Belt buckles today are more than just tools used to secure and adjust belts. They’ve become quite the fashion statement and they are not necessarily just the big pieces either. Oftentimes, a simple but stylish belt buckle may just be the one item that links an outfit together.
Buckles come in different shapes, sizes and materials. Plastic buckles are often used for utilitarian purposes since they are lightweight and less expensive. Metal belt buckles, while also durable and practical, tend to be used more often for decorative purposes.
Design styles range from the simple, understated ones to the really ornate, jewel-encrusted types like those you see on WWE belt buckles. As to which belt buckle to purchase, it really depends upon your personal style. You can chose classic geometric styles or go all out with really obnoxious designs like rebel flag belt buckles. Whatever your style, buy belt buckles that you feel comfortable with.
There are even buckles that are sold separate from the leather belt, not just as replacements for broken buckles, but also so that a look can be customized as with any other fashion item. To help you understand the world of belt buckles and to learn how to buy belt buckles that will fit your style, here’s a quick tour.
There are 3 basic types of belt buckles
The first one is called the tang buckle. This is the most common of the 3 types and is a very classic design. It consists of a frame or ring (usually constructed in metal) with hinged flaps. These flaps are referred to as tangs and they are attached to the base of the frame. The leather belt goes through the ring or frame and the tang is pushed through one of the holes on the belt securing the fit.
Snap buckles come in two components: One is slotted or hollow, usually open on both sides of the buckle. The other part is typically a clasp that is fit into the slotted part. The clasps are usually spring-loaded or flexible enough to go through the slot while still being able to be pressed together to secure or release the buckle. Most buckles of this type are made of plastic and are usually found not just on belts but also on bag handles as well.
Clip buckles are typically made of metal and they are usually in the form of plates or flat surfaces. It has a slot at the base for the belt to go through. The belt is secured by a small nub at the end of the buckle that fits into one of the holes on the belt. Some clip belts use magnets to help secure the belt in place of a metal nub. Because of its flat surface, clip buckles are typically the ones that are usually decorated, such as those western belt buckles favored amongst cowboys.
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