soft and pliable. It tends to lay even flatter and becomes even more supple over time.
Credit: Matt Bento
One of the unique buckle designs is the ratcheting style on the Chaoren Leather Ratchet Micro Adjustable and Lavemi Leather Ratchet Dress Belt models. These buckles are very similar in design and use a spring-loaded bar that connects to a row of teeth embedded within the end of the leather. As the tail passes through the buckle, the bar engages the teeth and grabs the leather for a snug and secure fit. This design is also easily adjustable and can be tightened by pushing more of the tail through the buckle or loosened with a simple flick of the spring-loaded lever. Both buckles are made of dense metal with a decent amount of heft. However, the reliance on a spring mechanism makes us hesitant to call it a favorite for the long haul.
The Lavemi's ratcheting buckle makes it easy to dial in a snug fit.
Micro-adjustments are easy with the ratcheting system.
Flipping the release lever releases the tension in the ratcheting system.
A breakdown of the Lavemi model's buckle system.
Simpler options, like the Mountain Khakis Webbing, have a simple double-pass buckle. While easy to use, it surprisingly requires some practice to cinch tight.
Locking in our Mountain Khakis belt. This nylon beauty is really strong, and has a unique buckling system that is easy to complete. However, we feel it's lacking a bit when it comes to fashion.
Credit: Jason Wanlass
Our other favorite buckles were those on the Timberland Classic Jean Belt, Groove Life Groove, JUKMO Tactical Nylon Web, Dickies Casual Leather, and Bison T-Lock. Our favorite to latch is the Groove Life because it employs powerful magnets that automatically lock the buckle. And, although it's made of plastic and is less durable, we loved the buckle on the Bison T-Lock for its simple but effective design.
Magnetic attraction: the Groove Life belt is not only fun to latch, it's also quite sturdy once it's locked into place.
Credit: Jason Wanlass
Ease of Use
None of these products are necessarily difficult to use, but a high-quality belt should be easy to thread through your pant loops, straightforward to buckle and unbuckle, and convenient to adjust on the go. Simple designs are usually better, and special features like reversible designs, trim-to-fit sizing, or tails that pass underneath the buckle seem to add to the difficulty.
The simplest design seems to be the traditional prong design, where the tail of the belt threads through the pant loops, slides through the buckle, and the prong latches through one of the holes. Although not necessarily the quickest process, it is time-tested and can be done without much thought. The downside to this design is that the spacing or number of holes limits the adjustability. But this is still the easiest style to use. It is found on several leather models and leather blend models in our lineup, including the Main Street Forge Bootlegger, Dickies Casual Leather, Marino Leather, Timberland Classic, Amazon Essentials Classic Dress, and Dickies Men's Leather Double Prong.
With fewer moving parts to loosen or break, simple traditional prong buckles are some of the easiest designs to use.
Credit: Nick Bruckbauer
The Lavemi Ratchet and Chaoren Leather Ratchet Micro Adjustable models have an intuitive ratcheting design that provides simple adjustability through a wide range of sizes. It is easy to tighten, loosen, or make minor adjustments on the go. Additionally, the Bison T-Lock is extremely easy to use, making it ideal for travel and being on the move.
A thin synthetic belt with an easy-to-use flip-top buckle makes the Bison T-Lock extremely simple to take on and off and to cinch into place.
Credit: Jason Wanlass
Keep It Simple
In this product category, simpler is often better. Designs with fewer seams, connections, or moving parts are usually easier to use and typically last longer with fewer points of potential weakness.
One of our favorite belts to wear is the Arcade Atlas. After being sized once, it can be buckled and worn repeatedly without needing adjustment. It's also very lightweight, flexible, and comfortable.
Showing the thinness and lightweight flexibility of the Arcade Atlas.
Credit: Jason Wanlass
Style and Versatility
Although style is undeniably subjective, certain styles tend to be more versatile and can be worn for a variety of occasions. Traditional leather models are typically very versatile and look at home during formal and casual occasions alike. Synthetic models tend to be less formal and are usually lighter and softer, making them more comfortable and best suited for active use. However, they might be inappropriate in the office or for a business meeting. Simple designs with classic colors and materials can usually be worn for a variety of situations.
The best-performing leather models for this metric include the Main Street Forge The Bootlegger, Dickies Casual Leather, Chaoren Leather Ratchet Micro Adjustable, and Lavemi Leather Ratchet Dress Belt. Both the Forge and Dickies models are less formal, but are classy enough to still pull together a business casual wardrobe. The Chaoren and Levemi are perfect if you wear a suit and tie.
Ideal for more dressy occasions, the Lavemi Ratchet is a sleek and stylish option.
