3 Ways To Determine Belt Size - WikiHow

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Terms of Use wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. Learn why people trust wikiHow How to Determine Belt Size PDF download Download Article Explore this Article methods 1 Measuring by Waist Size 2 Measuring an Existing Belt 3 Getting Professionally Measured for a Belt Other Sections VideoWATCH NOW Expert Q&A Tips and Warnings Things You'll Need Related Articles References Article Summary Co-authored by Paul Julch, MA

Last Updated: December 4, 2022 Approved

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This article was co-authored by Paul Julch, MA. Paul Julch is a Personal Wardrobe Stylist, Speaker, and the founder of Urbanite | Suburbanite, a wardrobe styling business in the San Francisco Bay Area. With over 25 years in the fashion industry, Paul works with clients to make getting dressed easier, less time consuming, and more enjoyable. Paul has years of experience in retail visual merchandising - styling windows, displays, and floor sets for Banana Republic, Gap, and Express. He also has experience styling fashion photo shoots and corporate videos. Paul holds a BS Degree in Management from State University of New York at Binghamton, an MA in Clinical Psychology from Long Island University. He also studied Interior Design at the University of California, Berkeley. wikiHow marks an article as reader-approved once it receives enough positive feedback. In this case, 100% of readers who voted found the article helpful, earning it our reader-approved status. This article has been viewed 159,102 times.

A good belt can sustain you through years of regular use. But in order to get the most from a belt, you must measure it properly. This can be a bit tricky as belt measurements often do not align directly with waist measurements. But with a little research and practice, you can learn how to determine your belt size properly.

Steps

Method 1 Method 1 of 3:

Measuring by Waist Size

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  1. Step 1 Wear pants that fit well. 1 Wear pants that fit well. Put on a pair of jeans or pants that you will wear frequently with a belt. These pants should not be too loose or too tight so that you will be able to get an accurate measurement of your waist.[1]
    • The most important thing is to choose a pair of pants that fit how your pants usually fit. You want to get a belt that will fit with the pants you normally wear.
  2. Step 2 Use a fabric measuring tape. 2 Use a fabric measuring tape. While you are wearing the pants, thread a fabric measuring tape through the belt loops of the pants. Pinch the two sides together where they meet in front. This number will be your normal waist measurement.[2]
    • Breathe in deeply and out fully. The measuring tape should expand slightly. Let yourself account for a little extra wiggle room when you exhale so your belt doesn’t get too tight when you breathe.
    • Check to make sure that the measuring tape is in the middle or bottom of the belt holes, instead of flush with the top.
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  3. Step 3 Find your measurement, then go up one size. 3 Find your measurement, then go up one size. Read the measurement in the mirror or mark the point where the two sides of the measuring tape meet with a safety pin. Remove the tape from the loops and read the measurement. Then, choose the belt size that's one size larger than your measurement.[3]
    • For example, if the measuring tape reads 38 in (97 cm), you want to purchase a 40 in (100 cm) belt.
    • You need to add two inches because the measurement of your waist only accounts for the direct circumference of your waist. But the length of a belt does more than that – it includes additional length that must overlap to a certain extent at the buckle. The two added inches give you the wiggle room you need for a well-fitting belt.
  4. Step 4 Consult a universal size chart. 4 Consult a universal size chart. Since many belts are sold by size (small, medium, large, etc.) rather than measurement, it may be necessary for you to view a sizing chart that can help you determine the correct size. Men and women’s belts are typically sized differently since women are often more petite in size than men.[4]
    • Men’s small belts usually corresponds to a 30 inch (76.2 cm) waist, while a women’s small usually fits a 28 inch waist.
    • Men’s large belts usually fit a 36 inch (91.4 cm) waist, while a women’s large typically corresponds to a 32 inch waist.
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Method 2 Method 2 of 3:

