The best belts for men keep your slacks from going south, but they also make them sing, in the most stylish way possible. Because yes, they hold up your pants. (We know this, you know this, every ’70s-era leading man in hip-hugging jeans knows this.) But more than their practical benefits, belts can make or break an entire outfit, imbuing your getups with a jolt of cowboy swagger or disheveled-heartthrob cool.
Now, we’re not suggesting you swap that discreet western joint for a brash leather number worthy of a WWE champion. We are suggesting that you apply the same care and attention to your belts that you do every other piece of clothing in your closet—especially given how, when styled correctly, they’re typically the first thing someone hones in on when they look at you. To help you invest in some leather that’ll last, we went deep on the best belts for men this winter to keep you looking sharp—and your pants right where they belong.
The Best Men’s Belts, According to GQ
In This Guide
Best Belt Overall: Maximum Henry Oval Standard Belt
Pros
- The price is right
- Available in a ton of colors
- Distinctive buckles separate it from the mall brand pack
Cons
- Perhaps too workwear-leaning for some
When Maximum Henry Cohen launched his eponymous label in 2012, I doubt he pictured himself outfitting style icons like Robert Pattinson and Timothée Chalamet—but here we are. Fourteen years later, his brand has crossed into Hollywood, collaborated with leading Internet menswear personalities, and also notably partnered with the most discerning boutiques, who proudly display his handmade belts right on their shelves.
They do it because the belts are true pieces of craftsmanship. They’re cut, dyed, stitched, and waxed to order in their Long Island City studio, and made from 100% Belgian vegetable-tanned leather with sturdy hardware. Take this one: At 1.5” wide, it’s the perfect daily driver, whether you’re pairing it with raw denim jeans or paper-thin chinos. The additional beauty of this brand? No two pieces are exactly alike, so each belt is already unique, though you’ll make it even more so as the patina builds with every wear. With Maximum Henry, you’re getting a piece that’s truly yours—not some cookie-cutter belt from the nearest outlet store.
Best Budget Belt: Journeyman Full Grain Leather Belt
Journeyman
Full Grain Leather Belt
Pros
- It’s a budget-friendly option for high-quality belts
- Backed by a lifetime warranty, offering peace of mind with your purchase
Cons
- The 1.5” width might not fit pants with belt loops designed for slimmer belts
For a little over $50, you can snag both black and brown belts from Journeyman. And don’t let the price fool you: Made in the U.S. from full-grain leather at a sturdy 1.5” width, this belt gets all the fundamentals right. It’s an ideal pick if you’re just dipping your toes into the belt game—not only does it keep your wallet happy, but the classic color options and silver single-prong buckle make it as versatile as they come. More good news? The brand backs it with a lifetime warranty, making it a stress-free investment. And here’s the kicker: the buckle is removable, so you can swap it out someday for that vintage one you scored at the flea market.
Best Dress Belt: Anderson’s 3.5cm Leather Belt
Anderson’s
3.5cm Leather Belt
Pros
- 100-step production process ensures that each belt is crafted to high standards
- Silver-tone buckle is classic as they come
Cons
- May be too pared-down for some
Family-owned Italian accessory brand Anderson’s has been turning out some of the world’s finest belts for nearly 65 years—and they’re still doing it all from a workshop in Parma, Italy. Their secret sauce? A mastery of Italian leather, a playful approach to design, and a commitment to a rigorous 100-step production process that guarantees every belt shipped out meets its high standards. (Yes, that’s 100 steps for a single belt. Quality, my friend, doesn’t come easy.) All of this is also why retailers like Mr. Porter don’t just buy two or three Anderson’s styles—they buy twenty or thirty.
This black suit-ready beauty shows just how Anderson has mastered the classic elements of a dress belt. The premium calf leather is a just-right 3.5cm wide, and fastens with a silver-tone buckle that says “I don’t need your attention.” It’s a showstopper that pairs equally well with an all-black fit or some casual grays and charcoals—because quality typically lends itself to versatility.
Best Braided Belt: Rubinacci Braided Leather Belt
Rubinacci
Woven Leather Belt
Pros
- Incredibly renowned brand
- The braided design allows for easy adjustment without needing specific holes
Cons
- Unlike regular belts, braided belts tend to stretch over time
A little bit boho, a little Ivy League, the unique magic of a braided belt is that you’ll never need to hunt for the right hole—just tighten the belt until your pants sit right at your waist, then slot the buckle prong easily into the braid it’s landed on. But where to source one? In this case, the answer is also an opportunity to own something from one of the world’s greatest suit-makers. For even if Rubinacci’s bespoke suits start well upwards of $5,000, a belt from the famed house—which might last even longer—can be yours for a tiny fraction of that.
Best Suede Belt: J.Crew Italian Suede Buckle Belt
J.Crew
Italian Suede Buckle Belt
Pros
- Great value
- Charming, casual finish
Cons
- Not appropriate for formal occasions
With more warm-weather outfits, a smooth, shiny, dark leather belt can feel a little… sweaty. Suede is the solution. To help, J.Crew chose to produce their suede belt in what some say are the two best varieties—Chocolate brown or snuff. We’re all winners for it, especially when the result comes in at sub-$100. And while that lower price point might be cause for quality concerns with a dressier style, for a belt you’ll ideally be wearing to and from a park picnic, the more you rough it up the better.
Best Belt for Fashion Guys: Our Legacy Leather Belt
Pros
- Silver-tone hardware increases durability
- Elevates any simple outfit immediately
Cons
Honestly, Our Legacy’s belts are one of the main reasons menswear guys started paying closer attention to belts again. Just as their Camion series managed to perfect the kind of shoes every guy wants to wear right now, their semi-braided Western belt has an unmistakable presence at most fashion gatherings and has spawned a series of imitations.
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