Is It Okay to Wear a Suit Without a Belt?

If you examine a typical modern office with a formal dress code, you'll probably discover that most if not all the male workers wear a belt. This otherwise simple accessory has been around for more than a century. And while countless new belt designs have emerged since then, its fundamental purpose remains the same: to prevent the wearer's pants or trousers from falling down. If your suit trousers fit, though, you might be wondering if a belt is really necessary. Well, the answer isn't as simple as "yes" or "no." In this post, we're going to reveal whether it's okay to wear a suit without a belt.

The Purpose of Belt

Before we reveal whether it's okay to wear a suit without a belt, let's first take a few steps back to explore the purpose of this fashion accessory. As previously mentioned, belts are worn primarily for the purpose of securing the wearer's trousers in place. Without a belt, there's a possibility that your trousers may fall down, especially if they are more than a full size (in the waist) too big. There's another reason why so many fashion-conscious men wear a belt with their suit, however. In addition to preventing their trousers from falling down, a belt introduces new color and patterns into the wearer's outfit. Assuming you choose the right belt, this means you'll create a more complete and stylish outfit that wouldn't otherwise be possible. Wearing a black belt with charcoal gray suit trousers, for example, is a stunning combination that's all-but-guaranteed to turn heads. The dark color of your belt against the semi-light tone of your suit trousers helps create a more attractive appearance.

Check Your Trousers for Belt Loops

If your suit trousers have belt loops around the waistline, it's recommended that you wear a belt with them. Without a belt, it will look like something is missing from your trousers. If you wear trousers without a belt, people will see the empty, unused belt loops around the waistline. Unfortunately, this creates a bland and unflattering appearance. You can avoid this fashion faux pas, however, by wearing a belt. So, take a few minutes to check your trousers to see if they have belt loops. And if you see belt loops present, err on the side of caution by wearing a belt with them. On the other hand, if your trousers don't have belt loops, it's perfectly fine not to wear a belt.

Wearing Suspenders Instead of a Belt

There's an exception to the aformentioned rule that you must wear a belt if your trousers have belt loops. The exception is when you are wearing suspenders. Also known as bracers, suspenders feature two elastic straps with clips on each end that are worn over the shoulders. The clips attack to the top of your trousers, thereby preventing them from falling down. With suspenders, there's no real purpose for wearing a belt, other than the style it adds.

 Don't Wear Suspenders and a Belt

Some men assume that it's okay to wear suspenders and a belt with their trousers, but this is a major no-no. Again, you only need one of these accessories to prevent your trousers from falling down. Including both in your outfit is redundant and will only bring down its aesthetics. The golden rule to remember is that you can wear a belt or suspenders, but you shouldn't wear both together in the same outfit.

Wearing Trousers Without a Belt or Suspenders

You can still wear suit trousers without a belt or suspenders, assuming the trousers fit properly and don't have belt loops. The problem is that most men don't choose trousers in the right size. They end up with trousers that are either too big or too small for their body. When your trousers are too big, they'll probably fall from your waist. When they are too small, you may struggle to button them. How do you avoid headaches such as this? The easiest solution is to order a custom-sized suit, such as those sold here StudioSuits. We offer custom sizing at no additional charge. You tell us your measurements, and we'll create a custom-sized suit, including trousers, that fits your body perfectly.

Choosing the Right Belt for Your Trousers

If you're planning to wear a belt with your trousers, it's important that you choose the right type of belt. It's no secret that there are literally hundreds if not thousands of different types of men's belts available for sale. You can find belts in a variety of materials, sizes, colors and styles. So, which type should you wear with your suit trousers? A good rule of thumb to follow is to wear a belt in the same color as your trousers. Some men wear a belt in the same color as their trousers, believing this will create a more cohesive outfit. However, it's better to wear a belt in the same color as your shoes and not your trousers. If you're wearing charcoal gray trousers with black shoes, for example, you should wear a black belt. In addition to choosing the right color, you should also choose a belt in the right size. Make sure the belt isn't too small or too big. You should be able to easily wrap it around your waist and secure it with buckle. With that said, the belt should also have an appropriate height. Many men prefer thin, short belts because of the slimming effect it has on their appearance. Thicker, taller belts, however, have the opposite effect by making you look wider around the waist.

In Conclusion

The bottom line is that most men wear a belt with their suit trousers. When trousers have belt loops, they should generally be worn with either a belt or suspenders, the former of which is most common. As revealed here, though, there are exceptions to this rule.