How to Size a Belt – The Best Method
The most reliable way to size a belt is to measure a belt you already wear comfortably. Pants size is not a dependable substitute because jeans and trousers vary by brand, cut and rise.
Measure to the Fitting Hole You Use
- Lay a belt that fits you flat on a table.
- Start your tape at the beginning of the leather where it folds around the buckle. Do not include the buckle itself.
- Measure straight to the fitting hole you use most often.
- That measurement, in inches, is the belt size to order from us.
- If your measurement is an odd number and the belt is offered only in even sizes, round up to the next available even size.
View the illustrated Belt Size & Measuring Guide →
Why Pants Size Can Mislead You
A size 36 pair of jeans does not necessarily measure exactly 36 inches around the waistband. Measuring an existing belt tells you where you actually fasten your belt and removes most of the guesswork.
Why Construction Still Matters
A quality belt should be sized correctly, but the material and construction also affect how it feels and ages. Solid full-grain leather behaves differently from bonded or layered belts that can stretch, peel or separate.
For more on construction, see our guide to choosing a high-quality leather belt.
Special Considerations for Concealed Carry
If you wear an inside-the-waistband holster, measure while wearing your normal carry setup whenever possible. Additional room may be needed compared with your normal belt measurement.
See our concealed-carry belt guide for more detail.
Final Thoughts
Skip the pants-size shortcut. Measure from the beginning of the leather at the buckle fold to the hole you actually use. That measurement is the size to order from The Belt Shoppe.
