Do you have a big, bold, Western belt buckle but no idea how or when to wear it? In this guide, you’ll find out how to make your belt buckle shine.
One of the most overlooked of accessories among men is the belt. To many, it is merely seen as a means of keeping your pants up. But the belt doesn’t have to be just that — it can also be a statement piece.
There are many types of belt buckles, and in this article, we will mainly focus on Western belt buckles.
For information on other types and styles of belts/buckles, check out this awesome guide.
History of Belt Buckles
The first archeological discovery of a belt buckle dates back to between 3300 and 1200 BC. In this era, the Bronze Age, bronze began being used in everyday items, such as buckles. Belt buckles were used to hold the weapons and tools of workers.
The first custom-made buckles were found over 2000 years ago in the Roman Empire. They were used as ways of securing sword scabbards and horse riding equipment.
That’s right if you thought the belt buckle couldn’t get any more cavalier or manly, they were used by the manliest men of all — Roman gladiators.
Past the Roman times, belt buckles were most commonly found on military men. One of the most valuable belt buckles among collectors are ones that were used in the American Civil War. They were mainly used by the military up until the later 19th century.
In the 20th century, cowboy movies saw a great rise in popularity. The more movies that Clint Eastwood donned his famous cowboy hat and buckle, the more belt buckles rose in popularity.
Belt buckles became more prevalent in rodeos and horse competitions, and in the 1920s, they began to be used as prizes. They served as a medal or trophy for the event.
As you can see, the belt buckle wasn’t designed exclusively for cowboys. It was designed well before and merely gained popularity with the cowboy association. So don’t fear if you have never ridden a horse; the belt buckle could still be a fit for you.
However, it’s generally seen as bad form to wear a championship buckle that you didn’t earn (or inherit).
Types of Belt Buckles
There are different types of buckles that are used on different occasions. Here are some of the most common:
Frame-Style Buckles
When you think of a “belt buckle,” this is most likely the style that comes to mind. The frame-style is the most common style of belt buckle.
Frame-style buckles have a pin in the center of a metal frame that inserts into the belt. The pin then rests on the frame, keeping the belt tight. There are frame-style buckles in very formal and very casual contexts.
Plate Style Buckles
If you think “cowboy belt buckle,” then this is what you have in mind. These are large and showy pieces that are largely decorative.
These usually can detach from the belt and have a hook on one side to attach to the belt.
Box Frame Buckles
A box frame buckle is attached to the belt and doesn’t use holes in the belt to determine size.
The box frame buckle has an inner and outer box, and when they are compressed together, they keep the belt in place with friction.
O-Ring and D-Ring Buckles
As their name suggests, these buckles comprise of one or two “O” or “D” shaped rings. The belt goes through the rings until it is snug.
These belts are usually found in more casual settings.
What Are Belt Buckles Made Out Of?
Buckles can be made out of many materials, such as wood or plastic. Most Western-style buckles are made out of metal. Here are some metals that belt buckles are commonly made out of:
Zinc Alloy
These buckles will be gold, copper, or silver in color. Very durable, they are also very resistant to corrosion.
Stainless Steel
Nearly impossible to tarnish, stainless steel buckles are sure to last a long time. They are comprised of steel, nickel, chromium, and molybdenum.
Pewter
Slightly less durable, but because of this, pewter buckles can be formed into more interesting shaped buckles. Silver in color, they usually consist of a mix of copper and tin.
Silver
One of the highest quality materials for buckles, they can be made out of sterling silver or solid silver. Very durable, and a beautiful shine sets them apart from others.
How to Put On a Belt Buckle
A new belt buckle looks great coming out of the package, but how do you get it onto your belt?
First, you need to have a belt that you can detach the existing buckle from. Look underneath the buckle side of the belt, and you will see if you can detach it or not by if there are snap pins there.
Once you have a belt that will work with your buckle, follow these steps to get it ready to rodeo:
- Undo the snaps on the belt.
- Remove the original buckle.
- Insert the belt through the metal ring of your new belt buckle.
- Snap the belt closed.
- Feed belt around the waist through belt loops, pull to desired tightness
- Insert the pin of the buckle into the hole of the belt at that tightness.
- Saddle up, partner!
What Side Should I Wear My Buckle On?
Most men insert their belts into belt loops on their right and then feed it through to the left side. Women’s belts are generally worn the opposite way, from left to right.
This is the most common method but is not a rule. You may prefer to wear the belt the other way, favoring your dominant hand.
What Do I Wear With My Belt Buckle?
The biggest thing to keep in mind when donning a large buckle is that each one is so different from each other. Therefore, there isn’t a decisive way to say what will and won’t look good with your buckle. Try things out, mix and match, and you’re sure to find the right combination.
A general rule for any outfit is to match your leathers and match your metals. So take into account what color metal your buckle is, and try to coordinate the other metals in your outfit to that.
When dressed appropriately, a belt buckle can be worn in many settings. Here are some ideas of what to wear with your buckle.
Casual
The most classic thing to wear with your big buckle is jeans. A timeless look, you can’t go wrong with a nice pair of Wranglers under your buckle. Couple this combo with some cowboy boots, and you might just start talking with a drawl.
Although jeans are the most common, feel free to try out your buckle with khakis or trousers. It has been done and could be what your “business casual” look is missing.
Formal
Wearing buckles with a suit should be done very cautiously. When you wear a big buckle, it’s the centerpiece of your outfit. If you do not want the belt to be the centerpiece of your outfit, then best to stick to a more traditional and less conspicuous buckle.
That being said, there are times when a belt buckle could be just what your formal attire needs. It could set you apart and be a great starter to a conversation.
Okay, I’m Convinced, Where Do I Get A Buckle?
Most buckles that true cowboys wear are ones they received from winning a rodeo or a competition. If you are not currently in a position to win a rodeo, then check out Montana Silversmiths or Buckle My Belt. They always have great options and a variety of styles.
Other favorite places to get belt buckles are on vacations or at events. They can be a good way to commemorate an event or keep a memory. A wearable souvenir, if you will.
What Is The Perfect Buckle? The One That You’re Wearing
One of my good friends designs belt buckles for a variety of companies. He has a large collection of them lining his work desk. I took the opportunity to ask him the other day a simple question — what is belt a buckle?
He thought about it for a bit and then replied, “A conversation piece.” He then explained how to him, a belt buckle was simply a fun fashion statement that was always a good means of conversation.
Whatever the reason is that you choose to wear a belt buckle, the most important thing to keep in mind is to own it. Wear it with confidence, and you’ll be set.
Western buckles — would you wear them? Let me know your take in the comment section below!
Can there be some kind of negative reaction from a Cowboy if a non-cowboy is wearing a cowboy buckle?