Leather, nubuck, suede, or braided belt: which should you choose?

Often considered just a practical accessory, a men’s belt plays an important role in balancing an outfit. It defines the silhouette, adds texture, and creates a link between pants and shoes. Depending on its material and finish, it can complement a formal suit or add character to a more casual outfit.

At The Nines, we pay particular attention to the accessories that complete a men’s wardrobe. Whether you choose a smooth leather belt, suede belt, nubuck belt, or braided belt, the right option depends above all on your style, the occasion, and the clothes you want to wear it with. Here’s our advice on telling these four styles apart and finding the one that suits you.

Leather, suede, nubuck, or braided belts: what are the differences?

Each of these four types of belts has its own characteristics. Smooth leather is generally associated with dressier outfits, suede has a velvety, casual look, and nubuck stands out for its finely sanded feel, while braiding adds texture and flexibility to the accessory.

1. The smooth leather belt: a men’s wardrobe classic

A men’s leather belt is one of the most versatile styles. With its smooth surface and understated finish, it pairs naturally with suits, dress pants, and business attire.

A black belt works particularly well with a dark suit and black shoes. Dark brown offers more options with navy suits, chinos, and brown shoes.

Our tip from The Nines: for your first belt, choose a smooth leather style with a discreet buckle and a width that fits your pants’ belt loops. It’s easy to wear every day and understated enough for dressier occasions.

2. The suede belt: a soft, casual texture

A men’s suede belt stands out for its matte appearance and velvety feel. Its texture adds a casual touch while maintaining a polished look.

It pairs particularly well with beige chinos, cotton pants, or an unstructured jacket. Brown, tobacco, and taupe tones let you play with shades without creating too stark a contrast.

Our tip from The Nines: pair a suede belt with natural or textured fabrics such as cotton, wool, or linen. It works particularly well with suede shoes in a similar shade, without needing an exact match.

3. The nubuck belt: the refinement of velvety leather

A men’s nubuck belt has a soft, slightly velvety surface created by finely sanding the outer side of the hide. This preserves the natural look of leather while giving it a particularly pleasant feel.

Nubuck is an appealing alternative to smooth leather when you want to add texture to an outfit without choosing an accessory that stands out too much. It works just as well with chinos as with wool pants or a smart-casual look.

Shades of brown, beige, and taupe bring out its matte finish and natural variations particularly well.

Our tip from The Nines: pair a brown nubuck belt with beige chinos, a white shirt, and leather or nubuck shoes in a similar shade. It’s a subtle way to add texture to an understated outfit.

4. The braided belt: a flexible, casual alternative

A men’s braided belt is recognizable by its interwoven strands, which create a distinctive texture. Depending on its construction, it can offer some flexibility and allow a more precise fit when the buckle prong passes directly between the strands.

It pairs naturally with chinos, jeans, or linen pants. Its textured look is particularly suited to spring and summer outfits, but it can be worn year-round with casual clothes.

Our tip from The Nines: choose a brown or navy braided belt to complement beige chinos or light-colored pants. It adds texture to a simple outfit without the need for other statement accessories.

Which belt should you wear with a suit, chinos, or jeans?

The right belt depends on your pants and how formal you want your outfit to be. At The Nines, we recommend matching the belt’s material, width, and color to the outfit as a whole.

How do you choose the color and size of your belt?

For a dressy outfit, we recommend choosing a belt in a color close to that of your shoes. Black goes with black, while different shades of brown can complement one another without matching exactly.

With a casual outfit, this rule is more flexible. A tobacco suede or brown nubuck belt can be worn with dark brown shoes, while a navy braided belt adds an interesting contrast to beige chinos.

A well-fitting belt should hold your pants in place without squeezing your waist. On a belt with several holes, ideally you should be able to fasten the buckle using one of the middle holes.

To determine your size, measure a belt you wear comfortably from the base of the buckle prong to the hole you use. Then compare that measurement with the size guide for your chosen style, as measuring methods can vary between brands.

At The Nines, we recommend always checking the size guide before buying, especially if you’re between two lengths.

How do you choose and care for a quality belt?

A well-made belt stands out for the quality of its materials, the consistency of its finishing, and the sturdiness of its components. The leather should have an even appearance, the edges should be neatly finished, and the buckle should be securely attached.

Care then depends on the type of belt:

• Smooth leather belt: dust it with a soft cloth and occasionally use a suitable leather conditioner, after testing it on an inconspicuous area.
• Suede belt: use a dedicated suede brush and avoid prolonged exposure to moisture. Do not use a cream intended for smooth leather.
• Nubuck belt: use a soft brush designed for nubuck to remove dust and revive its velvety finish. Avoid oily products, and protect it from moisture with a suitable product after testing it on an inconspicuous area.
• Braided belt: gently clean between the strands and tailor your care to the material they’re made from. Avoid pulling too hard on the braid.

To preserve their shape, we recommend storing belts flat or hanging them in a dry place away from heat sources.

FAQ: everything you need to know about men’s belts