Buying the right belt is a difficult task especially for women. The great variety on offer from local brands to hand-crafted belts to high-end labels, the choice is simply stunning. For men a belt is an investment. So if you have gone and invested more than half your pay on a designer belt you may as well invest as much time in storing it well so it gives you longer wear. Belts should always hang vertically and away from sunlight, so as not to dry out and damage the leather. Many men get into the habit of wrapping their belt around a pole, or simply leaving their belts in their pants, but keeping belts in this loop for long periods of time will curve the leather and damage its seams. Invest in a belt rack, or simply clear room on your tie rack.

Remember a belt of the formal type is made from leather. Leather is animal hide that has gone through a long tanning process. Caring for leather is like caring for your teeth. Too much of brushing and you chip away the enamel. People do the same thing with leather. Using too much of leather conditioner in an attempt to take care of the leather belt makes it crack prematurely. The best way to care for leather is to ensure it stays soft and supple while preserving the matte-finish. To achieve this wipe down the belt with a damp cloth whenever required. Wiping the leather with a damp cloth will pick up any loose dirt particles on the surface. Loose dirt, between you on the seat and the leather, will begin to work its way into the surface of the leather.


Caring for the belt is just one part. Choosing the right belt is another important aspect. A belt does not have to be made of leather alone. It could be made of bamboo, straw, cloth, corduroy, rexine, metal or any material that can be bent and curved to frame the waist. Colorful belts with nifty designs are all the rage now but leave the garish, extra-large buckles to John Wayne and his band of cowboys. And though studded belts are back in fashion be careful that you don’t look like a doped out punk rocker. When in doubt always opt for a simple leather belt that will look elegant and match most of your wardrobe. And points to remember do not wear a dress belt with jeans and never wear a casual belt with dress slacks. And do not commit the ultimate sin that of wearing trousers without a belt looped on it.