Belt Size

Belt Up!

Belts are fantastic fashion accessories that can update your look instantly.  If they are worn to their best advantage, they can also help to balance the proportions of your upper and lower body.  A little care has to be taken though since if the incorrect size or style is worn or they are incorrectly placed, they can sometimes accentuate the very parts of your body that you may be trying to hide.

Different belt styles suite different body shapes and outfits so it pays to experiment with the placing of a belt to ensure you are creating the desired effect.  Depending on the width of the belt you choose, the effect can be to slim or even widen your body.   Also be careful with buckle-type belts since some can make you look a little more chunky than desired!   However, don't give up.  The trick with belts is knowing how to wear them so, with a little perseverance or professional advice from an image consultant, you will find the style that not only matches your outfit but also suits your body shape.

Belts come in a huge variety of designs including soft leather, fabric, beaded, chain and ribbon.  Finding the right one for you will depend on your preferences and shape of body.

Many women, especially those with a more rounded body, tend to hide their waist under shapeless tops.  This is not necessary since a belt can often be used to give the impression of a narrower waist and a more hour-glass figure, for example wearing a dark coloured belt will automatically be more slimming.   Knowing what size and style of belt to wear is the key here.

If you are lucky enough to have a neat hour-glass figure then most belt designs should suit you although a wide belt sitting on the waist would be perfect.   However, you do need to think about where your waist is if you are high or low-waisted then a wide belt might end up sitting under your bust which is not right. 

If you have a petite frame you should keep away from large and thick belts as they will completely engulf you.  Choose instead, a medium-sized and thinner belt, or even a chain belt, to help to keep your body in better proportion.  Also, choosing a belt that is the same or similar colour to your outfit stops your body looking as if it has been cut in half.   Thinner belts always look brilliant with tailored trousers.

Advertising the fact that you don't have much of a waist is not recommended if you have a more rectangular-shaped body.   To draw attention away from this, avoid stiff belts and they will emphasise your ‘column' shape, opting instead for a more subtle style with ribbon ties.

If you follow these essential style tips to how to wear belts then you shouldn't go wrong but if you are still not quite sure which belt works best for you then why not book to visit a style consultant to find out how you should wear yours.

About the Author

Caroline Husbands is a senior style consultant with Colour Me Beautiful, Europe's leading image consultancy. Services include colour analysis, Style advice and make-up lessons.

Twill Double-Pleat Pant $9.99 "This classic twill pant features side elastic at the waist, double pleated front, side pockets, and one belt loop on either side of the front. Side elastic at the waist, double-pleated front, side pockets and one belt loop on either side of the front. Available in a wide range of sizes and three lengths for the perfect fit. "

Best-selling Alpine Ski Pant $149.95 "Wind and waterproof, these hard-to-find plus size ski pants are built to last with all the technical details you’ll love. Scuff guards, zipper-fly front, lower outside leg zipper, and zip pockets. Snap placket reveals hidden leg gaiters with sealable side openings. Belt and belt loops made with inch-wide webbing, comfortable crotch gusset and elastic at side waists. Beautifully constructed and fully seam-sealed with water-resistant zippers for waterproof play. This insulated pant, using a low-bulk, hi-warmth polyfill insulation, will keep you happy no matter the weather! "

Marian Jeans by Lee with Invisible-Flex Waistband $57.95 "The cleverly designed invisible flex inner elastic waistband that moves with you for added ease. This bootcut jean is perfectly cut and has other stylish details including perfectly-placed, seamed flap back pockets, a keystone belt loop in the center back, and a stitched up functional watch pocket. Details make the difference in this great-fitting plus size jean. "

Stretch Twill Short $29.99 "A stellar makeover for our classic twill walking shorts, this new edition offers a side-elastic waist for less bulk and more comfort. Curved, jean-style front pockets and a curved back yoke add some subtle flair. Front fly with button closure. Belt loops. "

Stretch Twill Capri $29.99 "Stylish capri pants, sport a modern look with curved back yoke and jean-style pockets with coin pocket. Non-bulky side elastic waist for extra comfort. Side slits for easy movement. Front zip fly. Belt loops. "

Stretch Twill Full-Leg Pant $49.99 "With slightly wider legs, curved back yoke and jean-style pockets with coin pocket, these slightly stretchy bottoms wear like your favorite jeans. Partial side elastic waist is smooth-fitting and non-bulky. Front zip fly. Belt loops. "

Hidden Adjustable Comfort Waist Classic Twill Pant $39.95 "This Classic twill style has an inner life! It adjusts to your waist with an enclosed sliding elastic that moves with you. A comfort fit in a pant that dresses up or down. No wonder it has been a long-time customer favorite. Generous side slash pockets, belt loops, and two welt pockets at the darted back. Full at the hip and thigh ending in a not-too-wide straight leg. "

