The best belts for men keep shit from going south, but they also make shit happen, in the most stylish way possible. First and foremost: a belt should hold up your pants. We know this, you know this, every ‘70s-era leading man in hip-hugging jeans knows this. More than their practical benefits, though, belts can make or break an entire outfit, imbuing your getups with a jolt of cowboy swagger or disheveled-heartthrob cool.
We’re not suggesting you swap that discreet western joint for a brash leather number worthy of a WWE champion, but we are suggesting that you apply the same care and attention to your belts that you do every other piece of clothing in your closet. So to help you do just that, we went deep on the best belts for men to keep you looking sharp—and your pants right where they belong.
The Best Men’s Belts, According to GQ
Looking for Something Specific?
Best Belt Overall: Maximum Henry Wide Standard Belt
When Maximum Henry Cohen launched his eponymous label in 2012, I doubt he pictured himself outfitting style icons like Robert Pattinson and Timothée Chalamet—but here we are. Twelve years later, his brand has crossed into Hollywood, collaborated with leading Internet menswear personalities, and also notably partnered with the most discerning boutiques, who proudly display his handmade belts right on their shelves.
They do it because the belts are true pieces of craftsmanship. They’re cut, dyed, stitched, and waxed to order in their Long Island City studio, and made from 100% Belgian vegetable-tanned leather with sturdy stainless steel hardware. Take this one: At 1.5” wide, it’s the perfect daily driver, whether you’re pairing it with raw denim jeans or paper-thin chinos. The additional beauty of this brand? No two pieces are exactly alike, so each belt is already unique, though you’ll make it even more so as the patina builds with every wear. With Maximum Henry, you’re getting a piece that’s truly yours—not some cookie-cutter belt from the nearest outlet store.
Best Budget Belt: Journeyman Full Grain Leather Belt
For just under $50, you can snag both black and brown belts from Journeyman. And don’t let the price fool you: Made in the U.S. from full-grain leather at a sturdy 1.5” width, this belt gets all the fundamentals right. It’s an ideal pick if you’re just dipping your toes into the belt game—not only does it keep your wallet happy, but the classic color options and silver single-prong buckle make it as versatile as they come. More good news? The brand backs it with a lifetime warranty, making it a stress-free investment. And here’s the kicker: the buckle is removable, so you can swap it out someday for that vintage one you scored at the flea market.
Best Dress Belt: Anderson’s 2cm Croc-Effect Leather Belt
Family-owned Italian accessory brand Anderson’s has been turning out some of the world’s finest belts for nearly 65 years—and they’re still doing it all from a workshop in Parma, Italy. Their secret sauce? A mastery of Italian leather, a playful approach to design, and a commitment to a rigorous 100-step production process that guarantees every belt shipped out meets its high standards. (Yes, that’s 100 steps for a single belt. Quality, my friend, doesn’t come easy.)
This glossy, croc-inspired beauty shows just how Anderson’s combines classic elements with unexpected colors, materials, and textures. It’s a slim 2cm wide (just shy of an inch) and fastens with a gold-tone D-shaped buckle that says “I mean business, but I look good doing it.” It’s a showstopper that pairs equally well with an all-black ensemble or a chalk stripe tweed suit—because quality typically lends itself to versatility.
Best Braided Belt: Buck Mason Braided Leather Campus Belt
A little bit boho, a little Ivy League, the unique magic of a braided belt is that you’ll never need to hunt for the right hole—just tighten the belt until your pants sit right at your waist, then slot the buckle prong easily into the braid it’s landed on. But where to source one? Well, just as Buck Mason has quietly come for your deck shoes, chinos, and T-shirts, they’re now ready to replace your belt too. This one is handmade in Italy from waxed and burnished cowhide, and measures in at a sleek 0.75 inches wide.
Best Belt for Fashion Guys: Our Legacy 2cm Croc Belt
Honestly, Our Legacy’s belts are one of the main reasons menswear guys started paying closer attention to belts again. Just as their Camion series managed to perfect the kind of shoes every guy wants to wear right now, their Western belt has an unmistakable presence at most fashion gatherings and has spawned a series of imitations.
