Finding the perfect leather belt that fits your waist accurately can be difficult. All too often, we find ourselves at the store trying on every leather belt size without success. We end up settling for a belt that is either too loose or too tight and wishes there was an easier way to shop for belts. Fortunately, it is possible to accurately measure your waistline to determine what size belt you should buy. This leather belt size guide will provide step-by-step instructions on how to measure your waist so you can get the perfect leather belt every time.
Remember, selecting the proper size leather belt can impact how your outfit looks and feels. So, this guide is a must-read to get helpful tips and information and also not to get camouflaged by the huge collections in the stores.
Leather Belt Sizing Guide
Leather belts are an essential accessory for any wardrobe and can add variety to your fashion. Thus, perfect size leather belts made of various types of leather can symbolize your style and sophistication. They can accentuate an outfit and come in various sizes and colors to suit any fashion taste. But how do you know what belt size to buy?
Choosing the right size belt can make all the difference when looking your best. Whether for aesthetic purposes or to hold your pants up, you must know that the belt size is never the same as your waist size.
Finding the right fit can be tricky when buying a new leather belt. But your waist measurement should determine the right size. If you need help on “how to size” a belt for a woman or man, check the leather belt size charts below.
Read Also: How to Clean a Leather Belt
Belt Size for Women
Women’s belt sizes typically range from XS (24-28 inches) to XL (36-41 inches). To find the right size, measure around the waistline, where you typically wear a belt, and add two to three inches to that measurement.
For example, if your waist measurement is 30 inches, you would select a size medium; leather belt size 32-34 inches. You should also know that belts come in numerical sizes, as compared to the sizes of dresses. The chart below shows a standard size chart for women’s belts.
General Belt Size |
Waist Measurement (inches) | Numerical Belt Size |
Length of Belt |
XS | Up to 26 | 28 | Up to 28 |
S | 26-28 | 28-30 | 28-30 |
M | 28-30 | 31-32 | 31-32 |
L | 31-33 | 33-35 | 33-35 |
XL | 34-35 | 36-37 | 36-37 |
2XL | 36-37 | 38-39 | 38-39 |
3XL | 38-39 | 40-42 |
40-41 |
Belt Size for men
Belt size for men is typically determined by measuring the waist circumference where the belt will be worn. For pants with a waist size of 28-30 inches, the corresponding belt size is usually a size 32.
Similarly, pants with a waist size of 32-34 inches typically require a size 36 belt. You can make a perfect pick by using the chart below.
General Belt Size | Waist Measurement (inches) | Numerical Belt Size | Length of Belt (inches) |
XS | 26.5-28 | 30 | 28-30 |
S | 28.5-30 | 32 | 31-32 |
M | 30.5-32 | 34 | 33-34 |
M | 32.5-34 | 36 | 35-36 |
L | 34.5-36 | 38 | 37-38 |
L | 36.5-38 | 40 | 39-40 |
XL | 38.5-40 | 42 | 41-42 |
XL | 40.5-42 | 44 | 43-44 |
2XL | 42.5-44 | 46 | 45-46 |
3XL | 44.5-46 | 48 | 47-48 |
4XL | 46.5-48 | 50 | 49-50 |
How to Measure Your Old Leather Belt
Measuring an existing belt remains the most accessible way “how to measure leather belt size” when buying a new belt. While doing this, you must use a measuring tape to measure the leather belt without including the buckle.
- Begin by laying the belt out on a flat, hard surface. Smoothen the wrinkles in the leather, and ensure the belt is flat.
- Then, measure the width of the belt using a flexible measuring tape or a ruler to check the distance between the two edges of the belt.
- Now move further to measure the length of the belt; do this by taking note of the distance from the end of the belt to the hole that fits best when you wear it.
- Kindly place the measuring tape or ruler in the middle of each hole, and measure the distance between them.
- Using a ruler, measure the thickness of the belt at its widest point.
- Record your measurements. Write down all the measurements you took so you can use them to find a replacement belt of the same size.
Read Also: What Shoes/Boots to Wear with Leather Pants
How to Measure Your Waist for Belt Size
One crucial step in finding the right belt is measuring your waist. Knowing your waist size can help you find the correct belt size and ensure a perfect fit. Here is how to measure your waist for belt size in two simple steps:
Step 1: Measure your waist: To measure your waist, use a flexible measuring tape and wrap it around the narrowest part of your torso, usually just above your navel. Make sure the measuring tape sits snug but not too tight, and take the measurement. When measuring, be sure to keep the tape level and straight.
