What makes an investment in a designer belt worth it?

“What I love about a designer belt is that it can instantly elevate your everyday wardrobe staples, even if they came at a nondesigner price,” says Konrad. “While the price can be a bit hefty for a few inches of leather, you're often getting top-notch craftsmanship [and] a great piece or two of hardware, and we can't forget the chic dust bag you can add to your collection.”

How do you measure belt size?

The best way to determine belt size is to wrap a tape measure where you’ll be wearing the belt, whether it's around your waist or through the belt loops of your jeans or trousers. Choose the closest size based on your measurements. The number you measure should correspond with the center hole. Keep in mind that measurements for designer belts may be in centimeters or inches, depending on the country of origin.

How should a belt fit?

You'll usually want to wear your belt on one of the middle holes, if it's adjustable. Be sure that it's not so tight so that it looks pulled in, yet you probably won't want it hanging off of your hips either. A well-fitting belt should keep your pants firmly in place without feeling uncomfortable.

The 19 Best Designer Belts of 2023

Be it a corset-like cincher or a thin version for a finishing touch, belts are more than capable of making impactful changes to the ensembles you love. And like any cult accessory, designer brands provide benefits, from great quality to timelessness. So, we took it upon ourselves to curate the best belts from the most popular and reputable brands.

We searched for the best designer belts, looking at style and craftsmanship, materials, color options, among other features. After consulting with a lifestyle expert for styling advice, and considering dozens of options, we landed on these top-rated choices.

Our Top Picks

Best Overall:

Loewe Anagram Belt at 24s.com

Jump to Review

Best Value:

Anderson’s Croc-Effect Leather Belt at Net-a-Porter

Jump to Review

Best Splurge:

Hermès Kelly 18 Belt at Hermes.com

Jump to Review

Best For Everyday:

Khaite Bambi Leather Belt at Khaite.com

Jump to Review

Best Vegan:

Nanushka Horace Vegan Belt at Ssense.com

Jump to Review

Most Classic:

Celine Small Triomphe Belt at Celine.com

Jump to Review

Best Logo:

Fendi Logo-Buckle Leather Belt at Fendi.com

Jump to Review

Best Chain:

B-Low The Belt Cora Chain Belt at B-lowthebelt.com

Jump to Review

Best No Buckle:

Isabel Marant Lecce Belt at Intermixonline.com

Jump to Review

Best Skinny:

Christian Dior Saddle Belt at Dior.com

Jump to Review

In This Article

Our Picks
Final Verdict
What to Look for in a Designer Belt
FAQ
Why Trust Byrdie

4.8

Net-A-Porter

View On 24s.com View On Loewe.com View On Net-a-Porter

Loewe’s reversible anagram belt has been made by the Spanish brand’s skilled artisans from supple leather. The buckle is shaped in the house’s iconic emblem, complete with a push-stud fastening. For under $500, not only is it chic and versatile, but it also costs the minimum you can expect to pay for a well-made belt by a heritage brand.

Price at time of publish: $490

Material: Calfskin leather | Width: 2.8 centimeters (approximately 1 inch) | Colors: Warm Desert/Light Oat/Bronze, Black/Tan/Palladium, Tan/Black/Gold | Size Range: 65-115 centimeters

Net-A-Porter

View On Net-a-Porter

A slim leather belt in a neutral tone is a fail-safe addition to your everyday wardrobe, as it can add polish to virtually any look. And for less than $200, Anderson’s version in croc-effect leather and gold-tone leather does just that, making it the ultimate value accessory.

Price at time of publish: $160

Material: Calfskin leather | Width: Approximately 1 inch | Colors: Black, Tan | Size Range: 65-90 centimeters

HermÃ¨s

View On Hermes.com

Hermès is the crème de la crème of luxury, so it should be no surprise that the brand takes this category. The Kelly 18 belt is sophisticated in that it has a low-profile sliding system, rather than traditional construction with holes, for a one-size-fits-all belt that can be worn at the waist or on the hips. Snag this comfortable belt with rose gold, gold, or silver hardware, depending on your taste.

Price at time of publish: $3,525

Material: Calfskin leather | Width: 0.71 inches | Colors: Terre Battue, Havane, Ébène | Size Range: OS

Net-A-Porter

View On Khaite.com

American brand Khaite specializes in high-end basics that are so well-crafted, they’re not basic at all. The gleaming hardware on this skinny belt from supple leather will add just the right amount of polish and sophistication to your daytime looks, though we can’t see how you’d go wrong with sister styles Bella and Robbi, either. The buckle is easy to adjust and the belt wears very comfortably.

Price at time of publish: $360

Material: Lambskin leather | Width: Approximately 2 inches | Colors: Black, Black With Silver, Caramel With Silver +more

Ssense

View On Ssense.com

Nanushka is well-known for its commitment to veganism and the environment, which emanates through its thoughtful approach to design. This waist-defining double-buckle belt with gold hardware is made from supple vegan leather, so it’s free from animal skin and animal derivatives commonly employed in the manufacturing process.

