Men's Belt Size Chart: How to Measure Your Belt Size
By Oswin Hyde · Last updated 28 September 2026
The short answer: your belt size is usually your trouser waist size plus about 2 inches (5 cm). If you wear 34-inch trousers, choose a belt around 36 inches, measured from the buckle fold to the middle hole. Oswin Hyde belts are sold in waist-size ranges, such as 32–34 inches, so pick the range that includes your trouser size. For width, choose about 3–3.5 cm for suits and 3.5–4 cm for jeans.
Men's belt size chart
| Trouser waist (inches) | Belt size (inches) | Belt size (cm) | Letter size |
| 28 | 30 | 75 | XS |
| 30 | 32 | 80 | S |
| 32 | 34 | 85 | S–M |
| 34 | 36 | 90 | M |
| 36 | 38 | 95 | L |
| 38 | 40 | 100 | L |
| 40 | 42 | 105 | XL |
| 42 | 44 | 110 | XL |
| 44 | 46 | 115 | XXL |
Letter sizes vary by brand. Our belts use waist-size ranges; for example, the Gavin comes in S (30–34"), M (34–38"), L (38–42") and XL (42–46"), and the Reggie and Kenneth in ranges from 30–32" to 42–44". Choose the range that includes your trouser waist size.
How to measure your belt size
- Measure a belt you own: lay it flat and measure from the fold where the buckle attaches to the hole you use most. That length is your belt size.
- Or measure your waist: put a tape measure through your trouser belt loops, where your belt sits, and add about 5 cm.
- Or use your trouser size: add 2 inches.
Don't measure from the tip of the belt or the end of the buckle; that gives a longer number than your size.
Belt widths
| Width | Best for |
| 2.5–3 cm | Slim formal belts, dinner suits |
| 3–3.5 cm | Suits and office trousers |
| 3.5–4 cm | Jeans, chinos, casual wear |
| 4 cm+ | Heavy denim and workwear |
Check that the belt fits through your belt loops. Most suit trousers have narrow loops; jeans have wider ones.
Between sizes?
Choose the larger size: you can add a hole with a leather punch, but you cannot add length. Or choose a braided belt such as the Milo Brown, which has no holes and fastens at any point along the weave.
Once you know your size, see our guide to choosing and wearing a belt and how to match your belt and shoes.
Frequently asked questions
How do I know my belt size?
Add about 2 inches to your trouser waist size, or measure an existing belt from the buckle fold to the hole you use.
If I wear 32 trousers, what size belt do I need?
Around a 34-inch belt, or a range that includes 32–34 inches.
Should my belt be bigger than my waist?
Yes, by about 2 inches, so it fastens on the middle hole with the tip reaching past the first loop.
What width belt should I wear with a suit?
About 3–3.5 cm, with a small, simple buckle.
How do I measure a belt?
From the fold where the buckle attaches to the hole you use most, with the belt flat.
What if I'm between belt sizes?
Choose the larger size, or a braided belt with no holes that fastens anywhere along the weave.
Shop the pieces in this guide: leather belts · braces
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