Measuring an Existing Belt

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  1. Step 1 Find a belt that fits. 1 Find a belt that fits. Take a belt that fits well – either one that you already have or go to a clothing store and try on belts until you find one that fits the way you want it to. Generally, a belt fits you well when you can easily buckle it using the third hole in the belt.[5]
    • If you have to use the 4th or 5th hole, you'll have a lot of extra at the end of the belt.[6]
    • If you're using the first hole, the belt is a little too small and the end of the belt might not make it all the way to the belt loop on your pants.[7]
    • Be sure to wear pants that fit you well so that you can get an accurate idea about what size belt you need if you’re trying on a variety of belts.
  2. Step 2 Spread the belt out flat. 2 Spread the belt out flat. Put the belt on a flat surface like a table or on the floor. Lay it down so that the belt is completely flat and doesn’t have any bumps sticking out. Make sure the belt is fully extended and doesn’t have any slack.[8]
    • If the belt doesn’t want to stay flat (because of overuse, for example), you can place a heavy object on both ends of the belt to keep it stationary.
  3. Step 3 Measure the belt. 3 Measure the belt. Grab a retractable measuring tape or a fabric measuring tape. Measure from the base of the buckle prong to the center hole. If you don’t use the center hole, measure from the base of the buckle prong to the hole you use the most.
    • This number will probably range between 30 inches (76.2 cm) and 60 inches (152.4 cm), depending on your waist size.
  4. Step 4 Use the measurement that you found to order a belt. 4 Use the measurement that you found to order a belt. The number (in inches) that you found for the measurement of the belt will be the size you use for ordering your new belt. For example, if the measurement number is 34 inches (86.4 cm), order a size 34 belt.[9]
    • If you are using the last hole on a belt, consider moving up a belt size (in this example, to a 36) so that there is room to adjust the belt in the future. A correctly fitted belt is usually sized to the center hole.
    • If you are using the first hole on the belt, consider moving down a belt size to a 32.
  5. Step 5 Use an existing pair of pants. 5 Use an existing pair of pants. Alternatively, you can use a pair of jeans that fits you (one that is measured numerically by waist size in inches) and use that measurement to determine your belt size. Simply add two inches to the size of the pants and use that as your belt size.[10]
    • Remember that the pants must already be sized in inches, otherwise this method won’t be effective.
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Method 3 Method 3 of 3:

Getting Professionally Measured for a Belt

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  1. Step 1 Enlist the help of a tailor. 1 Enlist the help of a tailor. If you want to make sure you find out what your true belt size is with no mistakes, find a professional tailor (or clothing store employee) to help you determine your measurements. A trained tailor will be able to help you get an accurate measurement for your belt size with no margin for error.[11]
    • Ask people you know for recommendations for a good tailor. Search the internet for tailors in your area.
    • If that doesn’t work, try going to a clothing store and ask an employee to help you.
  2. Step 2 Wear appropriate pants. 2 Wear appropriate pants. Make sure you wear pants that fit snugly when you go to get measured. You don’t want any loose material adding inches to your measurement, as this will cause your belt to be too loose as well.[12]
    • You also don’t want to wear pants that fit too tightly because this can also make you end up with a belt that doesn’t fit properly.
  3. Step 3 Get measured. 3 Get measured. Let the professional tailor measure your waist with a fabric tape measure. They will tell you how to stand and help you find the right measurement for your belt.
    • Be sure to stand normally and breathe normally so that the tailor can get an accurate measurement.
    • Use the measurement number the tailor gives you to order a new belt that fits properly.
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Expert Q&A

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  • Question What size belt should I wear? Paul Julch, MA Paul Julch, MA Personal Wardrobe Stylist & Speaker Paul Julch is a Personal Wardrobe Stylist, Speaker, and the founder of Urbanite | Suburbanite, a wardrobe styling business in the San Francisco Bay Area. With over 25 years in the fashion industry, Paul works with clients to make getting dressed easier, less time consuming, and more enjoyable. Paul has years of experience in retail visual merchandising - styling windows, displays, and floor sets for Banana Republic, Gap, and Express. He also has experience styling fashion photo shoots and corporate videos. Paul holds a BS Degree in Management from State University of New York at Binghamton, an MA in Clinical Psychology from Long Island University. He also studied Interior Design at the University of California, Berkeley. Paul Julch, MA Paul Julch, MA Personal Wardrobe Stylist & Speaker Expert Answer Take a measurement of your waist, then go up a size bigger. For instance, if you have a 32-inch waist, you'd buy a 34-inch belt. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 0 Helpful 2
  • Question If I wear a size 40 in the USA, what size will need if I want a Gucci belt? Community Answer Community Answer You will likely need a size 41. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 1 Helpful 2
  • Question I measured both ways and I get actually very different results (4 inch more when measuring around the waist compared to measuring my other belts). Anyone else getting this? Community Answer Community Answer You should get very similar measurements when using these two methods - perhaps as much as two inches different, but not more. Make sure you are wearing pants that fit snugly and that you are measuring to the hole you use on the belt (not to the end of the belt or to a different hole). Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 2 Helpful 2
See more answers Ask a Question 200 characters left Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. Submit Advertisement

