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Are you a big guy that wants to look fat and sloppy all the time? If so, I’ve got some killer tips for you. If you’re a big guy, just don’t give any thought to your pants and belt and you’ll look like a giant frumpy dumpling.
Or at least that’s true in my case.
In fact, we could probably simplify this even further and say that, if you want to avoid the dumpling syndrome, get a better belt. The best belts for fat guys will fix poor waistlines with crumpled-up pants, untucked shirts, and (heaven help me) a giant plumber’s crack.
Belts for fat guys and guys with big bellies need a few special characteristics if they are going to: a.) keep your pants up, b.) not dig into your belly, and c.) be comfortable and stylish!
I have spent way too much time looking at belts, thinking about them, and trying them on at local stores. In the end, I came up with a solid set of characteristics that I believe will help any fat guy choose a belt. However, if you don’t really care about the criteria we used to pick the best belts for fat guys, just pick one of these, my top three choices. You can’t go wrong with any of them!
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What Makes a Good Belt for Fat Guys?
Unfortunately, big guys are built a bit differently and we can get away with just getting the same belt as a skinny guy (albeit in a larger size). We need a few things that are unique to big-man belts.
Nylon vs Leather Belts
Leather belts are a classic choice for bigger guys as they offer a timeless look that pairs seamlessly with most outfits. They also offer significant structural integrity, maintaining their shape even under the weight of a larger belly. This can be particularly advantageous if you want your pants to maintain a smooth and even line around your waist. However, their “maintaining their shape” means they won’t deform…which means that they dig into your belly.
Nylon belts, on the other hand, are exceptionally strong and can comfortably conform to your body’s shape, potentially providing more comfort for bigger guys with bellies. However, they may not provide quite the structure that a leather belt would. Additionally, they often come with tension buckles that need constant readjustment throughout the day.
While the choice of material will probably come down to the venue or activity, you’ll have to decide which you value more, aesthetics or comfort.
Most Comfortable Belt Buckles (For a Big Belly)
Traditional buckles, especially those with sharp corners or edges, can dig into the belly, causing discomfort and even potential injury.
Rounded buckles, then, are the obvious choice. They provide a smoother contact surface and thus, minimize the risk of discomfort. Also, consider the positioning and size of the buckle. A smaller, low-profile buckle worn off to the side can significantly enhance comfort by avoiding direct pressure on the belly.
Ultimately, comfort is subjective, and the best buckle will be the one that fits well without digging into your skin, is easy to adjust, and aligns with your personal style. Hopefully, however, you’ll be able to avoid going the route my friend did… (he put his belt buckle off to the side).
3 Best Belts For Fat Guys Who Value Comfort
1. Main Street Forge – Best For Everyday Wear
If you’re looking for the best belt that a big guy can get, you just found it, and it’s made by Main Street Forge.
The “Bootlegger” is a full-grain leather belt that is made of such high-quality leather that it is warrantied for your entire life!
Main Street Forge makes their items out of the kind of leather that you pick up and immediately know its quality. And if you’re worried about buckle breakage? Don’t be. The buckle is easily replaceable by any belt-owner and is covered under the warranty.
So who wouldn’t want this belt? Well, unfortunately, while I do consider this to be the best belt for fat guys, it is only available to fit waists up to 50″ Additionally, it is not very dressy. If you regularly wear suits, you’ll probably want to find a designer belt for fat guys instead of something like this. However, for everyday wear and business casual, this is a great fit!
If you can’t afford a belt like this, don’t worry, there are other options (although they won’t last as long or high quality). However, it is less money upfront than most designer belts and, if you consider that it could last you the rest of your life, it becomes the most cost-effective long-term option!
2. BelePala – The Belt Leather Dress Belt for Fat Guys
If you are obese or need a dress belt for a big belly, this is the best option on the market. It is 1.5″ wide (as wide as most belt loops with accommodate), made of stitched full-grain leather, and comes in sizes as big as a belt is useful for. If this belt won’t fit your waist, you’re probably going to rely on stretch waists or suspenders to keep your trousers in place.