Price at time of publish: $395

Material: 60% polyurethane, 40% polyester | Colors: Brown, Creme | Size Range: XS-S, M-L

Celine

View On Celine.com

It doesn't get more classic than Celine, a fashion house whose history dates all the way back to World War II times. This belt is made from smooth black leather in a slim silhouette and features the heritage brand's classic Triomphe symbol—a logo that was originally created by the label's founder, Céline Vipiana and that nods to the age-old Parisian monument, the Arc de Triomphe.

Price at time of publish: $590

Material: Calfskin leather | Width: Approximately 1 inch | Colors: Black | Size Range: 70-90 centimeters

Fendi

View On Fendi.com View On Saks Fifth Avenue

You can seldom go wrong with a logo-stamped belt to finish a look, though this one by Fendi is as refined and elegant as it comes. “This screams designer without going over the top,” says Konrad. “I'd love to see this belt paired [with] a relaxed, oversized suit for that oh-so-Italian vibe.”

Price at time of publish: $520

Material: Calfskin leather | Width: 3.5 centimeters (approximately 1.4 inches) | Colors: Brown, Black +more | Size Range: 65-105 centimeters

B-Low The Belt

View On B-lowthebelt.com View On Revolve

For a timeless chain belt, accessory brand B-Low The Belt has you covered. This style has an adjustable chain with oval links and a clasp closure to add a bit of luster to your jeans, trousers, and dresses.

Price at time of publish: $128

Material: Metal | Width: Less than 1 inch | Colors: Gold | Size Range: OS

Net-A-Porter

View On Intermixonline.com View On Isabelmarant.com View On Net-a-Porter

Parisian fashion designer Isabel Marant knows how to capture the nonchalance for French street style in the form of billowy dresses, cozy shearling toppers, and fuss-free cinchers like the Lecce belt. It fastens with a wraparound knot for easy adjustment and wears well with everything from structured blazers to relaxed knitwear.

Price at time of publish: $160

Material: Leather | Width: Approximately 1 inch | Colors: Black, Burgundy +more | Size Range: OS

Dior

View On Dior.com

When it comes to skinny belts, Dior’s Saddle Belt is our top choice because it is as iconic as it is versatile. “There's a bit of a '90s, Princess Di sensibility about this belt,” says Konrad. “It’s perfect to wear at the waist of a chic polka dot dress or a wide leg trouser and an oversized sweater.”

Price at time of publish: $660

Material: Calfskin leather | Width: 20 millimeters (0.79 inches) | Colors: Black, Latte | Size Range: 70-95 centimeters

Net-A-Porter

View On Nordstrom View On Matchesfashion.com View On Modaoperandi.com

For an ultra-laid back look, there’s Isabel Marant’s Lonny belt, a wrap belt with an adjustable slip closure that makes it easy to lightly cinch an otherwise roomy waist. The long and pendulous belt is offered in a small palette of neutrals for maximum versatility.

Price at time of publish: $215

Material: Leather | Width: 0.80 inches | Colors: Black, Tan | Size Range: OS

Valentino

View On Neiman Marcus View On Net-a-Porter View On Valentino.com

Valentino recognized all of the best qualities one could want in a belt—the classic nature of the logo belt, the transformative quality of a statement belt, and the versatility of a reversible belt—and created this reversible V-logo style. Layer any of the classic color pairings with neutrals for a monochromatism or jewel tones for a more dimensional look.

Price at time of publish: $590

Material: Calfskin leather | Width: Approximately 1.5 inches | Colors: Black/Pure Red, Saddle Brown/Black, Smokey Brown/Black +more | Size Range: 65-105 centimeters

Altuzarra

View On Altuzarra.com

Corset belts are the most waist-defining belts because of their widths. Wider than the average wide belt, they create an hourglass figure by cinching several inches of the waistline length-wise. Altuzarra’s take, in calfskin, has a sculptural shape that’s great for adding shape to a boxy blazer or an easy shirtdress.

Price at time of publish: $495

Material: Calfskin leather | Colors: Chestnut, Black, Cognac | Size Range: XS/S-M/L

Yves Saint Laurent Maillon Thin Belt in Lizard-Embossed Leather

YSL

View On Matchesfashion.com View On Net-a-Porter View On Ysl.com

Saint Laurent’s Maillon belt combines glossy lizard-effect leather and a sleek bronze-tone chain for a distinctly sophisticated sensibility. It’s so versatile that you can slip it through the loops of your favorite jeans as a finishing touch or don it over a slinky sweater dress to emphasize your waistline.

Price at time of publish: $545

Material: Calfskin leather | Width: 0.70 inches | Colors: Black, Blanc Vintage | Size Range: 65-100 centimeters

Bottega Veneta

View On Bottegaveneta.com View On Fwrd.com

Before you enter corset territory, there’s the realm of wide belts, where Italian label Bottega Veneta lives and thrives. Wide belts like this one from leather and metal are great for cinching the waist dramatically to show off your curves. For this effect, wear it around the waist of a loose-fitting dress or boxy blazer.

