Why Should I Choose a Real Leather Belt?
The leather belt: it’s more than just an accessory that holds up your pants or accents the waist. It is a piece of style engineering that is subtle and yet highly functional and practical. You may be wondering ‘If that’s all that it is, then why the big fuss?’ The answer is simple.
The right belt can add finishing touches to any suit or frock. It is an extension of your style. It can add elegance to a formal look and structure to a more chilled, relaxed vibe. That’s why you should give this piece of your closet as much consideration as you do your shoes or jackets.
But, why real leather? If you are looking for a quality belt that is durable and stylish then it is better to invest in a piece made from high-quality genuine leather over a cheaper material. Although the lure of a cheap belt can be hard to ignore when it comes to these accessories having a smaller, refined collection is best.
Still not convinced? These benefits might sway your opinion.
Benefits of Owning a Belt Made From Genuine Leather (As Opposed to Alternatives)
The quality of a real leather belt is hard to ignore. A belt made from 100% genuine leather provides unparalleled aesthetics and longevity that can’t be matched by alternative materials such as PU leather. If choosing a belt made from high-quality leather, full-grain leather is your best choice. This material is fully natural and offers unique blemishes making it a one-of-a-kind.
Additionally, genuine leather accessories will give you the following:
- Guaranteed durability: Leather fibres are so tightly interwoven that it provides unbeatable durability. Real leather is resistant to tearing, bending, and scratching. It is also capable of withstanding various weather conditions.
- High-quality texture: If you want something that looks genuine, full-grain leather will provide. This material resembles the cowhide and shows all of its blemishes and imperfections. This level of texture and detail can not be replicated by alternatives such as faux leather.
- Diversity: There are multiple different types of leather from aniline which is butter soft to nubuck and more hardened varieties. This gives you a range of options to choose from when picking the right belt for you.
- Timelessness: Genuine leather pieces are timeless for a reason. It is a classic fabric that never goes out of fashion. While styles may change with each season, leather will always be seen as a mark of quality for clothing and accessories.
Tops Tips for Picking a Leather Belt
Once you’ve decided that genuine leather is the material that you want, the next job is choosing the right leather belt for you. Here are some of our top tips to help you as you browse:
Determine Construction Style
The way in which a leather belt is made can greatly influence its quality. In terms of belt construction, hand-stitched is best. The belt should have small, tight stitching with no loose ends. If you’re looking for a belt with more flexibility, then choose one that has been made with buckles at the back.
Pick a Versatile Colour
Oftentimes, choosing a colour is one of the most important parts of picking a real leather belt. Sticking to a versatile colour such as classic black or a dark brown will guarantee that it can be used with various outfit choices, including suits and a pair of denim jeans.
Decide on Hardware
The belt’s buckle is just as important as the colour of the belt itself. Belt buckles are typically made from stainless steel and come in silver, gold, and bronze tones. Make sure that the buckle is subtle, soft to the touch, and water-resistant. If you are unsure of what tone buckle you want, a good rule of thumb is to match it with your watch, i.e. if you wear a silver watch pair with a silver belt buckle.
Choose the Right Belt Size and Height
A belt is an add-on accessory to your outfit and should complement your look rather than being too over-the-top. When it comes to choosing the right size, if it is too big then it may take away from the rest of your outfit. Instead, a belt should be at least one to two inches bigger than your trousers’ waist size.
Browse Hide’s Leather Belt Collection
At Hides Canada, we proudly use full-grain leather for all of our leather belts. Using only the best real leather from the region of Punjab, we finish our products with the finest Italian hardware. Browse our collection of men’s leather belts today and find the perfect match for your style.
