Investing in a handmade leather belt is a great way to add a unique flair to your look. However, it can be challenging to choose the right one.
The key to choosing a high-quality handmade belt is in the details. The acuteness of the stitching, alignment of the top and lining leather, and neatness and coloring of the edges are all signs of quality craftsmanship.
Size
Handmade leather belts meet you at the intersection of function and style. They are crafted with the highest quality materials and are custom-fit to your measurements for years of comfortable wear.
To get the perfect belt size, measure your waist at home using a cloth tape. This measurement should be slightly wider than your best-fitting pants or jeans to accommodate weight shifting when sitting down.
A comprehensive, casual leather belt is the most versatile for everyday ensembles and pairs well with slacks or jeans. A slimmer, more formal belt is ideal for more brilliant outfits and can be paired with tailored suits or dress shirts.
Material
The material is one of the most critical aspects when choosing the perfect handmade leather belt for your style. Some belts, marked as “genuine leather,” are made of several layers of artificial materials that aren’t meant to last long.
These layered belts don’t adhere to daily wear and tend to crack over time. Ideally, you’ll want to look for handmade leather belts made of full-grain leather.
Full-grain leather is a premium grade, tanned, and finished to be highly durable while aging gracefully. A good belt also has a natural leather patina that adds character to the accessory.
Color
If you want to dress up your outfits with flair, a handmade leather belt is a great choice. They come in various colors and are versatile accessories that can add a pop of personality to your look.
Choose a color that goes well with the items in your closet and complements your color palette. Browns, blacks, tans, and greys are modern neutrals that work with most outfits.
Opt for a brown leather belt if you’re wearing a blue suit. A black leather belt works best with a black suit and formal attire like weddings, graduations, and funerals.
Style
The right handmade leather belt visually pulls together an outfit and makes a style statement. The wrong belt, on the other hand, will draw unwanted attention and kill your self-confidence.
You want your new leather belt to complement the color of your shoes, so it’s a good idea to choose brown, black, or tan colors. Modern neutrals work with most shades of dress and casual shoes and pair well with various colors in your closet.
Another essential factor to consider when choosing a leather belt is the texture. Depending on your wardrobe, you might prefer the smoother finish of a vegetable-tanned strap or the more rugged surface of a python or crocodile belt.
Buckle
An excellent handmade leather belt is a staple of any wardrobe. You’ll want to choose a leather that’s soft and durable.
You’ll also want to choose a belt buckle that compliments the overall style of your outfit. The best handmade leather belts form a curve shaped to your body’s natural contours.
Ideally, you want the strap to sit slightly higher over your hips and subtly move down in front and back. This will create a seamless look on your waist and hips, making you look great and feel comfortable.
Use a tape measure to measure your waist or hips to ensure a perfect fit. Then add two inches to the measurement, and you’ll have your belt size.
