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Zebel Bespoke Belts

  • By R.Taylor-Southall
  • •
  • 01 May, 2018
  • •

Zebel Bespoke Belts

In the days of old, when men marched in column and charged into the face of their enemies wearing beautiful scarlet tunics and brilliant white 'buff' belts, firing their muskets and charging with swords before being captured by the chaos of battle, the belts were used to hold personal equipment and ammunition, braces were used to hold up the trousers. So where did the birth of the belt we all know today come from? After the Second World War, when supplies were low, clothing manufacturers lowered the waist of trousers from the natural waist down to sit on the hips. With this, a belt became more appropriate and acceptable to wear with trousers, as a method of holding them up compared to braces. So when it comes to a bespoke belt, there's quite a lot one will have to understand as there are still times when a belt is unacceptable and inappropriate to the occasion.

 

So firstly, to get it out of the way, when should a belt, bespoke or not, not be worn with a garment or at an event. The Golden rule is NOT to wear a belt to either a black tie or white tie dinner event, or with either of these suits as a whole. With both events it is appropriate for a man to have his waist covered by a waistcoat or cummerbund to soften the transition from his legs to his torso. For these events braces are the go to option as they're not seen and have a more elegant and sleek look when worn under the jacket. Many people will often advise that a belt also shouldn't be worn with a bespoke lounge suit as well, although it can be. This is because a belt, a bespoke or not, is seen as a method of holding up the trousers and why would you need that on a bespoke suit made to your measurements? However, if you want to have belt loops added so you can wear a bespoke belt then that is equally accepted by most.

 

So when is it appropriate to wear a bespoke belt? Any time other than the events above! A bespoke belt will look elegant and will make a statement at any casual or semi-formal event and can be worn with chinos, jeans, dress shorts and suit trousers. Which is perfect as these are the occasions that the majority of men will experience, so there's loads of opportunity to make your statement with a bespoke belt. This is where the main positives of a bespoke belt can be experienced. A bespoke belt is used to make a statement as it's entirely your design. There's a wide range of leathers, buckle designs and metals to chose from. It is also made to your measurements meaning that no unnecessary pressure is put into the body by the belt. It is also recommended that you match the leather of your belt to the leather of your dress shoes, normally the ones you wear to most cause events with jeans or chinos.

 

With all this in mind, and a bespoke belt standing out as the option for you, it will come at a cost, anywhere from £50-£350 depending on the leather, metals and the belt makers prices. A belt can also draw the attention of the eyes a lot more than other accessories or garments, which is why a lot of models often won't wear belts unless it's specific to that outfit. So bear that in mind when wearing your bespoke shirt and well cut expensive jeans, the attention will probably be stolen away by the belt!

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