A belt wraps around the waist. It holds up trousers, cinches a dress, or just adds a line to an outfit. The basic design is simple: a strip of material with a buckle or clasp. Leather, fabric, metal, and woven cord are all common. The width and finish change the message. A thin patent leather belt reads formal. A wide woven belt reads casual.

Belts have a long history. Soldiers wore them to carry weapons. Workers wore them to hold tools. The buckle became decorative as much as functional. Today, belts range from a few dollars at a fast-fashion chain to hundreds for a designer piece. The material and hardware make the difference. Solid brass buckles last for decades. Cheap plated ones flake within a season.

Fit matters. A belt should sit at the natural waist or slightly below, depending on the garment. Too tight, and it bunches the fabric. Too loose, and it slides down. For trousers with belt loops, the belt should be visible but not dominant. For a dress or blazer, a belt can define the waist and change the silhouette entirely. A good belt is a quiet workhorse.

Common styles

• Leather dress belt
• Casual woven belt
• Wide cinch belt
• Chain belt
• Utility and tool belts