The Ultimate Guide to Sizing Belts for Men and Women
When it comes to building a wardrobe that’s both stylish and functional, the right belt is more than just a finishing touch—it’s a necessity. But one common issue people face is getting the sizing right. A belt that’s too short is uncomfortable and looks off, while one that’s too long can throw off your entire look. Here’s everything you need to know to find your perfect belt size, whether you’re shopping for men’s or women’s belts.
How Are Belt Sizes Measured?
Belt sizes are usually measured in inches or centimetres and typically correspond to your waist measurement or trouser size. However, the way belts are labelled can vary depending on the brand, and there are a few key things to remember:
Belt size does not equal waist size exactly: Most belts are sized about 2 inches larger than your trouser size. So if you wear a men's 34 trouser, you’ll likely need a size 36 belt.
Measure from buckle to the middle hole: The standard belt size refers to the length from the belt buckle to the middle hole, not the total length of the belt.
How to figure out your belt size
If you have a tape measure the easiest way is to grab an existing belt and measure from the buckle to the most used hole. Ordering this length makes the size you've measured the new central hole on the belt.
If you don't have a belt to hand you can also measure your waist (or hips if that's where you wear your trousers) but remember our tip above to add 2 inches to that length.
If you don't have a belt or a tape measure then for men we suggest adding 2 inches to your trouser size and for ladies we suggest checking out our handy chart below to figure out the perfect length for your belt.
Final Thoughts
Sizing belts doesn’t have to be a guessing game. With just a bit of measuring or by following the 2-inch rule, you can find a belt that fits well and looks great. Whether you're dressing up for a formal event or just keeping your jeans in place, the right-sized belt makes all the difference. Make sure you check each brand's size guides as there will be some differences between them. If this post has you inspired make sure you check out our range of Berber Leather Belts and our Belt Size Guide to make sure you find your perfect fit.