Price at time of publish: $1,350

Material: Calfskin leather | Width: Approximately 3 inches | Colors: Black, Almond, Clay, Raisin | Size Range: S-L

Nordstrom

View On Nordstrom View On Mytheresa.com View On Thewebster.us

Off-White's Mini Industrial Web Logo Belt stays true to the multifaceted, Milan-based label's streetwear-inspired ethos. The fabric silhouette is freshly designed to resemble yellow construction tape with an adjustable black matte buckle at the center and contrasting black logos. Balance a polished blazer with rugged accessory for a true high-street appeal.

Price at time of publish: $250

Material: Polyamide, polyester | Width: Approximately 1 inch | Colors: Yellow, Black, Fuchsia | Size Range: OS

Isabel Marant Djola Studded Leather Belt

Net-A-Porter

View On Isabelmarant.com View On Luisaviaroma.com View On Net-a-Porter

On the runway, Isabel Marant’s Djola belt was paired with a panoply of outfit styles, showing off its versatility. The piece is made from leather and silver hardware. The decorative studs are reminiscent of a Western aesthetic.

Price at time of publish: $390

Material: Calfskin leather | Width: Approximately 1 inch | Colors: Black, Natural | Size Range: 70-105 centimeters

Courtesy of Michael Kors

View On Michaelkors.com

Reversible belts already add value and function in a capsule wardrobe, and this designer option is affordable to boot. With the MK signature logo on one side and leather on the other, this functional, fashionable belt comes in a wide range of sizes.

Price at time of publish: $98

Material: Leather/polyurethane | Colors: Brown/Black, Brown/Acorn, Vanilla, Black, Admiral/Heritage Blue, Merlot/Royal Pink, Brown/Chambray, Brown/Crimson, Ballet, Soft Pink | Size Range: S-XL

Courtesy of Tory Burch

View On Toryburch.com

This ultra-thin belt works as well to elevate a casual T-shirt and jeans as it ties together an oversize blouse, blazer, or coat. Available in two neutral shades and with the Tory Burch emblem, wear it over your hips or waist for a chic look. It's crafted from leather and extremely well-made.

Price at time of publish: $89

Material: Leather | Colors: Longan, Royal Navy | Size Range: XXS-XL

Final Verdict

Loewe's Anagram Belt in Soft Grained Calfskin is our overall favorite. We love it for its artisanal design, chic and versatile style, and fair price. Anderson's Croc-Effect Leather Belt is an equally stylish option that is affordable and goes with everything.

Meet the Expert

Preston Konrad is a lifestyle expert and founder of Preston Konrad Home and Kennett Creative.

What to Look for in a Designer Belt

Style

Belts run the gamut in terms of style, so determine which outfits need an added belt and why. Corset belts and wide belts are feminine and figure-shaping, while skinny belts are great for final touches on business attire or more subtle cinching. Chain belts, on the other hand, are very delicate and have a vintage feel circa the 1960s and '70s. Consider the width of the belt as well. Styles on this list range from wider belts like Khaite Bambi Leather Belt to narrow ones like Tory Burch Skinny Double T Belt and the Christian Dior Saddle Belt.

Sizing

Different brands will have different sizing ranges—meaning just because you're a medium belt size in one brand doesn't necessarily mean you will be a medium across the board. Be sure to confirm your waist size (noting whether you're measuring in centimeters or inches), and check each brand's sizing guide to find the perfect fit. Need help measuring your belt size? More on that below.

Materials

Designer belts tend to be crafted using quality materials like natural leather. If it's important to you that your belt is vegan, pick an option made of synthetic materials like polyester or polyurethane. The Off-White Mini Industrial Web Logo Belt is a vegan option.

FAQ

What makes an investment in a designer belt worth it?

“What I love about a designer belt is that it can instantly elevate your everyday wardrobe staples, even if they came at a nondesigner price,” says Konrad. “While the price can be a bit hefty for a few inches of leather, you're often getting top-notch craftsmanship [and] a great piece or two of hardware, and we can't forget the chic dust bag you can add to your collection.”
How do you measure belt size?

The best way to determine belt size is to wrap a tape measure where you’ll be wearing the belt, whether it's around your waist or through the belt loops of your jeans or trousers. Choose the closest size based on your measurements. The number you measure should correspond with the center hole. Keep in mind that measurements for designer belts may be in centimeters or inches, depending on the country of origin.
How should a belt fit?

You'll usually want to wear your belt on one of the middle holes, if it's adjustable. Be sure that it's not so tight so that it looks pulled in, yet you probably won't want it hanging off of your hips either. A well-fitting belt should keep your pants firmly in place without feeling uncomfortable.

Why Trust Byrdie

Hayley Prokos is a freelance writer and editor focused on fashion and lifestyle. She contributes regularly to Byrdie’s commerce section and has a passion for sourcing chic and practical luxury pieces with long-term wearability. After hours of researching and chatting with our expert, she’s gathered enough insight to determine which designer belts are worth investing in.

According to our Diversity Pledge, 15% of products in our newly-published market roundups will feature Black-owned and/or Black-founded brands. At the time of publishing, we were not able to find enough designer belts from Black-owned and/or Black-founded businesses to meet this percentage. If you know of one we should consider, please email us at contact@byrdie.com, and we will evaluate the product ASAP.

The 19 Best Designer Tote Bags of 2023