What Size Ferragamo Belt Should I Get? (And Why It’s a Trick Question)

TL;DR: Quick Answer  

• Ferragamo uses European sizing (cm), not US inches. A Ferragamo "90" fits a 34-inch waist, not a 35-36" waist like most brands. Ferragamo belts run approximately 1 size small compared to standard EU sizing.
• Measure your actual waist or hip circumference with a tape measure — don't rely on your pants size. The belt should fasten at the third (middle) hole for the ideal fit.
• If you're between sizes, go up. Most Ferragamo belts are adjustable — you can trim the strap, but you can't add length.

Detailed GUIDE： 

Ordering a Ferragamo belt online is a confidence game — and the sizing is where most people lose. Ferragamo uses European centimeter sizing while most American shoppers think in inches, the Gancini buckle measures differently than standard buckles, and the belts run slightly smaller than competing European brands. Get it wrong, and you're stuck with a $400+ belt that doesn't fit.

This guide gives you the exact size chart, explains how Ferragamo measures their belts, and walks you through the right way to find your size before buying. The same sizing principles apply to any belt brand — for a universal approach, check our complete belt size guide and our detailed guide on how to choose a belt size for a man.

What Size Ferragamo Belt Fits My Waist?

Ferragamo sizes correspond to your waist measurement in centimeters, measured at the point where you wear the belt. A size 90 Ferragamo belt is designed for a 90cm (approximately 34-inch) waist when fastened at the third hole. Because Ferragamo runs about 1 size small, most buyers need to size up from their usual European belt size.

Here's the complete Ferragamo belt size conversion chart, based on Ferragamo's official sizing guide and Nordstrom's Ferragamo size reference:

Men's Ferragamo Belt Size Chart

Ferragamo Size (cm)	Fits Waist (inches)	Fits Waist (cm)	Standard Size
85	28-30"	71-76 cm	XS
90	30-32"	76-81 cm	S
95	32-34"	81-86 cm	M
100	34-36"	86-91 cm	L
105	36-38"	91-97 cm	XL
110	38-40"	97-102 cm	XXL
115	40-42"	102-107 cm	3XL

Women's Ferragamo Belt Size Chart

Ferragamo Size (cm)	Fits Waist (inches)	Fits Waist (cm)	Standard Size
70	24-26"	61-66 cm	XS
75	26-28"	66-71 cm	S
80	28-30"	71-76 cm	M
85	30-32"	76-81 cm	L
90	32-34"	81-86 cm	XL

Key insight: If you wear size 34 pants, don't automatically order a Ferragamo 85 (which converts to roughly 33.5 inches). Order the 90 — Ferragamo's belts run small, and your true waist measurement is usually 1-2 inches larger than your pants size. For more on this common sizing gap, see our guide on should your belt be the same size as your pants.

How Does Ferragamo Measure Their Belts?

Ferragamo uses two different measurement methods depending on the buckle type — and mixing them up is the most common sizing mistake.

Gancini buckle belts: The size refers to the length from the outer edge of the Gancini buckle to the third hole of the belt strap. The buckle itself adds 2-3cm to the total belt length, which is already factored into the sizing.

Standard buckle belts: The size refers to the length from the start of the leather strap (not the buckle) to the third hole. This is the more conventional measurement method used by most brands.

In both cases, the third hole is the target fit point. According to Ferragamo's official guide, the ideal fit occurs when the belt fastens at the middle hole, giving you room to adjust in either direction. For a broader discussion of proper belt positioning, our guide on how far a belt should extend past the buckle covers the standard rules.

How to Measure Yourself for a Ferragamo Belt

Skip the guesswork. Grab a flexible tape measure and follow these three steps:

Step 1: Decide where you'll wear it. At your natural waist (above the navel) for dress belts, or at your hips (across the hip bones) for casual wear. These measurements can differ by 2-4 inches, according to SoPicks' Ferragamo sizing guide.

Step 2: Measure snugly. Wrap the tape measure around your body at that point. Keep it flat against your body — not tight, not loose. Record the measurement in both inches and centimeters (multiply inches by 2.54).

