Belts

Belts: how to choose the size, the leather and the buckle

Updated 21 October 2026

How to avoid a wrong size

The most common mistake is buying a belt by trouser size. The right way is different: take a belt that already fits well and measure it from the buckle to the middle hole (not to the end). That is the working length. If you are buying a new piece without a sample, measure your waist where the belt will sit and add 4–6 inches. Width: about 1.25 inches for a suit, 1.5 inches for jeans.

A size of 110 cm means a different length to the first hole at different makers, so ask the seller for the actual dimensions.

Leather, buckle, purpose

A full-grain leather belt has dense edges with no splitting, and the leather should not crumble when bent. “Genuine leather” in a description can sometimes mean a glued layer. Ask about the thickness and whether it is a single piece. Buckles come as the classic pin type, automatic (ratchet) and plate. An automatic one is handy but less precise than holes. For tactical belts, strong hardware and weave matter.

What to put in your request

• Type of belt — classic for a suit, for jeans, a woman's waist belt for a dress, tactical.
• Material — genuine leather, faux leather, fabric.
• Size — length from the buckle to the middle hole, and the width.
• Buckle — pin, automatic, plate.
• Brand — if you want a specific one.
• Colour — black, brown, others.
• Condition — new or pre-owned.
• Original or replica — for branded ones.
• For whom — men's, women's.
• Budget — if you want to name one.

Example: “I need a men's belt in genuine leather, black, 1.5 inches wide, 43 inches from the buckle to the middle hole, for jeans, classic pin buckle. Ottawa, courier delivery. Budget up to CA$25.”

How to compare and where to look for a better deal

Belts are sold by accessory shops, workshops and private sellers, so the price of the same item can differ. Instead of leafing through catalogues, create a request on BlaBlaPrice. Sellers in the chat will send offers with the price, photos and delivery terms. The platform shows the best by content first, with seller reviews alongside. Each seller sees which place they hold, so they often improve their terms.

Ask whether you can exchange if the size is wrong. For a branded belt, ask for photos of the stamp, the buckle and the packaging, and say in your request whether you need an original. Only the seller you choose sees your contacts, and the rules are described on the “How it works” page.

To go with the belt, choose a wallet in the same colour and tone of leather, and for cold weather, scarves and gloves in the same material.