The Best Men’s Belts of 2024

Most of us take belts for granted. We typically consider them to be good belts if they stay latched and keep our pants snug above the waist. A well-designed men’s belt keeps the pants in the correct position throughout the day and offers elements of style and adjustability that can truly enhance an outfit’s looks, comfort, and performance.

Recently, belts have evolved in an ever-advancing marketplace. They are finally getting the attention they deserve, as many brands are taking belt design to the next level. With various latching mechanisms and materials being implemented in the design, there’s a belt for everybody and every activity.

Author Andrew Potter tested and analyzed these belts for months while doing everything from working and rock climbing to having dinner with friends. So, whether you’re looking for a casual and stylish belt to hold up jeans on the weekends, a durable work belt, or a lightweight and stretchy belt for active pursuits outdoors, we tested nine great options and have recommendations for you.

Read on to learn more about our favorite men’s belts of 2024. Our comparison chart shows all the models we tested at a glance. We’ve also included a buyer’s guide and FAQ section to help you find the best belt for your specific needs and style.

The Best Men’s Belts of 2024

• Best Overall Men’s Belt for Outdoor Use: Arcade Belts Atlas Belt

• Best Budget Men’s Belt for Outdoor Use: Bison 30mm T-Lock Belt

• Best Men’s Belt for Work: Groove Life Groove Belt

• Best Leather Men’s Belt: Main Street Forge Classic Leather Everyday Belt

• Best Budget Leather Men’s Belt: Timberland 35mm Classic Jean Belt

• Another Great Men’s Belt for Work: Arcade Belts Hardware Belt

Best Overall Men's Belt for Outdoor Use

Arcade Atlas Belt

Specs

• Material 85% post-consumer REPREVE polyester/rubber

• Sizing Standard: up to 40", Long: up to 50"

• Stretch Yes

• Buckle style A2 pinch release

Pros

• Versatile

• Durable

• Contoured buckle

• Stretches with your body

Cons

• Polyester can become stretched out over time with heavy use

Andrew Potter

Arcade came on the scene over a decade ago with a singular focus — belts! What started as a few ski bums crafting belts in their living room has quickly grown into one of the biggest active belt brands on the market. After garnering a dedicated following over the years and consistently improving their designs, it’s no surprise the Atlas Belt ($35) is at the top of our list.

Arcade bills the Atlas as the “new standard for performance stretch belts,” and it’s easy to see why. The A2 buckle clasps and releases with ease and allows you to adjust the tightness on the go, which is ideal for backpackers, rock climbers, skiers, mountain bikers, and other adventurers whose pocket weight might fluctuate throughout the day. The buckle is also extremely low-profile and contoured to the shape of the body, which keeps it out of the way when you’re active.

The Atlas belt is secure but manages to stretch with the body when engaged in strenuous or dynamic activities. The webbing is made with 85% post-consumer recycled REPREVE polyester and has a comfortable feel if it happens to ride up and touch the skin. The Atlas comes in several solid color options, but if you’re looking for something a little more flashy, Arcade offers a huge range of other models with patterns and prints.

Arcade belts are notoriously versatile, and the Atlas Belt is no different. You can confidently wear the belt from the trail to your favorite restaurant, or even for a night out. It’s also metal-free, which makes airport travel a breeze. With its many thoughtful features and unrivaled versatility, the Atlas Belt is easily one of the best men’s belts on the market today.

$35 at REI$35 at evo

Best Budget Men's Belt for Outdoor Use

Bison 30mm T-Lock Belt

Specs

• Material Nylon

• Sizing Medium: up to 38”, Large: up to 42”

• Stretch No

• Buckle Style T-Lock

Pros

• Great weight to strength ratio

• Cool color options

• Simple buckle design

• Can be trimmed for size

• Won't set off metal detector

Cons

• Cheaper feel

Andrew Potter

Bison manufactures technical and handy equipment of all types, so it’s no surprise they came up with this strong, lightweight belt that can be used for almost anything. The 30-mm T-Lock Belt ($21) is easy to use, compresses into a tiny roll for travel, and looks great.

The nylon webbing is surprisingly strong, and while exceptionally lightweight, we weren’t able to overstress the plastic buckle. The strap slides into the slot with ease, and then you simply fold the clasp into place until it clicks.

You have to push down somewhat hard to secure the buckle and to lift the clasp, and you have to get a good grip with the fingertip. But despite repeated use as a casual belt, we haven’t experienced any weakening of the buckle.

