Unless you’re rocking sweatpants 24/7, odds are you probably need to wear a belt with most pants in your wardrobe. Although it’s often the belt strap that gets a lot of attention, you can’t forget about the buckle itself.
The best belt buckles for men not only serve a functional purpose but also serve as a form of self-expression. Western belt buckles, in particular, are known for elaborate and intricate engravings that can depict a variety of images. However, not all belt buckles are meant for cowboys.
There are plenty of different styles out there to fit every kind of preference. Whether you want something to add a pop of personality to your outfit or just something simple to get the job done, this list has it all.
So, buckle up for 7 options to enhance your belt game this year.
Key Takeaways
To compile this list, I considered a large swath of belt buckles currently available on the market. I also paid attention to factors such as material, size, and style to land on these 7 options.
Overall, it’s safe to say some of the best belt buckles for men come from Ariat. The Men’s Rectangle Longhorn Buckle is both stylish and subtle, perfect for many men out there. The Nocona Men’s Crumrine Silver Bison Buckle is another great option, featuring a beautifully intricate design.
Why it’s great: Ariat is a western wear staple, which is exactly why this Longhorn Buckle is an excellent option to add to your wardrobe. The engraved design is intricate yet subtle enough that it won’t draw too much attention (if you don’t want to). The polished silver finish is bright and vibrant, and the three-dimensional bull head ties the whole design together.
Who is this for? This is a versatile buckle that can accommodate a variety of different styles. It can easily serve as the centerpiece of an outfit or work in an ensemble, too.
Flaws but not deal-breakers: The prong is a bit short, which might make this buckle difficult to use with certain belts, especially thicker ones.
Size: 4” x 3” | Material: Aluminum | Style: Rectangle | Color: Antique Silver
Why it’s great: This Ghost Skeleton Belt Buckle features a classic Western design that’s striking, to say the least. The image displayed on this buckle includes a bit of everything–a skull, cowboy hat, snake, and dual lever action rifles. There are also four different colorways to choose from for a bit of added personality.
Who is this for? This is a great buckle for any man on a budget who wants to make an impression wherever he goes.
Flaws but not deal-breakers: The colors may appear a bit different from the images online. The buckle is also on the bulkier side, but that means it should have an added component of durability.
Size: 3.9” x 3.2” | Material: Zinc Alloy | Style: Oval | Color: Black, Blue, Red, and Silver
Why it’s great: This Trafalgar Belt Buckle is plated with genuine 24-karat gold—designed for a 30-millimeter strap. The engraved detailing creates a classy, almost Art Deco aesthetic. This buckle is also made in the United States with a focus on quality craftsmanship.
Who is this for? This is the ideal buckle for a man who wants to enhance pretty much any belt in his wardrobe. You also have the option to get a personalized engraving, which can make it unique to you.
Flaws but not deal-breakers: Being at a higher price than most other accessories of this caliber, this is an expensive belt buckle, it’s safe to say. That being said, it’s an incredibly high-quality product meant for a very particular type of man.
Size: 3” x 2.3” | Material: Gold Over Brass | Style: Rectangle | Color: Gold
Why it’s great: This Nocona Men’s Crumrine Silver Bison Buckle depicts a beautifully engraved image of a bison in a prairie. The Scalloped style is classic and immediately conveys a Western aesthetic. This buckle is also very easy to clean, simply needing to be hand-washed with water.
Who is this for? This one is meant for any man who doesn’t shy away from western wear.
Flaws but not deal-breakers: This buckle might be a bit difficult to use with thicker belt straps and is likely best used with straps on the thinner side.
Size: 2.75” X 3.5” | Material: 96% Zinc, 4% Aluminum | Style: Scalloped | Color: Silver
Why it’s great: The simple, versatile design of this Reversible Belt Buckle from Djcaizzy can be used in many different scenarios. The design is built to accommodate double-sided belts, making it easy to pair with almost any outfit. There are also a ton of different colors and finishes available to match your specific needs.
Who is this for? This is a very flexible buckle that can be thrown on every day for most men out there–it could work well as a dress belt, too.
Flaws but not deal-breakers: Since this buckle needs to be installed onto the strap, it’s not as easy to switch out for other options. That being said, it does come with a kit that provides everything you need to get the job done.
Size: 1.5” x 1.5” | Material: Alloy Steel | Style: Square | Color: Multiple
Why it’s great: Ratchet belts have gradually increased in popularity over the years because of their effortless functionality. This Bulliant Belt Buckle features a sleek design that adds a layer of elegance while still being super easy to use. There are also plenty of different buckle styles available, enabling you to find a match for your exact style.
