7 Belt Alternatives + Hacks for Belt Haters

Wearing a belt gives you a smart look, and keeps your pants in place. It is an essential element of formal wear, and it also finds a place in casual outfits.

But many people don’t like wearing a belt. Some find it bulky; many feel discomfort while sitting.

Whatever may be your reason, we aren’t going to judge you. Rather, we are going to tell you some belt alternatives that can fix your loose pants if you don’t want to put on a belt.

Alternatives to Wearing a Belt

1. Suspenders
2. Pants with Elastic Waistband
3. No-Buckle Belt
4. Clip Your Trousers
5. Wear Fitted Pants
6. Side Tab Adjusters
7. Shrink Those Jeans

1. Suspenders

Suspenders were quite popular amongst men in the 19th century. Now they have become a fashionable accessory for both men and women. They keep your pants from drooping down without causing you any discomfort. They go well with formal trousers, and also make for a stylish semi-casual accessory. They have buttons or clips attached to the ends, which are secured to your pants. Always choose good-quality suspenders so that your shoulders and back don’t experience any discomfort.

2. Pants with Elastic Waistband

You can find a variety of pants with elastic waistbands. You can also shop with jeans that come with an elastic waistband. Some of these pants have drawstrings that you can use to tighten your pants in place.

3. No-Buckle Belt

BeltBro

The No-Buckle Belt alternative that’s comfortable to wear all day. It doesn’t dig into you like a regular belt. Feel comfy and secure sitting, working, or on the move. BeltBro is for all sizes, For Men, Women, and Kids.

This one is for folks who find the buckle of a belt uncomfortable. A no buckle belt is simply a belt minus the buckle. It uses snaps to pull the belt loops and tighten your pants. You can find great options for a no-buckle belt from brands like Beltbro, etc.

4. Clip Your Trousers

You can use strong clips to pinch a few centimeters off your trousers. It is not going to look sophisticated, so dress suitably and cover those clips, maybe with a sweater or a jacket. Some brands like Bucqle have come with modified versions of clips that give a hint of luxury to your attire.

5. Wear Fitted Pants

If your pants fit you well, you don’t really need a belt. But that may or may not happen when you buy a pair from the store. You would need a bit of tailoring so that your trousers stay on your waist.

6. Side Tab Adjusters

You can also find trousers with side tab adjusters. These are buttons on the side that gives you more flexibility when it comes to the circumference of your trousers.

7. Shrink Those Jeans

If your jeans are a size too big, try shrinking them to achieve a better fit. Keep the pair in hot water, and dry it in a high-heat setting- this will shrink your jeans. Since this method is irreversible, you have to be sure that your jeans are a bit loose and you want to tighten them this way.

Forgot to Wear a Belt? 5 Emergency Alternatives of Belts

1. Safety Pin
2. Use a String
3. Tuck Your Clothes In
4. Use a Stapler

There are times when you forget to wear a belt. You might have rushed out for work after getting up late one morning, or you wore new pants and realise that it is slipping down as you walk around. We have some hacks to tackle these surprises-

1. Safety Pin

You can use a safety pin at the back of the trousers to tighten the waist. It won’t look very polished, but it does its job well. So use this hack if you are wearing a business suit or an untucked shirt which will cover the safety pin.

2. Use a String

If you have forgotten to wear a belt and now you are annoyed because your pants keep sliding down, you can put a small string through two belt loops and fasten it by tying a knot. And make sure your shirt or jacket hides this makeshift belt.

3. Tuck Your Clothes In

If your jeans or casual trousers are a little loose, you can wear layers and tuck them in. Of course, this makes sense if the weather permits; otherwise the extra clothing will drench you in sweat.

4. Use a Stapler

Yet another method for emergencies is using a stapler to pinch some fabric together and reduce the girth of your pants. You can find a stapler anywhere in your office, but you need to smuggle it to the washroom to execute the task. You can remove the pins later on, and it won’t leave any visible holes in your clothes.

Do I Really Need a Belt?

No dressing rule mandates wearing a belt all the time. If you are pants fit well, you can skip the belt. Formal trousers for women may not have loops for belts, showing that the belt is not a necessity. Men can also skip the belt on a regular office day. But if you have an important formal event, say a job interview or an important presentation, you must wear a belt.

When it comes to jeans, it’s all about functionality. If your jeans are loose, you need a belt, or you can use one of the other methods that we have discussed. If your jeans fit you well, you don’t have to wear a belt to follow any dressing rule. Many people wear an accessory belt with their jeans for the sake of fashion- so it’s all a matter of choice!