Introduction
At Elliot Rhodes, we believe a belt should never be an afterthought. It’s not just about keeping trousers in place — it’s about completing a look or in many cases Making a look. With over 20 years of expertise, we’ve redefined belts to be highly personalised, style-forward accessories that offer endless possibilities for personal expression, making the belt front and centre of your personal style rather than a lazy afterthought.
Whether you’re buying your first luxury belt or building a collection, here’s our definitive guide to getting it right — from strap textures and buckle finishes to the perfect width and of course size.
Here at Elliot Rhodes, thanks to our interchangeable system, you get to choose both the belt strap and buckle separately. This is a little different than you are probably used to, but believe me taking the time to choose well will give you an end product that is far more unique and tailored to your style.
Want to dive straight in? You can shop our Belt Straps Here and our Belt Buckles Here....
Otherwise...read on!
1. What’s the occasion?
No different than shopping for clothes you need to approach belt buying with the same focus. The first question we ask customers is ‘What’s the Occasion?’ or ‘What do you need this belt for exactly’.
Once you have in your mind a clear picture of the job you want this new belt to do for you, it will be a damn sight easier to focus in on options.
I hate to disappoint but there genuinely is not one belt that can work for everything. That’s a bit like saying you only want one pair of shoes that can cover work, play, exercise, winter, summer…impossible.
A capsule collection can do it, but if you are serious about upping your belt game then be prepared to invest sensibly into at least 3-4 good belts. Trust me, it will be a good investment that will end up being one of the best clothing or accessory decisions you have made.
2. Understand Your Strap Options
Leather Types
• Smooth or Lightly Textured
Generally, leathers that show the slightest natural grain or have a subtle surface texture either naturally or through light embossing.
These lend themselves to classic styles when you want to keep your look sleek and sophisticated.
• Vegetable Tanned
This traditional tanning method uses the centuries old method of colouring leather, adding natural ingredients of Mimosa, Chestnut and Quebracho to dye through the leather entirely. The result is a leather that feel incredibly natural, will not have any special finishes, and will generally show a subtle tonality rather then being a totally solid colour.
This leather tends to be used for more casual occasions, so ideal for jeans or more vintage feeling casual wear.
• Embossed & Textured
Think crocodile, lizard, and basketweave - these textures are applied on top of the leather to create a tactile surface finish. These leathers often have chrome dyes applied which allow for all sorts of vibrant colours, as well as colour mixing that can add multiple tones to a single leather.
This leather can still look quite smart if the patterning is not too heavy. The more the emboss is pronounced the more casual the belt becomes. These textures are great for all but the most formal of occasions and can be really distinctive and fun. You can definitely make a bit more of a statement using a leather like this.
• Suede & Nubuck
Soft, tactile matte finishes that bring a relaxed elegance.
Suede is created by brushing the surface of a leather. Suede is the only leather we use at Elliot Rhodes that is not a full grain leather. We have to split the leather, removing the surface to expose the leather that sits just below the surface which has looser fibres that are essential for giving us the pile that gives suede its unique texture.
The sleeker version of Suede is Nubuck – created by brushing the surface of a full grain leather. The tighter fibre of the leather means that the pile is much smoother and tighter, making it a tiny bit more elegant.
Both of these textures are highly versatile – ideal for pairing with suede shoes or for adding texture to an outfit. Suede can be ideal in summer as it is matte, soft and really flexible. In winter it adds texture on top of heavier fabrics, giving a layered effect. Suede can be used for most occasions, but it is not a formal leather so steer clear in general if that is the occasion you are choosing for.
A note on Full Grain leather
Full grain leather is the highest quality leather that can be used. It is generally not rectified at all which means that the way the cows it comes from are bred is very important. Cooler climates with environments where it is hard for the skin of the cows to be cut or scraped are vital. Full grain leather has tightly packed fibres which give the leather great durability. All belts at Elliot Rhodes (except suede) are made with full grain leather.
✍️ Designer tip: Match texture to occasion. Smooth leathers for tailoring; textured styles for denim and casualwear.
Want to know more about leather? Read more in our 'About Leather Guide'
A note on embellished straps
As you browse our collection you will start to discover all sorts of different belts, from plain leathers to belts that have been hand tooled and embellished.
Belts that are embellished whether that be with perforations, a mix of textures or colours, ridges and welts or even rivets and studs, just up the ante of the belt style in general. I would steer clear of anything overly embellished for formal wear, but for anything else the embellishment will just enhance the style, making it more contemporary and distinctive!
You can explore our STRAP collection here
3. Which Colours Work Best?
Most belt brands would have you believe that brown and black are the only colours that exist! Here at Elliot Rhodes we believe that colour is vital and is the key to really upgrading your belt style as there are plenty of occasions when black and brown are simply the wrong choices.
So what to choose?
