How Many Belts Should A Man Have?

man holding multiple belts

When it comes to accessories, women have handbags, jewelry, scarves, headbands, clips and much more. While men can rock many other accessories, there is none more essential than the humble belt. Belts were invented sometime in the Bronze Age, but they became more popular around 1920. Belts are mainly used to hold up pants, but they can also be used for utility, emergency prep and more. Having multiple belts for multiple occasions is essential for most men. So, how many belts should a man have? Let’s talk about it more.

Formal Belts

Every man needs at least one formal belt, preferably 2-3 more formal belts if possible. More formal men’s belts are usually made from leather or faux leather. They also tend to be skinnier and have a less prominent belt buckle. 

It’s good to have at least one black leather belt and one in brown as well. Sometimes these belts are reversible and can be a different color on each side. This can be helpful if you don’t wear formal belts often or if you need to save space. If you wear a formal belt every day to the office or attend fancier events a lot, you might even want to have two black and two brown belts on hand. That way if you misplace one or it wears out, you have an alternative. 

As a bonus tip, if you’re dressing formally, you’ll want your belt to match your dress shoes for a more polished look.

Belts for Everyday Wear

You also have a need for belts you can wear every day. You can always use your formal belts, but if you're dressing casually, you’ll probably want something a little more informal. Here are a few examples of casual belts.

  • Braided
  • Nylon
  • Canvas
  • Rope
  • Sometimes leather

All of these types come in different styles, colors, lengths and sizes. They all do the trick of holding your pants up, and they all have different pros and cons. Some are more comfortable than others, some can be used in casual and formal situations, some allow you to switch out your belt buckles and more. No matter what kind of belt you decide to get, make sure you try it with your favorite pair of casual pants to make sure you love the fit!

Belts That Show off Your Personality

Some casual belts can also be used to express yourself and your own unique style! Do you dress in bright colors and crazy prints? You might need a stylish canvas belt or several in different colors. Are you a rustic outdoorsman that loves to explore the outdoors? You might wear rope belts. There are so many reasons to choose certain belts, but just make sure it’s totally what you love.

Versatile Belts

There are certain belts you can get that will work for more than one occasion. While it really depends on the look and feel of each belt, there are some you can get to cut down on the number of belts you need in your wardrobe. For example, as mentioned above, there are leather belts that are reversible. So, they’re black on one side and brown on the other. This way, you can go from two formal belts to just one. 

Consider the Buckle

Another thing you may not have thought about is belt buckles. Some buckles can be switched out while others are permanently attached to certain belts. Do you like big western buckles, or something more plain and subtle? Typically, as mentioned, your smaller belt buckles look more formal while the bigger ones are more for fun or are a style choice. Keep in mind what kind of buckle each of your belts has because the buckle can make a big difference in whether it’s a formal or casual belt. Buckles are also a huge influence on how comfortable your belt actually is when you wear it. It might not seem like a big deal, but just trust us. You’ll be glad you paid attention to the buckle when buying a belt.

Why a Rope Belt?

If you haven’t considered a rope belt, now’s the time. Why? Well, as mentioned, they’re versatile.  While you probably won’t wear them to a gala, they’re great for your outdoor adventures as well as everyday wear. So, you won’t need a bunch of different belts—maybe just a rope belt and a more formal one. 

In addition, rope belts are sturdy, stylish and can help you show off your personal style. They come in so many sizes and are easily adjustable throughout the day because you don’t have to worry about sizing holes on a rope belt. 

Lizard Tail rope belts use knotless technology so the belt won’t slip or come loose. If you want it tighter in the morning, and you need to adjust it at lunchtime after having your favorite meal, it is quick and easy to do so. Lizard Tail rope belts also come in many colors. So, if you like neutral colors, we have those. However, if you’re looking for something more bright and bold, we have those too.

How Many Belts Does a Man Actually Need?

So, back to our original question: How many belts does a man actually need? It depends on the man. Do you frequent events where you dress in a suit? You might need more than one formal belt. Do you work from home or have a more casual dress code at work? You might want several casual belts. Generally, though, you’d probably be safe with 1-2 formal belts and 1-2 casual belts. It’s even better if you can get a few that can be used in both casual and formal situations.

No matter what kinds of belts you decide to have in your wardrobe, as long as you have at least one or two that will transition well between both casual and more formal situations, you can get away with that, too. Just carefully consider the types of belts you decide to get.