Who is this for? This is a great option for men who prefer ratchet belts and want something with plenty of versatility.
Flaws but not deal-breakers: The latch that holds this buckle in place may come loose, and it could even fall off. If used on a proper-sized belt strap (1 3/8 inch), you should be able to mitigate this issue for the most part.
Size: 1 3/8” | Material: Zinc | Style: Rectangle | Color: Multiple
Why it’s great: This Western Belt Buckle from Montana Silversmiths features a unique design that also carries a story behind it. At the bottom of the buckle are the words “end of the trail” which is a reference to a sculpture of the same name, created by James Earle Fraser. This is a famous piece that has been around since 1894, meant to evoke a darker perspective on the American Frontier.
Who is this for? This is a great option for any man who wants something unique to wear on his body—it can also serve as an easy conversation starter.
Flaws but not deal-breakers: The buckle is fairly heavy, but that also means it has an added level of durability.
Size: 4.25″ x 3.13″ | Material: Brass-plated | Style: Oval | Color: Gold & Silver
Buying Considerations For The Best Belt Buckles For Men
Material
Material plays an important factor in the overall durability and longevity of a belt buckle. Depending on the price range, you may see a wide variety of different metals used for belt buckles. Aluminum and brass are two of the most popular choices for buckles on the cheaper end of the spectrum.
On the flip side, more expensive buckles are typically made with genuine silver and gold (or at least plated with them). Each type of metal has its own set of pros and cons. The one that works best for you ultimately depends on the way you intend to wear your belt buckle.
Size
The size of your belt buckle is also something to consider–more specifically, what size belt it’s made for. Not all belt buckles will fit on every belt, so it’s important to keep in mind the measurements of your belt strap before purchasing the buckle.
Additionally, the dimensions of the belt buckle are important to consider for different outfit silhouettes. Western belt buckles are often large and extravagant; meanwhile, dress belt buckles are typically sleek and subtle.
Style
Lastly, it’s always important to consider the style of your belt buckle and how it will fit into your wardrobe. Belt buckles are accessories, after all, and they can serve as a general reflection of your style. One buckle may work well with casual outfits, and another may be best fitted for formal attire.
Western belt buckles also have the added aspect of engraved imagery. These depictions can vary drastically and can appeal to different tastes. It all comes down to what you think might make you feel the most confident, as well as the image that you want to convey to the world.
How We Chose
Not all accessories are created equal. Some brands market their products as one thing when they’re actually something entirely different. Finding the right option for you can be a tricky job, which is why we’ve done the legwork to ensure that every buckle listed here is up to standard. Each product on this list was evaluated according to the criteria below to be considered one of the best belt buckles for men.
Brand Reputation: Does the brand have a good reputation? Are these buckles going to stand the test of time?
Customer Reviews: Do a majority of customers stand by their purchase, or do they regret the decision? Negative reviews are inevitable, but is there some validity in the critiques made by reviewers?
Personal Experience: Lucky for you, I love belt buckles! If there’s one I’ve tried and haven’t absolutely loved, you won’t see it here.
Why Trust Us?
Ryan, a seasoned writer at FashionBeans, brings extensive expertise in men’s grooming and fashion to his recommendations. With a keen eye for detail and years of experience, Ryan has authored numerous articles that delve into various aspects, from watch straps to travel clothes. His comprehensive reviews are based on thorough research, personal testing, and feedback from fashion enthusiasts and industry experts.
For this guide on the best belt buckles for men, Ryan evaluated a range of products, considering factors like durability, design, and versatility. His process involved scouring customer reviews, consulting with fashion stylists, and comparing different brands to ensure that only the top picks made it to the list.
Ryan’s dedication to providing accurate and reliable advice ensures that you can trust his recommendations to elevate your style effortlessly.
Final Verdict
To sum it up, you really can’t go wrong with the Men’s Rectangle Longhorn Buckle from Ariat. This brand specializes in Western apparel, which makes this one of the best belt buckles for men to add to their wardrobes. Another great pick is the Nocona Men’s Crumrine Silver Bison Buckle with a design sure to garner some attention wherever you go.
FAQ
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Big belt buckles are often seen as a symbol of accomplishment. After winning a rodeo, the victor is typically awarded a grandiose belt buckle. Big belt buckles also have roots in the military, with bolder and more complex engravings signifying a higher rank.
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Unfortunately, not all belt buckles are compatible with every belt out there, so it’s important to consider what you have in your closet before making a purchase. The most common strap design features a snap closure system that helps when changing out buckles. Other designs may require the buckle be installed directly onto the leather strap. There are also a variety of belt buckles out there that work exclusively with ratchet belt straps.
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