• Classic neutrals (black, brown, tan) - Failsafe colours
These are of course wardrobe staples and you will likely need one or more of these. But it does depend on your clothing choices. Look at the colour palette of your wardrobe and see what neutrals fit best. If you wear a lot of Navy then a Navy belt will serve you better than a black belt. If earthy tones are your thing then you will need dark brown, tan, beige options. If you like greys then instead of defaulting to black try a grey belt, it will look a touch softer and more sophisticated.
• Bolder Classics (navy, green, oxblood) - New Classics
We consider these colours to be part of a classic colour palette – but they are probably colours you have never experimented with before.
Use them to match to clothing or shoes or as a subtle colour highlight on an outfit. For example a burgundy belt with an all grey outfit will give it a lift without shouting loudly. If you are wearing khaki or greens try and find a belt that will harmonise with your outfit, making a fresh change from brown.
• Two-tone & contrast-edge styles - Contemporary Edge
Two tone belts are one of our strengths and offer you a ton of flexibility as they do not necessarily tie you to just one colour so can end up serving you well for a multitude of occasions. Especially on a really broad colour palette such as Tan it can save you having to buy 2 or 3 different belts!
Two tone belts are also often great colour vehicles – bringing a bold shot of colour to an outfit but often grounded with a more neutral tone. So for example a dark brown belt with orange highlights or a black belt with red highlights.
4. Choosing the Right Width
• 20mm Skinny and decorative
This is the ideal belt width if you are looking for a skinny belt, whether to wear over a dress to accentuate your waist or as a more decorative belt for smarter trousers.
• 25mm Elegant and Sleek
This width is a bit of a hybrid between a more decorative skinny belt and one that can also serve well for smarter trousers, skirts or skinny jeans. It is just a little more substantial so particularly suitable if you want a skinny belt to use on weightier fabrics.
• 30mm: Slim and Stylish
For women A really versatile width that can be worn both high and low waisted, used to cinch in a dress, wear loosely over knitwear or pair with jeans. For the latter we in general err towards the 40mm width, but if you have a skinnier build you might prefer this 30mm width as there is a little less 'belt'.
For men We recommend this width of belt if you have a smaller waist size (up to 34") and want a belt for more formal occasions or for wearing with trousers made in finer fabrics. It is also a very useful width if you wear very skinny trousers, high waisted trousers or have a slight build.
• 35mm: Men’s Classic
This is our go to width for most men when they want a smarter belt or a belt that can cross between smart and casual. It will work nicely with suits and more formal trousers and can also be dressed down with jeans and chino type trousers. Our most versatile width — works with jeans, chinos, tailoring
This is not a width we use often for women as they are generally best served by the 30mm or 40mm width where the buckle choices are more diverse and less masculine. However, in certain cases it is the right match for an outfit, notably for suede belts or belts from our performance collection.
• 40mm : The Modern all rounder
For men the 40mm width is one we promote for denim and most casual wear occasions. This width fills the loops of your jeans nicely and has a suitably weighty feel against both denim and other casual trousers. You can use this width for almost all but the most formal of occasions, it is extremely versatile.
For women the 40mm width is also excellent and is one of the first things most women discover when they visit our stores. There is a perception that the wdith may be too wide but on the contrary, it is a really versatile width that is ideal for almost any trouser, perfect for denim, really useful to wear over a dress, skirt or knitwear. Using this width also opens up a plethora of buckle choices from classic to flamboyant which is what makes it so popular. Most women having tried this width will henceforth default to it and find it a belt width for all occasions.
When in doubt, go for 40mm…unless your occasion is really formal this width will cover you for any number of occasions and styles.
5. Buckle Types & Finishes
We offer an ever-evolving library of exclusive buckle designs — sculptural, minimal, and everything in between. Choosing the right style and finish is all part of getting your belt to express the style you want it to.
Buckle Types:
• Classic Buckles
Sleek, subtle, timeless, prong or plate style.
• Sculptural Buckles
For standout detail that gives your belt distinction whilst remaining sleek
• Statement Pieces
When you want your belt to be the centre of attention
Buckle Finishes:
• Brushed or Shiny Silver
A go to finish that works for most styles. The brushed finish often softens the look of the buckle.
• Classic Brass
Ideal on browns and tans as well as Navy for a rich, warm feel. Satin versions of this finish can feel really elegant too.
• Antique Brass
This type of finish has a more rustic feel and can be great for giving your belt a more mellow, tonal feel. We love this on browns and tans.
• Gunmetal & Blackened Effects
A great partner on black and grey belts – a different way to look at finishing your belt off, giving more of a tone on tone effect. The matt finish can be really interesting on less shiny leathers
• Inlaid, Crystal Encrusted or Shell Finishes
Our buckles come with all sorts of embellishments from genuine horn, to shell, to Swarovski Crystals. Each of these brings something special and will make your belt a truly stand out piece.