Tips

  • Convert your belt size to centimeters as needed. Multiply the inch measurement by 2.54 to find your belt size in cm. Thanks Helpful 1 Not Helpful 0
  • Men’s pant sizes are usually one size smaller than their belt size. For example, a 36-inch waist will correspond to a 38-inch belt size. Thanks Helpful 1 Not Helpful 0
Submit a Tip All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published Name Please provide your name and last initial Submit Thanks for submitting a tip for review! Advertisement

Warnings

  • Beware that women’s pant sizes do not correspond to belt sizes. A 28-inch waist might require a 32-inch belt. It’s better to measure for the size than rely on your pants measurement. Thanks Helpful 3 Not Helpful 4
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Things You'll Need

  • Belt
  • Pants
  • Fabric measuring tape
  • Retractable measuring tape
  • Safety pin

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References

  1. ↑ https://www.thebeltman.net/pages/how-to-determine-what-size-gunbelt-to-order
  2. ↑ http://propercloth.com/reference/how-to-measure-belt-size/
  3. ↑ Paul Julch, MA. Personal Wardrobe Stylist & Speaker. Expert Interview
  4. ↑ http://www.sizecharter.com/clothing-fit-and-measurement/belt-size-charts
  5. ↑ Paul Julch, MA. Personal Wardrobe Stylist & Speaker. Expert Interview
  6. ↑ Paul Julch, MA. Personal Wardrobe Stylist & Speaker. Expert Interview
  7. ↑ Paul Julch, MA. Personal Wardrobe Stylist & Speaker. Expert Interview
  8. ↑ http://www.ebay.com/gds/How-to-Choose-the-Right-Belt-Size-/10000000178258694/g.html
  9. ↑ http://www.sizecharter.com/clothing-fit-and-measurement/belt-size-charts
More References (3)
  1. ↑ http://www.sizecharter.com/clothing-fit-and-measurement/belt-size-charts
  2. ↑ http://www.themodestman.com/how-to-find-a-tailor/
  3. ↑ http://www.sizecharter.com/clothing-fit-and-measurement/belt-size-charts

About This Article

Paul Julch, MA Co-authored by: Paul Julch, MA Personal Wardrobe Stylist & Speaker This article was co-authored by Paul Julch, MA. Paul Julch is a Personal Wardrobe Stylist, Speaker, and the founder of Urbanite | Suburbanite, a wardrobe styling business in the San Francisco Bay Area. With over 25 years in the fashion industry, Paul works with clients to make getting dressed easier, less time consuming, and more enjoyable. Paul has years of experience in retail visual merchandising - styling windows, displays, and floor sets for Banana Republic, Gap, and Express. He also has experience styling fashion photo shoots and corporate videos. Paul holds a BS Degree in Management from State University of New York at Binghamton, an MA in Clinical Psychology from Long Island University. He also studied Interior Design at the University of California, Berkeley. This article has been viewed 159,102 times. 3 votes - 100% Co-authors: 7 Updated: December 4, 2022 Views: 159,102 Categories: Belts | Body Measurements Article SummaryX

To determine belt size, put on a pair of jeans that fit well and you wouldn’t wear a belt with. Thread fabric measuring tape through the loops of the belt, and pinch the two sides together where they meet at the front. Mark the place where they meet with a pencil or safety pin and remove the tape from the belt loops to see the length. Then, add 2 inches to the measurement on the tape to get your belt length, leaving room for a buckle. Consult a universal size chart to see the corresponding size, such as small, medium, or large. For more tips, including how to determine your belt size by measuring an existing belt that fits you well, read on! Did this summary help you?YesNo

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Reader Success Stories

  • Anonymous

    Anonymous

    Nov 10, 2016

    "The belt measuring tip I found was the easiest and worked best for me. Thank you."
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Did this article help you?

Yes No Advertisement Cookies make wikiHow better. By continuing to use our site, you agree to our cookie policy. Paul Julch, MA Co-authored by: Paul Julch, MA Personal Wardrobe Stylist & Speaker Co-authors: 7 Updated: December 4, 2022 Views: 159,102 100% of readers found this article helpful. 3 votes - 100% Click a star to add your vote Anonymous

Anonymous

Nov 10, 2016

"The belt measuring tip I found was the easiest and worked best for me. Thank you." Anonymous

Anonymous

Nov 8, 2016

"The tip to measure my own belt with support was easy, and anyone can do it." Josephine Harry

Josephine Harry

Aug 13, 2021

"It makes me know more about sewing." Share yours! More success stories Hide success stories

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