How to Measure Yourself for Your Bespoke Leather Belt

A well-fitting leather belt doesn’t just enhance your outfit—it adds comfort, function, and timeless style. When ordering a bespoke leather belt from Steph Rubbo Saddlery, taking the time to measure correctly ensures that your handmade piece fits perfectly and stands the test of time. Whether you’re after a jeans belt or a smarter dress belt, getting the size right is essential for both comfort and appearance.

Understanding Belt Sizes: It’s Not Just Your Waist

First things first: belt size is not the same as your trouser waist size. This is a common misconception. Depending on how your trousers are cut and where they sit on your waist or hips, your belt size can vary. For example, low-rise jeans will require a different belt measurement compared to high-waisted trousers.

Moreover, belt width plays a role. Jeans belts typically range from 35 to 40 mm wide, offering a sturdier look and feel. Dress belts, on the other hand, are narrower—usually between 25 and 35 mm—to suit the more refined silhouette of smart trousers. Buckle style also matters: some buckles add more length than others, subtly altering how the belt fits.

The Most Accurate Way to Measure for Your Belt

The gold standard for measuring your belt size is to use a belt you already own that fits well with the trousers you intend to wear. Here’s how to get it right:

1. Identify the most used hole on your existing belt. This will likely be the one with the most visible wear.
2. Lay the belt flat on a table or smooth surface.
3. Using a measuring tape, measure from the hole you use (not the tip of the belt) to the inside edge of the buckle—the point where the buckle meets the leather.
4. This length, typically in centimetres or inches, is your ideal belt size for a bespoke order.

If your belt has several worn holes and you’re unsure which one is the best reference, wear the belt through your trousers’ loops and fasten it at the most comfortable hole. Note this hole, remove the belt, and measure it in the same way—from that specific hole to the inside of the buckle.

The Second-Best Method

Don’t have a well-fitting belt to measure? No problem. You can still get a close and accurate measurement using a tape measure and your trousers:

1. Put on the trousers you plan to wear the belt with.
2. Run a flexible tape measure through all the belt loops, just as a belt would sit.
3. Pull the tape snugly, but not tightly—think secure, yet comfortable.
4. Record the length where the tape meets itself. This is your measurement.

To be sure you’ve got it right, it’s worth double-checking your measurement—especially if you’re converting between inches and centimetres.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

Even the most straightforward task can go awry with a few simple errors. Here are some common mistakes to avoid when measuring for a bespoke leather belt:

• Skipping belt loops: Not threading the tape or belt through all loops gives a shorter and inaccurate reading.
• Reading the wrong side of the tape: Be mindful of where the tape starts, and ensure you’re reading the correct measurement scale.
• Mixing units: Don’t mix up imperial (inches) and metric (centimetres) during the process. Choose one and stick with it.

Why Accurate Measuring Matters

When investing in a handmade leather belt, especially one crafted with care and expertise like those at Steph Rubbo Saddlery, it’s worth taking the extra time to get the size right. A belt that fits perfectly not only feels better but also preserves the structure of your trousers, improves posture, and adds polish to your outfit.

Your bespoke belt will be made to last—beautifully cut, stitched, and finished from quality hides. With the correct measurement, it will serve you well for years to come.