THE RULE OF BELT

The fact is that most men don't know the basic rules of wearing belt. On a number of occasions, I’ve met some well dressed gentlemen in nice suit, nice dress shirt, dress shoes but a casual belt around the waist. I’ve also seen men dressed casually wearing shorts, t-shirt, sneakers but a slim dressy leather belt.

If you think there's nothing wrong with the two outfits mentioned above, then you're part of the problem.

This article list 9 basic rules of belt which will help you step up your belt game (no.8 will shock you).

1. The bigger the belt buckle, the more casual it is. Avoid wearing a belt with big buckle with your suit. You are not a clown please.

2.The skinnier the belt the more formal it is.  The thicker and wider the belt the more casual it is.

3. Ensure the colour of your belt matches the colour of your dress shoe. Black shoe should match with Black Belt, same goes for Brown and Red shoes.
It is not that hard, in fact when you order a bespoke shoe from NKY Classic Footwear, you can also add a matching belt to your order, this makes it easy to match your belt and shoes. Contact them on +234 806 261 9534 for enquiries.

NKY Classic Footwear

4. For casual shoes such as sneakers or canvas, you can wear thicker casual belts such as braided belts or fabric belts. 

5. For a corporate look and other formal looks, you should stick to the classic buckle style - the simple silver square framed buckle with single prong.

6. You actually don't need me to tell you this but avoid wearing a belt that is shorter than your waist or more than 2 sizes bigger than your waist. The appropriate belt length is such that it goes under the first belt loop after the buckle and should stop halfway on its journey to the second belt loop. The belt should buckle on hole number 3 leaving 2 holes over. Please and please if you need to open your own holes, then that belt is not your size. Don't go and disgrace your ancestors.

7. Your belt buckle should match the metal design of your shoes, your blazer button, tie bar, watch and cuff links

This is the mark of a true gentleman. If you are wearing a loafers with a gold design, ensure you use a matching belt with a gold belt buckle as well. If it’s silver, ensure your belt buckle and the metal of all other accessories is silver as well.

8. If you are wearing a well tailored suit, going BELTLESS is the way. For one, you don't need the belt to hold your pants up since it is your perfect fit. Secondly, in a suit, where the jacket and pants match, a belt interrupts “the flow” of the suit. The bold line, that is the belt, makes our eyes pause. So going BELTLESS gives an uninterrupted flow which feels a lot more elegant.

9. When wearing casual shoe, your belt should complement your shoes not match it. Imagine matching your white sneakers with a white belt? Trust me, you're going to look weird. Instead, you can wear a white sneakers with a light brown casual belt.

So gents, let's be honest with ourselves, which of these belt rules have you broken? Say the truth and shame the devil. Anyway, your sins have been forgiven. Now step up your belt game like the true gentleman that you are.

Till we meet again, ignite your confidence.