Correct Belt SizingPlace the belt on a flat, hard surface (a table) to find your correct belt sizing. Using a measuring tape (tailor's tape works best) measure from the fold on the buckle end of the belt, to the hole that has the most wear. This measurement will become the center hole. Or in most cases you can take your pant waist size and add 2 inches for the correct belt size. For Example: If your pants are a size 32 you should add two (2) inches to the pant size and purchase a size 34 belt. This will put the buckle into the center hole allowing 2 holes in either direction. Holes are 1 inch apart.
Types of Buckles Determine Belt SizeBuckle style will also determine the belt size.If the belt is worn with the buckles below apply the 2" rule. If you wear a 36 waist, then the belt size will be 38. 3 to 4 Buckle SetsBuckle sets are normally three pieces: one a buckle, another the tip of the belt and the third is a piece that holds the end of the belt. Almost always in silver or gold with lots of engraving. Sometimes they come in four pieces with two identical pieces helping hold the buckle and those are technically Ranger sets although most people use the term to describe either a 3 or 4 piece buckle. Generally more of a dress up buckle than a day-to-day working buckle but buckle sets are highly prized.Chase Holland, a famous early Texas jeweler, says that there was a copyrighted Texas Ranger belt in the 1930s and that he combined it with a Holland buckle and the combination became known as "Ranger Buckles". There are generally two sizes mentioned - the width of the part of the buckle that the belt loops around and a usually smaller dimension for the buckle tip. Instill Photo Instill Link
Slide Buckle (Military Style)Slide Buckle (Military Style)Instill Photo Instill Link
Tongue BuckleTongue BuckleInstill Photo
Trophy buckleWhen the belt will be worn with a Trophy buckle, your pant waist size and your belt size will be the same.Larger buckles are generally 3 1/2" wide or more. These are typically what people think of when they hear "Cowboy Buckles". Many of these are rodeo or stock show trophy buckles. Smaller buckles are generally less than 3 1/2" wide and are often more interesting to women or children. Many cowboys wear them for everyday work or because they simply fit better or for formal occasions. Don't be afraid to get a smaller buckle. Instill PhotoInstill Link
Under or Over Sized BeltUnder sized beltUnder Sized Belt - Any belt strap under a size 26. If you require a strap smaller than a size 26 it will be considered custom.Over Sized BeltOver Sized Belt - Any belt strap over a size 42. Handcrafted Belts and Buckles can make a belt (Alligator and Crocodile, not Calf Skin) any size because the skins are spliced together creating a nearly invisible seam. After a size 42 the backing of the strap may have to be spliced. The splices are more visible than the Alligator and Crocodile but are on the reverse side of the strap that no one can see. We've made many in the size 50 and 60 range with great success. We also recommend a wider belt (1 3/8 " or 1 1/2"). Thinner straps have a tendency to feel like they are cutting into the waste-line causing discomfort.
Belt Sizing - leather belt care
|
