The first word that springs to mind watching a man without a belt cinching his waist is “Uncouth.” Refer to any book on grooming and etiquette or What Makes The Perfect Gentleman, a belt ranks number three or four after neatly ironed trousers, shirts, handkerchief and belt. A leather belt is a must in every man’s wardrobe. Though a belt is no longer utilitarian in function unlike in the earlier days when Cossacks hung the sabre on the belt, it is still an important accessory.
A leather belt differentiates the mature man from the college going kid. A leather belt neatly complements the formal ensemble. Belts are also essential accessories to accentuate the figure. This is why belts became popular in the first place. People serving in the military looped a belt around the waist to show off their figure and later this became functional when it served as a holster.

As a general rule, wear a belt that matches the color of the pants except for jeans. True to his hardy looks, any belt looks good on a pair of jeans including cloth belts or braided belts. Braided belts for men also look good on women and it can be used to cinch the waistline or accentuate a pretty skirt. Shiny and wide buckles are an absolute No in the corporate culture. Always wear an elegant buckle. Rule of thumb while buying a belt- let it be two inches more than the waistline.