Classic Twill Comfort Waist Pant $9.99 "Equally suited to office and casual wear, comfy, low-stretch twill is a natural complement to nearly any top. Generous fit with classic front pleats, back pockets and belt loops, and one important difference – non-bulky, invisible elastic insets that allow ease at the waist for all-day, chafe-free comfort. Extended sizes for perfect fit. "

Any Action Stretch: Convertible Zip-Off Pant $39.99 "Get two fresh looks in one with this clever convertible. Long pant features a concealed zipper for instant conversion into a sporty capri. Front leg top stitching is elegant and flattering. Technical, durable, abrasion resistant stretch fabric is ideal for any activity. Pack this for travel, where the water repellant finish will really shine. Curved J-front pockets extend to the waistband and double as belt loops, with embroidered Junonia spirit logo at the left side. Right leg features side cargo-style flat pocket with invisible zipper and silver button accent. Zip front fly with front tack button and partial back elastic waistband for an excellent flexible fit."

Any Action Stretch: Roll-up Hiking Shorts $34.99 "Longer-cut sophisticated city short converts easily into a sporty hiking short via side button roll tabs and elastic cording. Technical, durable, abrasion resistant stretch fabric is ideal for any activity. Pack this for travel, where the water repellant finish will really shine. Curved front pockets extend to the waistband and double as belt loops, with embroidered Junonia spirit logo at the left side. Side pockets with invisible zippers and silver accents give you space for everything. Zip front fly with front tack button and partial back elastic waistband for an excellent fit."

White Leather Belt for Belt Buckles size 42-44 42 43 44 $14.99 White Leather Belt for Belt Buckles size 42-44 42 43 44

Black Leather Belt for Belt Buckles size 46-48 46 47 48 $14.99 Black Leather Belt for Belt Buckles size 46-48 46 47 48

Black Leather Belt for Belt Buckles size 50-52 50 51 52 $14.99 Black Leather Belt for Belt Buckles size 50-52 50 51 52

O Belt $12.99 O'Neal Racing Logo Belt One size fits most

Egyptian Belt $9.99 Includes an exquisitely designed Egyptian belt. One size fits most adults.

600-5M-15 Belt $16.85 Size 600-5M-15 belt. Length: 600mm Tooth Spacing: 5mm Width: 15mm

Leather Belt $49.99 Occasions: Casual Style: Formal, Modern Fabric: Calfskin Color: Red, Purple, Coffee, Camel Look After Me: Dry clean only Size: F ACCESSORIES: Belt BELT SILHOUETTE: Skinny Belt

Plus Size Gray Belt Dress $39 Belted sweater dress has two belt loops at the sides and a stretchy detachable belt. The neckline is accented with three ornamental buttons at each shoulder.

Plus Size Black Belt Dress $39 Belted sweater dress has two belt loops at the sides and a stretchy detachable belt. The neckline is accented with three ornamental buttons at each shoulder.

Plus Size Brown Belt Dress $39 Belted sweater dress has two belt loops at the sides and a stretchy detachable belt. The neckline is accented with three ornamental buttons at each shoulder.

Rigger's Belt $10.99 Fully adjustable Riggers belt. The belt will fit through military issue BDU's and most other standard belt loops. The Rigger's Belt works well when used in conjunction with a holster and mag pouch. Cargo buckle is black and made of metal. Size: Medium Color Mapping: Black Age: Adult Gender: Unisex

Belt 320-5m-30 $16.85 Size 320-5m-30 drive belt. 320 mm Length 30 mm width 5 mm tooth spacing

Lace Garter Belt $14.99 Garter belt comes in black and one size only.

Belt $7.28 Belt

Notre Dame Brown Leather Belt SIZE 32 $39.99 Please note, the size listed is the maximum size waist that the belt will accommodate. If you're anywhere close to that maximum size, please order the next size up 100% genuine leather belt with four gunmetal finished team medallions around belt.

Plus Size Bow Belt Dress $69 One shoulder knit dress. Detachable exposed elastic belt has sequined bow. Side seam zipper. Fabric has stretch.

Tortola Belt $39.95 Bold Loop Belt. This black faux-leather belt is accented with shiny nickel hardware. It fastens with a loop-and-hook closure in front and adjusts for size in the back. Imported. Waist Sizes: S (30"-32"), M (32"-34"), L (34"-36"), XL (36"-38"). Only in NorthStyle!

DVS Bandit Belt White $14.95 DVS Bandit Belt White DVS Bandit Belt Features: * One Size Fits Most * Detail Steel Tip and on Buckle * Cotton webbed Belt.

DVS Bandit Belt Black $14.95 DVS Bandit Belt Black DVS Bandit Belt Features: * One Size Fits All * Detail Steel Tip and on Buckle * Cotton webbed Belt.

TS Pearl Wide Belt $12.99 Occasions: Work Style: Vintage, Basic Fabric: Pearl Embellishment: Diamonade Color: Nude Size: F ACCESSORIES: Belt BELT SILHOUETTE: Waist Belt

This entry was posted on Wednesday, March 1st, 2006 at 9:20 am and is filed under Uncategorized. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.