How To Keep Your Pants Up Without A Belt
Many of us are familiar with the belt—the accessory that can mean the difference between an embarrassing moment and feeling comfortable and secure. Keeping one’s pants up with a belt, however, often means that you’re wearing the wrong size of trouser. But what if you want a more minimalistic look for your wardrobe? Here’s how to keep your pants up without a belt.
Option #1: Get the Fit Right
One rule of thumb in men’s fashion is that if you need a belt to hold your pants up, then they don’t truly fit. That means you’ll have to work to make sure your next pair of trousers stay up on their own with a proper fit.
But what if you’re buying online? Let’s say that you’ve shopped here at Vintage 1946 and want to rock a pair of Classic Vintage Twill pants in Charleston Brick. You’ll notice that you have two numbers to enter: your inseam and your waist size.
To get the fit right, avoid using your other pants for a hint. Because some brands use “vanity sizing,” these numbers may be inaccurate. Instead, you can use a tape measure for yourself or even visit a tailor to have them accurately get all the numbers you’ll need to buy well-fitting pants online.
To ensure the pants don’t fall without a belt, the number you really want to pay attention to is the waist. Keep in mind that the “waist” in trousers is different than your physical waist size. The “waist” in trousers goes to the very top, while your physical waist can be measured around your midsection at about the navel.
Option #2: Try Belt Alternatives
If you’re in a pinch and can’t secure new pants in time for an event, you might want to try alternatives like suspenders instead. Suspenders have a great “vintage” look that fits right in with today’s style—not only are they practical, but they can serve the added purpose of adding a new dimension to your outfit.
Suspenders are a great alternative, but they’re not the only one. You might also want to consider:
- Side tabs. Side tabs are essentially cinches that can be sewn into a pair of pants to ensure that they continue to fit. Some pants come with side tabs and others will require that they be attached later—so this isn’t a short-term solution.
- Elastic waistbands. When you can find stretchable, elastic waistbands on a good pair of trousers, you might have yourself a great combination. But make sure that these can be fitted to your specifications. And make sure you have another option handy should the elastic give out.
Want more options for getting your pants to look right? Continue browsing all the pants offerings here at Vintage 1946 to find the well-fitting trousers that will have you looking your best and walking with confidence.