Step 2: Determine your belt size: Once you have taken your waist measurement, you can determine your size. Generally, belt sizes correspond to a range of waist measurements, with the belt size equal to your waist measurement plus 2 inches. For example, if your waist measures 32 inches, your belt size would be 34 inches.
Once you have determined your belt size, you can shop for a belt that fits. If you are shopping online, check the size guide to ensure the belt’s size is accurate. You can also try on the belt in-store to make sure it fits correctly.
If the belt you purchased is too big, you can constantly adjust it to make it smaller. Most belts come with several holes that you can use to adjust the size; you can also punch holes with an awl or leather punch.
How to Select Belt Size Based On Pant Size
You can always easily order a belt if you know your pants’ size. Most stores offer custom belt options that fit right for different pant sizes. So, all you need to do is check the size of your current pants and order belts for such sizes.
- Kindly look for proper-fitting pants and measure their waist size in inches.
- Then, add two or three inches to the recorded size to find a belt size that fits.
- And if you are still determining what belt size to order, you can look through the store’s size chart.
What are The Rules for Belt Size?
When getting a perfect-sized belt, here are some crucial things you must never forget.
- The general rule for selecting a belt size is to choose a belt 2-3 inches larger than your waist size. For example, if your waist size is 34 inches, you should choose a leather belt size 36.
- The belt should be long enough to allow for appropriate overlap when worn. The overlap should be between two and four inches.
- If the prong sticks to the middle hole, you can tell if your belt fits right. Since most leather belts have five holes, you should ensure the prong fits on the third hole.
- While belt sizes are typically measured in inches in the US, most European stores have belt sizes in cm. If you order a belt size of 32 waist in cm, you should check its equivalent in inches not to end with a wrong size belt.
Read Also: Stylish and Durable Leather Boots for Women
Frequently Asked Questions-FAQs
Q: How do you size a leather belt?
Sizing a leather belt is vital in ensuring it fits properly and looks good. The easiest way out is to measure your waist size, add 2-3 inches, and select a belt size that is closest to the result.
To do this, you need to measure the waist/hip size of the wearer, depending on where you would wear the belt. If you are still determining the size you want to pick, you can use a belt size chart provided at the store and choose one that corresponds with your waist size.
Q: What size belt should I buy for a 32 waist?
The perfect belt size for a 32″ waist is a 34-inch belt. Belts typically come in even sizes, so it’s best to go up one size from your waist measurement. While this is a general rule, some outfits require belts 3-6 inches longer than the pant’s waist size.
Q: What size belt should I buy for a 34 waist?
The best size belt for a 34 waist is typically a size 36 belt. However, you can also get a leather belt size 38 if your outfit requires the belt to be 3-6 inches longer than the pant’s waist size.
Q: What size belt is a 42 waist?
While the exact size of the belt may vary slightly depending on the brand and style of the belt. A 42 waist translates to a leather belt size 44 or even size 46, which is an XL.
Q: Is a 36 belt too big for a 32 waist?
No, a 36 belt is not too big for a 32 waist. Belts are typically sized two to four inches larger than the waist size.
Q: Is a 32 waist medium or large?
A 32-waist size is generally considered a medium size because it falls in the middle of the standard sizing range for clothing. You should know that the standard range of waist sizes is typically 28 to 40 inches.
So, waist sizes within the range of 28-30 inches are categorized as small, 31-34 inches are medium, 35-38 inches are large, and 39-40 inches are extra-large. Therefore, a 32-waist size would be considered a medium size.
Q: Can a 30 waist wear a 34 belt?
Yes, a person with a 30-inch waist can wear a 34-inch belt. Belts are typically sized to fit several (2-4) inches more extensive than the waist so they can be adjusted to fit correctly.
Q: Is the size 36 belt medium or large?
Size 36 is considered a medium belt size, especially when going by a belt size chart for men. However, this varies slightly for women’s leather belts, as the medium sizes on a standard women’s belt chart range from 31 – 33, and large belt sizes are from 34 – 36.
Q: Is it better to buy a belt that is too big or too small?
It is generally best to buy a belt that is too big rather than too small. Belts that are too small can cause discomfort and be difficult to fasten. However, relatively large belts offer great flexibility, as you may tighten them using the buckle; this allows a better fit and greater comfort.
Final Words
Leather belts are a classic wardrobe staple and come in various sizes to fit any style. No matter your size, there is a leather belt that will fit your taste and needs. However, it is essential to pick a fitted option as you get a new belt; hence, you should know your leather belt size.
The size of a leather belt can vary greatly depending on the individual’s waist size and personal style preference. You can read through this leather belt sizing guide to help you select a belt that fits comfortably and complements your outfit.