How to Measure a Belt for Waist Size

There are many opinions on the web regarding How to Measure a Belt for the correct waist size, however there is only one that will be correct every-time when purchasing though Buckle My Belt.

We will walk you through the process and the what to do's one step at a time. One of the most important things to remember is that its your External Waist Size we require not your standard internal waist measurement for Trousers, Jeans etc.

This is going to be more than your usual measurement as you're wearing your leather belt or belt strap over clothing which adds additional length to your circumference, don't be concerned if its much bigger its better for us to have the correct measurement rather than one that means your new leather belt doesn't fit.

Step by Step How to Measure Waist

1. Find a Belt that's fits. It's not essential which hole you use when wearing your current belt. This is for the measurement guidelines for your new belt.
2. Locate a tape measure. This can be a dress measurement or a metal DIY measure.
3. Lay your Belt out on a flat surface.
4. Now time to measure for your order
1. If you're buying a belt with a buckle then measure from the end of the buckle (buckle is included within the measurement) to the hole most used when wearing.
2. If you're buying a belt strap from us the measurement is from the fold at the buckle end (no buckle included) to the hole most used when wearing.
5. For Inches to Centimetres please see the size chart below.

How to Measure a Leather Belt with Buckle

Most of us will have a belt that fits on a certain hole even if the overall length is no longer to our liking. Once you have located your belt find a flat surface where you can lay your belt out ready to measure your external waist size.

Take a tape measure and from the hole you use most often when wearing your belt measure all the way back to the end of the buckle (buckle included in measurement when buying a complete belt with buckle from us).

DO NOT measure just to the fold in the leather where the buckle joins the belt as this will give an inaccurate measurement as some buckles differ in length by as much as 2" Inches (50mm).

Please see pictures below for instructions:

You will see from the above picture that when buying a belt complete with buckle from us we ask you to include the buckle in the measurement. This is how to size a belt with a buckle attached.

The example above is the hole most used when wearing and in this case its 39" inches. Please remember we only need this single measurement when ordering a leather belt for us to prepare the perfect fitting belt.

You will see from our pictures above that we have measured to the hole most used, and you maybe thinking "what size belt do I need?".

The size to order is simply the measurement as measured with the above guidelines. When we make your new leather belt we will ensure that the centre hole of 5 is the measurement provided so that your belt fits perfectly.

In the example above 39" Inches is the External Waist Size. This will provide a variation either way of the centre hole for weight gain and weight lose of 2" inches either side of the centre hole.

It will also allow you room for tucking a shirt, blouse or jumper inside your jeans or trousers. Always round up to the nearest Inch when ordering through Buckle My Belt.

Recap Process for Measuring a Leather Belt with Buckle

• Lay your Belt on a flat surface. (Do not measure a belt that stretches).
• Find the hole you use most often when wearing this belt.
• Measure from this hole all the way back to and including the buckle.
• This is the measurement we are looking for, the external waist size.
• Use this measurement when buying leather belts that are pictured with buckles included on our site at Buckle My Belt.

The Above Method is for a Leather Belt purchased complete with Buckle from our website

How to Measure a Leather Belt Strap No Buckle

The process for measuring when purchasing a leather belt strap through Buckle My Belt is slightly different.

As we do not know exactly how much your buckle adds to the overall length of your belt we ask you to measure from the fold where the buckle joins the leather to the hole you use the most when wearing your belt.

Also please remember that our leather belt strap range come standard without the slot for a prong buckle.

If you would like your leather belt strap slotted please just let us know when reconfirming the sizing from your confirmation of purchase email sent once you have completed your order.

As you will see from the picture above leather belt straps purchased from Buckle My Belt need to be measured from the fold when supplying us with the measurement at the point of ordering.

The Above method is for a Leather Belt Strap without a Buckle

How to Choose External Waist Size from Internal Waist Size

This step is certainly not what we would recommend as the thickness of clothing can be very different, however if you do not have a belt that fits at all this is an alternative to the step above, Belt Size V Waist Size.

We have found that roughly 2" to 3" Inches additional to your usual waist measurement for trouser wearers is a good average to add for your external waist size.

The reason why this is not an exact science is that someone with a smaller waist will have far less to add than someone with a bigger waist.

If you are a Jean wearer then the average added measurement to your standard waist size will be approximately 3" to 5" Inches with the same premise as above.

Please also remember that where you wear your clothing will make a big difference. For example if you are a lady looking for a new leather belt to wear with a pair of hipster Jeans, a measurement from a pair of Jeans that are worn around your waist is absolutely no good.

Ladies waist to hip ratio can differentiate by 8" to 10" Inches or more, so please bear this in mind.

How to Measure your Body for External Waist Size

This step will highlight another alternative if you can't locate an existing belt to measure. The best way to measure your body is to first dress in the clothes that you will be wearing with your new leather belt.

You will now need a clothes tape measure and if possible someone to help you. Stand relaxed and have your trousers or jeans at the height you wish to wear them at once your leather belt arrives.

Pass the clothes tape measure through the loops and around your body and have your assistant record the size.

Note the measurement and round it up to the nearest Inch, this is your external waist size and the measurement we need to hand-make to measure your perfect fitting leather belt.

How to Measure Your Waist

We do get asked this question on many occasions and also variations similar including "how to measure your waist". Please remember we do not need your normal waist size as this would be under your clothing which adds to the overall measurement required when buying a belt.

Where to Measure Your Waist

This is quite an important question and leads on from the previous answer we have given. Not all people where there belt in the same area.

Women are a great example as there waist is much smaller than their hips in most cases and depending on what clothing the belt is being worn with the measurement could vary.

Always measure in the location where the belt is to be worn and again over clothing, and where possible measure an existing belt or belt strap for a precise sizing.

How to Measure Waist for Jeans

As above in the other answers your Jean Size and how to measure for said size is not the measurement we require. Jean sizes vary widely from brand to brand and the size you purchase would be the internal waist size under clothing.

How to Measure for a Leather Belt Recap

We hope this short explanation answers any questions you may have regarding how to measure yourself for a new leather belt however if you have any other questions please do not hesitate to contact us and we would be happy to answer them. Please share this information on Social Media and help us better inform customers on the process.