Step 3: Match to the chart. Find your measurement in the chart above. If you fall between two sizes, always choose the larger size. Ferragamo's adjustable belts can be trimmed shorter, but you can't add length.

Do not use your pants size. Your pants waist measurement and your actual body waist measurement are typically 1-2 inches apart. A "32-inch waist" in pants often measures 33-34 inches with a tape measure. Size-Charts.com's Ferragamo guide confirms this discrepancy as the single biggest cause of Ferragamo belt returns.

For women, the measurement process is identical — our how to size a belt for a woman guide covers additional fit considerations for dress and hip-worn styling.

Do Ferragamo Belts Run Small?

Yes — Ferragamo belts run approximately 1 European size smaller than standard EU sizing. A Ferragamo size 85 belt fits more like an 83cm belt from most other brands. This is a consistent sizing quirk across Ferragamo's belt collection, including both Gancini and standard buckle styles.

The San Miguel Progreso sizing analysis confirms that Ferragamo's "85cm belt fits a 32-inch waist, but most brands' 85cm fits 33-34 inches." This 1-2cm difference becomes the difference between a comfortable fit and a belt that barely reaches the third hole.

The practical rule: add one size. If your waist measures 85cm, order a Ferragamo 90. If you measure 95cm, order a 100. This accounts for both the brand's tight sizing and the 2-3cm added by the Gancini buckle mechanism.

Can You Adjust a Ferragamo Belt That's Too Long?

Yes — most Ferragamo belts are designed to be trimmed. All adjustable styles feature removable buckles, so you can detach the buckle, cut the strap to your desired length from the buckle end, punch or re-notch if needed, and reattach the hardware. Ferragamo's cut-to-size instructions are included with purchase. This is why sizing up is always safer than sizing down — you can shorten a belt, but you can't lengthen one.

For more on Ferragamo's design features, our guide on are Ferragamo belts reversible covers their two-in-one construction and how it affects sizing and adjustment.

 

The Bottom Line

To find the right Ferragamo belt size: measure your actual waist or hip with a tape measure (don't use your pants size), convert to centimeters, and order one size up from your measurement to account for Ferragamo's tight sizing. Aim to fasten at the third hole. If between sizes, always go larger — you can trim, but you can't extend.

If you'd rather skip the sizing guesswork and designer markup, explore BELTLEY's designer belt collection — handcrafted full-grain leather belts with straightforward sizing, 316L stainless steel hardware, a 10-year warranty, free worldwide shipping, and 30-day hassle-free returns.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What size Ferragamo belt for a 32-inch waist? 

Order a Ferragamo size 90. While 32 inches converts to approximately 81cm, Ferragamo belts run about 1 size small, and your actual waist measurement is typically 1-2 inches larger than your pants size. A size 90 provides the right length to fasten at the ideal third hole position.

Q: Do Ferragamo belts run true to size?

No — Ferragamo belts run approximately 1 European size small compared to standard EU sizing. A Ferragamo 85 fits closer to an 83cm belt from other brands. Always size up if you're between sizes or ordering your first Ferragamo belt.

Q: How do you measure a Ferragamo Gancini belt?

Ferragamo measures Gancini belts from the outer edge of the buckle to the third hole on the strap. Standard buckle belts are measured from the start of the leather strap to the third hole. The Gancini buckle adds 2-3cm to the total length, which is already included in the stated size.

Q: Can I cut a Ferragamo belt to make it shorter?

Yes. Most Ferragamo belts feature removable buckles that allow you to detach the hardware, trim the strap from the buckle end, and reattach. Ferragamo includes cut-to-size instructions with adjustable styles. This is why sizing up is always the safer choice.

Q: What size Ferragamo belt for a 36-inch waist?

Order a Ferragamo size 105. A 36-inch waist converts to approximately 91cm, but accounting for Ferragamo's snug sizing and the difference between pants size and actual waist measurement, size 105 provides the optimal fit at the third hole.

Q: Are Ferragamo belt sizes the same for men and women?

No. Ferragamo uses different size ranges for men (85-115cm) and women (70-90cm), reflecting typical waist measurement differences. The measurement method and sizing principles are the same — measure your actual waist, convert to centimeters, and size up if between sizes.