The essentials of a suit belt

Leather: your essential ally

A suit belt must absolutely be in full grain leather if you want to create a very elegant overall look. Get rid of less refined materials or finishes such as imitation leather or split leather. You can then play with different types of leather. The most common option is to go for classic, smooth leather, but you can also opt for a suede belt or a less conventional nubuck belt, ideally worn with shoes in the same material.

You can then play with different types of leather. The most common option is to go for classic, smooth leather, but you can also opt for a suede belt or a less conventional nubuck belt, ideally worn with shoes in the same material.

A carefully selected buckle

A suit belt is worn in a professional setting or for a special event. It must therefore be discreet and elegant. For this, it is important to choose your belt buckle. Opt for a buckle that's as discreet as possible; in other words, rectangular and with a single barb. Preferably in brass or brushed or silver-coloured zamak.

The importance of size

The suit belt is a formal belt. As such, it can't be too big. For this, it's crucial that the belt is no more than 35 mm wide. Also ensure that the barb goes through the third hole; in other words, the middle belt hole when worn. This allows you to have a perfectly harmonious and balanced look.

Choosing the colour

It's wise to match the colour of your belt to that of your shoes. This discreet and elegant reminder allows you to add the final touch to your outfit. If your shoes are brown, make sure to choose a belt in the same shade. If the two aren't in the same colour, it is in fact better to go all out and pick a belt in another colour than to wear two different shades of brown. Finally, if your shoes are in smooth leather, choose a belt that's also in smooth leather. On the other hand, if your shoes happen to be suede, go with a suede leather belt.