Do Wide Belts Make You Look Thinner?

Belts are a popular fashion item and for good reason. While they serve a purpose by keeping your skirts and pants right where they need to be, they are also fantastic for adding definition and some extra style. 

The problem is, however, knowing which belts will suit you. This can be especially troublesome if you do a lot of online shopping and can’t try your clothes on first.

You might ask yourself if wide belts make you look thinner, or if a thin belt is perfect for your favorite outfit. 

While we can’t answer all your questions in this article, we can focus on wide belts! Here, we will look at whether wide belts can make you look thinner or wider, and which body types these belts suit best.

We’ll also take a look at some belt styling tips and tricks to get you started on your accessory journey. 

Should You Wear A Belt?

Here’s the thing – this all comes down to personal preference. The decision to wear or avoid a belt will always be up to you, and you alone. 

However, from an objective viewpoint, some outfits are likely to suit belts better than others. This goes for every belt type out there, whether it is wide or narrow.

More often than not, a belt will add something great to an outfit, even if there are no belt loops in sight! 

As always with fashion, the best thing you can do is try it out and see how you feel. No matter what you do, it’s important to remember that it’s crucial for you to feel happy and confident in what you wear.

It doesn’t matter if that goes against the objective views, because it’s your body! 

So, take everything we suggest here with a grain of salt. Wearing a belt might not be your thing – and that’s totally fine. Your comfort is the number one thing to consider here. 

Do Belts Suit All Body Types?

You can use belts in some capacity for all body shapes. However, how you use a belt will depend on the look you are trying to achieve. 

In most cases, belts are worn to try and achieve more definition around the waist. This is done to create more of an hourglass look.

While this might be the look that many people are going for, it might not be yours! Because of this, you should carefully consider your belt placement, as it will emphasize the area it is placed on. 

So, if you have an apple body shape, wearing a belt above the natural waist is often optimal (Also check out What Are The Best Jeans For Apple Shape?). Most other body shapes typically suit a belt on the waist if your aim is to accentuate that area of the body.

We will say that anyone can pull off a belted look, and doing that with clothes like jeans is especially easy. Anything with belt loops is naturally easier to work with since you already have what you need, and you don’t need to question placement!

Do Wide Belts Make You Look Thinner?

The answer to this question can vary depending on your body shape, unfortunately. While wide belts are fantastic for adding definition and enhancing your silhouette, this can work both ways. 

The main issue with wide belts is that they simply take up a lot of space on your body. Because of this, they are often not recommended for anyone with a shorter torso. All it will do is cut the length of your torso in half, which will naturally make it appear wider. 

Wide belts are ideal for those with longer torsos or waists. This leaves plenty of room for you to work with, and the belt will only work to enhance the shape to give the illusion of a more hourglass-esque figure. 

If you have a shorter waist, it is generally better to opt for a narrow belt. This can still help to create definition, but it will do so without taking up all that torso space.

You might also find that these belts are more comfortable and offer a better range of movement, so just try it out!

But remember! There can be exceptions to these rules, and you don’t even have to follow them in the first place. If you have a particular look you enjoy, or you are simply more comfortable going against the grain, do that! 

Belt Styling Tips And Tricks

So, while wide belts can make you look thinner, they can also have the opposite effects depending on your body. It could also depend on the outfit itself, so there are lots of things to consider! 

If you would like to give into the world of belts, we have a few styling tips and tricks that you might be interested in trying out! These might work for you, or they could be a no-go – experiment a little and see what you love.

1. Use Your Belt Like A Seasonal Accessory

By this we mean you can try using fabric or cloth belts in the summer and spring, and leather (or faux leather) in the fall and winter.

This can help to bring a look together and make it even more fun. Just like you cycle through clothes depending on the time of year, you can also cycle through various accessories! 

2. Try ALL the Colors And Patterns

It might be tempting to stick to the classic black or brown belts, but there is so much more to life. Belts come in every shape, size, color, and pattern, and it would be a shame to ignore them!

Try going bold and exploring something new and exciting – you might just surprise yourself and find your new favorite look.

3. Try Out Different Belt Widths

Wide belts could be the perfect thing for you, but that doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t try out different widths!

Your preferences will determine this more than anything, but you can also consider your body shape and the particular outfit you want to wear, and find something that will fit. 

4. Use Belts To Create Definitions In The Waist

If you want to create more definition on your waist, pick your belts carefully. The style of the belt (and width) will go a long way in achieving the look you’re going for. 

5. Belt Your Blazers

If you love looking like a boss, then you probably love wearing blazers and similar items of clothing. Well, why not step it up a notch and try belting your blazers? Wide belts work especially well for this, and they can create a whole new look.

6. No Belt Loops? No Problem!

You don’t need to stick to wearing belts only when there are belt loops around. Style your belts over blazers and coats, on dresses, playsuits, jumpsuits, and anything else you can think of.

Just type in “belt style ideas” in somewhere like Pinterest, and you have hundreds of fantastic options to try out. 

Final Thoughts

Wide belts can make you look thinner by adding more definition to your waist, but they can also achieve the opposite effect. This largely depends on the shape of your body (body type), and also the particular outfit you are wearing. 

If you love wearing belts, remember that you can use them to achieve lots of different things. You can lean into creating the illusion of an hourglass figure, or you can do something new and unique!

Whatever you choose to do, the most important thing to remember is that you need to feel confident and happy. 

Not sure where to start? Read Best Belts For Plus Size Women (Add Oomph To Your Outfit) and get inspired.