Boys' Belts

Belts might not be the first thing you notice about an outfit, but they're an essential part of any wardrobe. Boys' belts act both as support for keeping pants up and as boys' accessories. A belt is often a subtle way of expressing fashion, and a boy's wardrobe needs several belts to go with different colors and for different occasions.

People started wearing belts to hold up their pants in the 20th century. Before then, belts were mostly a military thing or strictly a fashion choice. You would've had a hard time finding a pair of pants with belt loops in the 1800s and would probably need to reach for the suspenders instead. Within a century, belts have become the most popular way to hold up pants.

Fabric Belts

Many great boys' belts are made of thick woven fabric. Some of these belts have a traditional buckle, while others have buckles made of half-moon-shaped rings for a completely adjustable size. Abercrombie creates all-American fabric belts, usually featuring a simple pattern such as long stripes. These belts are casual and look great with cargo shorts and summer shirts. Abercrombie accessories often go wonderfully with a comfortable pair of flip-flops.

Fabric belts come in great colors. Boys can add a pop of orange or red to any outfit by selecting a fabric belt with colorful stripes. The most fashionable way designers incorporate colors into fabric belts is to stripe them between darker colors, such as navy and black.

Leather Belts

The right leather belt works for all occasions. A simple black or brown leather strip with a polished metal buckle fits with a pair of jeans and a tucked-in shirt, as well as with slacks and a dress shirt. Every kid needs at least one versatile leather belt hanging in the closet.

Leather isn't usually as colorful as fabric, but the textures you'll find when shopping at thredUP for leather belts are amazing. Intricately braided leather belts, leather belts with eyelets cut out in nice patterns, and leather belts with stitching along the edges are all fashionable choices for any boy to wear. Simple but classic leather belts from Gap for young boys often feature a design element, such as eyelet hole patterns.

Fitting a Belt

Belt measurements are taken from the middle hole, so when you order a belt, you have a few holes in both directions as size leeway. Typically, belt measurements come in inches. While kids' sizes aren't in inches, finding a simple conversion chart online is easy. If you're buying a belt for a young boy, err on the side of one that's a few inches too long. He'll grow quickly, and soon enough that belt will fit.

thredUP is where you'll find affordable, hand-picked pre-loved boys' belts. Belts are a lifesaver for fitting pants on growing boys, so get the best ones before they're gone.