“To Belt” or “Not To Belt”

That is indeed the question, but do you know how or when NOT to wear one? There are multiple options when it comes to holding up your trousers and I hope to identify the best option for you.

These days belts are worn for two main reasons; style and function. The style aspect consists of matching with shoes or coordinating with one’s outfit; and its main purpose..well, we know what this is. However, what a lot of people don’t know is that some belt use can lead to unpleasant health issues. According to Russell Yang, M.D., Ph. D., a professor of gastrointestinal and liver diseases at the Keck School of Medicine at USC, a tight belt or waistband is like a tourniquet around your gut, disrupting the flow of your digestive system. Tight-fitting pants can also increase abdominal pressure, making it difficult for gas and food to move downward. And when stomach acid goes back up, you’re more likely to suffer heartburn and acid reflux. Additionally, a tight belt or waist also magnifies bowel discomfort and stomachaches.

Luckily, there’s some reprieve. You can elect to not wear a belt at all, but your waist needs to fit properly and you must deal with open belt loops. If you are wearing a jacket, however, it’s much easier to pull off. The next option brings us to suspenders (braces-UK). Although their popularity dwindled post-1920, they have been making a sartorial return in the past decade. Most suspenders have clips on the end which make it easier to wear with any type of trousers, but some ready to wear or custom made pants will have buttons sewn on the waistband to accommodate ‘button-on’ suspenders. **A belt should never be worn with suspenders**

If you are leaning towards custom made pants then you have the option for belt loops, no belt loops, suspender buttons, or waist adjusters. Omitting belt loops and extending the button tab provides a clean and streamlined look. It also shows that you have taken the time and money to have pants made to fit your exact size. It may feel risky at first, but the outcome is well worth the effort.

Submitted by Osk Styles

#Fashion #Oskstyles