21 Different Types of Belts with Names: The Ultimate 2025 GUIDE

Let’s cut the fluff: Belts aren’t just functional—they’re the ultimate style flex.

From holding up your pants to holding your outfit hostage, the right belt can turn you from background character to leading lady (or dude). 

At Beltley, where leather meets legend, we’re breaking down the 21 types of belts every fashion-savvy human needs in 2025.

Get ready for a deep dive into history, craftsmanship, and styling secrets even your tailor won’t tell you.

 

 

1. Full-Grain Leather Belt: The Undisputed King

What It Is: The top layer of cowhide, untouched by sanding or correction—nature’s artwork.

Interested in this belt? Tap the image above to discover more styles you'll love.

 

When to Wear: Daily office grind, date nights, or when you need to look like a Bond villain (minus the evil).
Pros:

• Ages like a Hollywood star (George Clooney, not a TikToker).

• Resists scratches, water, and bad decisions.
  Cons: Costs more than your last Uber Eats binge.
  Beltley’s Pick: Heritage Classic – Hand-dyed in Italy, guaranteed to outlive your houseplants.
  Styling Hack: Match the belt color exactly to your shoes—no “close enough” nonsense.

History Bite: Full-grain ruled ancient Rome. Gladiators wore it—because even warriors need waist definition.

 

 

2. Braided Leather Belt: The Boho Soul

What It Is: Three or more leather strips woven into a flexible, hippie-chic band.

Interested in this belt? Tap the image above to discover more styles you'll love.

 

When to Wear: Beach weddings, Coachella, or when your inner flower child rebels.
Pros:

• Stretches like yoga pants (but looks way classier).

• Adds texture to boring basics.
  Cons: Rain turns it into a soggy noodle.
  Styling Hack: Layer over a flowy maxi dress and pretend you’re in Santorini.

Celeb Alert: Harry Styles wore a rainbow braided belt with parachute pants. We stan.

 

 

3. Reversible Belt: The Minimalist’s BFF

What It Is: Flip for black, flip again for brown—two belts in one.

Interested in this belt? Tap the image above to discover more styles you'll love.

 

When to Wear: Suitcase life, capsule wardrobes, or when indecision hits hard.
Pros:

• Saves closet space (and therapy bills).

• Doubles your outfit options.
  Cons: Cheap versions peel like a bad spray tan.
  Styling Hack: Brown for brunch, black for the breakup text you’ll send later.

Pro Tip: Avoid visible stitching—it’s the fast-fashion tell.

 

 

4. Embroidered Belt: The Storyteller

What It Is: Leather adorned with hand-stitched florals, animals, or secret messages.

Interested in this belt? Tap the image above to discover more styles you'll love.

 

When to Wear: Bridal showers, art galleries, or when you need to whisper, “I’m cultured.”
Pros:

• Turns heads (and starts conversations).

• Customizable to match your vibes.
  Cons: Snags on rough fabrics like Velcro.
  Beltley’s Pick:  flower Whisper –  crafted by Japan artisans.
  Styling Hack: Pair with a linen jumpsuit and wide-brim hat.

Ethics Check: Beltley pays embroiderers fair wages—no sweatshop shady business.

 

 

5. Western Belt: The Cowgirl’s Crown

What It Is: Wide leather with tooled designs and a buckle bigger than your ex’s ego.

Interested in this belt? Tap the image above to discover more styles you'll love.

 

When to Wear: Rodeos, line dancing, or when your TikTok feed is #CoastalCowgirl.
Pros:

• Doubles as self-defense (those buckles are heavy).

• Adds rugged flair to sundresses.
  Cons: Overkill for PTA meetings.
  Styling Hack: Team with cowboy boots and denim cutoffs. Yeehaw optional.

Fun Fact: Cowboys engraved buckles with initials to ID bodies post-shootouts. Grim, but practical.

 

 

6. Vegan Leather Belt: The Guilt-Free Glam

What It Is: Fake leather made from mushrooms, apples, or recycled plastic.
When to Wear: Eco-conscious brunches, protests, or when you’re vegan-curious.
Pros:

• Saves animals (but not from your Instagram feed).

• Lightweight and cruelty-free.
  Cons: Cracks faster than your New Year’s resolutions.
  Styling Hack: Pair with thrifted jeans and a “I Heart Earth” tote.

Reality Check: Most vegan leathers are plastic-based. Beltley’s plant options biodegrade in 5 years.

 

 

7. Crystal-Embellished Belt: The Disco Diva

What It Is: Belt bedazzled with Swarovski crystals, pearls, or tiny mirrors.

Interested in this belt? Tap the image above to discover more styles you'll love.

 

When to Wear: Nightclubs, divorces, or when you need to outshine the chandelier.
Pros:

• Instant red carpet vibes.

• Draws eyes to your waist (RIP, spanx).
  Cons: Dry clean only (like your soul)..
  Styling Hack: Drape over a slip dress and channel Beyoncé.

