Definitive : Belts Have Long Given Men the Kind of Support They Need

Buckle up, men: It’s not the law, but it’s the look.

Belts are more than just a functional accessory in a man’s wardrobe. They can pull together an outfit that lacks cohesion, dress up a casual look or dress down a formal one, as well as make a statement. Those conveyor belts include classic, forward, traditional, ethnic, rugged, sporty or Western.

Belts have served both utilitarian and distinction purposes throughout history. The plain tunic-like clothing of the ancient world and through the Middle Ages required both fastening and decoration.

Belt way: The Egyptian prince wore an elaborate loincloth of gold and enamel low on the waist over a skirted cloth to signify his societal position, and the ancient Cretan athlete cinched in his singularly skimpy loincloth with a tight leather belt to prevent exposure.

Wide belts in leather or fabric hugged waists (and sometimes from the chest to the hip) of Babylonian kings, Assyrian soldiers, noblemen and high priests to Persian princes and the famed Roman gladiators.

Buckles took hold of belt evolution during the Middle Ages as men of all stations--from the Teutonic warrior to the English gentleman--wore them high on the waist.

Belts with buckles and tips were also popular in very long versions, where the excess could hang as low as the ankle. These sword belts made for trying times among soldiers and crusaders.

As the Renaissance approached and male costume became more elaborate, so did belts.

Belt one out: Wide-waist sashes were popular in the 1600s with fitted coats but faded in the 1700s as waistcoats and breeches became the mainstay of men’s fashion.

Coats, jackets and suits continued to demote belts into a low profile status until well into the 20th Century, when belts and trousers became the sporting look.

The belts now in stores for spring are gutsy. There are wide (1 1/8 inches to 1 1/4 inches or more) leather straps or woven leathers (for a braided look) that wear well with denim and other casual clothes. The rugged look features all leather “self covered” buckles of brass, nickle plate, silver plate and sterling in varying finishes, such as polished and matte.

The bold belt approach also includes the ever-popular Western look with tapered ends, silver buckles, tips and detailing.

Save your skins: Hides, with their natural markings and distinct characteristics, offer one-of-a-kind beauty that can only come from the wild. Alligator and crocodile offer durability and elegance that place them among the most valuable skins in the world. Lizard is an alternative to these more expensive skins, as are the “mock crock” versions.

Sueded nubuck leather is used because of its soft feel and matte look. For casual wear, there are belts finished in synthetic and cloth materials, such as those wool surcingle ones with leather accents seen on the golf course.

Black, burgundy and brown are the ultimate colors for the basic dress belt. Black, brown (especially the coffee/mocha spectrum) and tan are used for casual wear.