The many trendy color options give the T-Lock belt a lot of casual appeal. Its minimal weight and simple functionality also make it great for climbing, hiking, or travel. The nylon doesn’t stretch, but we didn’t have any issues with it while doing activities outdoors.

Overall, the Bison T-Lock is a great bargain buy for anyone who likes a blend of style and versatility. The variety of colorways allows you to tailor it to your own style, and it’s great for virtually any activity. The minimalist qualities kept it from making the top of our list, but it’s easily one of the best men’s belts for the price.

$20 at AmazonCheck Price at Scheels

Best Men's Belt for Work

Groove Life Groove Belt

Specs

• Material Stretch webbing

• Sizing S, M, L, XL, XXL

• Stretch Yes (minimal)

• Buckle Style Aluminum alloy magnetic clasp

Pros

• Burly

• Durable

• Techy clasp is a head-turner

• Easy to use

• 94-year warranty

Cons

• Large buckle is difficult to get into thin belt loops

• Pricey

Andrew Potter

With the most unique clasping mechanism on this list, the Groove Belt ($65) is a treat for anyone who values durability and ease of use. While it could be used for outdoor use and casual wear, Groove Life utilizes stainless steel screws and gives customers a 94-year warranty (you read that right), making it ideal as a single purchase to accompany you to work every day.

The A380 aluminum alloy buckle is a head-turner. It utilizes magnets and directional prongs to keep the belt in place. With a slight nudge and tilt, the buckle releases. To secure it, you simply hold the top over the bottom, and it falls in place.

Initially, we expected it to release with varied movement, but we couldn’t manage to get it to come undone on its own. Groove Life’s proprietary webbing has just the right amount of stretch for a durable belt, making it great for people who might need to hang a tool pouch.

The Groove Belt’s ease of use is truly astonishing, as we found ourselves double-checking to make sure it had, in fact, latched. Depending on your style, you could also sport this belt for a night out. It would also work great for outdoor recreation, though the buckle is a bit heavy compared to the lightweight webbing.

Overall, with supreme durability and (pretty much) a lifetime warranty, we think the Groove Belt is the best men’s work belt we tested.

Check Price at BackcountryCheck Price at Groove Life

Best Leather Men's Belt

Main Street Forge Classic Leather Everyday Belt

Specs

• Material Buffalo leather

• Sizing Even sizes 32" to 52"

• Stretch No

• Buckle Style Traditional, steel

Pros

• High quality materials

• High tensile strength

• Classic look

• Lifetime warranty

Cons

• Buckle prong scuffs up the black buckle pretty quickly (gives it a vintage look)

Andrew Potter

The hand-crafted belts from Main Street Forge exemplify quality. Made with buffalo leather, they have a classic feel and are manufactured in old-school fashion in the U.S. The Classic Leather Everyday Belt ($41) is one of its staples and will impress anyone who appreciates quality.

Classic leather belts with traditional buckles will always be heavier, but that’s really the only downside to this belt. It’s nice enough that you’ll probably want to keep it reserved for casual and dress use, which makes it a great belt for anyone who works in an office or social setting.

The company doesn’t provide many technical specs on the belt, but that’s because this style is remarkably simple. They use one of the strongest tensile-rated leathers they can find and reinforce it with a classic USA steel buckle. The quality of the leather results in a belt that doesn’t crack or lose strength over time.

Main Street Forge doesn’t outsource work overseas — all material sourcing and manufacturing happen in the U.S. The brand offers a lifetime warranty for any defects in workmanship or quality, which attests to its faith in the leather they use. If you want a classy belt to pair with your nicer clothes or simply appreciate the feeling of wearing quality materials, the Classic Leather Everyday Belt won’t disappoint.

$41 at Amazon

Best Budget Leather Men's Belt

Timberland 35mm Classic Jean Belt

Specs

• Material Leather

• Sizing Even sizes 32”-48”

• Stretch No

• Buckle Style Classic

Pros

• Great deal

• Classic look

• Nice feel

Cons

• Will most likely crack with extended use

• Lower quality leather

Andrew Potter

With the Classic Jean Belt ($20), Timberland offers a quality leather belt at a very reasonable price. In fact, if you don’t look too closely, you’d have a hard time distinguishing it from the craftsman, casual belts on the list.

All leather belts are strong, and this belt performed as well as anyone could expect. There’s nothing really flashy about it, and it has a much lighter feel than the other leather belts we reviewed.

