068. Which Belts Are Discerning Shoppers Buying?
Thirty Perfectly Crafted Classics, Wearable Statement Belts, and Unique Vintage Finds.
I find the current tug-of-war between low-rise pants making a comeback and high-waisted ones persisting really amusing. It reminds me of my favourite slice of fashion history. At a time when mom jeans were all the rage and waistlines rarely dipped below the navel, Alexander McQueen debuted the bumster trousers during his Spring/Summer 1994 ‘Taxi Driver’ show in Paris. A pair of trousers so low-waisted they revealed the top of your backside. McQueen liked its shock value - he was inspired by the ‘builder's bum’ - but he also saw beauty in this typically maligned view, particularly in how it elongated the torso and challenged the silhouette that was popular at the time. It kicked off the low-slung craze that defined early 2000s fashion and had cultural ripples with phrases like muffin top, whale tail (a visible G-string), and tramp stamp entering the lexicon. It even spawned new products, like the low-rise boyshorts I remember wearing throughout my teens that were designed not to peek out of low-slung waistbands.
I don’t buy into trends, but I’ll play around with them when it costs me $0. Yesterday, to meet friends for lunch at my local pub, I put on my baggy Studio Nicholson Chalco pants and Déhanche Hollyhock belt and pulled them down on my hips as low as they would go. I’m sure it looked unflattering by all accounts, especially on my 5ft0 frame, but it felt fun and playful. I’ll wear the same pieces today but adjust the belt so that the pants become high-waisted and slightly cropped. Owning a great belt is what affords me the versatility. I can play with different silhouettes without it costing me a penny.
That belt is the only one I own. It’s black leather with silver hardware, and I am contemplating buying the brown suede one with a gold buckle I have linked below for when I wear a brown bag or brown shoes. I like to match my belt to my other accessories, but that’s hardly a rule. I believe in investing in one or two great everyday belts. If you choose well and treat it with some leather CPR a couple of times a year, a high-quality leather belt should last for the rest of your life. After reading and watching hundreds of reviews, I compiled a list of thirty belts to help you find the statement piece that will define your silhouette or the versatile classic to anchor your wardrobe. You will find perfectly crafted belts, including custom-made belts under $200 and belts with a pre-weathered finish for those who don’t like anything too classic, everyday belts with a twist for those who want interesting buckles without the gaudiness of a logo, unique but highly wearable statement belts, and vintage treasures.
Note: Anything I recommend after the paywall does not include affiliate links.