Celeb Moment: Jennifer Lopez wore a diamond-encrusted belt to the Met Gala. No, we’re not jealous.

 

 

8. Chain Belt: The Punk Princess

What It Is: Metal chains attached to leather or strung solo for edge.

Interested in this belt? Tap the image above to discover more styles you'll love.

 

When to Wear: Concerts, dive bars, or family dinners you’d rather escape.
Pros:

• Adds instant “I’m complicated” energy.

• Doubles as a weapon (TSA’s worst nightmare).
  Cons: Tangles like last year’s Christmas lights.
  Styling Hack: Layer over a blazer or corset top.

Warning: Avoid pairing with other chunky jewelry—it’s a belt, not a bondage collar.

 

 

9. Wrap Belt: The Corset’s Chill Cousin

What It Is: Extra-long leather strip that ties around your waist like a present.

Interested in this belt? Tap the image above to discover more styles you'll love.

 

When to Wear: Music festivals, Ren Faires, or when your boho phase resurfaces.
Pros:

• Creates curves (or fakes them).

• Adjustable for food babies.
  Cons: Can strangle you if tied too tight.
  Styling Hack: Wrap over a peasant blouse and flare jeans.

Pro Tip: Tie a bow at the back for a romantic touch (or easy access to snacks).

 

 

10. Vintage-Inspired Belt: The Time Traveler

What It Is: Distressed leather with Art Deco buckles or 70s psychedelic patterns.

Interested in this belt? Tap the image above to discover more styles you'll love.

 

When to Wear: Thrift shopping, themed parties, or daily life if you’re extra.
Pros:

• Unique AF.

• Eco-friendly (reuse > recycle).
  Cons: May smell like someone’s attic.
  Styling Hack: Pair with high-waisted slacks and cat-eye shades.

Fun Fact: Vintage belts often have hidden pockets—perfect for stashing emergency cash.

 

 

11. Tech-Infused Belt: The Geek Chic

What It Is: Leather with built-in trackers, USB ports, or LED lights.

When to Wear: Gym sessions, flights, or when you need to nerd-flex.
Pros:

• Multitasking magic.

• Makes you feel like Tony Stark.
  Cons: Bulkier than your dad’s flip phone.
  Styling Hack: Hide tech under oversized sweaters.

Geek Alert: Early prototypes had Alexa integration. (Spoiler: It was chaos.)

 

 

12. Custom Monogram Belt: The Narcissist’s Dream

What It Is: Leather stamped with your initials, zodiac sign, or secret mantra.

Interested in this belt? Tap the image above to discover more styles you'll love.

 

When to Wear: When you want the world to know it’s yours (and judge their plain belts).
Pros:

• Uniquely you (unless you’re basic).

• Killer gift for your self-obsessed BFF.
  Cons: Can’t return it post-breakup.
  Styling Hack: Pair with minimalist outfits—let the ego shine.

Customer Love: “I monogrammed ‘DIVA’ on mine. Now even my dog respects me.” – Karen, L.A.

 

 

13. Military Belt: The Survivalist’s Sidekick

What It Is: Thick leather with a simple buckle, built for war (or Walmart).

When to Wear: Hiking, riots, or when your apocalypse prep kicks in.
Pros:

• Unbreakable.

• Makes you look like a Call of Duty character.
  Cons: Too stiff for yoga pants.
  Styling Hack: Team with cargo pants and a “I’m Not Okay” tee.

History Hack: Roman soldiers wore similar belts to hold their tunics (and egos).

 

 

14. Laced Belt: The Gothic Romance

What It Is: Leather with eyelets and laces, like a corset’s chill cousin.
When to Wear: Goth clubs, poetry readings, or when your inner vampire awakens.
Pros:

• Adjustable fit (for those burrito nights).

• Adds Victorian drama.
  Cons: Laces come undone faster than your relationships.
  Styling Hack: Layer over a mesh top and leather pants.

Pro Tip: Double-knot the laces. Trust us.

 

 

15. Garter Belt: The Secret Siren

What It Is: Straps that clip to stockings—functional and flirty.

When to Wear: Date nights, boudoir shoots, or when laundry day hits hard.
Pros:

• Secretly sexy (or openly, no judgment).

• Keeps stockings up (duh).
  Cons: Straps snap at the worst times.
  Styling Hack: Hide under a pencil skirt for a “Nice to meet you, Mr. President” vibe.

History Lesson: 1920s flappers popularized garter belts. Now they’re a burlesque staple.

 

 

16. Obi Belt: The Japanese Muse

What It Is: Wide fabric sash inspired by kimono belts.
When to Wear: Art openings, tea ceremonies, or when you’re feeling zen.
Pros:

• Creates an elegant silhouette.

• Doubles as a scarf (multitasking queen).
  Cons: Ties can come loose—awkward mid-dinner.
  Styling Hack: Wrap over a shift dress and channel Memoirs of a Geisha.

Cultural Note: Traditionally, obi colors indicated marital status. Now they just indicate good taste.

