How to choose the right size belt

Intro:

Belts can be sized in a variety of ways which makes it difficult for paying costumers to find an accurate size. When ordering online, it can be even more difficult because you can't even try the belt on. Before we begin to understand what size belt you need, it is important to know how to even measure the belt itself to understand belt sizing. 

How to measure a belt:

A belt is typically measured from the center of the oblong (where your belt meets the buckle) to the center hole. This ensures that the costumer has wiggle room to either tighten the belt or loosen depending on a variety of factors such as climate, weight gain/loss, or adding pouches and holsters. It's that simple. So for example: A belt measuring at 35 inches would mean that from where the buckle meets the leather to the center hole is 35 inches in length.

 Now that you know how a belt is measured, how do you know what belt size you need? There are two ways in which Old Northwest Leather can figure out what size belt you need. 

Sizing your belt

1) Pant size

For men, your pant size is an easy way to get a measurement for your belt BUT your pant size and belt size are not the same. Typically a belt size is 2 inches larger than your pant size but this is not always reliable or accurate. Some manufacturers will size pants differently, making it even harder to get a correct size. For women this is especially difficult which makes this method of sizing a mere estimate. A better way to measure for a belt size is with a waist measurement. 

2) Waist size

This is the best way to get an accurate measurement and is the method used at Old Northwest Leather. Simply grab a flexible tape measure and run it through your belt loops around your waist and pull it tight. Make sure you are not so tight that you are squeezing yourself and ensure that you do not overlap the ends of the tape. Record your waist size but know this measurement is not actually your belt size.

The buckle itself adds generally an inch to the belt, meaning you will want to subtract an inch from your waist size to get your belt size. For example, I have a 36" waist. But to get a correct fit I subtract an inch to get a 35" belt, so by the time I add a buckle it should fit correctly.  

If you do not have a flexible tape measure then simply use a string, make a mark on the string for your size, and then measure the string. 

Final notes:

Here at Old Northwest Leather, we like to custom fit belts. Therefore we use waist measurements to get the most accurate fit for our customers. This method works for both men and women. Don't worry though; you do not need to know how to size your belt to order from us. When you go to order a belt simply type in your actual waist measurement as well as your pant size and we will get you the proper size belt.