Men’s Belts: How to Determine Your Belt Size

A quality men’s belt is a finishing touch to your wardrobe. Not only are belts practical, but they can reflect your sense of style. And, since a belt is a functioning wardrobe item, quality is especially important. It’s not just ornamentation, it has a very important job to do. You want a belt that can stand up to your lifestyle and look good doing it. And, not only is quality important when it comes to belts, but you want to pick the right size. A men’s belt that is too big or too small looks awkward and feels uncomfortable. And since a quality belt is an investment, you must choose the right size before you make a purchase. But, men’s belt sizing can be confusing if you don’t know what to look for. In this article, we’ll unpack how to find your belt size.

How Does Men’s Belt Sizing Work?

When it comes to correct men’s belt sizing, an optimally fitting belt feels comfortable on the center hole—located as the third hole position. If you have a good belt already and want one that’s the same size, here’s how you measure your belt size. Start from the top of the belt, below the buckle, and measure to the center hole. Belt sizes in America are measured in inches, while European belts are measured in centimeters. Here is a link to a chart with American and European sizes.

Measuring your waist is the most accurate way to find the right belt size.

Is Men’s Pant Sizing the Same as Men’s Belt Sizing?

When it comes to a correct men’s belt size, this is the most common area where people make mistakes with men’s belt sizing. The short answer is no, your pant size is not the same as your belt size. So, you can’t use the same number or letter size as your pants when choosing a belt. Modern materials tend to warp (stretch and deform) after use and washing, so that can lead to inaccurate sizing. Also, many clothes manufacturers use a practice called “vanity sizing”, which is when sizes are enlarged. For example, a medium label is actually a large. This practice has made the majority of size labels irrelevant, particularly when it comes to the precise sizing needed for belts.

However, you still can use your pants number size to get a good idea of your belt size. Here’s the equation: Your belt size = Your pants size + 2 inches. So, if your pants size is 38, your belt size is 40, etc. Why do you add two inches? Since the belt is an investment, you want to give yourself some room to grow, whether that’s after a big meal, or because bodies change sometimes.

But, because of all the reasons we discussed earlier, using your pants size isn’t always the most accurate way to figure out your belt size. The most accurate way to determine your belt size is to measure your waist.

How To Use a Tape Measure to Determine Men’s Belt Size

When it comes to men’s belt size, it’s easy to find your accurate belt size by using a measuring tape.

1. Gather your supplies. You’ll want to use a cloth measuring tape, often used for sewing. A metal measuring tape won’t be as accurate and could cut your skin or clothes. Next, pull out the clothes you’ll be wearing with the belt, including a shirt if you wear your shirt tucked in. Choose a room with a mirror, so you can see yourself, if possible.
2. Put on your clothes the way you usually wear them. Slide the cloth measuring tape through your pants belt loops just like you would a belt. Make sure you measure where you wear your pants, either at your natural waistline or further down on your hips.
3. Gently pull the measuring tape comfortably taut, so it feels the way you want your belt to feel. Look at yourself in the mirror and see if your pants are where you want them. Adjust the tightness of the measuring tape until you feel comfortable and your pants are where you want them. Then look at the measuring tape. Remember, you measure from the beginning of the 1-inch mark, not the top of the measuring tape.
4. Now that you have your measurement of your waist size, choose a belt that’s one size larger than your waist size. So, if you measured 40, choose a 42. But what if you measured an odd number? Then go up 3 inches. If you measured 37 inches, choose a 40-inch belt. But what if you measured 37 ¾ inches? If you measure in half or quarter inches, round up or down and choose a size larger. So, 37 ¾ becomes 38, and you would choose a 40-inch belt. 33 ¼ inches would round down to 33, so your belt size is a 36.

If you have the right size belt, but your pants look cinched and creased, then your belt isn’t the issue—you need pants that fit. The right size belt can’t fix the problems caused by poor-fitting pants.

Find the Right Fit with Our Men’s Belt Size Chart

Here at Roger Ximenez, we only used the finest materials for our belts, which we gather from across the world to ensure the finest quality. We just as proudly make our belts here in the US one at a time, so we can give each of our belts the attention it, and you, deserve. You get to choose your leather type, color, stitching, and size. We take care of the rest and make your belt to your exact specifications. This means that your leather belt is a one-of-a-kind piece, made just for you.

Here is a sizing chart for Roger Ximenez’s belts.

Using your measured waist size, add two inches (three for odd sizes) to find your correct belt size. Roger Ximenez belts also come in two different widths, 35mm (1 3/8 inches) and 40mm (1 ½ inches). You’ll choose this width based on your pants belt loop size.

All Roger Ximenez belt buckles are solid brass and made in Italy. We have them plated in palladium to make sure they can stand up to daily wear and tear.

Choosing Your Leather Belt

Now that you have your belt size, it’s time for the fun part, choosing a belt! Leather belts are so much more than functional and beautiful. They are classic, and timeless while always being in style. One final sizing tip- a leather belt that feels snug on the center hole will eventually be warmed up from your body and start to relax a little bit. Eventually, after a lot of use, your leather belt will mold to your shape.

You have a variety of choices when it comes to the look of your leather belt.

1. Leather can come from different animals, like cows, crocodiles, and snakes.
2. It also has different textures, also called grains. Some texture is natural, like crocodile and snake leather. Other times a texture is added to smooth leather for visual and textural appeal.
3. Leather can be dyed in different colors or can be left plain, which is anything but. Natural leather is beautiful and as time passes, it will develop a lovely patina, or finish that can only come from well-cared-for leather that’s used often.
4. Finally, leather can have a range of sheens, from matte to a glossy shine.

Here is a simple guide to our different leather types. Each type of leather is made in a variety of styles, so you can always find the finish you are looking for.

1. Pebble Grain Leathers

This is a premium, full-grain calf hide that is finished with a smooth and elegant embossed surface. Full-grain means the leather hasn’t been corrected, sanded, or modified in any way. It is the most functional and durable leather on the market. Full-grain leather is prized for its unique, natural markings.

2. Mock Crocodile Leathers

Mock crocodile leather belts are made from premium Italian full-grain leather that we emboss to give it the look and feel of true crocodile leather.

3. Mock Lizard Leathers

Mock lizard leather belts are made from premium, Italian full-grain leather. We expertly finish these leathers to look and feel like lizard hides.

4. French Calf Leathers

5. Genuine Suede Leathers

We use premium calf hide to make our popular suede belts. They have the classic, napped suede finish and feel. Our suede is thicker than other suede leather belts, which means it will last longer and wear better.

6. Exotic Leathers

We use real reptilian leather to make our true reptile belts. Only genuine python and crocodile are used for our exotic leather belts. Our team of master craftsmen carefully works with the reptile hides to make our quality leather belts. This includes a unique tanning process that renders our signature quality exotic leather belts.