11 Best Belts for Men 2024, According to GQ Editors
GQ Recommends11 unimpeachable ways to level up your waistline this season.By Leon HedgepethNovember 6, 2024Photo: Getty Images; Collage by Emily HanhanSave this storySaveSave this storySaveAll products are independently selected by our editors. If you buy something, we may earn an affiliate commission.The best belts for men keep shit from going south, but they also make shit happen, in the most stylish way possible. First and foremost: a belt should hold up your pants. We know this, you know this, every ‘70s-era leading man in hip-hugging jeans knows this. More than their practical benefits, though, belts can make or break an entire outfit, imbuing your getups with a jolt of cowboy swagger or disheveled-heartthrob cool.We’re not suggesting you swap that discreet western joint for a brash leather number worthy of a WWE champion, but we are suggesting that you apply the same care and attention to your belts that you do every other piece of clothing in your closet. So to help you do just that, we went deep on the best belts for men to keep you looking sharp—and your pants right where they belong.The Best Men’s Belts, According to GQThe Best Belt Overall: Maximum Henry Wide Standard Belt, $145The Best Budget Belt: Journeyman Full Grain Leather Belt, $45The Best Dress Belt: Anderson’s 2cm Croc-Effect Leather Belt, $119The Best Braided Belt: Buck Mason Braided Leather Campus Belt, $148The Best Belt for Fashion Guys: Our Legacy 2cm Croc Belt, $225The Best Belt for GQ Cover Stars: Artemas Quibble BL 085 Belt, $895Looking for Something Specific?AccordionItemContainerButtonLargeChevronMore Belts We LoveHow We Review ProductsHow We Make These PicksWhat to Look for in a Great BeltBest Belt Overall: Maximum Henry Wide Standard BeltMaximum HenryWide Standard Belt$145 Alex MillPros & ConsAccordionItemContainerButtonLargeChevronProsSourced with eco-friendly materialsAvailable in a ton of colorsDistinctive buckles separate it from the mall brand packConsMade-to-order pieces require a wait, which can be inconvenient for those looking for an immediate purchaseWhen Maximum Henry Cohen launched his eponymous label in 2012, I doubt he pictured himself outfitting style icons like Robert Pattinson and Timothée Chalamet—but here we are. Twelve years later, his brand has crossed into Hollywood, collaborated with leading Internet menswear personalities, and also notably partnered with the most discerning boutiques, who proudly display his handmade belts right on their shelves.They do it because the belts are true pieces of craftsmanship. They’re cut, dyed, stitched, and waxed to order in their Long Island City studio, and made from 100% Belgian vegetable-tanned leather with sturdy stainless steel hardware. Take this one: At 1.5” wide, it’s the perfect daily driver, whether you’re pairing it with raw denim jeans or paper-thin chinos. The additional beauty of this brand? No two pieces are exactly alike, so each belt is already unique, though you’ll make it even more so as the patina builds with every wear. With Maximum Henry, you’re getting a piece that’s truly yours—not some cookie-cutter belt from the nearest outlet store.Best Budget Belt: Journeyman Full Grain Leather BeltJourneymanFull Grain Leather Belt$45 AmazonPros & ConsAccordionItemContainerButtonLargeChevronProsIt’s a budget-friendly option for high-quality beltsBacked by a lifetime warranty, offering peace of mind with your purchaseConsThe 1.5” width might not fit pants with belt loops designed for slimmer beltsFor just under $50, you can snag both black and brown belts from Journeyman. And don’t let the price fool you: Made in the U.S. from full-grain leather at a sturdy 1.5” width, this belt gets all the fundamentals right. It’s an ideal pick if you’re just dipping your toes into the belt game—not only does it keep your wallet happy, but the classic color options and silver single-prong buckle make it as versatile as they come. More good news? The brand backs it with a lifetime warranty, making it a stress-free investment. And here’s the kicker: the buckle is removable, so you can swap it out someday for that vintage one you scored at the flea market.Best Dress Belt: Anderson’s 2cm Croc-Effect Leather BeltAnderson's2cm Croc-Effect Leather Belt$119 Mr PorterPros & ConsAccordionItemContainerButtonLargeChevronPros100-step production process ensures that each belt is crafted to high standardsGold-tone D-shaped buckle stands out from the restConsCroc-embossed leather isn’t for everyoneFamily-owned Italian accessory brand Anderson’s has been turning out some of the world’s finest belts for nearly 65 years—and they’re still doing it all from a workshop in Parma, Italy. Their secret sauce? A mastery of Italian leather, a playful approach to design, and a commitment to a rigorous 100-step production process that guarantees every belt shipped out meets its high standards. (Yes, that’s 100 steps for a single belt. Quality, my friend, doesn’t come easy.)This glossy, croc-inspired beau
All products are independently selected by our editors. If you buy something, we may earn an affiliate commission.
