Why are men's 1-1/2" leather belts the standard? (2024)

You may have noticed that most leather belts are the same width. The 1-½ inch wide leather belt is the most common width for casual leather belts. This size leather belt size was designed to fit perfectly through the loops of most manufacturers' casual pants, like jeans or khakis.

Because of their near-universal fit, 1-½ inch leather belts are a great style to wear every day. They are one of the most versatile accessories for men - you can wear them as work belts to the office, or dressed up to go out.

What is the difference between a dress belt and a casual belt?

Casual belts and dress belts are different sizes because the loops on dress pants and jeans are different. The size of the belt loops on your pants determines which type of belt you should wear.

How wide is a casual belt?

Casual belts are 1-½ inches wide. Casual pants, like jeans, are usually made with thicker fabric and have wider belt loops. A wider casual belt will easily fit through the belt loops on a pair of jeans and give the outfit a more relaxed style.

How wide is a dress belt?

Dress belts are usually 1-¼ inches wide. A narrower belt will fit through the smaller belts loops and won't weigh down the lightweight fabrics most dress pants are made with. The narrower belt gives formal outfits a more sophisticated look.

Which type of belt is best?

The best belt is the one that fits you on the middle hole, matches your style, and is built to last. When it comes to daily driver leather belts, without a doubt full grain leather belts are the best quality. They develop a beautiful leather patina with age and won't crack or split if properly maintained. Plus, who can resist that great leather smell? If you're in the market for a new casual belt, we recommend going with a classic black belt with a silver buckle, like the Series 7 Dial.

Dial Buckle on 1-1/2 inch Black Leather Belt

If you're looking for a new leather belt to wear for work, our own favorite buckle is the Satin Gunmetal Dial. This buckle's one-of-a-kind style and impeccable quality will transition perfectly from boardroom to boardwalk. We also make it on a brown full grain leather belt and grey distressed leather belt.

→ Shop the Dial Belt

Full grain leather belt vs genuine leather belts

There really isn't a comparison - full grain leather belts are far superior quality to genuine leather belts. You can expect a full grain leather belt to be very durable and last a long time without showing signs of wear. Their quality is reflected in their higher price, but it's worth every penny if you only have to buy a belt once.

Genuine leather belts are the particle board of belts. They look cheap, smell like plastic, and will start to break down within months. You can expect the "leather" to start cracking and splitting with minimal use. Genuine leather is a gimmick and a waste of money.

No matter your pant size, our full grain leather belts are a strong, comfortable choice for your waist. We make every strap with six holes for adjustment so you can keep wearing your belt even if your waist size changes. We even make belts for size 30 waist! All our leather hides are made in the USA in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Don't believe us? Checkout our over 500 5-stars reviews from our customers. And remember - don't guess your size, always measure your waist. 😉

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