Different Types of Leather Belts to Suit Your Style

Leather belts have been around for hundreds of years, and they’re still considered an essential part of any fashionable gentleman’s wardrobe today. From the tried-and-true classic brown belt to the trendy new color options and styles, there are tons of options to choose from! In this article, we will discuss the different types of leather belts out there and how you can determine which one best suits your style. By the end, you’ll know what type of leather belt you should be wearing with every outfit! Let’s get started!

Leather Belts
There are many different types of leather belts available on the market, each with their own unique style. Men and women can both find belts that suit their fashion needs. For example, men may want a belt that is more rugged and durable, while women may want a belt that is more delicate and elegant. Whatever your style, there is sure to be a leather belt out there that is perfect for you! Belts are one of the oldest fashion accessories, combining functionality and style. In addition to holding up your jeans, a belt reveals so much more about your personality. Leather belts are stylish, elegant, and classy, and come in a variety of sizes, shapes, and trends. I hope this blog post has helped to teach you about all the different styles of leather belts and how they could look great in your closet.

Different Leathers
There are many types of leather that can be used for belts, each with its own unique characteristics. For example, full-grain leather is the strongest and most durable type, while top-grain leather is thinner and more flexible. Belt makers often use a combination of these two types of leather to create a belt that is both strong and flexible.

Cowhide Leather Belts: Cowhide belts come in three thicknesses – thin cowhide, midweight cowhide, and heavy cowhide. Thin cowhides are pliable and ideal for dress belts or casual wear. Midweight cowhides are very thick yet still supple enough to carry a holster without breaking or stretching out over time. Heavy cowhides offer the best protection against moisture because they’re more water resistant than other leathers, but they’re also stiffer than other types of hides and take longer to break in after purchase. If you want your belt to last as long as possible, choose one made from heavier weight cowhide.

Suede Belts: These belts are typically less expensive and softer than regular leather belts, so if you’re looking for something that’s going to be easy on your clothes and light on your wallet, suede may be a good choice. The downside is that suede won’t hold up as well over time compared to leather; it may fade or become dirty more quickly. Still, if you don’t mind investing in another belt every year or so, then this might work for you.

Exotic Leather Belts: When you need a belt that’s exotic and luxurious, exotic leather is what you need. Whether it’s ostrich skin, crocodile skin, or alligator skin, an exotic leather belt will give you an air of refinement at the same time as durability. Of course, because these are expensive materials, they’ll cost quite a bit more than other options. However, if money isn’t an issue for you and you want to get your hands on something truly special, then this could be just what you’re looking for!

Leather Quality
The quality of the leather is one of the most important factors to consider when purchasing a belt. Full-grain leather is the highest quality, followed by top-grain, corrected-grain, and split-grain. Full-grain leather is made from the outermost layer of the hide and has not been sanded or buffed to remove imperfections. Top-grain leather’s outer layer has been buffed or sanded to remove imperfections, resulting in a more uniform appearance than full-grain leather.
Corrected-grain leather has an artificial grain applied to it and is typically lower quality than top-grain or full-grain. Split-grain leather is made from the inner layers of the hide and is the lowest quality type of leather. Often found on low-cost belts, it is usually visibly different from higher grades of leather.

Leather Finishes
The finish of leather is often altered by processing and treating it – very few leather belts are made from natural, full-grain leather. The majority of belts made with a leather finish are casual and are worn as focus accessories. Many people who wear these types of belts will wear them around the belt loops on their jeans or slacks.
There are many different types of finishes on leather belts, some that even include distressed effects which give off a vintage look. Some belts have been embellished with stitching (more so on men’s belts) or embroidery (on women’s belts). Beautiful patterns are stitched into embroidered belts, sometimes by hand, and they may have folk or ethnic themes.

Other Factors
Other factors to consider when choosing a belt include the width of the strap, the type of buckle, and the color. For instance, if you wear jeans on a regular basis then you should opt for an 1 1⁄4 inch wide belt in brown or black. If you’re wearing dress slacks then go with 1 1⁄2 inch wide belts in lighter colors such as tan or grey. These narrower belts will work better with your slacks and won’t look too bulky. You’ll also want to choose buckles made from nickel or brass rather than cheaper alternatives like plastic or aluminum. Of course, some people prefer wider belts so they can tuck their shirt into their pants; these belts typically come in at 2 inches wide. You’ll also want to make sure you pick up a belt that’s about four inches longer than your waist size so it can double as an accessory with those stylish outfits!