Credit: Nick Bruckbauer
We loved wearing the Timberland Classic Jean Belt, Under Armour Webbing, Grip6 Gunmetal 32-Inch Web. We also really love the overall look and versatility of the Groove Life Groove. The Groove Life has a unique flare that makes it look the part in a wide variety of settings.
The Groove Life is smooth, sleek, and classy. It's also sporty enough to be worn with a wide variety of wardrobes.
Credit: Jason Wanlass
Adjustability
Traditional prong designs typically have a series of five to seven holes for sizing adjustments, but often, a wearer can fall between sizes if there is a large enough gap between holes. Other models with slide-through buckles offer unlimited adjustments within their overall size range. The Bison T-Lock and Under Armour Webbing are two of the easiest models to adjust to a precise circumference. They're easy to tighten, loosen, and make micro-adjustments to while on the go.
The Chaoren Leather Ratchet Micro Adjustable and Lavemi Ratchet are simple to adjust. They use an intuitive ratcheting buckle system that allows for precise micro-adjustments on the fly. Simply push the tail through the buckle, and the ratchet automatically catches and maintains a snug fit. To release it, move the spring-loaded lever, and the ratchet unlocks, loosening any tension. Micro-adjustments are achieved by gently pushing on or releasing the ratchet. We also liked the adjustment features of the Mountain Khakis Webbing Belt and Grip6 Gunmetal 32-Inch Web.
Sizing our Lavemi Ratchet Dress Belt. The great thing about both of the ratchet belts in our lineup is their ability to be cut to size; however, we recommend taking things slowly and deliberately -- there's no do-overs.
Credit: Jason Wanlass
It's pretty easy to adjust most of the traditional leather models we tested, but with a standard prong buckle, you risk being stuck between sizes. While most of us hope to only jump between a couple of different sizes in our adult lifetime, having a wider range of adjustability is a nice feature.
A Note on Sizing
Sizing can sometimes be confusing. Most manufacturers of traditional prong styles recommend ordering one or two sizes up from your pant size. For example, if your pant size is 34, you should look for a size 36 or 38 for your belt. Ideally, when there is a series of five to seven-prong holes, you will use one of the center holes rather than an end hole.
Showing the easy-to-adjust Bison T-Lock while high on the Tibetan Plateau. Its sizing options are endless and it is one of the easiest belts to adjust.
Credit: Jason Wanlass
The classic-style models with a prong and a handful of holes generally offer the least amount of adjustability, except the Dickies Men's Leather Double Prong, which has a set of holes every inch for the entire length of the belt.
Glamour shot of our Mountain Khakis model.
Credit: Jason Wanlass
How to Pick the Right Belt for You
At its core, a belt is pretty basic. It has one job and one job only: keeping your pants from falling down. However, there are still a few things to consider when shopping for the right cinch for your waist. Finding the best belt mostly centers on style, function, and fabrication.
How Do You Dress?
What you like or are required to wear is the primary question you should consider when looking for a new belt. Are you a casual dresser, or do you tend to stick to a more formal look? Most belts have a specific style lane that they stay in, be it work, outdoors, formal, casual, or business casual. Picking a belt that will complement your key wardrobe groupings is important. And, if you want to maximize your dollar, look carefully, because some belts have enough versatility to cross between different clothing styles.
What Kinds of Activities Do You Engage In?
Dress belts are not the best choice for backpacking in the woods. Likewise, we don't suggest wearing an outdoor belt with your favorite suit and tie. In short, the things you like to do will often dictate the belt you need to wear. Some belts are fashion-forward but wouldn't hold up well against prolonged exposure to the elements. Other belts are perfect for passing through an airport security checkpoint or hitting the town but may not look great in a business setting. So, when selecting your belt, it's best to consider what you do and where you're going. It's also important to consider sizing options, buckle function, color, and ease of use.
What Type of Materials Will Serve You Best?
There are two basic types of belt materials: natural (leather, metal) and synthetic (nylon, polyester, plastic). Generally, leather belts, especially high-grade ones, are hardy, well-made, and built to last. They also offer a more polished look and style. However, they are often more difficult to clean and are more susceptible to being damaged from contact (scratches), the elements (rain, dirt, mud), and accidents (food, oils). Synthetic belt straps are mostly composed of nylon or polyester. Their buckles are often made from plastic but can also be aluminum or steel. Synthetic belts are usually lighter than leather but may be just as strong and long-lasting. They are available in a larger array of colors and patterns, are easier to wash and dry, and are more suitable for harsher conditions.
Conclusion
Our testers closely examined a diverse lineup of products to offer you our expert recommendations for the best belts on the market. While some intriguing designs are out there, we found that simple is often better — less complex designs made with the highest quality materials are most likely to last the longest. Spending a little more on a high-quality product could mean many more years of wear. Whatever your style or budget, we hope this guide helps you find the right belt for your needs.
