One of the most widely used fashion accessories, a leather belt can be both functional and fashionable. Although many people only think of cow leather when they think of belts, leather belts are actually made from a variety of animals, including alligator, ostrich, lizard, stingray, shark and buffalo. To choose a leather belt that's right for your outfit, check the current trends for your area. An out-of-style belt will make even the most fashionable ensemble look dated.
Basic Leather
Basic single-strap leather belts come in a variety of sizes and colors. Belts can be purchased in thin or thick widths and can vary in length. Some are designed to be worn around the hips, while others are best suited to cinch at the waist. Depending on the type and brand of belt you buy, the number of holes in the belt may also vary. Natural leather comes in shades of browns. However, leather belts are often dyed to obtain a wider range of colors, from neutrals such as black to more exotic hues such as red or teal.
Braided
Braided belts have come in and out of fashion over the years. The best braided belts are typically made from a single piece of leather for durability. In a braided leather belt, the leather is cut into strips and braided along the belt length. Braids can be simple, with two or three strips of leather, or more complex, with as many as seven or more braided strips. Standard buckles are attached to a section of the leather that has been left uncut to provide a closure.
Decorated
A colored belt isn't the only way to spice up an outfit. Leather belts with cut-out or painted designs, rhinestones, rivets and a variety of other decorative items are popular choices. Decorative designs can be anything from a simple painted stripe to attached feathers to an intricately studded design.
Related posts
A leather ponytail holder (or wrap) is a dramatic fashion accessory and a practical one for motorcyclists and equestrians. It is also easy to make, being little more than a tube of leather with la...
Give your cat an alternative to claw instead of your couch.Cats scratch to mark territory and sharpen their claws. It's a natural behavior that cannot be curbed. To keep a cat from clawing your le...
Your home is a reflection of you---an environment that fits your fashion style as well as your lifestyle. In the best of circumstances, a warm and inviting environment is achieved with a clean sla...
Leather is an expensive material, but it is still just a material. You can sew with it as you would sew heavy canvas or denim, using most of the same tools, versus the specialized tools you would...
A leather jackets is a great staple in any wardrobe. In addition to being trendy and bold, leather jackets are also quite warm, making them functional for winter weather. As leather is a valuable...