While the leather seems to be of slightly lower quality (judging by my highly scientific “feel-test”) than the Main Street Forge belt it is obviously a very high-quality accessory. I’m a big fan of both its high-quality construction and rounded buckle that won’t cut into your belly while wearing it.
3. 5.11 Tactical – Strongest Casual Belt for Big Guys
Nylon webbing is one of the strongest belt materials available and its break strength can be as high as 5,500lbs per inch of width! Hopefully, you don’t need 5,000 pounds of force to keep your pants up.
The main trade-off of choosing a nylon belt over leather is the lack of structural integrity. While the nylon has an extremely high break strength, it is much more likely to deform under your belly or if your side fat hangs over your pants. While this may actually be a more comfortable belt option for big bellies, it typically lets your pants look a bit lumpier. Also, the tension buckles that come on nylon belts are simply not as effective at keeping your pants up and need to be regularly tightened throughout the day.
Because of these drawbacks, it’s hard to dub a nylon belt as one of the belt belts for big guys. However, when the overall value is considered, it’s pretty hard not to justify owning at least one!
5.11 makes tactical gear and is known for its high-quality construction. The buckle on this belt is comfortable and a large step above the typical D-ring tension fasteners typically found on nylon belts. So if you need a big man belt for your off days when you head to the beach or are just hanging around, this is a great option!
3 Quick Belt Fashion Tips For Fat Guys
1. Get A Properly Sized Belt
Despite many people being confused about how to properly size a belt for a man, it is extremely easy. Simply choose a belt that is 2-4″ longer than your off-the-rack pants size. So if you wear pants with a 40 waist, buy a belt in a size 42-44″. This might change slightly if you wear super tight pants to keep your belly in check.
If you are unsure of your pants size (or wear mostly pants with a stretchy waistband) there are two additional methods you can use to determine the size of belt you need:
- Measure a belt you already own. Measure from the point where the belt attaches to the buckle (not including the buckle) to the hole you typically use. Most belt sizes are measured from the buckle to the middle hole. So if that span gives you a 42″ measurement, get a 42″ belt.
- Measure your waist where a belt would sit. This is typically more accurate than simply going off the waist size of your pants because pants sizes can vary from brand to brand.
If you’re ever in doubt about the size of belt to buy, buy a belt that is easily trimmable (as most full grain leather belts are).
2. Belts vs. Suspenders – Choose Correctly For The Situation
Another fashion option for fat guys looking to keep their pants in place is to bypass the belt option altogether. Many big guys tend to avoid suspenders because they feel they are stereo-typically fat and, unfortunately, they have a point. Suspenders typically tend to be the domain of very dapper and handsome fellows with beards, and fat guys.
However, there are a few scenarios where I feel fat guys should utilize suspenders every time:
- With a suit. If you’re wearing a blazer, sport coat, or a full suit, suspenders will complete your look and keep your pants in their proper place.
- With sweaters or sweater vests. I highly recommend sweaters and sweater vests to big guys wanting to smooth out their physique and can suggest coupling either of them with suspenders.
In short, if you’re dressed up (or have a way of covering the suspenders up) go for it! Not only do they have the advantage of keeping your pants up, but they place your pants in the proper place so you look taller, leaner, and more “put-together.”
Wait, the proper place? Yes, read on…
3. Wear Your Belt In The Right Spot
If you’re a fat guy, the most powerful thing you can do to improve your looks and boost your self-confidence is to accept that you’re fat. Here’s a secret, there is nothing short of a compression undershirt that you can do to fool people into thinking you’re skinny. You’re far better off dressing in a way that looks nice and put together rather than resorting to ridiculous tricks to hide your belly/moobs/etc.
Conclusion
At the end of the day, a new belt can take you only so far. Even the best belt for fat guys will be wasted on your if you wear it the wrong way.
So quit asking yourself, “How should a fat guy dress?” and start asking, “How would a fashionable guy dress?”
So, get the pants, get the shirts, scroll back up to get a belt, and rock your new look!
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