Casual belts come in many more types, styles, and colors than formal belts, and can be used to show more of your personality and individual style.

Not only a buckle style for formal belts, the frame-style — usually with a bigger/thicker profile — can fasten casual belts as well

Usually detachable — paired with snap belts (straps without buckles)

Plate is usually decorated — e.g., in cowboy and biker belts

Hook goes through the front of the strap

Throw (distance from chape to hook) adds to the length of your belt

Box is hollow, metal and open-ended

Post presses the strap against the inside of the box

No need for holes in the strap

One or two rings form the buckle

Belt is fastened by threading through them

Casual, used with braided, webbing, and canvas belts

Male” and “female” ends snap together like a seat belt

Very casual and functional, often used by those engaging in outdoor pursuits

Not to be confused with snap belts

Uses a ratchet-style track system that requires a special type of strap

A folding piece of metal presses the “teeth” of the track system into the strap

No need for belt holes — allows minute adjustments

A casual belt will be 1.5-1.75 inches in width, with wider being more casual. A belt around 1.5” in width goes well with denim, chinos, and heavier fabrics. A belt wider than that is more unusual, suits jeans and casual trousers, and can be paired with classic and “statement” buckles.

1. Full-grain leather.

2. Braided leather.

3. Tooled leather.

4. Suede.

5. Other Materials

6. Leather-backed ribbon.

7. Canvas.

8. Webbing.

9. Rope.

10. Vinyl.