 

 

17. Corset Belt: The Waist Whisperer

What It Is: Structured belt with boning to cinch your waist Victorian-style.

When to Wear: Costume parties, Instagram shoots, or when you want to skip the gym.
Pros:

• Instant hourglass figure.

• Makes you feel like Elizabeth Swan.
  Cons: Breathing is overrated, right?
  Styling Hack: Layer over a blouse and maxi skirt for Bridgerton vibes.

Pro Tip: Start loose—you can always tighten it after the appetizers.

 

 

18. Studded Belt: The Punk’s Protest

What It Is: Leather dotted with metal studs, spikes, or pyramids.

Interested in this belt? Tap the image above to discover more styles you'll love.

 

When to Wear: Mosh pits, dive bars, or family reunions you dread.
Pros:

• Adds instant edge.

• Detachable studs for TSA ease.
  Cons: Snags on everything (including friendships).
  Styling Hack: Pair with ripped jeans and a “Chaos Coordinator” tee.

Retro Flash: Sid Vicious wore studded belts in the ’70s. We’re still recovering.

 

 

19. Elastic Belt: The Comfort Queen

What It Is: Stretchy band with a clasp—perfect for food babies.

When to Wear: Netflix marathons, flights, or postpartum life.
Pros:

• Moves with you (unlike your ex).

• No digging or squeezing.
  Cons: Stretches out over time (like your patience).
  Styling Hack: Wear with leggings and an oversized hoodie.

Pro Tip: Avoid wearing with heavy fabrics—it’ll roll like a yoga mat.

 

20. Convertible Belt: The Shape-Shifter

What It Is: A multi-functional belt that transforms into a crossbody strap, choker, or even a bag accessory—like a Swiss Army knife for your waist.

Interested in this belt? Tap the image above to discover more styles you'll love.

 

When to Wear: Traveling light, music festivals, or when you’re channeling your inner MacGyver.
Pros:

• Saves money (and closet space).

• Doubles as a conversation starter (“Is that… a belt or a necklace?”).
  Cons: Complexity might overwhelm minimalist purists.
  Styling Hack: Convert into a crossbody strap for your tote bag during flights, then wear as a belt at your destination.

Behind the Design: Inspired by Japanese “tenugui” cloths, which serve as towels, headbands, and decor. Minimalism meets multitasking.

 

 

21. Artisan Hand-Tooled Belt: The Wearable Masterpiece

What It Is: Leather carved with intricate patterns by skilled craftsmen—each belt is a one-of-a-kind heirloom.

Interested in this belt? Tap the image above to discover more styles you'll love.

 

When to Wear: Gallery openings, heritage weddings, or when you need to flex “I support local artists.”
Pros:

• No two belts are alike (take that, fast fashion).

• Celebrates ancient craftsmanship techniques.
  Cons: Costs more than your rent (but worth every penny).
  Styling Hack: Pair with a monochrome outfit to let the belt’s artistry dominate.

Craftsmanship Deep Dive: Each tooled design takes 10+ hours. Beltley’s artisans use 200-year-old Tuscan tools—no lasers, no shortcuts.

 

 

FAQs: The Nitty-Gritty Belt Queries

Q: Can I wear a convertible belt to the office?
A: Depends on your office. Tech startup? Go for it. Law firm? Maybe stick to full-grain.

Q: How do I clean hand-tooled leather?
A: Use a soft brush and damp cloth. Never soak—it’ll ruin the carvings.

Q: Are convertible belts durable?
A: Beltley’s version uses reinforced stitching. Cheap ones? They’ll unravel faster than a plot twist in a soap opera.

Q: Can I request custom tooling designs?
A: Yes, but prepare to wait 6-8 weeks. Artistry ain’t Amazon Prime.

Q: What’s the most over-the-top belt you’ve made?
A: A client ordered a 24k gold-plated belt with her cat’s face tooled into it. We delivered.

 

 

Why Beltley Belts Are Investment Pieces

• Heritage Craftsmanship: Our artisans train for decades—this isn’t a side hustle.

• Ethical Sourcing: Leather from regenerative farms where cows retire to pastures, not plates.

• 10 years Guarantee: If your belt dies, we’ll resurrect it. Even if your dog used it as a chew toy.

Customer Confession: “I’ve worn my Beltley convertible belt as a necklace, bag strap, and even a dog leash. Judge me.” – Zoe, Portland

 

 

Final Word:

Belts Are Your Silent Power Move

A belt isn’t just an accessory—it’s a manifesto. Whether you’re rocking a hand-tooled masterpiece or a tech-infused multitasker, it screams (or whispers) who you are. In 2025, belts aren’t just about holding up pants—they’re about holding space in a crowded world.

Ready to Redefine Your Waistline? Explore Beltley’s full Collection and use code BELTLEY 15 for 15% off. Because ordinary is overrated.

P.S. If your belt doesn’t spark joy (or chaos), you’re doing it wrong.