Lower-quality leathers are always more prone to cracking, but ours still looks as good as new after a few months of regular use. The normal wear associated with leather is expected, but so far, it’s holding up quite well.

The classic pronged buckle has a strong, reassuring feel, and won’t flip as you move around on the job. While it lacks craftsman features, it dresses up pretty well, making it a great all-around option for daily use.

With outsourced materials and manufacturing, you won’t be able to brag about supporting a small business, but this belt easily outperforms its price. For a quality, 100% leather belt, you’ll have a hard time finding a better deal than the Timberland Classic Jean Belt.

$20 at AmazonCheck price at Dick's Sporting Goods

Another Great Men's Belt for Work

Arcade Belts Hardware Belt

Specs

• Material Stretch webbing

• Sizing Standard: up to 40”, Long: up to 50”

• Stretch Yes (minimal)

• Buckle Style High density plastic pinch-release

Pros

• Durable

• High tensile strength buckle

• Easy to use

• Versatile

Cons

• Large buckle is difficult to get into thin belt loops

Andrew Potter

It’s no surprise another Arcade belt made this list. Designed with less stretch than their casual and outdoor belts, the Hardware Belt ($40) is built to hold your pants up while you put up a house.

The Hardware Belt’s stiff webbing has a high-performance feel. It provides enough stretch for comfort in movement but locks out to hold tool bags and anything else that might weigh you down.

Ridges on the high-tensile strength buckle provide enhanced grip, and the webbing is confined to a tighter space, making it virtually impossible to pull out of place. The buckle also has a contoured shape.

With a tighter weave, the webbing holds up well to potential abrasions and scuffs. The material is stiffer and less comfortable against the skin than other Arcade belts, but the added durability is worth it.

Like the Groove Belt, the Arcade Hardware Belt has a minimal amount of stretch. It could easily be used for outdoor or casual use and is metal-free for travel. Other than the larger clasp being a bit tricky to get through certain loops, we couldn’t find any issues with this belt. It could have landed anywhere on this list of the best men’s belts of the year.

$40 at REI$40 at AmazonCheck Price at Arcade Belts

Best of the Rest

Another Great Stretchy Men's Belt

KUHL Resistor Belt

Specs

• Material Stretch webbing

• Sizing S/M: 28”-34” L/XL: 35”-42”

• Stretch Yes

• Buckle style Pinch release

Pros

• Versatile

• Extremely durable

• Easy to slide in and out of loops

• Reversible tail

Cons

• Not ideal for casual use if the buckle is showing

Andrew Potter

Kuhl has been making functional and stylish outdoor clothing for years, but the Resistor Belt ($42) exceeded our expectations as an addition to the outdoor arsenal. With a durable feel and an ideal amount of tension, this belt is confidence-inspiring and easy to use.

The ultra-durable stretch webbing has a more durable feel than the other outdoor belts we tested, and we were unable to overstretch it. We even hung a full water bottle from it with a carabiner and the stretch was minimal.

With a low-profile buckle design, this belt was extremely easy to slide in and out of loops. This is ideal for outdoor pants that tend to have smaller, thinner belt loops, and anyone on the trail who might find themselves taking it on and off. The tail is also reversible, which gives you the ability to tuck it either inside or outside the belt.

The buckle has an asymmetrical design, which might not be ideal for casual use with a tucked-in shirt, but other than that, it’s highly versatile. We could see this belt working great on job sites as well as the outdoors. Overall, the Kuhl Resistor Belt is a go-to for anybody whose outdoor adventures might get gnarly.

$42 at REICheck Price at KUHL

A Quality Leather Belt With Timeless Style

Nohma Double Prong Retro Style Leather Belt

Specs

• Material Buffalo-hide leather

• Sizing Even sizes 32” and 50”

• Stretch No

• Buckle Style Classic steel, copper, brass, or nickel

Pros

• Incredibly strong

• Stylish

• Customizable

• Family-owned business

Cons

• A bit clunky

• Large buckle sticks out under shirts

Andrew Potter

Nohma Leather uses premium buffalo hide to craft traditional belts in various styles. Their belts can be customized with stitch style and color, as well as buckle material and color for select belts. Nohma considers the Double Prong Retro Leather ($50) a dress belt, and while it does dress up nicely, it’s also ideal for casual or work use.

As with any buffalo leather belt, these belts are incredibly strong. They become more supple over time and, with age, achieve a vintage look. The double-prong option is great not only for strength but also looks classy with a tucked-in shirt.

