So now that you finally get to return to office, attend that formal event, or turn up for that all-important official meeting in person, there’s more than enough reason to get spiffy. So, you pull out your one trusty branded black leather belt from the back of your cupboard. And that’s when you discover it. No. Longer. Fits. WFH has upsized your waist size. Even if you manage to get your belt (deep breath) around your grown girth, the leather might be cracked, mouldy or worn out, and the once-shiny buckle, darkened and scratched. Time to level up your style game by getting a new black belt – pick one from any of these 9 to kit yourself out to look and get fit(ted) again.
HUGO Zula leather logo belt in black, $146.36, Hugo Boss
Go big or go home. There’s only one obvious reason why you should get this – it features an unmissable buckle that spells the German brand’s name in bold, uppercase, silver lettering. What else you need to know: the belt is made of smooth matte leather, features stud fastening and fits true to size.
Available at ASOS
SUPER H 32 belt, $1,750, Hermès
Instead of the usual Hermès “H” buckle belt, why not update yourself with this modern Epsom stamped-grain calfskin one? It’s the luxury brand’s nod to the concept of being a superhero, with the brushed palladium plated buckle constructed with a clean and sophisticated fastening mechanism that ensures a quick closure and secure fit.
Available at Hermès boutiques, multiple locations, www.hermes.com/sg/en/
Horseshoe-buckle whipstitched woven-leather belt, $860 (USD $645), Saint Laurent
Yee-haw! Get back to yer office and make your entry like a sheriff when you buckle up with this. Inspired by the traditional accoutrements of the Wild West, this slim looker’s got dem whipstitched edges, woven braided inserts and patterns, and a vintage-y gold horseshoe buckle. All that’s missing for a cowboy look are a good old pair of Western boots and a Stetson hat (all of which btw, we do not recommend that you accessorise with, unless you work at a ranch).
Available at MatchesFashion
Slim belt in black faux leather with whipstitch detail and silver buckle, $25.94, ASOS DESIGN
On a budget? Then belts made with faux leather are your go-to, like this skinny one here. But, it’s designed with a little more street sass with a glossy whipstitch design on matte faux leather, with a silver-tone pin buckle. Save this for less formal occasions or for when you want to appear more trendy.
Available at ASOS
3.5cm leather belt, $185 (£100), Paul Smith
Want a classic belt with just a touch of character? Then cinch up with this one from British brand Paul Smith. The loop on this made-in-Spain smooth calf leather piece is printed with the brand’s multicoloured “Artist Stripe”, adding a playful accent to an otherwise all-black belt.
Available at Mr Porter
Suede combination stretch belt, $29.90, Uniqlo
Here’s another affordable option that’s perfect for casual Fridays at the office. While the main belt panel portion’s made with a finely brushed matte fabric, the end tip and loops are made with Italian company Mastrotto’s premium suede leather. Plus, you can seemingly insert the prong along any spot of the 105.5 cm belt strap – meaning it’s “one size fits all”.
Enquire at Uniqlo stores for availability, multiple locations, www.uniqlo.com/sg
Medusa-buckle leather belt, $510 (USD $385), Versace
This is how you bring back 80s’ kitsch in big, bold style… with a big, bold, gold-tone Medusa-head metal buckle, the logo of retro-famous biggie, Versace. If you dare to wear this, do it a like a boss (with confidence) but go minimal on the outfit (so no loud prints, patterns or colours), unless kitsch is acceptable in the office and is an event dress code.
Available at MatchesFashion
Reversible logo-print leather belt, $642 (£347.75), Fendi
Wear the one-tone anthracite side from Monday to Thursday, then switch to the anthracite and charcoal side that’s printed with the luxury house’s “Zucca” motif on casual Friday. The gunmetal-tone buckle with push-stud fastening keeps this true-to-size calf leather belt stylish either way.
Available at Mr Porter
Moon-stud slim leather belt, $530 (USD $399), Marine Serre
This is how you do a black belt, but make it fashion. This slender, edgy offering from French designer-of-the-moment Marine Serre, features silver moon studs that bring to mind the brand’s signature crescent pattern, a curved oval buckle and a brand-engraved metal plaque-tag. Pair with a slim-fit outfit for a sleek workday warrior look.
Available at MatchesFashion
All products are subject to availability and prices are subject to change. Prices stated are correct as of time of posting and are based on current exchange rates.
