How to Measure Your Belt Size? Larimars.com

Have you ever ended up purchasing a wrong-sized belt? One that's uncomfortably tight or looks too sloppy around your pants? Well, you are not alone since most people don't know the right way to measure a belt which in turn lands them on wrong purchases.

Thus, to hinder this common wardrobe dilemma, today we are going to jot down some hacks to select the perfect belt size. Just dive in and save yourself from the frustration and struggles associated with ill-fitting belts. 

How to measure a belt? 

The most logical and accurate way to measure a belt is from the buckle to the middle hole. If the belt measurements and your hip size coincide, it means the belt will provide the perfect fit. 

This will enable you to wear your pants at different levels around your waist while leaving the shirt tucked in or out since the other holes will provide enough room for changes. Also, such a flexible belt size can be worn with pants of varied thicknesses. 

Most importantly, such a belt will not hang down loosely from one end since you'll be left with the right amount of strap to pull through the loop. 

Now the question that arises here is how to identify such a perfect belt size. Here is the key;

• Measuring belt size with a flexible measuring tape

Wear a well-fitted pair of pants and thread the measuring tape through its loops. Also, tuck in the shirt If you usually do so and wear the pants on your natural waistline or the point where you typically wear them. Then, wrap the tape one time around your waist and note the measurements as your hip circumference. This is the size of the belt you should purchase. 

In case you don't have a flexible measuring tape, you can also bring the goal with the help of a string, cord, ribbon, mobile charger, or even your shoelaces. For this, you need to thread whatever type of string you have, through the pant loops and mark the point on the string which meets the starting end. 

Then lay the string on a flat surface and measure the area from the starting end to the marked point, with the help of a metal tape or ruler. 

Remember that the measuring tape or the string should sit comfortably snug around your waist instead of being too tight or too loose. 

• Measuring belt size with your old belt

This method enables you to measure your belt size by using one of your old belts, even if it's not perfectly fit. For this, you simply need to place one end of the measuring tape at the inner edge of the buckle and stretch it to the hole which you find most comfortable. Such a hole would have the most signs of wear and tear.

One thing that's important to mention here is that if your existing belt is too worn out, or made up of too pliable or thin material, you should add about half an inch to the final measurements. 

Besides, you can also measure your belt size by adding around 3 inches to your pants waist.  Even though this method is the most convenient, it mostly also yields inaccurate results. Therefore, it's better to opt for the first two methods.

Consider sizing up or down 

Besides getting a belt as per your exact measurements, you can also consider buying one with a size up or down. Both come with their specific set of perks as follows;

• Comfort

If comfort is your priority, you should always choose the option of sizing up your belt. The larger size will not only enable you to breathe in comfortably while doing a variety of movements but also impart flexibility. For example, you can wear the same belt in winter when you need to put on several layers of garments to keep you warm. 

Likewise, you can comfortably wear the same belt at different points across your torso, regardless of whether you are gaining or shedding pounds. 

• Snug fit

If you prefer a snugger fit and your weight doesn't change drastically, sizing down the belt will suit you. Even on days when you're gaining weight, you'll have all those extra holes to accommodate you. 

Additionally, leather belts tend to stretch over months of use which means your belt is more probably to become looser over time. Therefore, you should already consider a smaller size to save yourself from poking in new holes and ruining the finishing. 

FAQs

• Should a belt be really tight?

Your belt should sit perfectly snug around your waist - neither too tight nor too loose. 

• Can I stretch a belt? 

If you have mistakenly purchased a smaller leather belt, you can stretch it out by submerging it in warm water for about five minutes. Besides, wearing it tightly for three to four months will also lengthen its fibres, making it comfortably tight around your waist over time.