Nohma began in a basement and is now a family-run business with a growing reputation for quality craftsmanship. All of their products are sourced and manufactured in the U.S., and they put great care into their work. They offer buckles made with stainless steel, copper, brass, and nickel.

The only downside to a double-pronged buckle is that it tends to poke out a bit. If you’re wearing this belt with a fitted T-shirt over it, the buckle definitely shows. Otherwise, these belts look as good as they feel, and we’d highly recommend the Nohma Double Prong Retro to anybody who appreciates quality and classic style.

$45 at Amazon

A Classic Outdoor Belt

Patagonia Tech Web Belt

Specs

• Material Nylon webbing

• Sizing One size

• Stretch No

• Buckle Style Classic overlap

Pros

• Bomb-proof

• Can be used as a strap

• Stays in place

Cons

• Not ideal for casual use

• Buckle will trigger metal detectors

Andrew Potter

While it didn’t top our list, the Patagonia Tech Web Belt ($35) is a mainstay that won’t disappoint the average outdoors person. The recycled nylon webbing is ultra-bombproof, making it ideal for trad climbers and outdoor enthusiasts who can’t risk failure.

Some people don’t like belts that stretch and prefer the idea of a belt that can be used for tension in a pinch. If that’s you, the Tech Web Belt is an easy choice. The strongest belt on this list, you could easily tow gear across a river with it or use it as a strap.

The aluminum buckle can be used to pop open bottles and can be harnessed as a lash strap. Its traditional feed-through buckle design isn’t as easy to use as the pinch-release options on this list, but the lack of stretch and burly teeth keep it in place.

While the lack of stretch can cause the occasional tightness in certain movements, you can rest assured the Tech Web Belt won’t budge. Not designed for the fashionista, this is the best men’s belt for gearheads who like the idea of a belt that can also be used as a tool.

$35 at REICheck Price at Patagonia

Men’s Belts Comparison Chart

Why You Should Trust Us

The team at GearJunkie has been testing outdoor gear and apparel for years. In that time, we’ve learned that having the right gear can make or break your experience. Of course, flashy outerwear and fancy accessories typically get the lion’s share of the attention, but even something as simple as a belt can play a major role in your comfort and enjoyment wherever your adventures take you.

Whether we’re climbing, backcountry skiing, hiking, traveling, having a backyard barbeque, or heading out on the town with friends, we’re often wearing belts, and we’ve used quite a few over the years.

Our men’s belts buyer’s guide author, Andrew Potter, has been testing and reviewing gear for GearJunkie for a few years. He’s an avid outdoorsman who spends his time hiking and climbing and has explored mountains and crags from the eastern Sierra of California to the Appalachians in Virginia.

He’s a connoisseur of quality gear, and he knows that keeping his pants secured comfortably around his waist can often be as important as wearing the right shoes or jacket. In addition to testing the belts for this guide, Andrew has contributed to several others, including the best camp shoes, hiking socks, sun protection shirts, and men’s wool sweaters.

How We Tested Men’s Belts

For months this past winter and spring, we wore this diverse selection of nine belts whenever we were wearing pants. We wore them to work, to the climbing crag, while hiking, out to dinner, and everywhere in between. So, pretty much every day.

Other than testing the belts for basic functionality, we looked for latching mechanisms that were simple to use and bombproof. We did our best to tweak them, apply lateral pressure, and test for potential unclasping. We also tested for general ease of use — nobody wants to fumble with their belt buckle on their way out of the restroom.

We also closely examined material wear and task-specific performance. If a belt was designed for active use, we looked for a combination of stretch and assurance. For casual leather belts, we looked at overall durability and material wear. For heavy-duty work belts, we examined their potential for breaking or tearing and then looked at whether the material lost tension after overstretching.

Buying Guide: How to Choose a Men’s Belt

All of the belts on this list perform the function of holding up pants admirably, but each belt has unique qualities that set them apart. Depending on what you’ll be using it for, there are a surprising amount of things to consider when purchasing a belt, including your preferences for things like material, stretch, and buckle style.

Material

The belts on this list are made of leather, nylon, polyester, and other post-consumer materials. Stretch webbing has different qualities from rigid webbing, and even the different types of leather provide a unique look and feel. This comes down to preference and the necessary function. If you’re looking for optimal strength, the static webbing of the Patagonia Tech Web belt will get the job done.

