Let's start by defining what we're talking about.

    A belt is a cinching system that goes around the waist using tension to hold up a person's pants. Even a piece of string can be a belt!

    A belt can be used for carrying things. Look at Batman and his utility belt, or a gentleman who decides to conceal carry.However, most belts are purely decorative.

Anatomy of a Belt

     Many belts also have a keeper loop and/or an end tip (the end tip is usually metal, or leather on cloth belts). The end tip protects the end of the belt from being damaged/frayed and can make it easier to buckle. After the belt is buckled, the keeper loop stops the free end from flapping around.

     In some belts, the strap and buckle are permanently joined together; in others, they can be taken apart and the buckle switched out. The part of the buckle that joins it to the strap is called the chape.

    To maintain this function in the absence of a belt, you can choose suspenders as a stylish and fun alternative. Suspenders are a great way of dressing well for larger men — they'll hold up your pants more effectively and reduce bulk at the waist. They also make a short guy look taller (or at least, they don't make you look shorter by breaking the line of your body the way belts do.)

    The one thing you don't want to do is wear a belt and suspenders; it looks as if you either don't know what you're doing, or are just really, really worried about your pants falling down.