Belt

A belt is a long flexible band that is worn around the waist, primarily to support the trousers or other articles of clothing. Belts are usually made from leather or very thick and heavy cloth, and serve both utilitarian and decorative functions. Belts, along with the wallets, are considered to be among the primary male fashion accessories.

Belts have been known to humankind since antiquity. Evidence indicating that belts are a part of human clothing since the Bronze Age, have been found.

Belts have been a part of both male and female attire throughout history; however, the usage of belts by both the sexes has varied throughout history. There have been several periods in human history when belts simply went out of fashion. A point must be noted that though belts have been a part of the female attire since millennia, they were never that popular or essential. However there had been instances when wearing belts was fashionable and "in" for women: for example, the early Middle Ages, late 17th century and period between 1900 and 1910 (when skirt/blouse combinations were the vogue). Belts have also formed an important part of religious clothing.

Among males, belts have been associated with the military since the Industrial Age and the existence of military states in continental Europe. Belts have been used by many militaries across the globe as a decorative, ceremonial and yet significant item. During the militarist periods, particularly during the pre World War One era from the later half of the 19th century to the start of the Great War, the belt was an important part of an officer’s uniform. In the armed forces of the states of Prussia, Crimea, etc and other Eastern European nations, there was a widespread trend of officers wearing extremely tight, wide belts around the waist, on the outside of the uniform. These belts were tightly clinched and were meant to draw the waist inwards, and give off the appearance of a trim physique by emphasizing the wideness of the shoulders and the pout of the wearer’s chest. In reality, however, the belt only managed to emphasize the waist which was, more often than not made small by a corset worn under the uniform. Though these "corseting belts" were uncomfortable, they nevertheless, were necessary and made for a rather imposing sight.

Standard belts, as we know them today, began appearing in the 1920s as the trouser waists began falling to a lower and more natural line. Prior to the 1920s, among males, belts were prominent only in the military. Today, however, it is very common, and in some cases essential, for men to wear belts. Women, however, wear belts for more fashionable and decorative reasons. In other words, mens belts serve a more utilitarian purpose than ladies’ belts.

Leather belts are the most common types of belts found; in comparison, cloth and fibre belts are relatively rare. Among leather belts, mention must be made of studded belts, which are leather belts studded with different types of decorative metallic objects.

Another trend that is quiet popular is that of and fashionable designer belts which are designed by popular fashion houses and fashion designers. Hugo Boss and Armani belts are among the more popular mens designer belts. Among females, studded and beaded ladies designer belts are particularly revered.

Collecting belts is not a very popular hobby; nevertheless, dedicated enthusiasts do exist. Hence, it is not uncommon to see rare vintage belts command high premiums on online shopping sites.