When choosing a belt buckle, you have a wide variety of styles. Many options suit your style, whether you need a simple, understated buckle for a formal outfit or a bolder design for your casual look. Changing your belt buckle is a quick and easy way to modify your look. Regardless of your belt type, undo the snaps or push the studs to unlatch the old buckle and feed the tip end through your new one.
Center Bar Buckle
Add a center bar buckle to your belt for a classic look. These buckles are made of leather or metal and pair well with various outfits. They may be paired with either denim or a suit for a polished appearance. To attach a center bar buckle, first remove the old one. Then, insert the spring bar pin back into the strap end, but only push it down halfway through. Place the new buckle tongue into the gap between the strap and the long side of the buckle lug. Push down on the buckle to ensure it clicks into the strap lug hole. Create the opposing strap by punching holes for the buckle tongue in a pattern proportional to your belt’s width. Then, use a needle and thread to sew the strap together. If you want to re-enforce the strap, sew a square or an X pattern.
Snap Buckle
Often found on police belts and the EDC or Everyday Carry movement, snap buckles have thicker straps than regular belts and don’t fit the same way. You can still attach them to a belt but must ensure the keeper loop is positioned properly. Once you have set your keeper loop and your buckle, it’s time to feed the free end of your belt through the appropriate hole or snap. It will help to keep the buckle from slipping down or looking lopsided.
Country girl belts are the finishing touch to an outfit and should be subtle enough to blend into your attire rather than stand out too much. For this reason, you should avoid using a color that clashes with your shoes and tie. You should also choose a color that complements your belt’s color. Lastly, you should select a belt with the correct width for your buckle. A belt that is too narrow will look sloppy and won’t sit at your natural waistline correctly.
Buckle with Studs
The buckle is the focal point of a belt, imparting a unique style to your outfit. The material and design create a distinct aesthetic, from simple buckles to elaborate strategies. Metal buckles, such as plate-style, often give off a more rugged feel, fitting in well with leather jackets or Doc Marten boots. To wear a buckle with studs, thread the end of your belt through the frame and prong until you reach the desired tightness. Then push the studs through the belt loops until they are securely fastened. These buckles also feature a ratchet-like mechanism that allows you to make minute adjustments as needed, resulting in a perfect fit. This type of buckle is popular on casual woven belts. It’s also a good option for men’s dress belts. It gives off a solid and confident look like you’re locked and loaded for your next mission.
Buckle with Snaps
Often seen on uniform belts for police, military personnel and law enforcement officers, these buckles feature a snap that slots into a prong at the end of the buckle to keep it fastened. They are durable and stylish and can also be used to accessorize more casual outfits. Before attempting to change a buckle, double-check that the belt can vary its buckle. Many belts will not allow this, especially those made from fabric or braided material. Flip the belt over and undo the snaps to change a snap buckle. Then, feed the belt tip into the new buckle and re-snap it. If the belt has studs, push the studs through the holes to attach the buckle. Finally, put on the belt to ensure it is positioned correctly and securely at your waist. A loose belt can pull down on your waistline and look unbalanced. A tight belt may look too restrictive.