How to Measure for a Belt to Find Your Perfect Size (2024)

If you ever asked yourself - what belt size am I? - you are not alone. Belts are an important accessory for any outfit, but finding a well-fitting belt can be a challenge. The wrong size leather belt can make your outfit look sloppy or create an uncomfortable experience all day long. The best way to get the perfect fit is to measure yourself before making your purchase. In this blog post, we'll take you through how to measure for a new leather belt - from start to finish - so that you don't have any surprises when your new tailor-made belt arrives in the mail.

TLDR:Always measure yourself to get the best fitting belt. Buy belts that you fit in the middle of. Pants size ≠ belt size. Sometimes, belt size = pants size +2 inches, butthe best way to get the right size beltto measure your waist.

• Pant size does not equal belt size
• How to find your belt size with a tape measure
• How to order a custom belt size
• How to find a belt size with existing belt
• More belt size FAQs

NO, your pant size is NOT your belt size.

The most common mistake people make when shopping for a new belt is assuming their belt size is the same as the number or letter size of their existing belt or pant size. This usually isn't the case because the materials modern clothes are made with tend to stretch and deform with use, and clothing manufacturers often use vanity sizing in pants size.

Basically add 2 to your pant size to get your belt size. If your pants size is 32, buy a belt size 34. If your pants size is a 34, buy a belt size 36; if your pants size is a 36, buy a belt size 38, etc. The reason you buy a belt size up from your pants size is to give yourself a few inches of room in case your body size ever changes.

Because of the vast difference in sizing between clothing brands, we no longer recommend only using that simple formula to get the correct size belt. A better method to choose a belt size is toalways measure yourself before purchasing a new belt.And remember: new leather belts tend to fit snug initially, then warm and mold to your body with use. The optimal belt size fits comfortably on the center hole, with additional holes in case your waist size changes.

Tools:

• Cloth measuring tape
• The outfit you want to use your belt with (jeans, trousers, dress, etc.)
• Mirror (optional)

Step 1:Put on the outfit you want to wear with your new belt. Pull your pants up to the height you typically wear them, tuck in your shirt if that is what you usually do.

Step 2:Weave the cloth tape measure through the belt loops of your pants as shown in the example. If you want a hip or waist belt, measure at your natural waistline or at the height you would typically wear the belt.

Our belts can be worn with any kind of outfit - jeans, dresses, kilts, etc. Measure where you want to wear your belt. For example, if you wear it at your natural waistline, measure there. If you wear it on your hips, measure through the belt loops of a pair of pants.

Step 3:Pull the tape measure snug, but not uncomfortably so. Take note of your measurement to the nearest quarter inch. It is important to get the correct measurement, so use a mirror or a friend to help if you need to.

Step 4:Consult thebelt size chart.

If you can't find your size in our size charts or are just looking for a super perfect fit, we can make a custom size for you. Be sure to measure to the nearest quarter inch, not the nearest inch.The more precise you are in your waist measurement, the better the fit will be.

Step 1:Measure your body as described above.

Here's how to find your belt size if you already own one of our cool belt buckles and thick leather belts. This method works best whengiving a belt as a gift, but will also work to measure a belt with a traditional belt buckle or ranger belts.

Tools:

• Soft tape measure or metal measuring tape
• Flat surface
• Your current belt

Step 1:Lay your leather belt out on a flat surface.

Step 2:Use the tape measure to get the belt length from the belt hole you typically use to the center of the hole in your Obscure Belt buckle. For leather belts with a traditional buckle, measure the belt length from your usual belt hole to where the prong touches the frame of the buckle.

The example below shows you exactly where to measure from on anObscure Belts buckleor a traditional belt type with your measuring tape. Always measure to the nearest quarter inch, measuring to the nearest inch is not precise enough.

We hope this guide has been helpful in your search for the perfect fitting belt! If you're still unsure of what size belt to order or have a question about measuring, feel free to reach out with any questions you have. We've been making our cool handmade leather belts since 2005 and know a thing or two aboutthe best way to make the correct size belt.

If you liked this article, leave us a comment below or check out our other blog posts for more tips about belts, buckle designs, and more.