Belts

Men have been using belts to hold up their trousers since the Bronze Age. Before that, they simply used a piece of rope or fibre Tying a piece of rope around the waist was the only way to hold them up, as they were not form fitted and had no “poppers”, press-studs, snaps, buttons, or zippers.

At around the time of the Bronze Age and after, belts began to serve a purpose as an addition to buttons or lace up trousers.

Men's fashion belts have come a long way, and now they have run the gauntlet over the years from very wide to razor thin, are made from cloth and leather, even plastic. But the biggest fashion accessory since the shoe is known more for the buckle rather than the material, after all, it's just a strip of material that goes around the waist - or is it?

Additions Direct Boden Brown Bag Clothing Burton Clothes Co Designer Discount Dorothy Perkins Dress For Less Figleaves Freemans Grattan Hargreaves Kaleidoscope Lands End Littlewoods Even More LX Direct Next Style Venue Top Brands Direct YOOX Belts

Prada makes leather and cloth belts which are conservative in nature but stylish. With simple buckles and clasps, depending on the style, you can dress casually for a day at the park or business like for the office. Very grownup!

Levis and Dockers are probably the most popular belt designers right now. Styles include stitched edging or braded leather, and the buckles range from clasp to conservative traditional hook and eye. They come in the standard black or brown. What makes them stand out is their manufacturing, as these belts are built to last.

Wilson Leather belts really stand up to the test of time, if you have the cash. These belts are a little thicker and are designed for the more casual outfit. Check them out during the sales; you just might end up picking out a jacket to go with it.

Leather isn't the only animal skin for belts. You can purchase alligator belts ( to go with your boots, I'd imagine), eel skin, or even snake skin, if you have a hankering to do so.