You can explore our Buckle Collection Here
6. Interchangeability
All Elliot Rhodes belts are designed to be fully interchangeable — giving you creative freedom to build and swap combinations across your wardrobe. This will become your secret weapon!
✍️ Designer tip: One strap + three buckles = multiple looks. Add straps as your colour palette evolves. Ideal for travel too…take 3 straps and 3 buckles for 9 different belt options!
See Here how easy it is to mix and match!
7. Fit & Sizing
Our belts are custom sized in-store or to your specified size online. But a few rules of thumb:
• Measure at the waist point you’ll wear the belt most often – if you wear lower cut items then this is the size you will need. We can always add additional holes for versatility
• Standard rule: Trouser and clothes sizes are generally inaccurate and a tad flattering. If in doubt take your jeans/trouser size + 2”/5cm
• Each belt has 3 holes 1”/2.5cm apart to give you flexibility
• If you have a belt that fits well – measure the leather part from end to end, then subtract 6” or 15cm – that will give you your actual belt/waist size.
For a full sizing guide have a look Here
In Conclusion
A great belt does more than hold things together — it elevates everything. With the right combination of leather, width, and buckle, your belt becomes a signature part of your style.
At Elliot Rhodes, every piece is crafted with care, originality, and a commitment to detail. Explore our full range of straps and buckles to build a belt wardrobe that works across occasions, seasons, and moods. But remember, we are here to help, guide and inspire you. So if in doubt please reach out and let us help you create the perfect belt!
You can get in touch with us Here
FAQ’s
How easy is it to swap buckles around on an Elliot Rhodes belt?
Very! It takes about 5 seconds to pop one buckle off and pop another on.
Can I have my belt resized if I lose weight
Absolutely – just drop into store or send us your belt and we can adjust it straight away. No charge for doing this, all part of the service
I want to buy a belt as a gift but do not know the person’s size
If you can perhaps find some way to at least get a trouser or dress size we can do our best to help get the size right. Or alternatively you could offer them a gift voucher for them to choose their own belt later on.
Shop Gift Vouchers here
Will any buckle fit any strap
Sadly not – buckles and belts come in specific widths so it is important to choose items that come from the same width category. 35mm belts go with 35mm buckles etc…
Can I wear the same belt with jeans and a suit
The purist in me is going to say no. Generally, the leather I would choose for a suit will be fine and more elegant, whereas for jeans I would opt for something a little more rugged. That being said, certain styles can cross over if you are wearing your jeans in a smarter way. For example a belt with light surface texture could work for both as could a mock croc texture. But if you want your jeans to be worn casually then really you are going to need a different look and feel of belt both in terms of leather and width too.
What do you think about matching the colour of your belt to your shoes?
This is often a good rule of thumb and can help you avoid a belt faux pas but it is not a cast iron rule. First of all, do not get bent out of shape if the colour of your belt does not perfectly match your shoe. Your belt and shoes are quite far apart so some colour variation is fine so long as tonally they are in the same area.
But sometimes it is nice or even better to match your belt to something else. A navy belt on navy trousers with tan shoes can look nice, a belt that matches your top or shirt instead of your shoes is also good, and sometimes your belt can be a highlight of colour all on its own, think red belt on jeans with white trainers.
You can read more about this topic here and also here
As a small woman should I stick to skinny or narrow belts?
Honestly I would say no. You would be surprised at how good the wider 40mm width looks at times. A lot depends on what you are looking to accentuate and the type of outfit. But don’t be afraid to experiment, rules are made to be broken.
Do your belts come gift wrapped?
Yes they do. Our belts come in a specially deigned belt box that is wonderful both for gifting and also storage. And if you prefer something sleeker we also offer a lovely velvet dust bag option.
What if I get the size wrong?
Just send your belt back to us and let us know how much bigger or smaller you would like it to be. We will adjust the original belt (if it needs to be smaller) or provide you with a new belt (if it needs to be bigger). You cover the cost of sending the belt back to us and we willc over the cost of returning it to you.
What if I just get it all wrong?
We can work with you to try and find a better solution – a simple conversation may help us sort it all out for you and find you the ideal belt. But if all fails then of course we offer a 14 day no quibble refund policy.
How do I care for my Elliot Rhodes belt?
Much as you would look after a pair of shoes would be my advice. First of all, ideally try to rotate your belts – wearing the same belt day after day will mean it never gets a chance to relax and will means it wears less well.
But of course, a little neutral leather nourishing cream is always good to return some moisture to the leather. Over time the leather may scuff or discolour in parts so applying some leather renovator is also a good idea to return some of the original colour. Suede spray can help clean up suede belts which can get dirty over time, the foam lifts off some of the dirt and freshens it up.