For athletic pursuits, a belt with built-in stretch might be the best fit to move with you while you climb, hike, ski, or ride a bike. For more pliability and give in a nylon belt, either the Arcade Atlas or the KUHL Resistor are our favorite options. For less stretch but still enough to provide comfort while being able to hold up a tool pouch, for example, the Arcade Hardware Belt or the Groove Life Groove Belt are great options.

With leather belts, you’ll pay a premium for enhanced strength and quality. This is the case with the Main Street Forge Classic and the Nohma Double Prong Retro Belt, both of which are made from high-quality buffalo leather. This leather looks and feels better, but it will age better and last longer than cheaper options.

Buckles

The buckles on this list vary from plastic T-locks (Bison 30mm) to brass double prongs (Nohma Leather). The pinch-release mechanism is the most popular for active belts, as it easily buckles on the go. Others involve sliding the material into a clasp, which takes a little bit more time.

With its magnetic grooves, the Groove Belt offers a new take on buckles and is impressively functional. If you’re hoping to dress up your belt for certain occasions, you’ll want to pay attention to the buckle style. Whether you’re going for something minimalist like the Arcade Atlas’ clean-looking pinch buckle, or something classier like the Nohma Double Prong, there’s something for everybody.

Stretch

It’s simple: Some people prefer belts that stretch, and some prefer belts that do not. Others prefer a small amount of stretch that locks out to support weight for something like a tool pouch to hang from it. Whether or not you want any stretch in your belt often depends on what you’re using it for. There’s a wide variety, and we’ve got more than one of every type on this list.

If a rigid feel is important to you, you’ll want to stick with static nylon webbing or leather. Stretch and lock webbing, like with the Arcade Hardware and Groove Belt, falls in the middle, providing enhanced comfort with the ability to bear weight. People who wear belts while doing intense activities like rock climbing tend to prefer more stretch for enhanced mobility and comfort, as is the case with the Arcade Atlas and Kuhl Resistor belts.

Durability

Paying for something like a belt can seem burdensome, so it’s good to have the assurance that it will last you a while. The buffalo leather belts on this list offer premium feel and durability, and as they naturally age you’ll see why both Nohma and Main Street Forge are willing to offer lifetime warranties.

Stretch nylon and polyester weaves tend to weaken over time, so active belts will eventually have to be replaced. Stainless steel buckles will obviously last longer than plastic buckles, and the quality of plastic becomes a factor over time. For a balance of functionality and durability, consider that Arcade’s Hardware Belt utilizes high-tensile, high-density plastic in its buckle.

FAQ

How do I know what size belt to order?

Belt sizing is fairly simple. The stretch nylon options on this list come in a couple sizes with each size fitting a range of waists. The static webbing belts typically come in a single size and can be trimmed down for the ideal fit by the consumer. You’ll just want to carefully cut it and then burn the edges to reseal the fibers.

Most leather belts come pre-cut in even waist sizes. Typically, people like to order a size up from their pant size. So, if you have a 34” waist, you’ll want a 36” belt. But, we’d recommend taking a look at the manufacturer’s sizing recommendations before purchasing to ensure you get the right fit.

Aren’t all belts pretty much the same?

Yes, and no. Any belt on this list will work for its primary function of holding up your pants, but belts have unique applications and styles for those who want to tailor them to their specific needs. Unique buckle styles, capacity to stretch, and materials all come into play when considering a belt.

Realistically, any of the belts we tested will work well enough for casual wear. However, which material you choose will likely depend on your style preference — most people will opt for leather with a pair of jeans or casual pants.

For active folks, a stretch belt may be the best choice so it can move with you as you bend at the waist, scale cliffs, or take long strides. Likewise, nylon is probably a better bet for outdoor activities where you may sweat a lot. Not only can synthetic materials be washed more easily, but leather can be damaged from extended exposure to moisture and salt.

What’s the best belt for rock climbing?

There are several belts on this list that are great for rock climbing. Many climbers tend to prefer a stretchy belt that can move with them during dynamic movements, so either the Arcade Atlas or KUHL Resistor Belt are prime choices. On the other hand, trad climbers and ice climbers might prefer something stronger, like the Patagonia Tech Web Belt.

What’s the best belt for travel?

There are several good travel belts among the models we tested. Basically, any belt that doesn’t have any metal in its construction is a safe bet. The Arcade Atlas and Hardware Belts, the KUHL Resistor, and the Bison T-Lock all have plastic buckles. This means you should be able to wear them through most TSA screenings without issue.

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