The best belts for men keep shit from going south, but they also make shit happen, in the most stylish way possible. First and foremost: a belt should hold up your pants. We know this, you know this, every ‘70s-era leading man in hip-hugging jeans knows this. More than their practical benefits, though, belts can make or break an entire outfit, imbuing your getups with a jolt of cowboy swagger or disheveled-heartthrob cool.
We’re not suggesting you swap that discreet western joint for a brash leather number worthy of a WWE champion, but we are suggesting that you apply the same care and attention to your belts that you do every other piece of clothing in your closet. So to help you do just that, we went deep on the best belts for men to keep you looking sharp—and your pants right where they belong.
The Best Men’s Belts, According to GQ
- The Best Belt Overall: Maximum Henry Wide Standard Belt, $145
- The Best Budget Belt: Journeyman Full Grain Leather Belt, $45
- The Best Dress Belt: Anderson’s 2cm Croc-Effect Leather Belt, $119
- The Best Braided Belt: Buck Mason Braided Leather Campus Belt, $148
- The Best Belt for Fashion Guys: Our Legacy 2cm Croc Belt, $225
- The Best Belt for GQ Cover Stars: Artemas Quibble BL 085 Belt, $895
Looking for Something Specific?
Best Belt Overall: Maximum Henry Wide Standard Belt
When Maximum Henry Cohen launched his eponymous label in 2012, I doubt he pictured himself outfitting style icons like Robert Pattinson and Timothée Chalamet—but here we are. Twelve years later, his brand has crossed into Hollywood, collaborated with leading Internet menswear personalities, and also notably partnered with the most discerning boutiques, who proudly display his handmade belts right on their shelves.
They do it because the belts are true pieces of craftsmanship. They’re cut, dyed, stitched, and waxed to order in their Long Island City studio, and made from 100% Belgian vegetable-tanned leather with sturdy stainless steel hardware. Take this one: At 1.5” wide, it’s the perfect daily driver, whether you’re pairing it with raw denim jeans or paper-thin chinos. The additional beauty of this brand? No two pieces are exactly alike, so each belt is already unique, though you’ll make it even more so as the patina builds with every wear. With Maximum Henry, you’re getting a piece that’s truly yours—not some cookie-cutter belt from the nearest outlet store.
Best Budget Belt: Journeyman Full Grain Leather Belt
For just under $50, you can snag both black and brown belts from Journeyman. And don’t let the price fool you: Made in the U.S. from full-grain leather at a sturdy 1.5” width, this belt gets all the fundamentals right. It’s an ideal pick if you’re just dipping your toes into the belt game—not only does it keep your wallet happy, but the classic color options and silver single-prong buckle make it as versatile as they come. More good news? The brand backs it with a lifetime warranty, making it a stress-free investment. And here’s the kicker: the buckle is removable, so you can swap it out someday for that vintage one you scored at the flea market.
Best Dress Belt: Anderson’s 2cm Croc-Effect Leather Belt
Family-owned Italian accessory brand Anderson’s has been turning out some of the world’s finest belts for nearly 65 years—and they’re still doing it all from a workshop in Parma, Italy. Their secret sauce? A mastery of Italian leather, a playful approach to design, and a commitment to a rigorous 100-step production process that guarantees every belt shipped out meets its high standards. (Yes, that’s 100 steps for a single belt. Quality, my friend, doesn’t come easy.)
This glossy, croc-inspired beauty shows just how Anderson’s combines classic elements with unexpected colors, materials, and textures. It’s a slim 2cm wide (just shy of an inch) and fastens with a gold-tone D-shaped buckle that says “I mean business, but I look good doing it.” It’s a showstopper that pairs equally well with an all-black ensemble or a chalk stripe tweed suit—because quality typically lends itself to versatility.
Best Braided Belt: Buck Mason Braided Leather Campus Belt
A little bit boho, a little Ivy League, the unique magic of a braided belt is that you’ll never need to hunt for the right hole—just tighten the belt until your pants sit right at your waist, then slot the buckle prong easily into the braid it’s landed on. But where to source one? Well, just as Buck Mason has quietly come for your deck shoes, chinos, and T-shirts, they’re now ready to replace your belt too. This one is handmade in Italy from waxed and burnished cowhide, and measures in at a sleek 0.75 inches wide.
Best Belt for Fashion Guys: Our Legacy 2cm Croc Belt
Honestly, Our Legacy’s belts are one of the main reasons menswear guys started paying closer attention to belts again. Just as their Camion series managed to perfect the kind of shoes every guy wants to wear right now, their Western belt has an unmistakable presence at most fashion gatherings and has spawned a series of imitations.
But the original remains the strongest. OL’s belt version is the same width as Anderson’s, but this iteration is made from a licorice-colored bull leather with a debossed croc pattern. As if the croc motif wasn’t enough, the metal pin buckle closure, metal keeper, and metal tips combine for a refreshing Crocodile Dundee meets Paris, Texas vibe. Simply put, this belt levels up any outfit—and don’t worry, it won’t bite.
