The 60 Best Belts for Women of 2025, Tested and Reviewed

What to Keep in Mind

• Material: As is the case with shoes and purses, one of the main indicators of a belt’s quality is its material. With the right composition (you can’t veer too far off course with a smooth leather or rich suede), your belt will last for years and prove more versatile with your looks, casual and formal. “Dressy belts can be made from polished leather or even be metallic, while casual belts tend to be made from woven fabrics, canvas, braided, raffia, and embellishments like studs,” says fashion stylist Corina Gaffey. 
• Width: “A well-established closet has a range of belt widths, which allows the individual to pull out the width that fits their belt loops’ heights and their look’s overall vibe,” explains Sharkey. If you’re buying your first belt or building out your belt collection, she says the standard size is 1 inch, as it fits nearly all pants. Once you’re ready to expand your collection, buy a 0.5-inch and a 1.5-inch belt. “A wider belt can make a statement, but may overwhelm petite frames. With that said, I’m loving a wider belt these days with denim—it’s super chic and brings an elevated look to an outfit,” adds Grimstad Huth.
• Placement: Belts can sit anywhere from beneath your hip bones to around your waist—placement is all about styling, proportions, and desired look. The two main types are waist and hip belts. “A waist belt sits right above the belly button and is the outermost layer of look, layered over dresses, sweaters, blazers, and trench coats. Most often, waist belts are more fashionable than functional,” explains Sharkey. Slightly more practical, hip belts tend to go through pant loops and improve the fit of your trousers. “It rests lower on your hips for a more laid-back vibe,” says stylist Lane. 
• Color: Belt shade, whether you opt for a neutral or a pop of color, is a matter of personal preference. The old rule of thumb is that your belt should match your shoes. There’s nothing wrong with creating a cohesive, considered look, but according to some of our experts, intentional mismatching can be a good thing. “A complementary color story can feel more modern and intentional than a perfect match. You can also use belts to try new color combinations, like a suede camel belt with a dark pair of jeans,” says Grimstad Huth. Maximalists and daring dressers can use their belts to make more of a statement, layering different shades, leathers, and prints as their outfits’ finishing touches, Sharkey says. 
• Size: To avoid having a belt with a too-short or too-long tongue, take your measurements before placing your order. The easiest method is to measure a well-fitting belt that you already have. “Start from just after the buckle and measure to the hole you use most often,” instructs Gaffey. If you’re starting from scratch, grab a soft tape measure. “Use the tool to measure either your hips or your waist, depending on whether you plan to wear the belt with high-, mid-, or low-rise pants, and match your measurements to the sizing chart. If you find you’re in between sizes, size up,” says Sharkey. “We can always make a belt 1 or 2 inches smaller by adding a new hole with a leather hole puncher.”
• Hardware: Hardware holds belts together, and according to Sharkey, its size and quality can define how you style a piece. “I’m grabbing a simple belt with minimal hardware for the office and saving oversized buckles and heavy hardware (like a Western belt) for the evenings and weekends,” she adds. Lane reaches for belts with metallic hardware for dressier looks, and Gaffey prioritizes designer logos, textures, and shiny hardware when she wants to add some “oomph” to her outfits.

Your Questions, Answered

How should I style a belt?

You’d style a thick, waist-cinching belt differently than a skinny leather one, but no matter a belt’s width, texture, or placement, the key is always, always proportions. “Belts create waists, establish the rule of thirds, and add a layer of depth,” says Sharkey. “As someone who most often wears monochromatic or tonal looks, adding a matching belt adds depth and interest.” She’ll often belt oversized blazers at the hips to transform them into structured tops or throw a belt on a plain outfit to make it more unique.

The options are endless. “You can try it over a floaty dress, trench coat, or cardigan. Belts can add cohesion to an outfit or cause a little disruption to a simple outfit with a stylish twist, depending on what style you go for,” says Gaffey. “A belt can create balance, add shape or a focal point; really, it’s an accessory workhorse.”

Are some belts more flattering on specific body types than others? 

Put plainly: Belts can work on everyone, but some styles do tend to look better on certain body types than others. The first step? Identify the areas you’d like to accentuate. “Belts can be helpful when playing with proportions and creating definition where it feels best for your frame,” says Grimstad Huth. For example, Sharkey suggests that pear-shaped individuals might opt for a wide belt around their upper hip or waist to draw the eye to the narrowest part of their torso and give their outfits shape, while Gaffey notes that belts can give rectangular or straight shapes the appearance of curves.

Placement can also come into play. “If you have a fuller bust and want to create definition, placing a belt slightly lower than your natural waistline creates balance and elongates the frame,” says Gaffey. “It’s all about playing with widths and placement to see what works for you and is most comfortable.”

What are some current belt trends?

If you’ve noticed more and more belts popping up on runways and red carpets, you’re perceptive. “As belts have transformed from functional pieces to fashion accessories, the market has exploded, giving us an abundance of styles, sizes, and aesthetics,” explains Sharkey, who says she currently has her eye on year-round cognac suede designs.

Recently, top designers such as Miu Miu, Schiaparelli, and Ralph Lauren have leaned heavily into the accessory in their runway shows by stacking two or more of them on top of each other. “If you want to add nuance to an outfit, this runway-approved styling trick is about layering and stacking two or more belts. It’s about mixing textures and styles to make it look intentional,” Gaffey says.

Even with one piece, you can make a standalone statement. Grimstad Huth has noticed a general return to bold hardware (think: sculptural buckles, stacked loops, and mixed metals). If you prefer to tone down the metallics and keep things light, Lane recommends wearing a scarf as a belt. “It’s such a fresh and playful way to style an outfit. It adds color and movement in a way traditional belts don’t,” she says. 

How should I store my belts?

The consensus among experts is that belts age quickly, particularly if you wear them often and don’t take proper care of them. The first step is storage—keep them on a belt hanger to avoid creasing or roll them loosely in a dust bag, preferably away from sunlight to avoid discoloration. 

Also consider the belt’s material. If it’s leather, Gaffey suggests conditioning it to prevent cracking. And if your belt has heavy-duty hardware, polish it occasionally to keep it from looking tarnished or scratched.

Why Shop With Us

Claudia Willen is an associate editor at InStyle, where she writes, edits, and reports on the latest fashion and beauty trends. For this story, she spent hours researching the most in-demand, highly rated belts and interviewed style experts Corina Gaffey, Jamie Grimstad Huth, Emma Lane, and Lauren Sharkey.