When Should You Wear a Belt?
If you have a complicated relationship with belts, trust that you are not alone. Though some consider them to be a practical necessity, it’s actually unclear when they were invented and what their original purpose actually was. Whether you feel you need one for either function or fashion, though, it’s important that belts are an asset and not a restriction in your day-to-day life. Belts can be limiting, uncomfortable, and even painful—giving many people cause to look for decent alternatives.
When Should You Wear a Belt and When You Should Not?
There are plenty of more instances when wearing belts become impractical, or even dangerous.
An old rule states that if your pants have belt loops, then you should be wearing one. However, like most fashion “rules,” this has become outdated, and not many people feel the need to follow it anymore.
These days, the only real-time you should feel pressured to wear belts is if you want to. Many people enjoy using belts as accessories, or as a means to express themselves through fashion. For most, they are most appropriate when you are wearing a tucked-in shirt, especially in business or semi-formal settings.
There are plenty of more instances when wearing belts become impractical, or even dangerous. The first that comes to mind is any sort of physical exertion, which isn’t only limited to sports. Wearing anything belt-like at any moment you are expected to be physically active can end up not only preventing you from completing your task but can end up causing frustration from pain. It’s also inappropriate to wear belts with formal suits, slim-fitted shirts, or beneath shirts that may cause unattractive bulging.
Health Benefits of Going Beltless
Going beltless can provide the body with a lot of much-needed relief.
Limiting the amount of time you spend wearing belts can not only make you more comfortable, but it may actually lead to overall improved health. Belts, especially when they feel too tight, can disrupt the function of the digestive system and cause problems such as heartburn, acid reflux, and stomachaches. Wearing belts can also cause back pain, rashes, and numbness, or meralgia paresthetica. Some studies have even found that they may be linked to an increased risk of developing esophageal cancers.
As a result, going beltless can provide the body with a lot of much-needed relief. It lowers the risk of the aforementioned gastrointestinal issues and gives the body more freedom from discomfort and pain.
Many of these problems are caused by wearing belts that are too tight or made of the wrong material. However, for many individuals, finding the perfect fit that won’t cause these problems is either impossible or can become ridiculously expensive. The easiest solution is to find belt alternatives that don’t cause these health issues in the first place.
A Must-Have Belt Alternative
BeltBro is one of the most helpful belt alternatives out there.
There are a few belt alternatives that can make going beltless an easy and obvious choice for most occasions. One of the first alternatives that come to mind is suspenders. They get the job done fairly easily, and they are definitely a fashion statement all on their own. However, they’re not the first choice for those in need of a more inconspicuous and casual look.
That’s why the BeltBro is one of the most helpful belt alternatives out there. The BeltBro is a small, discreet strap made of a hook and loop that you can use by looping two of your pants loops together. Due to the design using hook and loop instead of holes, the BeltBro is 100% customizable to your current waist size, so you never have to worry about punching in new holes or it being too tight and causing discomfort. It can be used during physical activities when belts would pinch and be impossible to wear, such as exercise, hiking, sports, cleaning around the house, working on the car—you name it. It’s so unobtrusive, you can even wear it under any shirt without it creating an unseemly bulge.
Conclusion
At the end of the day, your comfort and health are more important than any preconceived fashion rules you think you have to abide by. There is absolutely an appropriate time and place to wear belts. However, it’s good to know that you have options for all the moments you want the security of holding your pants in place without sacrificing anything throughout your day.