Best Belt for GQ Cover Stars: Artemas Quibble BL 085 Belt
What do Steven Yeun, Sergio Pérez, and Paul Mescal all have in common? Well, aside from rocking the cover of GQ, they’ve also each been spotted wearing belts from Artemas Quibble. The masterminds behind the label are husband-and-wife duo Natasha Chekoudjian and Jason Ross, who have also designed belts for some of fashion’s biggest names: Calvin Klein, Helmut Lang, and Rick Owens.
Each belt is handmade, and you, the buyer, get to choose the hardware and leather color. The belts feature materials like reclaimed leather, repurposed brass, and antique textiles, combining for a perfect blend of raw materials and avant-garde aesthetics. The belt itself is 1.25” wide, but the buckle? Unlike anything you’ve ever seen. Seriously, if "presence" had a dictionary image, this would be it. It’s the kind of belt that could easily work for A-listers today, cowboys of yesteryear, and maybe even a Spartan or two before that.
More Belts We Love
L.L.Bean
Braided Leather Belt
The Bean's recipe for success this season? It’s all about the BBB. Not the Big Baller Brand: We’re talking barn coats, boots, and belts. Like this full-grain leather belt with a solid brass buckle, braided so it’ll fit you comfortably no matter that day (or hour’s) fluctuations.
Hollywood Trading Company
American BLK Belt
The belt Jim Morrison would have probably chosen to melt hearts in a smoky club. The mixed, but somehow soft-feeling studs bring a cool blend of old Hollywood glamor and rock 'n' roll grit. And since it's Italian-made, it's built to last—a piece you could pass down to your kids, along with a few stories they might not be ready for.
Tory Leather
Repeated Stitch Leather Belt
Brooklyn’s beloved Front General Store has some of the best vintage but also makes excellent private-label beanies, thermals, and now belts. Made in the USA from 1” bridle leather with a unique sewn pattern, this belt is the ultimate choice if you’ve been itching for some stitching.
Lemaire
Minimal Western Belt
The Lemaire version of anything is often the most special. And while we wouldn’t want to tear down any of the other options on this list, this minimal Western belt somehow manages to be both city and country. A buffed leather beauty with antiqued gunmetal hardware and a detachable buckle, it’ll have you ready to slide a lasso into your daily commuter tote.
How We Test and Review Products
Style is subjective, we know—that’s the fun of it. But we’re serious about helping our audience get dressed. Whether it’s the best white sneakers, the flyest affordable suits, or the need-to-know menswear drops of the week, GQ Recommends’ perspective is built on years of hands-on experience, an insider awareness of what’s in and what’s next, and a mission to find the best version of everything out there, at every price point.
Our staffers aren’t able to try on every single piece of clothing you read about on GQ.com (fashion moves fast these days), but we have an intimate knowledge of each brand’s strengths and know the hallmarks of quality clothing—from materials and sourcing, to craftsmanship, to sustainability efforts that aren’t just greenwashing. GQ Recommends heavily emphasizes our own editorial experience with those brands, how they make their clothes, and how those clothes have been reviewed by customers. Bottom line: GQ wouldn’t tell you to wear it if we wouldn’t.
How We Make These Picks
We make every effort to cast as wide of a net as possible, with an eye on identifying the best options across three key categories: quality, fit, and price.
To kick off the process, we enlist the GQ Recommends braintrust to vote on our contenders. Some of the folks involved have worked in retail, slinging clothes to the masses; others have toiled for small-batch menswear labels; all spend way too much time thinking about what hangs in their closets.
We lean on that collective experience to guide our search, culling a mix of household names, indie favorites, and the artisanal imprints on the bleeding-edge of the genre. Then we narrow down the assortment to the picks that scored the highest across quality, fit, and price.
Across the majority of our buying guides, our team boasts firsthand experience with the bulk of our selects, but a handful are totally new to us. So after several months of intense debate, we tally the votes, collate the anecdotal evidence, and emerge with a list of what we believe to be the absolute best of the category right now, from the tried-and-true stalwarts to the modern disruptors, the affordable beaters to the wildly expensive (but wildly worth-it) designer riffs.
Whatever your preferences, whatever your style, there's bound to be a superlative version on this list for you. (Read more about GQ's testing process here.)
What to Look for in a Great Belt
What, exactly, differentiates a so-so belt from a truly superlative one? It’s more than just enough holes (though that’s a good place to start). Homing in on the materials at play is especially key. Are you looking for full-grain leather that’s durable and business-ready? Or maybe a braided suede for a relaxed, just swung-off-the-horse vibe?
Once you've got that figured out, it’s time to choose between widths (casual belts usually clock in at around 1.5 inches wide; formal belts 1.25 inches), and buckle types (clean and classic buckles skew formal; rugged, D-ring buckles skew casual).
Finally, and perhaps most importantly: figure out your proper waist size. Pros tend to go about 1 or 2 inches up for a fit that’s snug but not restrictive, which also leaves a little room for any winter weight anybody reading this definitely won’t gain.
